Arrive Auckland
On arrival in auckland after you have collected your rental car make your way into Auckland city and to your accommodation. Auckland, New Zealand’s largest population centre, is poised between two enormous harbours and dotted with extinct volcanic cones. The region is a fusion of four cities – Auckland, Manukau, North Shore and Waitakere – with cultural elements that span from Polynesia and Asia to the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe. While Auckland acts as a gateway to New Zealand, it’s also a destination in its own right. Visitors can explore the islands of the Hauraki Gulf by ferry or charter boat, walk the forest tracks of the Waitakere Ranges, follow wine trails and enjoy the relaxing pleasures of urban life by the sea. Stay: Oaktree Motel
Day 2
Auckland to Coromandel
Make your way south of Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula, separated from Auckland by the broad Firth of the Thames, The Coromandel comprises a forested backbone of mountains separating the precipitous west coast from the coves and white sand beaches of the east. One of the highlights of the Pacific Coast Highway, this is a very scenic area that deserves exploration. The Driving Creek Railway is included today. Stay: Aotearoa Lodge
Day 3
Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua
Today make your way to Rotorua, the city sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city’s past and present. The city is also the tribal home of the Te Arawa people, who settled in lakeside geothermal areas more than 600 years ago. Entertaining in any weather, and at any time of the year, Rotorua promises to keep you captivated with geothermal phenomena and special cultural experiences. Geysers, boiling mud pools, marae stays, hangi feasts, an authentic pre-European Maori village and indulgent spa therapies will provide plenty of content for your emails home. Rotorua also has a well-developed adventure culture – everything from skydiving to zorbing. Stay: Six on Union (2 nights)
Day 4
Rotorua
Entrance is included to Te Puia where visitors can learn about the local Maori culture and experience regions unique geothermal wonders. This evening experience Te Po, Te Puia’s cultural experience. It is a feast of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Maori kai (indigenous food). After a formal Maori welcome, relax and enjoy a performance including the beautiful songs, haka and poi dance. After dinner you will be transported by people movers to enjoy the spectacular lighting of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and hot chocolate. (D)
Day 5
Rotorua to Napier
Napier’s misfortune in 1931, when it was almost levelled by an earthquake, has led to the city’s world famous point of difference. Today Napier has one of the most outstanding collections of 1930s architecture in the world. Walking around the city, you’ll see wonderful examples of Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical design. Napier’s other special attractions include the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers and the many vineyards that make good use of the region’s alluvial soils. On Saturday morning, the Napier farmers’ market is a chance to shop for artisan foods and fresh produce. Stay: Bella Tuscany on Kennedy (2 nights)
Day 6
Napier
This morning enjoy a guided walk where your accredited guide will bring Napier’s fascinating architecture to life for you as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 7
Napier to Masterton
On your way south you’ll drive through Waipukurau and Waipawa as well as Dannevirke, a town originally settled by Scandinavians. Stay: Masterton Motor Lodge
Day 8
Masterton to Wellington
Spend the day enjoying the clean, green Wairarapa scenery as you drive south. Carterton is a good place to shop for paua shell souvenirs, while Greytown has many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture and a quaint museum – take yourself on a self-guided walk. At Featherston, which has an interesting locomotive museum, you’ll turn left towards Martinborough - a region famous for it's wineries and vineyards. Less than 2 hours drive away, Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital beckons. Climb up and over the Rimutaka Range - great views in every direction. Once the mountains are behind you, it’s easy driving for the rest of your journey. You’ll wind through the picturesque Hutt Valley then a fast moving motorway will whisk you towards the city. Stay:Capital Gateway Motor Inn (2 nights)
Day 9
Wellington
Today is at your leisure to explore the city, the best way to do this is by foot as it is quite compact and the one-way streets can make driving difficult. Wellington’s visitors come to browse museums, historic places and galleries, including the highly acclaimed National Museum Te Papa. From a food and wine point of view, the city is truly delectable. Night time entertainment includes professional theatre, live concerts, comedy shows and dance performances.
