Description
Tour
8 days/7 nights - the essential self-drive tour of the North Island highlights.
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival into Auckland, collect your Thrifty rental car from the rental desk and proceed to your hotel for an overnight stay. Standard option: Copthorne Anzac Avenue, Auckland; Superior option: CityLife Auckland. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore or relax. Auckland, the City of Sails, is New Zealand's largest city with a population of over 1 million. A well-planned city with beautiful parklands and garden reserves, the many miles of coastline provide Aucklanders with the means to enjoy their favourite sport - yachting! (RO)
Day 2: Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua (370km - approx 5 hours 55 min)
This morning, travel south over the Bombay Hills and through the lush Waikato pasturelands. At Waitomo, tour the world-famous glow-worm caves by boat and see a grotto illuminated by countless tiny glow worms suspended from the cave's ceiling. Depart Waitomo and travel across the Waikato River and the Mamaku Hills to the famous geothermal centre of Rotorua, where you will spend the next 2 nights. Standard option: Ibis Hotel Rotorua; Superior option: Millennium Rotorua. Tonight, enjoy a Maori hangi dinner and concert. (D)
Day 3: Rotorua Sightseeing
Today you have the flexibility to explore Rotorua. A map and entrance vouchers will be included for a full day of sightseeing. Enjoy a guided tour through Te Puia thermal reserve to see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools. Continue to Rainbow Springs, where you will see New Zealand native bird and animal wildlife, plus crystal-clear pools teeming with trout. The Agrodome leisure park is next with its entertaining sheep show, and then a gondola cable car ride to the Skyline Skyrides complex and the Polynesian Spa, which is New Zealand's leading thermal bathing complex. (RO)
Day 4: Rotorua - Taupo - Napier (225km - approx 3 hours 50 min)
Travel south today via Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, located in the heart of the North Island. An area of considerable beauty and diversity, a broad range of activities are available, including fishing, golf, tramping, white-water rafting and jetboating. In the World Heritage Tongariro National Park are the 3 magnificent volcanoes of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Ngauruhoe is the classic-shaped volcano that features so dramatically in Lord of the Rings. Continue on to Napier, where you will spend the next 2 nights. Standard option: Deco City Motor Lodge, Napier; Superior option: Scenic Circle Te Pania Hotel, Napier. (RO)
Day 5: Napier at leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore. Napier is renowned for both its Art Deco architecture and wine industry, and is said to be one of the warmest regions in the country. There are many activities available, from adventure seeking to just browsing around the local shopping areas. (RO)
Day 6: Napier - Wellington (320km - approx 4 hours 50 min)
Travel south today through the Manawatu Gorge, coastal horticultural farms and the rocky seascapes to Wellington, where you will spend the next 2 nights. Standard option: Mercure Hotel Wellington; Superior option: Duxton Hotel Wellington. (RO)
Day 7: Wellington at leisure
A full day at leisure in New Zealand's capital city. On the shores of a magnificent harbour and surrounded by the rugged beauty of green hills, it is one of the most scenic cities. Some of the best views are obtained from the hilltops, especially from Mount Victoria lookout, which is a short drive away. Wellington is noted for its live theatre, art galleries, restaurants and cultural activities. Make time to ride the cable car and visit the Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa). (RO)
Day 8: Depart Wellington
After a wonderful week of stunning scenic touring on the North Island, your tour concludes after returning your Thrifty rental car to the city, airport or ferry depot. (RO) Departs: Daily from Auckland.
Please Note: Distances and driving times are approx.