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Your Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Arrive into Auckland International Airport and get a private car transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Auckland.
Situated on a narrow isthmus between two beautiful harbours, Auckland the ‘city of sails’ is New Zealand’s largest city with a population of over 1 million. Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, so aptly named by the Maoris as the ‘ sea of sparkling waters’, has brought prosperity to the city. Besides being New Zealand’s main shipping port, Auckland is also the main terminal for overseas traffic. The warm sunny climate, with its generous and evenly distributed rainfall is ideal and there are beautiful parklands and garden reserves throughout. The many miles of coastline provide Aucklanders with the means to enjoy their favourite sport of yachting.
Standard: Skycity Hotel
Deluxe: Eden Park, Breakfast included
Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua (310km)
Collect your car this morning to make your way to Rotorua. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Rotorua, the centre of the intense thermal activity in New Zealand. The city itself is situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua and excellent stream and lake fishing abounds. Geysers, pools of boiling mud, crystal springs and hot mineral water and richly coloured craters make Rotorua one of the world’s great tourist attractions.
Standard: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
Deluxe: Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel, Breakfast included
Day 3: Rotorua to Taupo (80km)
More thermal wonders today as you make the short drive to Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, and the dramatic Huka Falls nearby. There’s time to stop en route at the bubbling champagne pools of Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland or the more remote Orakei Korako with its colourful silica terraces.
Standard: Lakeland Resort Taupo
Deluxe: Acacia Cliffs Lodge, Breakfast included
Day 4: Taupo to Napier (140km)
Make your way to Napier. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Napier. The centre of the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand, Napier is renowned for both its Art Deco architecture and also for its wine industry. It is said to be one of the warmest regions in the country with warm summers and mild winters. There are many activities from adventure seeking, wine tasting to just browsing around the local art deco shopping areas.
Standard: The Nautilus, Napier
Deluxe: The County Hotel, Breakfast included
Day 5: Napier to Wellington (330km)
Make your way to and spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Wellington. Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand lies at the southern end of the North Island. 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 Mt Victoria lookout, which can be conveniently reached by a short taxi ride. Public buildings of interest are the Dominion Museum and National Art Gallery, parliament buildings and the Alexander Turnbull library. The newest attraction in the ‘capital’ is New Zealand’s National Museum. Named ‘Te Papa’ (our place) it contains a wealth of information on New Zealand’s past, present and future, many interactive exhibits, multi-media databases and fascinating collections. A must see while in Wellington.
Standard: Ibis Hotel
Deluxe: QT Museum Hotel, Breakfast included
Day 6: Wellington
Tour ends with returning your rental car to the airport or city or ferry depot. Depart Wellington on your own arrangements.
6 day Self Drive - from £525
Optional Upgrade
Our Deluxe Touring the North self drive includes all the benefits of our standard option and offers superior hotel accommodation.
6 day Touring the North Self Drive Deluxe – from £985
*NEW YEAR SALE – Free car upgrade on self drive holidays until 31st January 2019. Valid on new bookings only. Vehicles are subject to availability, seasonal variations may apply.
All prices are per person and based on 2 sharing a double or twin room. Price shown based on low season travel from May to September, subject to availability. Hotels specified are subject to availability and may be substituted by one of a similar or higher standard. Supplements will apply if alternative hotels are booked.
