Itinerary

North Island: 9 days / 8 nights - Auckland to Auckland

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland and uplift your rental car from Airport before driving into the city to stay one night. In the afternoon you could explore the sights of Auckland including spectacular views from Mt Eden or the Skytower, visit Kelly Tarltons Underwater World and Antarctic Experience or just drive around exploring the fabulous harbour and beaches.

Day 2: Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Whakapapa Village (Mt Ruapehu)

Today, you head south to visit the wonderful Waitomo Glowworm Caves. After this visit you will continue south to Mt Ruapehu, on of the volcanoes and ski areas in the Tongariro National Park.

Day 3: Mt Ruapehu

Today you will be uplifted from your hotel and taken to complete the Tongariro Crossing, a famous and spectacular 1 day hike through the National Park. You will be returned to you hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 4: Mt Ruapehu - Rotorua

Take a short drive onto Rotorua, the geothermal playground. You will be spoilt for choice, but your day will start with a visit to Te Puia to view aspects of Maori culture and view boiling mudpools and geysers. After that you could visit Rainbow Springs or try the Luge at Skyline Gondola.

Day 5: Rotorua

Today drive out to the buried village at Lake Tarawera, which was buried when Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886. Drive back through the scenic Green and Blue Lakes before heading back to Rotorua.

Day 6: Rotorua - Whakatane

Drive out to the East Coast to the seaside town of Whakatane. Visit the beautiful Ohope beach, or take one of the many bush walks within or close to Whakatane.

Day 7: Whakatane

Today you will take a 6 hour tour and cruise out to explore New Zealand's only active island volcano, White Island. This will be an experience you will keep for life.

Day 8: Whakatane - Huntly

Drive back to the coastal and port town of Tauranga, with the famous surf beaches of Mt Maunganui. Continue onto the lovely Hillside Hotel located in a secluded part of the Waikato countryside, 1 hour south of Auckland.

Day 9: Huntly - Auckland

After checking out from the hotel take the short drive north to Auckland airport where your tour arrangements conclude with the return of your rental car.

• Transport by self drive rental car including unlimited kms
• Standard motor vehicle insurance and applicable pick up fees
• GPS Navigation Unit
• Accommodation at specified class, subject to availability at time of reservation
• Entrance into Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
• Entrance into Te Puia cultural center and thermal village in Rotorua
• Entrance into Tarawera Buried Village
• Tongariro Expeditions/1 day Tongariro Crossing
• 6 out boat tour of White Island from Whakatane
• Arrival documents
• 15% Goods and Services Tax

Drive Rating: Easy

Total Km: 750

Estimated driving time: 12 hrs