7D/6N Self-Drive Northern Splendour New Zealand
Embrace awesome earth forces, geothermal hot spots, a forest cloaked interior, Art Deco architecture and beautiful valleys with our New Zealand North Island Vacation Package. Enjoy a variety of scenery on this extensive North Island itinerary. Combine it with your preferred South Island tour for a complete New Zealand experience.
Day 1 Arrive Auckland
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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 OPTIONAL ACTIVITES Te Wao Nui at Auckland Zoo: With naturally inspiring and award-winning habitats, Auckland Zoo is New Zealand’s largest home of native and exotic wildlife, just minutes from central Auckland. Within Auckland Zoo, you’ll find Te Wao Nui, a special piece of New Zealand within New Zealand. Featuring native bird and plant species, Te Wao Nui is divided into six stunning habitats showcasing the native flora and fauna of Aotearoa, New Zealand; the coast, the island sanctuary, the wetlands, the forest, and the highlands. Discover the iconic kiwi, cheeky kea , and more than 50 of Aotearoa`s amazing natural treasures in Te Wao Nui - The Living Realm. Home to over 75 native animals and over 100 plant species, Te Wao Nui will take you on an immersive journey through New Zealand`s natural world. Auckland Sky Tower: View Auckland City from 328 metres high above street level in the iconic Sky Tower. This is a great introduction to the city as it provides panoramic 360 degree views up to 80km in every direction. Orbit Restaurant Set Menu Dinner: Situated at the top of Auckland`s Sky Tower, Orbit offers a modern dining experience in a relaxed, open atmosphere with a kiwi-inspired menu. The Orbit dining room completes a 360-degree rotation each hour, providing a truly unique experience with amazing panoramas of the city, harbour and beyond. Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise: Immerse yourself in Auckland’s harbour setting with dinner on the water under sail on this 2.5 hour experience. Enjoy canapes and a welcome drink as you depart the dock at Viaduct Harbour, downtown Auckland for the open water. Your friendly, knowledgeable and informative crew will talk you through Auckland’s unique history as you sail past iconic landmarks and under the Auckland Harbour Bridge. There is plenty of opportunity to participate in sailing, capture the perfect shot or just sit back and enjoy the sights. Dinner is served above deck as you take in the sea air or optional dining below deck in the well-appointed cabin. Savour dessert from the cockpit as the city lights up during the leisurely sail back to the vibrant Viaduct Basin. Compliment your meal from a selection of locally produced wine or beer from the fully licensed bar on board.
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Day 2 Auckland - Waitomo - Hobbiton - Rotorua (B)
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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 Auckland-Waitomo: 195km (approx 2hrs, 30mins) Waitomo-Matamata: 102km (approx 1hr, 20mins) Matamata-Rotorua: 67km (approx 55mins) INCLUDED ACTIVITES Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour More than 30 million years ago, the legend of Waitomo began with the creation of limestone at the bottom of the ocean. Discover this ancient world with your expert tour guide bringing the Waitomo Glowwom Cave to life through story-telling its history, features and legends. Walk past stunning, delicate cave formations before taking a boat ride through the glow worm grotto. Glide silently through the starry wonderland of Arachnocampa Luminosa, thousands of magical glowworms, unique to New Zealand. Hobbiton Movie Set Step into the enchanting village of Hobbiton Movie Set for a two hour tour around the set. Your passionate guide will point out the intricate detailing, highlighting the most famous locations and explaining how the movie was made. OPTIONAL ACTIVITES Polynesian Spa - Deluxe Lake Spa: Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua lies Polynesian Spa, a geothermal bathing and soul searching retreat. Relax and unwind in the natural springs that nourish the skin and relieve tired muscles, aches and pains. Embrace nature`s sanctuary and slip into five mineral hot pools overlooking the lake. Lounge on geothermal recliners and enjoy the deluxe changing rooms. Geyser by Night: Just seven minutes from central Rotorua lies one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands – featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush. When darkness falls the true love story of Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland comes to life. Explore this unique landscape on foot in a multi-sensory experience. Hear the stories of the past and feel the beauty of Pōhutu Geyser on a two hour guided interactive journey under the stars. The 3km trek across geothermal terrain is suitable for those aged 8 years and older with a medium level of fitness. A traditional Māori dessert will be shared before viewing beautiful and powerful Pōhutu, the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Allow: 2hrs, 15mins
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Day 3 Rotorua (B)
