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Te Ika-A-Maui (North Island) Flexi Self Drive Holiday 13D/12N

This 13-day North Island journey blends city sophistication, cultural immersion, and scenic self-drive exploration into one enriching experience. Beginning in Auckland and finishing in Wellington, the itinerary combines guided highlights with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Enjoy world-class wine regions, geothermal wonders, Māori cultural encounters, and iconic landmarks such as Hobbiton and Huka Falls, while staying in comfortable four-star accommodation throughout. From coastal cities to rolling vineyards and volcanic landscapes, this itinerary showcases the very best of New Zealand’s North Island.

Tour Highlights

  • Discover Auckland’s urban charm with city sightseeing, a west coast wine tour, and an elegant Waitematā Harbour dinner cruise

  • Journey through Middle-earth with a guided visit to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set en route to Rotorua

  • Immerse yourself in Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes and Māori culture, including Hell’s Gate, Mitai Village, and a traditional hāngi

  • Experience the diverse beauty of the North Island, from Lake Taupō and Huka Falls to the Art Deco splendour of Napier

  • Indulge in world-class food and wine in Martinborough before exploring Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital

Price from

$3,990.00

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Tour Information

Inclusions:

  • - 10 day automatic, 4 door intermediate sedan car hire with AVIS or Budget, on NIL excess rate.
  • - 12 night accommodation in 4 star hotels, standard guest room, room only.
  • - A Taste of Auckland City & Wine tour.
  • - Auckland Harbour dinner cruise from Auckland.
  • - Hobbiton Movie Set tour from Matamata.
  • - Hell’s Gate Experience from Rotorua.
  • - Skyline gondola, dinner & 3 luge rides from Rotorua.
  • - Mitai Cultural Experience & Hangi Dinner from Rotorua.

Departures:

Daily, all year round.

Additional Information:

  • - The car type can be upgraded to a compact SUV, Full Size Sedan, standard SUV, Large SUV, 8 Seater Van or Large 4WD.
  • - The accommodation in each destination can be upgraded or can be changed to self contained apartment style or lodges.
  • - All drivers must have a physical open valid drivers license to present on pick-up.
  • - The drivers under 21 years old must pay a daily surcharge direct on pick-up.
  • - Child safety seats, booster seats, roof racks and snow chains can be provided with an additional cost, to be paid direct on pick-up. These items have to be requested at the time of booking.
  • - If you return the vehicle earlier than agreed, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Please Note:

  • - One way fee and/or airport pick-up & drop-off fee may apply, please check with your V Travel Network sales consultant.
  • - If you would like to combine the New Zealand North Island self drive holiday with the New Zealand South Island self drive holiday, we can book your Cook Strait ferry from Wellington to Picton, please let your V Travel Network sales consultant know.
  • - This is a suggested self drive itinerary, the itinerary can be done in the opposite direction, the number of nights in each destination can be extended or reduced.
  • - Offered tours can be removed or more day tours & activities can be added.
  • - The itinerary is suitable for solo travellers, couples & families.

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland

On arrival you will be met by your driver at the Auckland Airport and will be driven to your Auckland city accommodation.

Overnight Auckland.

Day 2: Auckland

Spend the morning exploring Auckland city on a small group tour and then in the afternoon enjoy a wine tour which includes a vineyard lunch, tastings at three wineries and a visit to the dramatic scenery of Auckland’s west coast.

Overnight Auckland.

Day 3: Auckland

Today explore Auckland at your own pace, go to the top of Auckland Skytower, visit Parnell Rose Gardens, learn things at Auckland Museum and head to the art galleries.

Late afternoon join your Waitemata Harbour dinner cruise and enjoy canapes, drinks and a three-course meal catered by a local restaurant.

Overnight Auckland.

Day 4: Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton

This morning collect your vehicle from Auckland downtown and head South past the Bombay hills. You will soon go through the town of Matamata where you will have a guided tour of the Hobbiton film set used in the shooting of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.

Continuing on, you will pass several small farming communities before you reach Rotorua. (230 km, 3 hours drive)

Overnight Rotorua. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 5: Rotorua

Discover the Hell’s Gate today, take part in the guided geothermal walk before indulging in the geothermal mud and sulphur waters, experiencing the healing properties local Maori have been using for centuries.

Late afternoon take a scenic gondola ride and enjoy the luge, followed by a delicious dinner featuring a buffet of award-winning culinary delights with stunning panoramic views of Lake Rotorua and the surrounding Rotorua city taking centre stage.

Overnight Rotorua. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 6: Rotorua

Today discover Rotorua at your own pace, take a stroll by the Lake Rotorua, visit the Whakarewarewa Forest and Kerosene Creek.

Later on, a transfer vehicle will pick you up from your accommodation and you will visit Mitai Maori Village to experience Maori culture in Rotorua. Tour the village, see a war canoe, enjoy the dinner show with a hangi buffet and relax at the spa.

Overnight Rotorua. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 7: Rotorua to Napier via Lake Taupo

After a 1 hour drive towards the south, you will reach Lake Taupo.

Get up close to the mind-blowing roar and rumble of the Huka Falls where New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, is squeezed through a ravine of hard volcanic rock.

Visit the Huka Prawn Park with activities that will entertain the whole family for hours.

Have a brief stop at the Waipunga lookout before you reach Napier. (220 km, 3 hours drive)

Overnight Napier. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 8: Napier

Explore Napier, known for its art deco architecture, and there’s nowhere like it in New Zealand.

After admiring the buildings, you can also visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, enjoy views from Te Mata Peak, and explore the beaches, wineries, and walking trails of Hawke’s Bay.

Overnight Napier. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 9: Napier to Martinborough

As you leave the rolling countryside of Hawke’s Bay, you will be greeted with some of New Zealand’s richest dairy farmland in the Manawatu Gorge.

As you drive South, a visit to historic Greytown is a must do and then you will reach your destination. (275 km, 3.5hours drive)

Overnight Martinborough. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 10: Martinborough

Packed with colonial charm, Martinborough features over 20 wineries, most within cycling and walking distance of the quaint village square. Some of New Zealand’s best pinot noir comes from the town’s predominantly family-owned vineyards.

Despite being known primarily for its vineyards and scenic vistas, Martinborough also excels in providing family-friendly entertainment & activities suitable for visitors of all ages.

Overnight Martinborough. (Free on-site self parking)

Day 11: Martinborough to Wellington

Today, cross the Rimutaka Ranges as you make your way to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. (82 km, 1.5 hours drive)

Overnight Wellington. (Paid parking)

Day 12: Wellington

Wellington has long held the title of world’s coolest little capital, thanks to its compact size, coastal location, innovative spirit, and proximity to nature.

Stroll along the waterfront, visit the Wellington Museum and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and ride the Cable Car.

Overnight Wellington. (Paid parking)

Day 13: Wellington

Today return your vehicle at Wellington AVIS or Budget depot.