Welcome to Auckland. On arrival, please make your way to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with this vibrant city.

Check in & arrival information.
Auckland airport is connected to the city by the Auckland City Express SkyBus and offers a great cost-effective means of getting directly into Auckland City. For $17 each one way (or $32 return), they will take you directly from the airport into the city. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, taking between 40 and 50 minutes. As you’d expect, you’ll need to allow additional time if travelling in peak hours.

Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.

Enjoy a free morning to begin exploring Auckland. 

Today you’ll be collected from your hotel to join a tour of Kumeu Wine Country. A 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland brings you to the Kumeu Wine Country. Your first tasting is at award-winning Soljans Vineyard. Enjoy lunch at Soljans Winery restaurant which has been built with sunshine in mind and serves Mediterranean-style food with a New Zealand twist, showcasing fresh seasonal produce from around the region. Next to tempt the taste buds is Matua Valley Wines who offer an extensive range of wines for every unique taste and occasion.

Your journey takes you to one of the few mainland gannet nesting sites in the world situated on the cliff-tops overlooking the Tasman Sea where you have the chance to see one of the world’s largest seabirds in their natural environment. Here you get a close-up of gannet behaviour without disturbing their environment. The views extend for miles along the wild, black, iron sand beach of Muriwai.

Your final tasting is at West Brook Winery. The West Brook cellar door looks across an idyllic duck pond and terraced picnic area to row after row of vines. The wines reflect true varietal character and their unique regional origins.

At the conclusion of the tour you will be returned to your hotel. 

This morning collect your rental car and begin the trip north to Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Island.

Driving along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway we recommend a visit to Whangārei. If you are up for it, take a detour to the Whangarei Heads scenic drive as it winds through pohutakawa fringed bays with stunning views to the wild and beautiful Ocean Beach (approximately an additional 80 minute return trip).

Continuing north, travel the remaining distance to Paihia and on arrival check in to your hotel. 

Approximate distance driven: 280km, 3.5hrs

Car Hire Pick Up.
Collect your car from Budget downtown office, located on 206 Victoria Street, Auckland.

At 8.30AM board your vessel from the Paihia Wharf and enjoy picturesque views as the boat winds its way through the islands. 

According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space... and if you get dripped on, consider yourself lucky!

Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as we get you up close to the action. Please note that during our morning cruise we are permitted to interact with common dolphins only.

Cruises include an island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Stroll along the white sand beach, or walk to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands. 

Your cruise concludes back at Paihia Wharf at 12:00PM. There rest of the day is at leisure. 

Today is a full day to explore the northernmost peninsula of New Zealand. Having the car will give you the flexibility to discover the hidden coves and stunning outlooks that dot the coastline. 

Before leaving Paihia today we recommend visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. New Zealand’s most important historic site, where in 1840 New Zealand's founding document was signed: the Treaty of Waitangi. The award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must-do for all visitors to the Bay of Islands.

Today is a long drive to Waitomo. Leaving early, make your way south back along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. 

Along the way enjoy coffee and a lunch break at the many charming towns that line the route. On arrival in Waitomo, check in to your hotel.

Approximate distance driven: 420km, 5.5hrs

Make your way to the starting point of the cave tour at 39 Waitomo Village Rd. Please ensure you bring a warm jacket as the cave temperature can be significantly lower than the outside temperature. Discover thousands of illuminating glow worms as you explore these glittering underground worlds on two walking tours. Glide silently by boat through the Glowworm Grotto in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, then get up-close and personal for a photo opportunity. 

Farewell Waitomo today and continue your drive to the volcanic mecca of Rotorua. Enroute, make a stop at Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park (entry not included). The park is the best place to see Kiwi birds up close and conducts keeper talks featuring kiwi’s at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm daily. 

Then continue to Rotorua, one of the world's most lively fields of geothermal activity. Suggested evening activities include spending the evening enjoying a Māori Cultural Performance and traditional hangi (entry not included).

Approximate distance driven: 139km, 2hrs

Spend the day exploring Rotorua at your own pace. Rotorua is a fascinating mix of geothermal activity, Māori culture, and adventure, Rotorua is a region that offers a multitude of experiences.

Explore the bubbling mud pools and geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, or get your adrenaline pumping with some of the great adventure activities on offer. Visit Te Puia or Tamaki Maori Village to experience Māori culture and learn about the historic events of New Zealand's history.

For those that love getting outdoors, try a walk or mountain bike along the network of trails that wind through the giant Redwood forests.

Leaving Rotorua behind, make your way to Matamata where you will find the original Hobbiton Movie Set from Lord of the Rings. While not everyone might be a die hard fan, the movies put New Zealand on the map on a global scale and have had significant involvement in the boom of New Zealand tourism. 

For those movie lovers, you may want to take a guided tour around the Hobbit Shire and learn all about the history and the on-location filming processes (optional tour)

Continue back to Auckland where your car needs to be returned to the downtown depot where you collected your car from. 

Approximate distance driven: 228km, 3hrs

Today your North Island Deluxe Road Trip  comes to an end. Farewell Auckland as you make your own way to the airport for your onward flight or to continue the next part of your journey.

Alternatively, you may want to join the below optional activity. Note that if selecting the below optional tour you may require an addtional night of accommodation (additional cost) or flight departing Auckland after 8pm.

Auckland airport is connected to the city by the Auckland City Express SkyBus and offers a great cost-effective means of getting directly to the airport. For $17 each one way (or $32 return), they will take you directly from the city to the airport. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, taking between 40 and 50 minutes. As you’d expect, you’ll need to allow additional time if travelling in peak hours.