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10-Day Self-Drive Auckland to Wellington

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Overview

Cover the best of the North Island on this ten-day New Zealand vacation adventure from Auckland to Wellington!

The North Island of New Zealand is known for its stunning national parks, incredible volcanic activity and cosmopolitan cities and on this trip, you'll experience it all. From the beach and rainforest-clad Auckland city, you'll make your way to the bubbling activity of Rotorua via the Hobbiton Movie Set - a must-do if you're visiting this area.

Next, you'll discover the Maori culture, abundant nature and thrilling adventures in Rotorua before moving onto the beauties of Napier and Hawke's Bay via Lake Taupo. Here, you'll spend some time visiting wineries and soaking up the indulgent atmosphere.

After travelling through Martinborough for more wine tasting, you'll traverse the Rimutaka Ranges to the cosmopolitan city of Wellington where you'll spend your last few days.
Sightseeing
Food & Drink
Outdoors & Nature
Adventure
Culture & Arts

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Auckland!

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Welcome to Auckland!

Your New Zealand vacation will begin with a meet and greet with a private driver and transferred to your Auckland accommodation. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or take a drive through one of over 800 regional National Parks to see deserted beaches, waterfalls and native forest.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    CityLife Auckland4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    AucklandOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Auckland Airport to Auckland

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Itinerary Information by App & In-Country Support

Day 2

Explore the City of Auckland

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Explore the City of Auckland

This morning, you'll pick up your rental car and then spend the day exploring Auckland. Sandy beaches, native bush and lush rainforests give way to a vibrant urban culture, humming with life. Spend time in the Viaduct Harbour, try your hand at sailing an America’s Cup yacht, or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for a gourmet food and wine experience. From the top of Auckland's highest volcano, Mt Eden, take in soaring views of the gulf, or lose yourself in one of the national parks.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    CityLife Auckland4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Explore Auckland

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

  • notes icon
    Notes

    Collect Your Rental Car with GPS

Day 3

Drive South from Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set

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Drive South from Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set

Today, you'll drive south past the Bombay Hills and into the rolling farmland and pastures of Waikato. You’ll soon go through the town of Matamata where you can visit the fully intact Hobbiton film set used in the shooting of the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Continuing on, you’ll pass several small farming communities before telltale signs of steam and other geothermal activity signals your arrival into Rotorua.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bella Vista Motel Rotorua4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hobbiton Movie SetOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Auckland to Rotorua

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

    Matamata

    Rotorua

Day 4

Free Day in Rotorua Discovering Maori Culture, Nature & Thrilling Adventures

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Free Day in Rotorua Discovering Maori Culture, Nature & Thrilling Adventures

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, a visit to one of the Maori Villages should be high on your agenda. You can spike your adrenaline at Velocity Valley Adventure Park on stomach-dropping attractions such as static skydiving. Alternatively, you can head up the Rotorua Gondola for soaring lake views and ride the luge at night for an extra thrill.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bella Vista Motel Rotorua4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Rainbow Springs Nature Park & National Kiwi Hatchery Combo TourOptional Activity

    Rotorua Canopy ToursOptional Activity

    Te Po Indigenous Evening ExperienceOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rotorua

Day 5

Drive to Napier & Hawke's Bay via Lake Taupo

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Drive to Napier & Hawke's Bay via Lake Taupo

This drive today will take you through the thermal region just south of Rotorua, notable attractions here are Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Craters of the Moon. You'll continue on to Taupo and marvel at the lake - a giant crater formed following a volcanic eruption in the year 180 CE. As you approach the city, be sure to stop at Huka Falls before you follow the road as it climbs the rugged Ahimanawa Range before descending back down the Pacific Coast to art deco Napier.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Pebble Beach Motor Inn4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    TaupoOptional Activity

    Twilight Odyssey Progressive Winery Tour & DinnerOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Rotorua to Napier

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rotorua

    Taupo

    Napier

Day 6

Discover the Art Deco Architecture, Vineyards & Gannets of Hawke's Bay

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Discover the Art Deco Architecture, Vineyards & Gannets of Hawke's Bay

With its Mediterranean climate and Art Deco style, Hawke's Bay is an attractive holiday prospect, and today you'll explore this region to learn why. As the nation's first winemaking region, a visit to one of its 30 wineries is a must. Those into Gatsby will enjoy the chance to view prominent Art Deco landmarks on a 1930s Vintage Car Tour. If you're after some fresh air, hire a bike and take your pick of one of over 200 kilometres of cycling trails or head on down to one of the many beaches.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Pebble Beach Motor Inn4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Explore Napier & Hawke's BayOptional Activity

    Gannet Safaris OverlandOptional Activity

    The Grape Escape Hawke's Bay Wine TourOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Napier

    Te Haroto

    Clifton

Day 7

Drive from Napier to Martinborough & Half-Day Wine Tour

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Drive from Napier to Martinborough & Half-Day Wine Tour

As you leave the rolling countryside of the Hawke's Bay, you'll be greeted with some of the country's richest dairy farmland in the Manawatu Gorge. Continue on through the Wairarapa region and stop in the Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre, where you can see some of New Zealand native animals. As you drive south, a visit to historic Greytown is a must-do. Leaving state highway 2, you will cross over the Ruamahanga River into Martinborough wine country - your destination for the day.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Claremont Motel and Apartments Martinborough4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Martinborough Half-Day Wine TourOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Napier to Martinborough

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Napier

    Martinborough

Day 8

Travel Over the Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington

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Travel Over the Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington

Today, your New Zealand vacation will cross the Rimutaka Ranges as you make your way to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Often compared to Melbourne, Wellington is a vibrant cultural hub. At one kilometre squared, the city centre (easily traversed on foot) has an international feel and is peppered with underground art shows, alleyway cafes and New York-style delis. Take in the boardwalk view as you stroll to Te Papa Museum or indulge your cinematic side exploring Weta Workshop.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Distinction Wellington Century City Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in WellingtonOptional Activity

    Te Papa TongarewaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Martinborough to Wellington

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Martinborough

    Wellington

Day 9

Uncover the Charms of Wellington City

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Uncover the Charms of Wellington City

Wellington, the windy, cosmopolitan city, is a melting pot of art, culture, food and fashion. Quirky laneway bars, underground art shows, and hipster eateries make up its inner-city vibe, while a host of sandy beaches outside the urban bustle bring a cheerful holiday feel. Head to Te Papa Museum for a history lesson and a ticket to one of its many international exhibitions or jump aboard the Wellington Cable Car at Lambton Quay - the only running funicular railway in the country.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Distinction Wellington Century City Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Discover Wellington CityOptional Activity

    Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary Night TourOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

Day 10

Goodbye Wellington!

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Goodbye Wellington!

Choose to explore more of Wellington's sights before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey. We hope to see you again for your next New Zealand vacation!

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Rental Car from Wellington to Wellington International Airport

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

Included in Price

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • 1 activity
  • Airport transfer
  • Ground transportation

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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