Ultimate North Island Self Drive Itinerary

Arrive in Auckland and settle into New Zealand’s largest city, surrounded by sparkling harbours and volcanic cones. Spend the day relaxing after your flight or exploring Viaduct Harbour, the waterfront precinct, and nearby city highlights.

Inclusions at a glance

• Breakfast
• Private airport transfer
• 2 nights in Auckland
• Time to explore Viaduct Harbour
• Sky Tower admission

Suggested Accommodation:

Cruise to Waiheke Island and enjoy a guided tasting journey through boutique vineyards and artisan producers. Soak up the relaxed island atmosphere and scenic coastal views before returning to Auckland.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, lunch
• Return Waiheke Island ferry
• Guided winery experience
• Wine and artisan tastings
• Scenic island touring

Make it yours:
Upgrade to a private gourmet food & wine tour to maximise your Waiheke experience. 
 

Experience Auckland’s untamed beauty on a guided nature journey through the lush rainforest of the Waitākere Ranges and its rugged west coast scenery. Wander beneath towering kauri trees and ancient native ferns before reaching the striking black sands of Piha Beach, carved by the wild Tasman Sea.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, afternoon tea
• Guided wilderness tour
• Native rainforest walks
• West coast black sand beaches
• Local ecology and cultural insights

Make it yours:
Swap the Wilderness Experience Nature tour for a full day yacht experience, or a private jade carving, honey tasting & wine tour.
 

Collect your rental vehicle and journey north into the beautiful Bay of Islands, a region famous for its turquoise waters, secluded bays, and marine life. Along the way, enjoy rolling countryside and coastal scenery before arriving in Paihia. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, home to New Zealand’s most important cultural and historical site.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Rental car collection
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds cultural experience 
• Bay of Islands accommodation

Approximate Distance: 230 kms | 133 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins
​
Suggested Accommodation: 

Cruise through the spectacular Bay of Islands and out towards Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Pass secluded islands, dramatic coastal scenery, and keep watch for dolphins, seabirds, and marine wildlife along the way. Enjoy time on the water soaking up the subtropical atmosphere of this iconic region.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Hole in the Rock cruise
• Dolphin viewing

Make it yours:
Add a guided night walk through lush ancient Kauri rainforest and discover one of Northland’s most iconic natural wonders after dark.
 

Travel west towards the tranquil Hokianga Harbour, passing rolling farmland, giant sand dunes, and remote coastal scenery. This evening, experience the magic of Waipoua Forest on a guided twilight encounter beneath towering ancient kauri trees. Hear Māori legends and stories while the forest comes alive after dark.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast 
• Scenic Northland drive
• Waipoua Forest twilight tour
• Māori storytelling experience
• Harbour-side accommodation

Make it yours
Swap your guided tour for an unforgettable half-day kayaking experience, offering a unique way to explore the region from the water.

Approximate Distance: 75 km | 47 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Visit the renowned Matakohe Kauri Museum and discover the fascinating story of New Zealand’s giant kauri forests and pioneering history. Continue south to Matakana, a stylish rural retreat known for vineyards, artisan food, sculpture parks, and relaxed village charm.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Entry to the Kauri Museum
• Access to local wineries and galleries

Approximate Distance: 240 km | 150 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Spend the day exploring Sculptureum, an inspiring collection of contemporary art galleries and landscaped sculpture gardens. Wander through imaginative exhibits showcasing works from New Zealand and international artists in a uniquely immersive setting.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Sculptureum entry
• Indoor galleries
• Outdoor sculpture gardens
• Free time in Matakana
   

Journey south through Auckland and continue to Waiuku, a peaceful rural destination overlooking New Zealand’s wild west coast. Dramatic black sand beaches, windswept cliffs, and expansive Tasman Sea views create a remote and rugged atmosphere perfect for relaxing.

Inclusions at a glance:

• West coast landscapes
• Clifftop accommodation
• Tasman Sea views

Make it yours:
Add a stop to Wētā Workshop Unleashed for a behind the scenes look into movie magic, or celebrate New Zealand’s sporting legacy with an interactive visit to The All Blacks Experience.

Approximate Distance: 140 km | 87 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hours 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Travel east towards the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, where forested hills meet crystal-clear bays and golden beaches. Arrive in Hahei, one of the Coromandel’s most picturesque seaside villages and gateway to Cathedral Cove.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic Coromandel drive
• Relaxed beachside atmosphere
• Optional Hot Water Beach stop

Make it yours
End the day with a relaxing Dip & Dine option at geothermal hot pools in Whitianga. 

Approximate Distance: 165 km | 103 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Paddle through the spectacular coastline surrounding Cathedral Cove on a guided kayaking adventure. Explore hidden sea caves, volcanic rock formations, and crystal-clear waters within the marine reserve before relaxing on one of New Zealand’s most iconic beaches.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Continental breakfast 
• Guided sea kayaking tour
• Cathedral Cove visit
• Marine reserve exploration
   

Continue along the scenic coastline into the Bay of Plenty, arriving in the vibrant harbour city of Tauranga. With waterfront dining, golden beaches, and nearby Mount Maunganui, this sunny coastal destination blends relaxation with outdoor adventure.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Continental breakfast 
• Coastal walking tracks
• Harbour and beach access

Approximate Distance: 155 kms | 97 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins
​
Suggested Accommodation: 

Experience a magical evening kayaking adventure on Lake McLaren. Paddle through peaceful waters surrounded by native bush before entering a hidden glowworm canyon illuminated by thousands of tiny lights sparkling across the rock walls.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Guided glowworm kayaking tour including refreshments
• Native bush scenery
• Glowworm canyon exploration

Make it yours: 
Prefer a more relaxed wildlife encounter? Swap your kayaking adventure for an unforgettable dolphin & wildlife cruise.
 

