Travel the length of the North Island of New Zealand from Auckland to Wellington on this self-drive trip!
Beginning in Auckland, you'll journey down to Wellington over seven days capturing iconic scenes, taking in stunning views, visiting wonderful towns, and making plenty of worthwhile stops along the way.
Of the many places you'll visit, you'll spend time in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, Lake Taupo and the Art Deco capital of Napier before making your way to Wellington. Your trip will be filled with opportunities for thrilling adventures and gourmet food experiences!Travel the length of the North Island of New Zealand from Auckland to Wellington on this self-drive trip!
Beginning in Auckland, you'll journey down to Wellington over seven days capturing iconic scenes, taking in stunning views, visiting wonderful towns, and making plenty of worthwhile stops along the way.
Of the many places you'll visit, you'll spend time in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, Lake Taupo and the Art Deco capital of Napier before making your way to Wellington. Your trip will be filled with opportunities for thrilling adventures and gourmet food experiences!
Customise this trip for a perfect match
Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
Insider Local KnowledgeAccess insider tips, hidden gems and authentic experiences known only to locals.
End-to-end ServiceFrom the initial planning to full support while travelling, Designer Journeys provides seamless service every step of the way.
Travel With ConfidenceFeel assured travelling with an accredited Australian company with comprehensive financial guarantees and a local emergency system.
More than 1900 travellers have booked with us. Join them to make your next trip full of lifelong memories.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Auckland
Close
Upon arrival in Auckland, you'll pick up your rental car and make your way to your hotel for the next two nights. After check-in, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore the city on your own. Greater Auckland, with a population of over one million, is New Zealand’s largest urban area and centre of commerce and industry, but within minutes of the city, you can experience uncrowded beaches, rural countryside and forests.
Accommodation
The Quadrant Hotel & Suites★4 star
Activities
AucklandOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Auckland Airport to The Quadrant Hotel & SuitesOptional Activity
Destinations
Auckland
Day 2
Guided Morning Walking Tour of Auckland and Sky Tower Visit
Close
This morning, with an expert local guide, you'll discover the fascinating jewels of Auckland on a walking tour of Auckland's past and present historical and cultural highlights. You'll wander the cobblestone streets and the narrow lanes as your highly knowledgeable local guide unfolds two centuries of Auckland's architectural legacy from Classical, Renaissance, Gothic to Baroque. Later, you'll take advantage of your included skip-the-line admission to Auckland Sky Tower for an amazing view.
Accommodation
The Quadrant Hotel & Suites★4 star
Activities
Auckland Half-Day Walking Tour
Sky Tower
Destinations
Auckland
Day 3
Scenic Journey from Auckland to Rotorua via Hamilton
Close
Today, you'll drive from Auckland to Rotorua, stopping for a few hours in Hamilton on the way. With parks, gardens and abundant local art to explore, Hamilton is known for its walks, cafes and nightlife. In the heart of the city, you'll find Hamilton Gardens, the sprawling public park with elaborate themed gardens showcasing Maori, Japanese and even Italian styles. Moving on, you'll arrive in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua which sits on the shores of a lake by the same name.
Accommodation
Jet Park Hotel Rotorua★4 star
Activities
HamiltonOptional Activity
RotoruaOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Auckland to HamiltonOptional Activity
Self-Driving from Hamilton to RotoruaOptional Activity
Destinations
Auckland
Hamilton
Rotorua
Day 4
Whaka Geothermal Trails and Travel to Taupo
Close
This morning, you'll head to Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village to take on a series of geothermal walking trails which combine views of native ferns, edible plants and eerie glimpses of unique geothermal landscapes, such as colourful steaming lakes and thermal pools. You'll then make the short journey from Rotorua to Taupo, a beautiful town situated at the edge of Australasia's largest lake of the same name and a stunning mountain backdrop.
Accommodation
Bella Vista Motel Taupo★4 star
Activities
Whaka Geothermal Trails
TaupoOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Rotorua to TaupōOptional Activity
Destinations
Rotorua
Taupo
Day 5
Travel from Taupo to the Art Deco Capital, Napier
Close
Today, you'll make the two-hour journey from Taupo to Napier. Situated on the edge of New Zealand's renowned wine-producing region, Hawke's Bay, Napier is a city known for not only its wineries but its intriguing Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and Art Deco building styles. The best way to explore the city is a self-guided walk; wander along its tree-lined promenade and visit Napier's many fine wineries restaurants, bars and cafes.
Accommodation
Edgewater Motor Lodge★4 star
Activities
NapierOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Taupō to NapierOptional Activity
Destinations
Taupo
Napier
Day 6
Morning Art Deco Walk and Journey to Wellington via Hastings and Paraparaumu
Close
This morning, you'll meet at the Napier Art Deco Trust where you'll embark on an hour's walk around the city centre to see the Art Deco architecture with a local guide. You'll then set off on your journey to Wellington, making several stops on the way, the first being in Hastings with its impressive array of public artwork and restaurants to indulge. You'll then continue on the road to Wellington, stopping off in the beautiful regions of Manawatu-Wanganui and Paraparaumu.
Accommodation
Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay★4 star
Activities
Morning Art Deco Walk From Napier Art Deco Trust
HastingsOptional Activity
Manawatu-Wanganui RegionOptional Activity
ParaparaumuOptional Activity
Transportations
Self-Driving from Napier to HastingsOptional Activity
Self-Driving from Hastings to WellingtonOptional Activity
Destinations
Napier
Hastings
Mangamahu
Paraparaumu
Wellington
Day 7
Half-Day Tour of Wellington and Departure
Close
Picturesque and unforgettably beautiful, Wellington is nestled around a sparkling, bustling harbour with residential housing extending up the sides of green valley hills. Today, you'll explore this city on a half-day tour with a local guide to all of its main attractions and beautiful viewpoints. After the tour, you'll make your way to the airport to return your rental car and board your departing flight. Your Auckland to Wellington road trip is over, until next time!
Activities
Half-Day Tour of Wellington
Transportations
Self-Driving from Wellington to Wellington International AirportOptional Activity
Destinations
Wellington
Share With Your Partners
Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!
What’s included?
6 nights accommodation
5 activities
What’s not included?
Airport transfer
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entrance fees
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
Ground transportation
International flights
Laundry
Licensed English speaking guides
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 1,099/ per traveller sharing
Get a fully customised trip plan today
Benefits of this trip
New Zealand in 7 days
4-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer