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Thrifty Tours

North Island Circuit

Journey through the heart of the North Island on this tour from Auckland to the capital city of Wellington, and catch the Northern Explorer Scenic Train back to Auckland. Along the way, enjoy such highlights as Waitomo Caves, unique Maori cultural experiences, and the art deco city of Napier.

Tour summary and feature

About this NZ Road Trip

Seat-in-Coach Touring

This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,480 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Auckland, finishes in Auckland

4 days/3 nights

Motels

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 18 times in the last 7 days

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Three people sit on a boat on the water in the darkness with blue glowing worms filling the walls
Maori performer jumping in front of geothermal geyser
Tour full itinerary
Detailed itinerary for this New Zealand Road Trip
North Island Circuit - Day 1
Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Tour and Te Puia with FlexiTours - Lunch Included

Travel from Auckland to Rotorua and visit the famous Waitomo Caves along the way. This tour showcases some of the most iconic destinations on North Island. Discover Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal activity and rich Māori heritage. Enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and explore the geothermal wonderland of Te Puia. Your journey concludes in Rotorua.

Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Your accommodation: Asure Rotorua International Motor Inn

Beautifully appointed and comfortable motel accommodation just a short drive from central Rotorua - the cultural hub of New Zealand!
Meals included: Lunch, Speciality Dinner

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North Island Circuit - Day 2
Taxi in Rotorua - Own Arrangements

Please choose the best option that suits your needs. Here's a list of the main taxi companies in Rotorua with their contact details:

Blue Bubble Taxis (Rotorua Taxis Society):
Phone: +64 7 348 1111

Rotorua Taxis:
Phone: 0800 500 000

Urban Link Taxis:
Phone: +64 7 347 6666

Cheapo Rides Rotorua:
Phone: +64 27 203 2447

Important Considerations for Clients in Rotorua:

Booking Apps: Many companies have user-friendly apps that allow clients to book, track their ride, and often pay seamlessly. "YourRide" is also a popular app that aggregates many taxi companies across New Zealand.

Fixed vs. Metered Fares: While many companies operate on a meter, some, especially for airport transfers or pre-booked rides, may offer fixed prices. It's always a good idea to confirm the fare or get an estimate before the journey, especially for longer trips.
Peak Times: During peak commute hours or major events, it's always wise to pre-book a taxi to ensure timely pick-up.

Alternatively, reach out to your Sales Consultant for pre-organised, private and personalised transfer options. 

Rotorua to Napier by InterCity Coach

From Rotorua you travel along the geothermal highway and past the edge of the largest man-made radiate pine forest in the world - the Kaingaroa Forest towards Taupō. Your coach travels past Taupō which sits on the shores of New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupō. From Taupō you'll travel over the Ahiminawa Ranges to Napier. Napier has the highest concentrations of Striped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco building styles in the world. The commercial centre was completely rebuilt following a catastrophic earthquake in 1931. Napier is also at the centre of one of the largest and most vibrant wine-producing areas in New Zealand.

Walking tracks in and around Hawkes Bay

Hawke's Bay offers a variety of scenic walks, from coastal paths to forest trails, perfect for exploring the region's natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more challenging hike, there's something for everyone. Be sure to check with the Department of Conservation for current conditions before heading out.

Napier coach depot to Napier Accommodation

You will be collected from Napier Coach Depot and transferred to your accommodation. On the way to your accommodation, you will be taken on a one-hour tour of Napier

Your accommodation: Bella Vista Napier

Bella Vista Motel Napier invites you to experience its friendly service and modern motel units. Located close to shops, restaurants and the renowned Marine Parade with its majestic Norfolk pines.

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North Island Circuit - Day 3
Art Deco Trust Vintage Car Tour

Discover Napier's Art Deco heritage in style in a luxurious 1930s vintage car. Your journey will take in Napier's famous Art Deco Quarter, historic Port Ahuriri and a delightfully quaint Art Deco residential suburb.

Napier to Wellington by InterCity Coach

Leaving the 1930's inspired city of Napier you will travel through the countryside of the Hawke's Bay and Manawatu. Travelling along the Kāpiti Coast line into the capital city of Wellington. Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre) and exploring on foot is relatively easy. You can easily stroll the famous cafes and restaurants within the city and New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, is also close by.

Taxi in Wellington - Own Arrangements

Here's a list of taxi companies in Wellington, complete with their contact details:

Wellington Combined Taxis:
Phone: +64 4 384 4444

Kiwi Cabs:
Phone: +64 4 389 9999

Capital Taxis:
Phone: +64 4 384 5678

Urbanlink Wellington:
Phone: +64 4 473 5000

QuickCabs Wellington:
Phone: +64 28 430 9295

Helpful Advice:
Airport Taxi Ranks: Taxis are readily available at the designated taxi ranks outside the main terminal at Wellington Airport. There's typically an airport access fee added to the fare for pick-ups.
Booking in Advance: While taxis are generally easy to hail or find at ranks, pre-booking, especially for early morning flights or during peak events, ensures peace of mind.
Shuttle Services: For a potentially more economical choice, especially if travelling solo or in a small group, SuperShuttle (Phone: 0800 SHUTTLE or 0800 748885) offers shared-ride services to and from the airport, often at a lower cost than a private taxi.

Your accommodation: Adina CityLife Wellington

Adina CityLife Wellington is a suite style hotel with every amenity required for a comfortable stay, as well as being in a superb location to explore the compact city centre. Situated on Lambton Quay, you’ll find the best shopping, tourist attractions and cultural landmarks all within easy walking distance.

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North Island Circuit - Day 4
Private Transfer from Wellington Hotel to Train Station with In Style Executive

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Wellington train station to meet your train.

The Northern Explorer Scenic Train: Wellington to Auckland

The Northern Explorer is a journey through the heart of the North Island, travelling between Wellington, New Zealand's arts and culture capital and Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Along the way you pass the Central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune. You also see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges - all from panoramic windows or open air viewing decks. All carriages feature large panoramic windows giving sweeping views of the magnificent North Island. The Observation Carriage includes a mix of seating including lounge-style seating. The lounge-style seating is arranged at the very rear of this glass-backed carriage enabling you to enjoy a totally unique Northern Explorer experience.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Northern Explorer Scenic Plus Addon - KiwiRail

Elevate your North Island rail journey with the Scenic Plus add-on and experience true luxury on the rails! Enjoy inclusive, multi-course dining with fresh, regionally inspired cuisine and perfectly paired New Zealand wines and beverages, all delivered to your spacious, comfortable table seat. You’ll receive dedicated personal service as you glide past the volcanic peaks and lush plains of the North Island. Feeling adventurous? Step out to the exclusive open-air viewing carriage to capture the Central Plateau's magnificent vistas and breathe in the great outdoors. This is a full sensory journey through the heart of the North Island.

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North Island Circuit

4 days - From NZD$2,480