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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 Maori myths and legends including the romantic love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. Today you`ll visit one of the local geothermal attractions before a sensory evening display in the forest. Overnight: Rotorua INCLUDED ACTIVITES Waimangu Geothermal Valley Waimangu connects people with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, its unique history and legacy. Discover how the world began. Experience spectacular volcanic craters, enormous hot water springs, beautiful geothermal features, rare and unusual plant life, brilliantly coloured micro biology and a wide array of birds. Become immersed in the stories of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption, its people, and the resulting dramatic landscape changes that created the world’s youngest geothermal park. Explore Waimangu at your own pace on the easy, mainly downhill, 1.5km walk. Treewalk Nightlights Forest and fantasy come to life within this magical illuminated evening treewalk. Redwoods Nightlights™ is one of New Zealand’s top design led tourism experiences. Set high amongst the giant redwood trees, 30 exquisite lanterns float above the forest floor. Enjoy the mesmerising forest at night on a 40 minute award-winning, eco-tourism walk that spans 28 platforms and suspension bridges. Suitable for all ages and perfect for those looking for things to do in Rotorua at night. OPTIONAL ACTIVITES Skyline Gondola Ride: The Skyline Complex is situated high on the side of Mt Ngongotaha, just nine minutes from Rotorua central. Step onboard a gondola cabin and enjoy a gentle, scenic ride high above Rotorua for spectacular views of the city and lake. Enjoy the elevated views, stay for a meal or take part in some of the activities on offer.
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Day 4 Rotorua - Napier (B)
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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 Rotorua - Napier: 220km (approx 2hrs, 55mins) OPTIONAL ACTIVITES Hawkes Bay Twilight Tour
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Day 5 Napier (B)
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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 INCLUDED ACTIVITES Art Deco Morning Walk In February 1931, Napier was levelled by earthquake and fire but was rebuilt in the depths of the Great Depression in just two years. Nowhere else in the world can you see such a concentration of buildings in the styles of the 1930s: Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical. Your knowledgeable and passionate guide will take you on a walk back in time on this 1.5 hour walking tour, pointing out Napier’s Art Deco highlights along the way. OPTIONAL ACTIVITES Panoramic Taste of Wine Tour: Hawke’s Bay history abounds with early winemaking successes. Here you will find New Zealand’s very first winery and today Hawke’s Bay has over 100 vineyards and 80 wineries. Your half day wine tour takes you on a journey through the gorgeous countryside and into the most famous wine growing regions of Hawke`s Bay. Visit four internationally recognised wineries, where you`ll take part in a series of comprehensive wine tastings, with explanations from your tour guide. If you don`t know anything about wine, you won`t be alone – this is a first for many on a wine tour. Whatever your experience, you`ll come away with a better understanding and appreciation of wine than when you started. |
Day 6 Napier - Wellington (B)
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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. Te Papa, New Zealand`s National Museum offers FREE admission but you might like to include a guided tour for a greater insight into New Zealand`s rich history and culture. Overnight: Wellington Napier - Wellington: 320km (approx 4hrs, 20mins) OPTIONAL ACTIVITES Zealandia by Day Tour: ZEALANDIA is an immersive venture into New Zealand’s wildlife. Located just 13 minutes from downtown Wellington, the eco-sanctuary is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary animals. Enjoy an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque sanctuary to witness the native wildlife that is once again living on the mainland. Soak up the beautiful scenery while learning more about New Zealand’s unique ecological history. Enjoy all the sights and sounds of Zealandia during the daytime with an experienced guide who will lead you through the sanctuary valley. Tour highlights: See a wide range of native New Zealand birds when they are at their most active. Witness the highly intelligent kākā (bush parrot), kakariki, tūī and bellbirds at feeding stations positioned along the sanctuary’s walkways. You may also see the critically endangered takahē, the busy tīeke (saddleback), the bright hihi, tuatara, and green gecko. Introducing Te Papa Tour: Spread over six floors, Te Papa Museum of New Zealand brings to life the stories of New Zealand. This 60 minute tour is the perfect way to get an overview of Te Papa’s highlights, Māori taonga (treasures), and New Zealand history. Your experienced tour guide will reveal innovative cultural treasures of the Māori and Pasifika peoples, the history and science of our vibrant natural environment, and the national art collection. Ideal for visitors with limited time or for those wanting an introduction towards an extended visit.