Travel inland towards Rotorua, stopping en route for the immersive Kohutapu cultural experience. Learn about Māori traditions, storytelling, and connection to the land before continuing into Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal capital filled with geysers, steaming vents, and bubbling mud pools.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Kohutapu cultural experience
• Rotorua geothermal region

Make it yours:
Stop by the National Kiwi Hatchery for an immersive journey to learn about Kiwi and their native environment.

Approximate Distance: 65 kms | 40 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Take on one of New Zealand’s most thrilling rafting experiences along the Kaituna River. Navigate exciting rapids and plunge over the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall while surrounded by lush native forest and volcanic gorges.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Guided white water rafting
• Waterfall drop adventure

Make it yours
Swap the river rafting experience for Rotorua's skyline gondola and luge or mountain biking experience.
 

Journey south through the volcanic heart of the North Island, stopping at Lake Taupō and the powerful Huka Falls along the way. Continue through changing landscapes towards Napier, a stylish coastal city renowned for Art Deco architecture and world-class wineries.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic drive via Taupō
• Visit to Huka Falls
• Coastal wine region

Make it yours
Add a visit to a relaxing geothermal spa before departing towards Napier.

Approximate Distance: 220 km | 137 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Explore Hawke’s Bay at your own pace on a self-guided e-bike journey through vineyards, countryside, and coastal scenery. Stop at acclaimed cellar doors for wine tastings while enjoying views towards Cape Kidnappers and the Pacific Ocean.

Inclusions at a glance:

• A la carte breakfast
• Self-guided e-bike hire
• Winery tastings
• Coastal cycling trails

Make it yours:
Choose to swap the e-bike experience with a relaxing day of golf at on one of the region’s renowned golf courses, or indulge in a guided wine tour featuring premium tastings and local vineyard insights.
 

Travel inland towards Tongariro National Park, where dramatic volcanic peaks and alpine scenery dominate the landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage region is rich in Māori mythology and offers some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• A la carte breakfast
• Walking trails
• Volcanic landscapes
• Stargazing opportunities

Make it yours:
Before continuing on to Tongariro National Park, enjoy a visit to National Aquarium of New Zealand to discover fascinating marine life and unique native wildlife experiences.

Approximate Distance: 210 km | 132 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Experience the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing on a guided full-day hike through dramatic volcanic terrain. Traverse lava fields, emerald crater lakes, steaming vents, and alpine ridgelines while learning about the geology and cultural significance of the region.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, lunch
• Guided Tongariro Crossing hike
• UNESCO World Heritage scenery
• Return transfers
   

Travel south through rolling countryside and coastal scenery before arriving in Wellington, New Zealand’s compact and vibrant capital city. Surrounded by hills and harbour, Wellington blends arts, culture, coffee, and cuisine into one energetic waterfront destination.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic drive
• Harbour city exploration

Approximate Distance: 305 km | 190 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Discover why Wellington is considered New Zealand’s culinary capital on a guided foodie experience through the city’s vibrant dining scene. Taste local specialties, meet artisan producers, and uncover hidden gems loved by locals.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Guided food tour
• Local tastings
• Wellington culinary highlights

Make it yours:
Swap your culinary experience for an unforgettable private Lord of the Rings tour, with the option of a half or full day tour exploring iconic filming locations and hearing behind-the-scenes stories around Wellington.
 

Travel to Kapiti Island, one of New Zealand’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. Explore native forest trails with expert guides while spotting rare birdlife including kākā, kererū, and takahē in their natural habitat.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Light breakfast, lunch 
• Return Kapiti Island ferry transfers
• Guided island experience
• Native bird encounters

Make it yours
If you’d prefer to spend more time in the capital, swap your island escape for a guided full-day tour of Wellington.

 

Leave the capital behind and travel through the heart of the lower North Island, passing rich farming country, river valleys, and rural townships before arriving in New Plymouth.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Black sand beaches
• Mount Taranaki views
• Access to arts and gardens

Approximate Distance: 355 km | 222 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Spend the day exploring New Plymouth at your own pace. Walk or cycle sections of the Coastal Walkway, visit galleries and boutique cafés, or relax in the beautifully landscaped Pukekura Park beneath the ever-present silhouette of Mount Taranaki.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Free day to explore
• Mount Taranaki walking trails
• Pukekura Park
   

Leave the Taranaki coast behind and journey inland through lush countryside towards Waitomo, a region famous for its extraordinary limestone cave systems and glowworm-filled underground landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Waitomo cave region
• Countryside scenery

Approximate Distance: 170 km | 105 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic underground adventures as you black water raft through the spectacular Ruakuri Cave system. Float beneath thousands of glowworms, leap over underground waterfalls, and explore ancient limestone formations deep below the surface.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Black water rafting experience
• Guided Glowworm cave exploration
• Underground river adventure
  
  Approximate Distance:  145 kms | 90 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours
  
  Suggested Accommodation: 

Travel north through the fertile Waikato region, passing green farmland and rural townships before returning to Auckland for your final evening in New Zealand.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast food package
• Flexible evening at leisure
• Central city accommodation

Make it yours
Break up your journey north with a visit to Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can step into the world of Middle-earth and explore one of New Zealand’s most iconic film locations.

Approximate Distance: 200 km | 125 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Auckland before making your way to the airport for your onward journey. From volcanic landscapes and geothermal wonders to coastal adventures and Māori cultural experiences, your North Island adventure comes to an end with unforgettable memories of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Departure day in Auckland
• Private airport transfer

Approximate Distance: 190 kms | 118 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours