Thermal Explorer Highway & Volcanic Loop Experience 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 during Auckland tours on a New, Zealand vacation, 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.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 that are synonymous with Hamilton & Waikato region and on to the famous Waitomo Caves where you can experience the amazing array of limestone caves – from peaceful glowworm viewing to adrenalin-fuelled adventures.  After exploring the caves continue to Hamilton, it 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.

Heading south, stop off at Over the Moon Dairy in Putaruru (you can’t miss it) for some delicious local cheeses for your journey or better, take a V8 jet boat tour,  to experience the true power of New Zealand’s longest river. As you head south to Rotorua,  a short deviation for Matamata will bring you Hobbiton Movie Set in time for lunch at the Green Dragon Inn as part of your tour (this must be prebooked). On arrival in Rotorua, you will have time for a relaxing spa . Or maybe a sunset paddleboard or kayak tour in the hidden glowworm caves around New Zealand’s second-largest lake, Rotorua, before settling in to your accommodation in Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal activity, and Maori cultural experiences. You will be within easy reach of the beautiful lakes and hotspots in this place.

To immerse yourself in Maori culture, head to Whakarewarewa, the living Maori Village, and for a deeper understanding of the ecology of the ancient forests, book a day tour with Foris Eco-Tours in Whirinaki. It is a short 20-minute drive south to the thermal wonderland that is Wai-O-Tapu, well worth a stop on your way to the lakeside town of Taupō for the night. Here you will have a great choice of excellent accommodation and top lodges. Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake, at the heart of the Central North Island and it dominates the views from this picturesque region.

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.

You can see the mighty volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe as you head south around the lake toward National Park.  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

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.

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.

Your Thermal Explorer Highway Experience Self Drive ends today when you return your car to Napier airport in time for your onward journey.