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North Island Self Drive

Duration
9 Days
Prices From:
US$ 1,709

FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Drive from Auckland to Wellington discovering the many highlights that the North Island has to offer. Stop in Coromandel Peninsula and Rotorua then visit Lake Taupo and Napier along the way.


For those with limited time, wanting maximum flexibility, this 9 day self-drive tour covers all the highlights of New Zealand’s North Island.

Depart for Coromandel Peninsula. This is a favourite getaway spot for Aucklanders, offering miles of sandy beach including famous Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own thermal spa in the sand. Waitomo Caves are known and loved for their breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Take a memorable journey through them on your way to Rotorua, a spectacular geothermal laboratory of steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools. This is also a place of great spiritual significance to the Maori, with plenty of cultural experiences on offer. Stop in at beautiful Lake Taupo on your way to the East Coast. Here, you can enjoy the Hawke’s Bay Wine Country, along with historic Napier and Hastings, where an abundance of Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture is yours to explore.

After a taste of New Zealand’s wines, nobody would blame you for wanting more, and picturesque Martinborough is happy to oblige. Many of its vineyards specialise in the region’s world famous Pinot Noir. End your self-drive tour in Wellington, capital of New Zealand and home to many of the country’s best museums and galleries.

Please click here for our New Zealand Self Drive itineraries


 

At Goway we are experts at designing personalized itineraries to suit your special interests, tastes and budget. Let us arrange your ultimate travel experience today.
Duration
9 Days
Prices From:
US$ 1,709

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula 164 km (102 Miles) 2.5 hours

Depart Auckland and travel the Pacific Coast Highway touring route to the Coromandel Peninsula.

The Coromandel's dramatic and unspoiled coast, and beautiful white sandy beaches, offer endless opportunities for fishing, diving, boating, surfing and swimming.

Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort Pauanui

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Location View map
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    Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort Pauanui



    Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is a secluded hideaway perfect for a leisure holiday. The hotel is situated just 800 metres from a 3 kilometre sandy beach and nestled into the slopes of Mt. Pauanui. The 42 private chalets accommodate guests in comfort and style, …

    Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is a secluded hideaway perfect for a leisure holiday. The hotel is situated just 800 metres from a 3 kilometre sandy beach and nestled into the slopes of Mt. Pauanui. The 42 private chalets accommodate guests in comfort and style, with a balance of modern convenience and the relaxed atmosphere of a mountain lodge.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Business Centre
    • Currency Exchange
    • Daycare/Babysitting Service
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
    • Pool (s)
    • Reception (24 hrs)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Sauna
    • Tennis

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 2

Coromandel at leisure

Enjoy the unique experience of Hot Water Beach where at low tide you can dig in the sand, allowing the sulphur-heated waters to rise to the top to create your very own thermal spa.

Swim with dolphins, hire a kayak and explore the many offshore islands or simply let the azure water lap at your feet and marvel at the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 3

Coromandel to Rotorua (via Tauranga) 253 km (157 miles) 4.5 hours

Depart Coromandel and arrive in the Bay of Plenty region early afternoon, in time for a swim or lunch at one of the many restaurants. Continue on to Rotorua, famous for its spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and warm geothermal ponds.

Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

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Location View map
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    Millennium Hotel Rotorua



    This popular hotel in Rotorua is centrally located just a brief stroll to Lake Rotorua, Rotorua's International Convention Centre, world famous Polynesian Spa, the town centre and only minutes from Rotorua's key tourist attractions and adventure activities. At Millennium Hotel Rotorua, you will find 227 …

    This popular hotel in Rotorua is centrally located just a brief stroll to Lake Rotorua, Rotorua's International Convention Centre, world famous Polynesian Spa, the town centre and only minutes from Rotorua's key tourist attractions and adventure activities. At Millennium Hotel Rotorua, you will find 227 rooms offering you a wide choice of accommodation styles.

    Facilities

    • Business Centre
    • Concierge
    • Conference Facilities
    • Daycare/Babysitting Service
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Massage Treatments
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 4

Rotorua at leisure

Spend the day experiencing the many wonders of Rotorua. Perhaps book a 4WD trip to Mt Tarawera to see an amazing crater and hear the stories of Maori legends.

