Day 1 - Welcome to Auckland
On arrival at Auckland Airport you will be greeted with a private transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city and its selection of bars and fine restaurants.
Hotel: Hotel Grand Windsor
Deluxe Hotels
Bike ‘n Hike North Island
11 day Self Drive - from £2125
Inspired by the success of bike trails and cycling tracks across New Zealand, our Bike ‘n Hike self drive itineraries are designed for those looking for an exciting and more adventurous way of seeing the country.
Highlights:
- Hauraki Rail Trail Independent Cycle
- Volcanoes and Rainforest Walk
- Old Coach Road Guided Cycle
- Waitomo and Ruakuri Cave Combo
- Deluxe lodges and hotels
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Your Itinerary
Day 2 - Waihi Beach (154 kms)
This morning make your way to the rental car city depot where you will collect your rental car for your exclusive use. Depart Auckland and head south to the Coromandel with its fabulous golden and white sand beaches, magnificent coastal scenery and rugged forest cloaked interior.
Hotel: Waihi Beach Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Hauraki Rail Trail
Drive to Waihi town to collect your trail bike, helmet and water bottle for your day of cycling the Hauraki Rail Trail. The trail through the gorge follows the Ohinemuri River and includes a number of interesting bridges and a long railway tunnel.
*Note* Return tickets for the vintage train to transport you from Waikino to the Karangahake Gorge are not included however can be purchased directly on your arrival in Waihi at a cost of NZD$25 per person.
Hotel: Waihi Beach Lodge, Waihi
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Rotorua (110 kms)
Journey through farmland, lakeland and forest until the distinctive smell of sulphur and constant steam drifts signal your arrival into tempestuous, geothermal Rotorua.
Hotel: The Springs, Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Rotorua
The Volcanoes and Rainforest Walk begins with a walk and lake cruise amidst a stunning volcanic landscape with spectacular views of hot crater lakes, steaming cliffs, hissing fumeroles and colourful silica terraces. Then, step back into the past with a walk in the magnificent Whirinaki Rainforest with its rich diversity of native vegetation and birdlife amidst a spectacular scenery of rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls.
Hotel: The Springs, Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Napier (219 kms)
Depart on a scenic drive through rugged mountain ranges and exotic pine forests before reaching the stretches of fertile vineyards the Hawkes Bay is so well known for. Afternoon is free to enjoy Napier, a world renowned Art Deco treasure.
Hotel: Cobden Garden Homestay, Napier
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Napier
Depart the port village of Ahuriri by bike and follow the Water Ride trail to the Napier CBD to commence a 4 hour cycle via Marine Parade with its spectacular views out towards Cape Kidnappers, along the coast and inland through orchard country to Havelock North. A visit to the Te Mata Cheese factory is a must and wine tasting is also available at several wineries along the way. Transfer back to your accommodation.
Hotel: Cobden Garden Homestay, Napier
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Tongariro (191 kms)
Travel to Tongariro, the southern gateway to the Tongariro National Park World Heritage Site.
Hotel: Ruapehu Country Lodge, Ohakune
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - The Old Coach Road
Walking or riding along the historic cobblestone Coach Road through a bush corridor on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu is an exciting adventure, a journey back in time. Magnificent native Rimu trees, native falcons screaming through the air, pigeons flying between the tree tops, the curved steel lattice of the Hapuawhenua Viaduct and of course, the old railway tunnel.
Hotel: Ruapehu Country Lodge, Ohakune
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Waitomo (178 kms)
Today you will travel from Tongariro to Waitomo.
Hotel: Waitomo Guest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 - Farewell from Auckland (188 kms)
At Ruakuri Cave journey through the spectacular spiral entrance to swirling rivers, echoing waterfalls and rock that flow into delicate shawl-like formations. Nearby, at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, thousands of tiny glowworms cling to the cave ceiling creating a starry night sky underground. Your guide will deliver a highly informative commentary about the formations and the history of the area with the highlight of your tour an unrivalled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto.
After your tour drive through the lush countryside to Auckland where your journey ends with the return of your rental car to the Auckland city or airport depot.
11 day Self Drive - from £2125
With flights from £3029
All prices are per person and based on 2 sharing a double or twin room. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard. Price shown based on low season travel from May to September, subject to availability. Supplements will apply if alternative hotels are booked.
Self Drive Touring
Relaxed and enjoyable self drive tour. Book them as they are or ask your consultant to add extra days in the places you choose.
Your self drive includes:
- 10 nights accommodation
- Deluxe hotels including breakfast
- Air conditioned car
- Inclusive vehicle insurance
- Maps and driving information
- Flexible itineraries