Arrive Auckland
Arrive Auckland and collect your rental car before making your way 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 Peninsula
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 Tauranga
Today heading south along the coast to Tauranga takes you through the southern regions of the Coromandel into the Bay of Plenty. Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest growing population centres in the country. Downtown Tauranga has several historically significant areas to view during a scenic walk around the area. The Strand waterfront area has undergone a major redevelopment in the past few years, and is home to a number of cafés, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs, as well as a range of accommodation options. Tauranga’s harbour is in evidence almost everywhere you go, providing the urban area with an attractive waterfront setting. Fishing, sailing, diving and dolphin tours are easy to arrange, or check out one of the local beauty spots – McLaren Falls or the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. Stay: Ambassador Motor Inn
Day 4
Tauranga to Whakatane
Further along the coast lies Whakatane, the main centre for the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Whakatane is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Just off shore is White Island, a spectacular active volcano that can be visited by launch or helicopter. Guided tours of the island necessitate a gas mask and hard hat. Whakatane is also known for its fishing – more yellow fin tuna are caught here than anywhere else in the country. Other Whakatane attractions include the museum, an observatory and Maori historical sites. The Nga Tapuwae o Toi walkway leads to pa sites, native forest and seabird colonies. Dolphin tours, which can include swimming encounters, run all year. Stay: White Island Rendezvous
Day 5
Whakatane to Gisborne
The drive today to Gisborne if you choose to take the most direct route along State Highway 2 is approximately 3 hours, if however you are feeling more adventurous you can also take State Highway 35 and drive around East Cape which has some very stunning scenery and isn’t visited by many tourists, the drive this way will take you approximately 5 hours.
Gisborne is the first city in the world to greet the sun each morning, and it has a reputation for great food, wine and surf beaches. As the unofficial ‘Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand’, Gisborne has a comprehensive wine trail leading to boutique wineries. Several operators offer custom tours tailored for individuals or groups, to spare you the problem of driving. Kaiti Beach is the site of Captain Cook’s first landing in New Zealand (9 October 1769); nearby is picturesque Te Poho O Rawiri Marae. If you’re interested in Maori culture, Gisborne is an essential port of call on your itinerary – old traditions are still evident in many parts of the city. Stay: BK's Palm Court Motel
Day 6
Gisborne to Napier
Further along the coast lies Napier, after being almost levelled in 1931 by an earthquake it was rebuilt and this 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 7
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 your leisure to explore the Hawkes Bay area.
Day 8
Napier to Taupo
Heading north again until you reach the lakeside town of Taupo, the beautiful Lake is actually a huge volcano with a fiery history. Its most recent eruption, in 181 AD, was large enough to change the sky as far away as Europe and China. According to Maori legend, the lake is the pulsating heart of Maui's fish (New Zealand's North Island). The lakeside town of Taupo provides a base for visitors who love to fish for trout, ski Mount Ruapehu and explore the local geothermal phenomena. Popular Taupo experiences include Huka Falls, geothermal walks, a prawn farm, lake cruises and guided kayak expeditions to see the rock carvings at Mine Bay. Most Taupo accommodation comes complete with a naturally heated spa pool. Stay: Karaka Tree Motel
Day 9
Taupo to Rotorua
Entrance to Wai-O-Tapu is included today, visitors can walk at their own pace and absorb the unique features including the world famous champagne pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. The natural bush setting adds another dimension to the experience as does the guaranteed daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser at 10.15am. 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. Stay: Six on Union (D)
Day 10
Rotorua to Auckland
On the final leg of your holiday you’ll head north and return through Hamilton and on to Auckland for your final stop on this itinerary. Stay: Oaktree Motel
Day 11
Depart Auckland Return your rental car to the depot at Auckland Airport prior to your departure 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
from NZ $1,70811 Day Great New Zealand Touring Route35.05
11 Day Great New Zealand Touring Route Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 11 Day Great New Zealand Touring Route.
Hi. Just a few comments on the service that we received from you. Plus points - Jarrod was very quick to sort out any concerns and problems that we had and we found him to be professional and polite over the e-mail. We were impressed that changes to our itinerary and payments could all be made online or via e-mail, which were both convenient and efficient. You customer service has been consistently high, which made things easy and stress free. The hire car that we had was excellent. The information pack and CD that you provided was very useful. The Marine Apartments in Wittianga (sorry not sure of spelling!) were high quality and exceeded our expectations, as they upgraded us upon our arrival. I found you to be a very friendly company to deal with. Minus points - our brief was to have accomodation that was modern and clean. Unfortunately, two of our apartments did not meet that standard. The Oak Tree Hotel in Auckland had such a smelly shower that it was unusable. Luckily we were able to use my mother's bathroom. The location was not great either and I got bitten by insects! Secondly the Bali Hai in the Bay of Island was cleanish, but certainly not modern. Our heart's sank a bit after our long drive to get there to find that our accomodation was so basic. Finallu we had to be pushy with Jarrod in trying to get us a 4x4 vehicle, (which was essential to the four of us plus baby buggy) when he initially said that he could not guarantee us one. Overall rating is 7 out of 10 in terms of accomodation. 9 out of 10 in terms of the service that we received from you. We had such a great time however, that the small things did not spoil the enjoyment of our wonderful holiday. Hope you don't mind the honest feedback given however. Can't wait to visit the South Island hopefully next year and we would certainly consider using your company again and recommending you to our friends. Thank-you.
Miranda Roberts (United Kingdom) Tour Date 03/01/2010
Thank you so much Relaxing Journeys for a wonderfully planned trip to the North Island of New Zealand. When we initially booked our trip in the middle of last year, we did not have any knowledge of your company except via the internet. So it was with much trepidation that we paid our money upfront and flew to Auckland on 27 December 2009. We were so very pleasantly surprised. From the time we picked up our vouchers and vehicle at the airport, till we arrived back in Auckland 2 weeks later, our adventure was wonderful. Craig from your office did a wonderful job in accommodating all our needs. The motels on the whole were of a very good standard and how good was it to pull up and just hand over a pre-paid voucher to cover this! Craig was also very patient and helpful in planning our itinerary (which we changed a few times in the initial booking!) All the tours you booked for us were great value. A couple of things we found on our own were excellent and you may consider including them in your suggestions (the Gondola and Luge at Rotorua, the Beach Gannet Tractor ride at Kidnappers Cove near Napier and a newly-offered guided tour at the Maori Village in Rotorua). Thank you once again - we have been recommending your service to all and sundry! Kia ora.
Christine, Fred & Travis Eakins (Australia) Tour Date 28/12/2009
As well as our honeymoon, this was the most amazing experience of our lives. To say you have toured the North Island of New Zealand at 25 years old is not common. The service supplied by Craig and the team at Relaxing Journeys was second to none. All the hotels were of good quality with smiling faces ready to greet us. We saw so much in such a small space of time we are eager to return. In fact, we intend to emigrate to New Zealand in 2012! Thank you Craig and the team for making this such a memorable 3 weeks!
Carolyn & Barry Boustead (United Kingdom) Tour Date 26/01/2009
* 1 & 2 Bedroom motel units are all self catering.
** 2 Bedroom motel prices based on 4 adults travelling.
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Season Sale! Save 5% off the prices shown on our website, for all 2012 departures. Deposit this month to qualify!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking.
*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 2012.
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 updated 5 July 2011.
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