Explore the North Island at your pace on this premium self-drive. Enjoy Auckland’s harbours, Waiheke’s vineyards, Rotorua’s geothermal sights, Hawke’s Bay’s wine and art, and Wellington’s creative energy, with scenic drives, curated experiences, and handpicked stays.
9 Day / 8 Night Tour
$1,889
64+ Booked
9 Day / 8 Night Tour
$1,889
64+ Booked
Arrive in Auckland, collect your rental car, and drive into the “City of Sails.” Settle into your hotel before exploring the Viaduct Harbour, Britomart’s boutiques, or Mount Eden for sweeping skyline views. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure as you acclimatise.
Overnight in Auckland.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to the ferry terminal and leave your car at the depot before cruising across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. With a local guide, enjoy tastings at boutique wineries and a leisurely vineyard lunch with coastal views. Return to Auckland by ferry for an evening at leisure.
Drive: 5 km / 15 mins
Included: Waiheke Wine Tour with Lunch
Overnight in Auckland.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive south through Waikato to Matamata for a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, exploring Hobbit Holes, the Party Tree, and the Green Dragon Inn. Continue to Rotorua, known for geysers, mud pools, and rich Māori traditions.
Drive: 228 km / 3 hrs
Included: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Overnight in Rotorua.
Breakfast at hotel. Begin with the Redwoods Treewalk, wandering high among century-old redwoods on canopy bridges. In the evening, experience Te Puia’s Te Pō with rituals, haka, storytelling, a hāngī buffet, and night-time geyser viewing under the stars.
Minimal local driving
Included: Redwoods Treewalk + Te Pō Māori Evening
Overnight in Rotorua.
Breakfast at hotel. Travel south to Lake Taupō and stop at Huka Falls before crossing the Ahimanawa Ranges to Napier. Explore this charming coastal city, famed for its Art Deco architecture, Marine Parade, and relaxed seaside vibe.
Drive: 222 km / 3.5 hrs
Overnight in Napier.
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a hosted Wine & Dine Tour, visiting boutique wineries, meeting local winemakers, and savouring a gourmet vineyard lunch paired with regional wines. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring Marine Parade.
Included: Hawke’s Bay Wine & Dine Tour
Minimal driving
Overnight in Napier.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive south through orchards and farmland toward the Wairarapa, stopping in Greytown or Martinborough for tastings or coffee. Cross the scenic Remutaka Ranges and descend into Wellington’s harbour-side capital.
Drive: 320 km / 4 hrs
Overnight in Wellington.
Breakfast at hotel. Spend the day discovering the capital’s waterfront, laneway cafés, local design stores, and cultural highlights. Visit Te Papa, Zealandia, or take the Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens for panoramic city views. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Minimal local driving
Overnight in Wellington.
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a final stroll along the waterfront before driving to Wellington Airport to return your rental car. Depart with memories of Auckland’s harbours, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Napier’s Art Deco charm, and Wellington’s creative energy.
Drive: 10 km / 20 mins
The accommodations listed above are based on 3-4 Star hotels. Guests may request an upgrade to 5 Star properties; however, upgraded hotel options are subject to availability and will incur additional costs.
Self Drive
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Our self-drive tour of the South Island was simply unforgettable. The itinerary was perfectly planned with just the right balance of adventure and relaxation. We loved having the freedom to explore at our own pace, yet everything was organized for us. Highly recommend Go New Zealand Tours!
As first-time visitors to New Zealand, we wanted everything taken care of. The coach tour was amazing – comfortable, well-paced, and filled with breathtaking stops. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole experience fun and easy
Our chauffeur-driven tour was absolute perfection. From private wine tastings in Marlborough to a helicopter ride over Milford Sound, every detail was handled with care. It felt so personalized and special – worth every penny!
Our chauffeur-driven tour was the ultimate way to experience New Zealand! The comfort and luxury of a private vehicle made our trip so relaxing, and our driver was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing insights about each location we visited.
As first-time visitors to New Zealand, we wanted everything taken care of. The coach tour was amazing – comfortable, well-paced, and filled with breathtaking stops. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole experience fun and easy
Our chauffeur-driven tour was absolute perfection. From private wine tastings in Marlborough to a helicopter ride over Milford Sound, every detail was handled with care. It felt so personalized and special – worth every penny!
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