Northern Splendour - SD

DAY 1

Arrive Auckland

Upon arrival, collect your rental vehicle and self drive to your accommodation.  

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, located between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here.  Overnight: Auckland

DAY 2

Auckland - Waitomo - Hobbiton - Rotorua

Journey through the rolling green hills of Waitomo and enjoy a tour through an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Continue to Matamata for a charming tour of unique, character Hobbit homes, gardens and the watering hole just as you see in the movies. Finishing off a visually fulfilling day, continue on to Rotorua, a bubbling and steaming destination like nowhere else. Overnight: Rotorua

DAY 3

Rotorua

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. Today you'll visit one of the local geothermal attractions before a sensory evening display in the forest. Overnight: Rotorua

DAY 4

Rotorua - Napier

There’s a bit of everything on today’s drive past Great Lake Taupo to Napier.    Your scenic journey includes volcanic geography, fresh forest plantations, rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas.  Overnight: Napier

DAY 5

Napier

Following an earthquake in 1931, a rebuild saw Napier completely redesigned in the style of the times.  Buildings were constructed in the Art Deco style with Maori motifs to give the city a unique New Zealand character.  Today, the delightful seaside city of Napier has the extra-ordinary feeling of a time capsule with its seamless line of some of the world's finest 1930's architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of Napier's unique history and architecture. Overnight: Napier

DAY 6

Napier - Wellington

Today's travel south may be via the spectacular Manawatu Gorge or through the beautiful Tuki Tuki Valley and Wairarapa Wine region to reach Wellington.

Set between a sparking harbour and rolling green hills the compact city of Wellington is best explored on foot.  Great shopping, arts culture, cafes and restaurants are all within minutes of the city’s untouched nature spots.  We recommend adding a  guided tour of  Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum for a greater insight into New Zealand's rich history and culture. Overnight: Wellington

DAY 7

Depart Wellington

Arrangements conclude today with the return of your rental car to Wellington Airport.