New Zealand Road Trip Ideas - North Island Self Drive

Starting with a relaxing break on Waiheke Island, you'll explore the boutique wineries on this balmy haven. You then journey south for a Coromandel Wilderness Adventure, Maori culture in Rotorua and the majestic mountains of Tongariro National Park as you hike the renowned Tongariro Crossing.

Explore the best of the North Island at a relaxing pace, allowing you time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the diverse scenery.  From the ‘City of Sails’ you’ll journey north to the tropical Bay of Islands for 3 nights.  Then meander back down the island via the Kauri Coast, Snells Beach and the Coromandel Peninsula before hitting the cultural centre of Rotorua.  Continue on to the vibrant city of Wellington via the wine regions of the Hawkes Bay and the Wairarapa.

7 Day tour from the City of Sails Auckland to Wellington, including the cultural destination of Rotorua, relax at beautiful 4-star hotels in the evening.

A comprehensive North Island tour exploring from Cape Reinga in the north,  to the charming capital city of Wellington in the south. Along the way you’ll have travel at a relaxed pace and experience welcoming hospitality as some of the best boutique lodges.  Highlights include the Bay of Islands cruise, Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach tour. In Rotorua you’ll take a tour by float plane to the Waimangu Valley and enjoy a visit to Tamaki Maori Village including dinner.

Travel through the heart of the North Island on this short 'highlights' New Zealand self-drive tour. From Auckland journey south through the Waikato countryside to Rotorua, the Maori culture capital of New Zealand. It’s then on to the Art Deco city of Napier in the Hawkes Bay, home to New Zealand’s oldest vineyards.  The final leg of your whirlwind tour of the North Island takes you past sheep farms and wineries as you travel through the Wairarapa region to your final destination, the capital city of Wellington.

10 Day tour of the North Island including the wine region of Hawkes Bay, with plenty of spare time to explore, unwind at night at quality motels.

Explore Auckland City with a spectacular half day tour before heading north to the tropical Bay of Islands. Enjoy a full day tour to Cape Reinga. Head south through the magnificent giant Kauri trees of the Waipoua Forest and onto the beaches of Matakana. Then the adventure capital of the North Island. A Maori concert and hangi dinner, a day trip to the Lord of the Rings site at Hobbiton plus much more. Explore the Waitomo Caves before heading back to Auckland City.

6 Day best of the North tour including Auckland the 'City of sails' through to Wellington, with quality hotels to relax in at night.

Explore the highlights of the North Island including the Bay of Islands and Rotorua, 2 of the most popular destinations.  In the Bay of Islands you’ll take a cruise amongst the many islands home to an abundance or marine wildlife, including dolphins which you might be lucky enough to see.  In Rotorua you’ll enjoy a thrilling cultural encounter at Tamaki Maori Village and you’ll return to Auckland via the fascinating limestone formations and glow worm caves of Waitomo.

A tour through the heart of the North Island highlighting its incredible diversity. Experience the rich culture of Rotorua with a visit to Tamaki Maori Village plus a full day to explore the thermal wonders. Visit Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand and then onto the world famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and Aranui Cave before heading back to Auckland.