Journey along the North Island’s lesser travelled West Coast, to National Parks and welcoming towns, with stunning seascapes around almost every corner.
Highlights:
You can include this self drive in a longer New Zealand holiday.
On arrival at Auckland Airport a private transfer will drive you to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure – indulge in the restaurants and eateries of Viaduct Harbour or enjoy a leisurely ferry ride over to picturesque Waiheke Island.
Hotel: Hotel Grand Windsor
This morning make your way to the rental car city depot where you will collect your rental car for your exclusive use. Travel south past rolling green hills and pastureland to the Waitomo Caves region. Beneath the surface of this ancient limestone region lays a labyrinth of caves and underground rivers. At Waitomo Caves expert guides provide informative commentary of the Caves’ historical and geological significance before you drift silently in a boat on the underground river under the milky way of millions of glow worms on the cavern roof.
At Ruakuri Cave, journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance, and marvel at the shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries. Hear the distant thunder of the subterranean waterfalls and get up close to the glowworms.
Hotel: Waitomo Guest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Drive through a mixture of farmland, forest and rugged mountain country and a procession of seaside villages to New Plymouth, known for its beautiful parks and gardens.
Hotel: Taranaki Country Lodge, New Plymouth
Meals: Breakfast
You have the day at your leisure to explore the local region. Visit Te Rewa Rewa Bridge for spectacular views of Mount Taranaki or explore the subalpine forests and waterfalls which characterise Egmont National Park.
Hotel: Taranaki Country Lodge, New Plymouth
Meals: Breakfast
Head south to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Set between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, this compact city has great shopping, professional theatre, memorable arts, culture and heritage and great cafes and restaurants.
Hotel: Booklovers B&B, Wellington
Meals: Breakfast
Following a hearty breakfast your tour ends today with the return of your rental car to the ferry, city or airport depot.
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Relaxed and enjoyable self drive touring. You can book this itinerary as it is or ask your Travel Consultant to add extra days in the places you choose.
Your self drive includes:
