Northern Delights Self Drive Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland, situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. 

On arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation. After checking into your hotel, relax, take a stroll around our beautiful city, explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available to give a more in depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Accommodation Auckland - 2 nights

Just 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland, across the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a tranquil paradise. Since the late 1970's Waiheke Islands benign climate has seen the growth of a flourishing wine industry. A "small is beautiful" philosophy yields low quantities of extremely high quality fruit, which is made into international award-winning wines. Visit three of the Islands finest vineyards for tasting and enjoy a commentated scenic tour of the Island by one of our knowledgeable, local guides. Included is a two hour lunch stop (lunch is additional cost) at a a village or beach-side cafe. Extend your stay at the completion of the tour as the ferry keeps running until 10pm.

* If you have children in tow, you may wish to change this to a sight seeing tour with beach swim etc.

Collecting your rental car this morning you will travel north to the subtropical wonderland of secluded bays, islands and history, the Bay of Islands is a coastal paradise. Get out on the water with a boat cruise or sailing charter and spot dolphins and whales frolicking in the water before seeing the Hole in the Rock, just off Cape Brett, up close. Stroll the streets of Russell, New Zealand’s first capital, and soak up its whaling and pioneering past. Learn about the birth of New Zealand in Waitangi, where the treaty that made New Zealand a British colony was signed.

The compelling mix of early New Zealand heritage and coastal beauty makes the Bay of Islands an unforgettable destination to experience first-hand. For divers, the Rainbow Warrior Wreck – sunk just off Matauri Bay – is a riot of colour; jewel-hued anenomes in pink, purple and yellow stick to the rails and schools of fish call the wreck home. Also offering world-class fishing and the opportunity to swim with dolphins, the Bay of Islands is a must-do for lovers of perfect beaches and pristine coastline.  

Approximate Distance: 243 kms | 151 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 40 mins

Accommodation Pahia - 3 nights

Discover the must see Bay of Islands highlights from iconic landmarks to abundant wildlife, the 'Bay' is home to 144 islands.  Soak up the stories of the Bay as your engaging crew captivate you with tales of local characters and cultural mythology.  Power through the cavernous Hole in the Rock and marvel at the impressive size of what nature has created. Spot dolphins frolicking in the warm waters with birdlife, seals and more. Learn about the importance of taking care of this national maritime park.

Make the most of this opportunity to swim and interact with New Zealand dolphins in their natural environment. We seek out the many playful dolphins that live within the sheltered pristine waters of the Bay of Islands and jump into the warmest waters in the country and snorkel with these inquisitive creatures - an experience you will never forget!

The crew has an intimate knowledge of dolphin behavior, and with limited people onboard it means that this is a very up-close and personal experience. You are given the option of wetsuits & snorkelling gear and are instructed on how to behave while interacting. Hot showers are available for use after swimming.

The quaint and quiet seaside town of Russell was formerly known as Kororareka in the whaling days, this calm haven used to be known as "The Hell-hole of the Pacific" and when New Zealand was declared a colony, Russell was named its capital, before the title was moved to Auckland a year later. Today Russell is a quiet little town, home of New Zealand's oldest surviving church, built in 1835, where settlers took refuge during the 1845 sacking of the town - Bullet holes were left in the walls as a reminder of these times. Russell is accessible via a regular foot or vehicle passenger service. A great beach for swimming is Long Beach.

Excursions available in the Bay of Islands:

The drive south of Auckland takes you through the green rolling hills of the Waikato farming region. Just past Hamilton is the small and pleasant town of Waitomo is the focal point of the region’s subterranean wonders. The caves at Waitomo are one of New Zealand's most commanding wonders – a celebration of nature's work over the last one hundred thousand years. There are hundreds of miles of labyrinthine caves, glow-worms, under ground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites, and all manner of limestone crustaceans - a lost world waiting to be discovered. Above ground, the area around Waitomo is also popular for horse riding and bush walking.

Approximate Distance: 424 kms | 264 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 45 mins

Accommodation Waitomo - 1 night

Take part in the small group personalized Spellbound tour that allows you to spend 40 minutes under glow worms. This tour is one of the most unhurried glow worm tours in New Zealand, with plenty of time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness - intensifying the effect of thousands of softly shining glow worms.

After the journey, it is a two-hour drive to Taupo. Lake Taupo is set amidst rolling green countryside and spectacular mountain scenery. Similar in size to Singapore, Lake Taupo the lake is surrounded by some of the largest pine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Approximate Distance: 149 km | 93 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 50 mins

Accommodation Taupo - 1 night

Sitting squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire - Rotorua is a geothermal spectacular. At the midway point between Rotorua and Taupo - stop at the  New Zealand's most colourful volcanic area at Wai-o-tapu. Enjoy unique volcanic features while walking well defined trails at your own pace, the earths crust at its most exciting and accessible, the smell of sulphur and sight of steaming vents invade the senses.  But Rotorua is more than boiling mud, there are ancient forests set amongst prisitine lakes, and the area is steeped in the history and tikanga (culture) of Maori, the First People of New Zealand. 

Recommended excursions in and around Rotorua:

Approximate Distance: 85 kms | 53 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 10 mins

Accommodation Rotorua - 2 nights

Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs Nature Park

Drop in and meet New Zealand's national bird - the Kiwi - at Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Rainbow Springs is proud to be home of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, the world's leading kiwi hatchery - with over over 1900 kiwi chicks to date, making us the world's largest and most successful hatching centre. Learn all about the efforts of our kiwi husbandry team, discover what it takes to hatch a chick...and if you're really lucky, see baby chicks in person!

Maori Cultural Evening & Feast

Finish your day with a Maori Cultural Performance at a local marae (village). Enjoy a banquet of foods cooked the traditional Maori way - on hot stones in an underground oven (a Hangi). You'll learn about Maori culture, symbols and spirituality through joyous song and dance performances. Seeing the Haka performed before your eyes is unforgettable.

An exciting day awaits this morning. Journey to the emerald pastures and rolling hills of The Shire, where Hobbiton was brought to life on a private farm in Matamata. This idyllic village blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Set to the scale of a 3ft Hobbit you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a magical world of smoking chimneys, bluebells, and the Green Dragon Inn. Visit Bag End as well as the other 43 Hobbit Holes on this fully guided 2.5hr Hobbiton tour. Learn about the production of the movies – how did they make Gandalf appear so tall? Why was this exact site chosen to build Hobbiton? The passion and knowledge gleaned from your guide brings this authentic Middle-earth experience to life.

Approximate Distance: 225 kms | 140 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 50 mins

Accommodation Auckland - 1 night

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We are sure you will enjoy the Northern Delights and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.