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Day 7 Depart Wellington (B)
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Arrangements conclude today with the return of your rental car to Wellington Airport. Please Note Rental Car "Days" are based on a 24 hour hire. Early arrivals into and/or late departures out of New Zealand may necessitate a longer hire period. Adding Optional Tours may necessitate an additional nights` stay in that location.
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- 6 Day Rental Car Hire
- 6 Nights Accommodation based on Standard Hotel (3 Star)
- Daily Breakfast
- Included Activities:
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Hobbiton Movie Set
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- Redwoods Treewalk Nightlights
- Art Deco Guided Tour
- International or domestic airfares
- Gratuities
- Visa Fees
- Gasoline
- Meals (Lunch and Dinner)
- Unless specified
- Supplement upgrade hotel to Superior Hotel (4 star) or First Class Hotel (5 star) based on request
- Optional Extras & Fuels
- Optional Activities
- Personal expenses
- Excess baggage charges
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Other Services not mentioned above
- Special event, High and Peak Season surcharge (for all other surcharge, you will be advised at the time booking is made)
- Applicable for Indonesian market and KIMS / KITAS
- The package valid until 30 April 2025 (low season only)
- Starting price for minimum 7 persons
- Rent Car condition:
- Compact SUV (CFAR/CFAV) for one (1) Car maximum for 3 persons
- Intermediate SUV (IFAR) and Full Size SUV (FFAR) for one (1) Car maximum for 4 persons
- Premium 8 Seater (PVAR) for one (1) Car minimum 4 persons and maximum 7 persons
- It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that they have valid passport and visas. Travelers from many countries require visas for entry into New Zealand
- if any of above properties are unavailable at the time of booking similar accommodation will be provided. An additional charge may apply for any upgrading
- Pricing is subject to availability at time of booking and may be subject to Event surcharges
- A final price will be confirmed with the booking confirmation
- Cancellation Policy apply
- Self drive rental vehicle touring is calculated on a 24 hour ‘per day’ hire period. Early flight arrival and/or late departure times may necessitate an additional hire day
- Child rate valid for child under 11 years old and based on request. Child 11 years above the rate same with adult fare
- Driving in New Zealand:
- Road Safety
- t`s easy to underestimate driving times when looking at a map. Although distances may seem short, New Zealand roads often include hilly or winding terrain with sharp corners, slowing down your journey. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination and drive carefully according to the weather conditions. Snow, ice and fog can be common in winter, especially in the South Island, around mountain passes
- If you are surrounded by sheep or stock on country roads, drive slowly and take your direction from the farmer
- Make sure that you have plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular breaks and pull over if you feel sleepy
- Don`t leave valuables in your vehicle
- Road Rules
- In New Zealand, all motorists drive on the LEFT HAND SIDE of the road
- When approaching a roundabout, always give way to traffic on your right
- When the traffic light is red, you must stop. There is no left turn rule as in North America
- Keep within speed limits. The maximum speed limit on open roads is 100km/h (approx 60m/h) and 50km/h in urban areas
- Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times, in both front and rear seats
- Do not drink and drive. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in New Zealand
- Driving while using a hand-held cellphone is illegal in New Zealand
- It is illegal to pass other cars where there is a yellow line in the middle of the road. The yellow line indicates it is too dangerous to pass
- You are required by law to carry your driver licence with you at all times
- International Driving Licences and Permits
- You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver`s licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit that is issued in English. If your licence is not in English, you must carry an authorised English translation with you
BOOKING SUMMARY
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