Explore the Central North Island of New Zealand Self Drive

Upon arrival in Auckland, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.  The rest of the day is free to explore.  Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand on the North Island, is known as the “City of Sails” due to its attractive harbour, home to thousands of sailing boats, and a beautiful sight on a New Zealand vacation. It occupies a narrow isthmus between the harbour and the sea. It also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world.

This modern city combines urban with beautiful beaches, hiking trails, islands and a rugged West Coast. For amazing views of the city visit the Skytower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere  for 360-degree panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.

Experience the best sights of Auckland City in the morning. Auckland is set on 52 dormant volcanic cones and between two harbours, the sparkling Waitemata and the brooding Manukau. Known as the City of Sails, it is New Zealand's largest and busiest city. The morning tour is a journey of discovery designed to explore the history and sights as well as see how Aucklanders live and play. Travel up Queen Street, through Auckland's central business district, past the Auckland University and through the inner city park, known as the Domain. Continue on through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic buildings before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland's North Shore. Stroll on Narrow Neck Beach in historic Devonport. There is time here for a coffee before continuing up to the summit of Mt Victoria with its stunning panoramic views of Auckland City. Travel back over the Harbour Bridge to Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere. Then visit the Auckland Fish Market, before continuing on to the Viaduct Harbour.

Collect your car and follow the Thermal Explorer Highway south through the rolling green hills and pastures of the Waikato region, home of the New Zealand dairy industry. Hamilton  is a great place for your first night to relax on your self drive  and to settle into the relaxed road trip of discovery that lies ahead. Be sure to take in the splendid Hamilton Gardens, where the focus is on the cultural meaning and context of gardens over time. Cornerstone Alpaca Stud is a great place to get the rural feel of this productive region.  And take a walk along the river paths of the mighty Waikato running through the heart of the city, before sampling some of the local gourmet delights.

Drive time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

Heading south, stop off at Over the Moon Dairy in Putaruru (you can’t miss it) for some delicious local cheeses for your journey. Make your way to Waitomo Caves where you can experience the amazing array of limestone caves – from peaceful glowworm viewing to adrenalin-fuelled adventures. Take the time to visit the stunning Marakopa Falls and the Mangapohue natural bridge, before heading off to Rotorua. En-route you should visit the pristine blue springs on the Te Waihou Walkway. Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal activity, and Maori cultural experiences, has a wide range of accommodation options. You will be within easy reach of the beautiful lakes and hotspots in this place.

Drive time: 3 hours

For a change of pace this morning, check out OGO , or River Jet and Velocity Valley  for a taste of the adventure activities for which Rotorua is renown. And no visit is complete without a restorative soak in the famous Polynesian Spa, on the shores of tranquil Lake Rotorua.  In the afternoon make your way south to Taupō, visiting Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland  and Wairakei Resort along the way. Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake and dominates the views from this picturesque region. Taupō is well-served with accommodation options, including Huka Lodge, one of New Zealand’s finest luxury properties.

Drive time: 1 hour

You have the day in Taupō today, time to visit the spectacular Huka Falls where the Waikato River powers through a narrow gorge. For an thrilling up-close view of the river, check out Taupō Bungy or the Cliffhanger Extreme Swing. There are many adventure activities in Taupō, and also some cruisier pastimes such as a voyage to view the famous Mine Bay Maori Carvings. You could easily spend several more days exploring this area.

Head south this morning to Ruapehu , home to the Tongariro National Park, sitting majestically at the southern end of Lake Taupō. This dual World Heritage Park is home to superb winter ski-fields, althuogh it is worth riding the new Sky Waka gondola at any time of the year for the stunning views atop Mount Ruapehu.  The region also offers some great hiking and walking adventures. Possibly best-known is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often described as New Zealand’s greatest day hike. It is a challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape, best experienced with a knowledgeable local guide. Further south the Whanganui River winds its way through the remote and untouched Whanganui National Park, best experienced by boat to the intriguing Bridge to Nowhere, by kayak or canoe  or on one of the cycle ways

Drive time: 1 hour

Completing the Volcanic Loop, perhaps with a refreshment break in Waioru at the National Army Museum, then head east to Hawke’s Bay along the Thermal Explorer Highway, across the high volcanic plateau. Arriving in the stunning Art Deco capital of Napier in time for  tour of the city, or maybe a visit to the National Aquarium and a stroll along Marine Parade. Stay in Napier and savour the outstanding culinary options from the region, known as the food-bowl of New Zealand thanks to its fertile soils and wonderful fresh produce. Pair that with the wine of the region and you have a winning combination.

Drive time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Hawke’s Bay enjoys a mild and sunny climate, perfect for getting out to explore the wineries of the region, maybe on a guided or self-guided cycle tour with Takaro Trails Cycle Tour . As the topography is quite flat it is easy and enjoyable to get around by bike on the numerous cycle trails. On thing is for sure, the famous Church Road Winery  is a great place to spend part of the day.

Head north today from Napier around the bay to Tairāwhiti Gisborne,  the first place in the world to see the sun rise. Your journey through this region will be one of discovery, as the first Maori explorers and also Captain Cook arrived on these shores.  Also very popular for surfing, so this is a good place to hire a board and maybe take some lessons. The Rere Falls and Rockslide are also worth a detour (45 minutes) to cool off and have some simple fun (and a picnic perhaps). You will go past the Eastwoodhill Arboretum, 135 hectares of New Zealand and northern hemisphere temperate forest tree species, an important global repository of biodiversity conservation. Great walks too.  Gisborne is the principal town in the region, also known for wine-growing, Chardonnay being the dominant variety here.

Drive time: 3 hours

Enjoy the morning in Gisborne. The Pacific Coast Highway continues around the rugged and remote East Cape to the stunning Ohope Beach and Whakatane. There are some great places like Tolaga Bay, Te Araroa and Hick’s Bay where you can break the journey for a look around.

Drive time:  5 hours 30 minutes.

This morning perhaps, enjoy a walk amongst the regenerated bush as you listen to the bird calls or dig yourself a geothermal spring pool at Onepu Bay. This is an opportunity to see New Zealand’s wildlife as nature intended it. Make your way to Tauranga for another splash – this time with Glowworms! A Glow Worm Tour is a great way to spend the evening, pick up from most accommodation in Tauranga.

Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes.

Enjoy the morning in Tauranga with a walk up Mauao overlooking the stunning Mount Maunganui Beach, or out on the water with Bay Explorer before making your way to Auckland. Mclaren Falls Park is a tranquil spot to reflect on the epic road trip you have just completed, and all the experiences that will stay with you as you depart our part of New Zealand.

Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Make your way to Auckland Airport where you will return your car and continue with your onward arrangements.