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7-Day Auckland to Wellington Self-Drive

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Overview

Travel the length of the North Island of New Zealand from Auckland to Wellington on this self-drive trip!

Beginning in Auckland, you'll journey down to Wellington over seven days capturing iconic scenes, taking in stunning views, visiting wonderful towns, and making plenty of worthwhile stops along the way.

Of the many places you'll visit, you'll spend time in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, Lake Taupo and the Art Deco capital of Napier before making your way to Wellington. Your trip will be filled with opportunities for thrilling adventures and gourmet food experiences!
Sightseeing
Outdoors & Nature

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Auckland

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Welcome to Auckland

Upon arrival in Auckland, you'll pick up your rental car and make your way to your hotel for the next two nights. After check-in, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore the city on your own. Greater Auckland, with a population of over one million, is New Zealand’s largest urban area and centre of commerce and industry, but within minutes of the city, you can experience uncrowded beaches, rural countryside and forests.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Quadrant Hotel & Suites4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    AucklandOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Auckland Airport to The Quadrant Hotel & SuitesOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

Day 2

Guided Morning Walking Tour of Auckland and Sky Tower Visit

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Guided Morning Walking Tour of Auckland and Sky Tower Visit

This morning, with an expert local guide, you'll discover the fascinating jewels of Auckland on a walking tour of Auckland's past and present historical and cultural highlights. You'll wander the cobblestone streets and the narrow lanes as your highly knowledgeable local guide unfolds two centuries of Auckland's architectural legacy from Classical, Renaissance, Gothic to Baroque. Later, you'll take advantage of your included skip-the-line admission to Auckland Sky Tower for an amazing view.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    The Quadrant Hotel & Suites4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Auckland Half-Day Walking Tour

    Sky Tower

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

Day 3

Scenic Journey from Auckland to Rotorua via Hamilton

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Scenic Journey from Auckland to Rotorua via Hamilton

Today, you'll drive from Auckland to Rotorua, stopping for a few hours in Hamilton on the way. With parks, gardens and abundant local art to explore, Hamilton is known for its walks, cafes and nightlife. In the heart of the city, you'll find Hamilton Gardens, the sprawling public park with elaborate themed gardens showcasing Maori, Japanese and even Italian styles. Moving on, you'll arrive in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua which sits on the shores of a lake by the same name.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Jet Park Hotel Rotorua4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    HamiltonOptional Activity

    RotoruaOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Auckland to HamiltonOptional Activity

    Self-Driving from Hamilton to RotoruaOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Auckland

    Hamilton

    Rotorua

Day 4

Whaka Geothermal Trails and Travel to Taupo

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Whaka Geothermal Trails and Travel to Taupo

This morning, you'll head to Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village to take on a series of geothermal walking trails which combine views of native ferns, edible plants and eerie glimpses of unique geothermal landscapes, such as colourful steaming lakes and thermal pools. You'll then make the short journey from Rotorua to Taupo, a beautiful town situated at the edge of Australasia's largest lake of the same name and a stunning mountain backdrop.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Bella Vista Motel Taupo4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Whaka Geothermal Trails

    TaupoOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Rotorua to TaupōOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rotorua

    Taupo

Day 5

Travel from Taupo to the Art Deco Capital, Napier

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Travel from Taupo to the Art Deco Capital, Napier

Today, you'll make the two-hour journey from Taupo to Napier. Situated on the edge of New Zealand's renowned wine-producing region, Hawke's Bay, Napier is a city known for not only its wineries but its intriguing Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and Art Deco building styles. The best way to explore the city is a self-guided walk; wander along its tree-lined promenade and visit Napier's many fine wineries restaurants, bars and cafes.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Edgewater Motor Lodge4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    NapierOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Taupō to NapierOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Taupo

    Napier

Day 6

Morning Art Deco Walk and Journey to Wellington via Hastings and Paraparaumu

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Morning Art Deco Walk and Journey to Wellington via Hastings and Paraparaumu

This morning, you'll meet at the Napier Art Deco Trust where you'll embark on an hour's walk around the city centre to see the Art Deco architecture with a local guide. You'll then set off on your journey to Wellington, making several stops on the way, the first being in Hastings with its impressive array of public artwork and restaurants to indulge. You'll then continue on the road to Wellington, stopping off in the beautiful regions of Manawatu-Wanganui and Paraparaumu.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Morning Art Deco Walk From Napier Art Deco Trust

    HastingsOptional Activity

    Manawatu-Wanganui RegionOptional Activity

    ParaparaumuOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Napier to HastingsOptional Activity

    Self-Driving from Hastings to WellingtonOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Napier

    Hastings

    Mangamahu

    Paraparaumu

    Wellington

Day 7

Half-Day Tour of Wellington and Departure

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Half-Day Tour of Wellington and Departure

Picturesque and unforgettably beautiful, Wellington is nestled around a sparkling, bustling harbour with residential housing extending up the sides of green valley hills. Today, you'll explore this city on a half-day tour with a local guide to all of its main attractions and beautiful viewpoints. After the tour, you'll make your way to the airport to return your rental car and board your departing flight. Your Auckland to Wellington road trip is over, until next time!

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Half-Day Tour of Wellington

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Self-Driving from Wellington to Wellington International AirportOptional Activity

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Wellington

Included in Price

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 5 activities

Not Included in Price

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