Enjoy a 10-day North Island self-drive focused on comfort and culture. Start in Auckland with a Waiheke wine option, explore Rotorua’s geothermal and Māori heritage, then continue to Hawke’s Bay and Wellington before returning via Taranaki, Waitomo, and Cambridge.
10 Day / 9 Night Tour
$2,419
89+ Booked
10 Day / 9 Night Tour
$2,419
89+ Booked
Collect your rental car at Auckland Airport and drive into the heart of the “City of Sails.” Settle into your boutique hotel, then stroll the Viaduct Harbour, admire yachts on Waitematā Harbour, or enjoy dinner at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants as you unwind from your flight.
Overnight in Auckland.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to the ferry terminal and leave your car at the depot before cruising to Waiheke Island. With your private guide, visit boutique wineries, enjoy tastings, and savour a hosted vineyard lunch with sweeping sea views. Return to Auckland by ferry for an evening at leisure.
Drive: 5 km / 15 mins
Included: Waiheke Luxury Wine Tour
Overnight in Auckland.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive south through Waikato farmland toward Rotorua, stopping in Tirau or at Hamilton Gardens along the way. Arrive to steaming vents and lakeside landscapes. In the evening, enjoy a Māori cultural experience featuring storytelling, kapa haka, and a traditional hāngī feast.
Drive: 228 km / 3 hrs
Included: Te Puia Te Pō Evening Experience
Overnight in Rotorua.
Breakfast at hotel. Begin with a guided highlights tour at Mountain Jade to meet artisans and learn about greenstone carving. Later, unwind at Wai Ariki Hot Springs with a restorative thermal journey inspired by Ngāti Whakaue traditions.
Minimal local driving
Included: Mountain Jade Tour + Wai Ariki Spa
Overnight in Rotorua.
Breakfast at hotel. Start with a scenic helicopter flight and crater landing on Mt Tarawera for sweeping volcanic views. Continue via Taupō and Huka Falls before crossing the Ahimanawa Ranges into Hawke’s Bay. Arrive in Napier, known for Art Deco architecture and coastal vineyards.
Drive: 222 km / 3.5 hrs
Included: Mt Tarawera Heli Landing
Overnight in Napier.
Breakfast at hotel. Discover Hawke’s Bay with Art Deco walks, vineyard cycling, coastal cafés, or a Wine & Dine Tour featuring tastings and a gourmet lunch. For wildlife lovers, join a safari to Cape Kidnappers’ gannet colony.
Optional: Wine & Dine Tour
Minimal driving
Overnight in Napier.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive south through Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa villages before crossing the Remutaka Ranges into Wellington. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided Electric Bays Cycle Tour along the harbour and coastal suburbs. The evening is free to explore the city’s dining scene.
Included: Electric Bays Cycle Tour
Overnight in Wellington.
Breakfast at hotel. Travel north along the Kapiti Coast into Taranaki. Arrive in New Plymouth, framed by snow-capped Mt Taranaki, and explore the Coastal Walkway, Pukekura Park, or the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. The dramatic mountain backdrop makes this a photographer’s dream.
Drive: 352 km / 4.5 hrs
Overnight in New Plymouth.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive inland to Waitomo for a small-group eco guided tour through glowworm-lit limestone caverns, learning about geology and local heritage. Continue north to Hamilton, known for leafy streets and rich equestrian traditions.
Drive: 286 km / 4 hrs
Included: Down to Earth Waitomo Eco Tour
Overnight in Hamilton.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive north through the Waikato to Auckland. If time permits, explore the themed garden collections at Hamilton Gardens before returning your rental car at Auckland Airport and preparing for your onward flight.
Drive: 125 km / 2 hrs
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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