Experience the best of the North Island in five days on this self-drive. Explore Auckland’s harbours, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Taupō’s volcanic lake, Napier’s Art Deco streets, and Wellington’s capital charm in a perfectly paced journey with time to explore.
5 Day / 4 Night Tour
$529
88+ Booked
5 Day / 4 Night Tour
$529
88+ Booked
Arrive in Auckland, collect your rental car, and check into your hotel. Explore the city at your pace—wander Viaduct Harbour, browse Queen Street, visit galleries, or relax by the marina. Auckland blends coastal charm with vibrant urban life.
Overnight in Auckland.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive south through the Waikato countryside toward Rotorua, stopping at the Hobbiton Movie Set to explore Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree. Arrive in Rotorua, where geothermal landscapes and Māori culture fill the air.
Drive: 228 km / 3 hrs
Optional: Hobbiton Tour, Te Pō Māori Evening
Overnight in Rotorua.
Breakfast at hotel. Journey past Rotorua’s geothermal fields with an optional stop at Wai-O-Tapu. Continue to Taupō to see Huka Falls, then follow rolling hills and vineyards to Napier, famed for its Art Deco streets and boutique wineries.
Drive: 222 km / 3.5 hrs
Optional: Wai-O-Tapu, Hawke’s Bay Wine Tour
Overnight in Napier.
Breakfast at hotel. Travel south through orchards and farmland, passing Waipukurau and Dannevirke before reaching the Wairarapa wine villages. Continue through Greytown and Martinborough, then cross the Remutaka Ranges into Wellington. Explore the waterfront in the evening.
Drive: 320 km / 4 hrs
Optional: Zealandia By Night
Overnight in Wellington.
Breakfast at hotel. Spend the morning exploring Wellington’s waterfront, galleries, and cosy laneway cafés. Return your rental car at Wellington Airport before your onward flight, leaving with memories of cities, coastlines, and rolling North Island landscapes.
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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