North Island - Geothermal, Coastlines and Coastal Itinerary

Ease into your New Zealand adventure with a free day to relax, explore the waterfront, or simply settle in after your journey. A gentle introduction to the vibrant ‘City of Sails’.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Seamless airport transfer 
• Free day at leisure 
• Auckland waterfront & dining precincts 
• 2 nights in Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau)

Suggested Accommodation: 

Escape to Waiheke Island for a day of gourmet flavours, boutique vineyards, and relaxed coastal charm just a short ferry ride from the city.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Return ferry to Waiheke Island 
• Guided gourmet wine tour 
• Vineyard lunch experience 
• Local honey & olive oil tastings 

Make it yours
Swap the winery tour for a private Heli Hike experience, Hauraki Golf Eco-Sailing Adventure, or guided walk experience. 

Travel north to the Bay of Islands, where golden beaches, rich Māori history, and island-studded coastlines create a spectacular coastal escape.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Rental vehicle collection 
• Scenic Northland drive 
• Historic Russell & Waitangi region 
• 3 nights in Paihia 

Approximate Distance: 230 km | 143 miles Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your ideal New Zealand road trip.

Suggested Accommodation:

Discover the birthplace of modern New Zealand with an immersive cultural and historical experience at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds entry 
• Guided cultural experience 
• Māori performance 

Make it yours
Feeling adventurous?  Add a scuba diving experience or deep-sea fishing charter. 

Cruise through the spectacular Bay of Islands, where turquoise waters, dramatic rock formations, and playful marine life create an unforgettable day on the water.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Hole in the Rock cruise 
• Dolphin viewing 
• Island stopover 
• Cape Brett lighthouse scenery 

Make it yours:
Extend your day by adding a stop to explore Russell, before returning back to Paihia.

Journey south of Auckland to New Zealand’s rugged west coast, where black sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and wild Tasman Sea views offer a peaceful off-grid escape.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic coastal drive 
• West Coast black sand beaches 
• Remote seaside setting 
• 1 night at Karioitahi Beach 

Approximate Distance: 300 km | 186 miles Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Travel through rolling farmland to Rotorua, stopping at the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set before an enchanting evening beneath the illuminated Redwoods forest canopy.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Hobbiton Movie Set Tour 
• Green Dragon Inn drink 
• Redwoods Nightlights Treewalk 
• 2 nights in Rotorua 

Make it yours
Upgrade to a private Hobbiton tour or add a guided glowworm kayaking adventure to make the most of your Kiwi adventure!

Approximate Distance: 220 kms | 137 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Experience the best of Rotorua’s wildlife, geothermal landscapes, and Māori culture in a day filled with uniquely New Zealand experiences.

Inclusions at a glance:

• National Kiwi Hatchery visit 
• Te Puia cultural experience 
• Breakfast & hāngī dinner 
• Pōhutu Geyser by night 

Make it yours
If outdoor adventure is more your thing, you can swap today’s activities for an Ultimate Canopy Ziplining experience or Guided Mountain Biking adventure. The choice is yours! 

Journey through volcanic landscapes and geothermal wonders before arriving in the dramatic alpine scenery of Tongariro National Park.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Waimangu Volcanic Valley walk 
• Lake Rotomahana cruise 
• Volcanic plateau scenery 
• 2 nights in Tongariro National Park 

Approximate Distance: 170 km | 106 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

A full day to experience one of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine regions, where volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails await.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Free day to explore 
• Tongariro hiking trails 
• Alpine scenery & waterfalls 
• UNESCO World Heritage landscapes 

Make it yours
Choose a private or shared guided Tongariro Crossing tour for a more challenging element of adventure.

Travel west through rural heartland landscapes toward the Taranaki coastline, where surf beaches, volcanic scenery, and vibrant arts culture meet.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic drive 
• Coastal & volcanic landscapes 
• Taranaki region exploration 
• 2 nights in New Plymouth 

Approximate Distance: 260 km | 162 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Enjoy a relaxed day exploring New Plymouth’s coastal lifestyle, creative culture, and dramatic volcanic backdrop at your own pace.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Coastal walkways & beaches 
• Alpine & bush hiking trails
• Galleries & local arts scene 
• Flexible leisure time 

Travel through rolling countryside to the magical underground world of Waitomo, where glowworms illuminate ancient limestone caves. 

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Spellbound Glowworm Cave Tour 
• Underground cave exploration 
• Glowworm viewing 
• 1 night in Waitomo  

Make it yours
Swap your glowworm experience to black water rafting for a unique underground adventure with an extra element of thrill.

Approximate Distance: 220 kms | 136 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours
 

Suggested Accommodation: 

Return north through the lush Waikato countryside to Auckland, where harbourside dining, shopping, and city views provide a relaxing final stop.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic Waikato drive 
• Auckland waterfront precincts 
• Harbour & skyline views 
• 2 nights in Auckland 

Make it yours
Add a unique SkyCity Orbit 360° 3-course dining experience. 

Approximate Distance: 195 km | 121 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Spend your final full day enjoying Auckland at your own pace, from island escapes and coastal walks to galleries, dining, and vibrant neighbourhoods. 

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Free day at leisure 
• Harbour & island experiences 
• Markets & local culture 

Make it yours
Learn about New Zealand rugby culture and add the All Blacks guided experience, or choose to explore more of the city on a privately guided city or Māori cultural discovery tour.

Your Northern Delights journey comes to an end, filled with island escapes, geothermal wonders, coastal adventures, Māori culture, and unforgettable landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Seamless departure arrangements 

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a New Zealand journey that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.