8-Day Northern Highlights

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Collect your rental car and GPS system. The trip from Auckland to the Bay Of Islands takes around 3.5 hours, give yourself some leeway for stops. As you go through Puhoi, take in the bohemian atmosphere of this historical township. Stop for a breath of fresh salty air in Whangarei and take another break at Kawakawa - home to the world-famous Hundertwasser toilets. Enjoy the native bush surrounds and marvel at the endless golden beaches as you arrive into central Bay Of The Islands, Paihia.

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Commonly known as the ‘winterless north’ New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is made up of over 140 subtropical atolls. Renowned for its untouched beaches and abundant marine life, this tropical paradise ticks all the boxes. Head out on a dolphin cruise through the Hole in the Rock this morning. Learn about our culture in Waitangi, the site where The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Maori and European settlers dictating the terms by which New Zealand would become a British colony.

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From the Bay of Islands, leave the Pacific Ocean for the wilder shores of Hokianga and the Tasman Sea. Small towns Omapere and Opononi are reminiscent of days gone by and are the perfect place to stop for ice cream on a hot day. Head south to the Kauri coast and the Waipoua Forest, home to giant Kauri trees. Not to be missed is the five-minute loop to the largest Kauri, Tane Mahuta. Backtrack to the Matakohe Kauri Museum and continue on the road to Snells Beach.

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Continue south through Auckland, head into rolling farmlands and dairy pastures of the Waikato. Pass the Bombay Hills and turn inland to central Waikato. This is hobbit country; the route takes you through the town of Matamata where you can visit Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours. Continuing on, you’ll pass several small farming communities before your arrival into Rotorua. An evening at Mitai will give you an awe-inspiring introduction to the indigenous Maori culture in Rotorua.

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Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. Geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, a visit to one of the Maori Villages should be high on your agenda, as should an excursion to the Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs. Another suggested activity is a canopy tour through a forest.

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Today you'll make your way through the volcanic valleys of Wai O Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu before reaching the town of Taupo. A little further north you'll come across the Huka Falls, well worth the short detour. Continuing on, you'll arrive in the trout fishing capital of New Zealand, Turangi, before passing through Tongariro National Park. Explore a 30 million-year-old cave network in a glowworm experience in Waitomo before continuing back to Auckland for the night.