Touring The North

A 6 day tour from Auckland to Wellington via Napier, Lake Taupo and the steaming geysers and springs of the Rotorua thermal region.

Day 1 - Auckland
Arrive Auckland International Airport. Private car transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Auckland.
Situated on a narrow isthmus between two beautiful harbours, Auckland the 'city of sails' is New Zealand's largest city with a population of over 1 million. Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, so aptly named by the Maoris as the ' sea of sparkling waters', has brought prosperity to the city. Besides being New Zealand's main shipping port Auckland is also the main terminal for overseas traffic. The warm sunny climate, with its generous and evenly distributed rainfull is ideal and there are beautiful parklands and garden reserves throughout. The many miles of coastline provides Aucklanders with the means to enjoy their favorite sport of yachting.
STANDARD: Sky City Hotel
DELUXE: Cotter House, B&B basis

Day 2 - Auckland/Rotorua (310km)
Collect your car this morning to make your way to Rotorua. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Rotorua. Rotorua is the centre of the intense thermal activity in New Zealand. The city itself is situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua and excellent stream and lake fishing abounds. Geysers, pools of boiling mud, crystal springs and hot mineral water and richly coloured craters make Rotorua one of the world's great tourist attractions.
STANDARD: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
DELUXE: The Lodge at 199, B&B basis

Day 3 - Rotorua to Taupo (80km)
More thermal wonders today as you make the short drive to Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, and the dramatic Huka Falls nearby. There's time to stop en route at the bubbling champagne pools of Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland or the more remote Orakei Korako with its colourful silica terraces.
STANDARD: Lakeland Resort Taupo
DELUXE: Acacia Cliff Lodge, B&B basis

Day 4 - Taupo/Napier (140km)
Make your way to Napier. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Napier. The centre of the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand, Napier is renowned for both its Art Deco architecture and also for its wine industry. It is said to be one of the warmest regions in the country with warm summers and mild winters. There are many activities from adventure seeking, wine tasting to just browsing around the local art deco shopping areas.
STANDARD: The Nautilus Napier
DELUXE: The Country Hotel

Day 5 - Napier/Wellington (330km)
Make your way to Wellington. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Wellington. Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand lies at the southern end of the North Island. On the shores of a magnificent harbour and surrounded by the rugged beauty of green hills, it is one of the most scenic cities.

Some of the best views are obtained from the hilltops especially from Mt Victoria lookout, which can be conveniently reached by a short taxi ride. Public buildings of interest are the Dominion Museum and National Art Gallery, parliment buildings and the Alexander Turnbull libary. The newest attraction in the 'capital' is New Zealand's National Museum . Named 'Te Papa' (our place) it contains a wealth of a information on New Zealand's past, present and future, many interactive exhibits, multi-media databases and fascinating collections. A must see while in Wellington.
STANDARD: Ibis Hotel
DELUXE: Lambton Heights Boutique, B&B basis

Day 6 - Wellington
Tour ends with returning your rental car to the airport or city or ferry depot. Depart Wellington on your own arrangements.

6 day self drive tour - Standard from £349 or Deluxe from £719

Standard tours include accommodation in comfortable touring hotels. Deluxe tours include more intimate accommodation in lodges, country houses and small hotels offering a warm welcome and personal service. With Deluxe hotels breakfast is included.

Accommodation is subject to availability and may be changed for one of a similar standard if necessary.