Day 10
Wellington to Wanganui
Starting your journey back north today your destination is Wanganui, the picturesque river city has a long history. During the early days of European settlement, it was an important trading centre. The river served as a main highway for the transport of goods and people. Prominent heritage buildings in the city include the Royal Wanganui Opera House and the Sarjeant Art Gallery. Take time to explore the restored heritage areas, then board the paddle steamer for a memorable river cruise. One of Wanganui's more unusual visitor attractions is the earthbound elevator that rises to the top of Durie Hill. The regional museum has a magnificent collection of Lindauer portaits and Maori treasures. Stay: Alma Motel
Day 11
Wanganui to New Plymouth
Heading north towards New Plymouth the skyline is dominated by the mountain from which the region takes it’s name, Mount Taranaki. The city of New Plymouth is known for its sunny climate, art galleries and beautiful parks. It is also New Zealand’s ‘oil town’, with offshore rigs extracting natural gas and oil. Mount Taranaki provides a dramatic backdrop to the city, while reminding you that the hiking trails of the Egmont National Park are just a short drive away. Down at the New Plymouth waterfront you’ll find Puke Ariki, a wonderful museum and heritage centre that overlooks a six kilometre coastal walkway. At any time of the year, Pukekura Park is a place to relax and enjoy nature. It has a children’s zoo and bush walks. Expect good shopping and an appetising selection of restaurants. Stay: Coronation Court Motel
Day 12
New Plymouth to Waitomo
The Waitomo Caves district is famous for its subterranean phenomena. Beneath the surface of this limestone region is a series of vast cave systems decorated with speleotherms (stalactites and stalagmites) and glow-worms. Some caves are open to the public, others are best left to the experts. Black water rafting is an intriguing way to appreciate the underground splendours of Waitomo – you’ll drift along subterranean streams on your own personal raft. Guided abseiling experiences are also available. Other activities in the area include horse riding, quad biking and jet boating. Entrance to the caves is included today. Stay: Palm Court Motel, Otorohonga
Day 13
Waitomo to Auckland
On the final leg of your holiday you’ll return through Hamilton and on to Auckland for your final nights stay. Stay: Oaktree Motel
Day 14
Depart Auckland Please return your rental car to the depot at Auckland airport prior to your departure for your onward flight.
Note:This self drive tour can be completed in reverse order, the tour cost remains the same.To view tour prices or to make an enquiry, please click on the Tabs at the top of this itinerary.Top
14 Day East Meets West Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys.
1 Reviews,
Average Rating 3.0
of 5.
This was a terriffic Tour. We got to see all the North Island. 17 Days was good but if we had more time abit longer would have been good. I think 2 days in each location would have been great. But what we did in this time was excellent. It was unfortunate on the 2nd last day that we did not see any Whales or Dolfins in Auckland but we did see some Dolfins in the Bay of Islands. The weather was good thoughout the entire holiday which made things nice. We were really happy with the accommodation. Our most favourite place was the Bay of Islands it was great. We are thinking of return at the end of the year to do the South Island. Can you recomed a tour and days for this. Same sort of package driving in the same type of car, and accommodastion. Looking forward to returning!
Brett Jenkin & Pania Bailey-Jenkin (Australia) Tour Date 27/12/2010
* 1 & 2 Bedroom motel units are all self catering.
** 2 Bedroom motel prices based on 4 adults travelling.
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*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'.
Self Drive Tour Notes
Prices above are per person & valid till September 2013.
2 Bedroom motel prices above are based on 4 adults travelling.
Some motel studios may not have full self catering facilities. If self catering is required then please request a 1 or 2 bedroom room.
If a property listed on our itinerary is unavailable at the time of booking we will replace it with a equivalent accommodation, and let you know, to ensure it is to your satisfaction.
Please note this itinerary was last amended 5 April 2012.