Day 5

Rotorua to Lake Taupo 80 km (50 miles) 1.5 hours

Depart Rotorua for a short journey through to the Lake Taupo region. Taupo is the main centre of the region and Lake Taupo is one of the North Islands most popular holiday destinations.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Millennium Hotel and Resort Taupo Manuels

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Location View map
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    Millennium Hotel and Resort Taupo Manuels



    This Mediterranean style hotel is an ideal place to stay for leisure or business travellers. Located on the shores of Lake Taupo with fantastic views of the lake and mountains, the town centre is 3 kilometres away. The hotel has 51 rooms and suites which …

    This Mediterranean style hotel is an ideal place to stay for leisure or business travellers. Located on the shores of Lake Taupo with fantastic views of the lake and mountains, the town centre is 3 kilometres away. The hotel has 51 rooms and suites which are all well-appointed.

    Facilities

    • Business Centre
    • Conference Facilities
    • Currency Exchange
    • Daycare/Babysitting Service
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry facilities
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Tennis
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

Day 6

Lake Taupo to Napier 143 km (89 miles) 2.5 hours

Depart Taupo for the Hawke's Bay region. Basking in a Mediterranean climate, the Hawke's Bay region is known for its wine, food and fabulous scenery. Over 30 vineyards offer visitors a wine tasting and indoor/ outdoor dining experience. Napier and Hastings, the two main centres in the region, have a high concentration of Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the many vineyards and wonderful restaurants in the area.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier

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Location View map
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    Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier



    The hotel features 109 fully air-conditioned superior rooms and suites with modern decor. Savour the delights of Hawke's Bay with excellent dining at The Exchange Bar and Brasserie, which highlights local food and wine and offers indoor and al fresco dining. The Hotels convenient, central …

    The hotel features 109 fully air-conditioned superior rooms and suites with modern decor. Savour the delights of Hawke's Bay with excellent dining at The Exchange Bar and Brasserie, which highlights local food and wine and offers indoor and al fresco dining. The Hotels convenient, central location means many of Napier's best local attractions are within a few minutes' walk.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
    • Parking (for Self Park)
    • Reception (24 hrs)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 7

Napier to Martinborough 252 km (156 miles) 3.5 hours

Today travel south, options include stopping at the small country towns of Carterton, Greytown and Featherston. Travel to Martinborough well known for the range of vineyards in the area and its growing worldwide reputation for its Pinot Noir wine. The afternoon is at leisure.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Martinborough Hotel

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Location View map
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    Martinborough Hotel



    The Martinborough Hotel is located on the Square, at the heart of Martinborough Wine Village. Boutique wineries producing some of the world's best Pinot Noirs are within easy walking distance of the hotel. This colonial hotel dates back to 1882. The hotel has 16 individually …

    The Martinborough Hotel is located on the Square, at the heart of Martinborough Wine Village. Boutique wineries producing some of the world's best Pinot Noirs are within easy walking distance of the hotel. This colonial hotel dates back to 1882. The hotel has 16 individually designed rooms. 10 of the rooms open out to the first floor veranda while 6 rooms overlook the hotel garden. Each room has its own bathroom with deep claw-footed bathtub or shower and pedestal basin.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Conference Facilities
    • Parking
    • Restaurant(s)

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 8

Martinborough to Wellington 83km (52 miles) 1.5 hours

Drive over the beautiful Rimutaka Hills to Wellington. The nations capital is home to Te Papa - the interactive Museum of New Zealand, numerous art galleries and national treasures such as the original Treaty of Waitangi. A diverse range of cafes and restaurants support the city's vibrant nightlife.

Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Citylife Wellington

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Location View map
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    Citylife Wellington



    CityLife Wellington is a modern suite style hotel situated in the heart of Wellington's boutique shopping precinct, Lambton Quay. The hotel uses modern contemporary influences; the generous sized fully equipped suites give the ultimate choice and style in accommodation. Offering a range of one and …

    CityLife Wellington is a modern suite style hotel situated in the heart of Wellington's boutique shopping precinct, Lambton Quay. The hotel uses modern contemporary influences; the generous sized fully equipped suites give the ultimate choice and style in accommodation. Offering a range of one and two bedroom apartments, CityLife Wellington is ideal for all occasions.

    Facilities

    • Concierge
    • Daycare/Babysitting Service
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
    • Reception (24 hrs)

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 9

Depart Wellington

This morning is at leisure before returning your rental vehicle.

Other Information

DEPARTS:

Daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • 8 nights first-class accommodation
  • Car rental for 9 days with unlimited kilometes and mandatory vehicle insurance

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel Insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Meals and beverages not specifically indicated
  • Optional excursions
  • Park fees unless stated
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.

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10 Oct 2023
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