New Zealand Road Trip Ideas - North Island Self Drive

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.

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.

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.

This tour takes you through the heart of the North Island, highlighting its incredible diversity. Begin with a local’s favourite, the Coromandel Peninsula – here you’ll explore Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve.  Then it’s on to Rotorua to experience the rich culture of the area with a visit to Mitai Maori Village and Rainbow Springs, plus a full day to explore the thermal wonders. Next stop is Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand where you’ll ride the thrilling Huka Falls Jet Boat.  Returning to Auckland you’ll stop at the world famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves for an underground adventure.

North Island North to South 8-day taster tour, including the wine region of Hawkes Bay, and unwind in quality motels in the evening.

This 5 day tour takes you to the sandy beaches and warm waters of the Bay of Islands, with time to explore on land or by sea.  Then travel via the ancient Kauri forests of Waipoua to the food and wine producing region of Matakana.

Leaving the capital city of Wellington enjoy the heart of the North Island as your self drive tour takes you through the ever changing scenery of the North Island.

A relaxed exploration of New Zealand's North Island as you meander your way South. Then  return to Auckland on board the famous Northern Explorer scenic Train. this itinerary can be reversed.