9 Day North Island Loop self drive

Ask our expert Steve Cooper about the 9 Day North Island Loop self drive

Day 1
Private transfer Auckland airport

Auckland City
Auckland City is New Zealand's largest, with a population of around 1.5 million people (about one third of the national population), spread over approximately 60 square kilometres. There is somewhere for every visitor to feel comfortable and right at home as each suburb has its own unique style and atmosphere, from the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found on Ponsonby and Parnell Roads to the breathtaking native bush and beaches of the West Coast. One of the worlds great cities Auckland is full of life and opportunities to explore are endless. Spend the day exploring the city or relaxing before your adventure begins.
Your accommodation: Heritage Hotel Auckland City
The Heritage Auckland Hotel commands an elevated position in the centre of the city. With two distinctive accommodation wings, the hotel reflects the traditional style of the building's famous past, while The Tower is a contemporary design.    

Day 2
Pick up Rental car - Toyota Corolla Intermediate Automatic or similar 
Group IDAR Intermediate 
 
 
Explore Auckland and surrounds
There is so much to do in and around New Zealand's largest city. Sitting on one of the world's finest natural harbours there are countless opportunities to explore the islands of the gulf. Waiheke Island is a popular choice with its splendid beaches and vineyards. Just a short distance from the city centre is Rangitoto Island, the youngest of the volcanic cones that dot the region. Take a ferry over and enjoy the hike to the summit.
Auckland is known as the 'City of Sails' and taking the helm of an Americas Cup yacht with Sail NZ is a great way to experience the harbour. If you just want to relax and enjoy the nautical atmosphere then the Viaduct Basin has shops, cafes, restaurants and the Maritime Museum.
West Auckland offers a huge contrast to the busy modern city. The rainforest and beaches of the Waitakere Ranges are a great place to explore and there are many walks to enjoy. Muriwai Beach is a popular destination and you can see one of the worlds few mainland breeding colonies if the Australasian Gannet at the Takapo Refuge.
West Auckland also has some of New Zealand oldest wineries around the Kumeu and Waimauku regions. Auckland based Fine Wine Tours offer some great day trips that incorporate visits to the wineries and a chance to experience the wild west coast.
Your accommodation: Heritage Hotel Auckland City

Day 3
Auckland to Rotorua
The drive south from Auckland on State Highway 1 quickly takes you into rolling green farmland, the rich dairy pasture of the Waikato. New Zealand's longest river, the Waikato Riiver, guides you through Cambridge and the art and craft stores of Tirau. Arriving into the City of Rotorua the regions geothermal activity becomes evident as you see steam rising from the roadside and hills.
Rotorua is considered the Maori cultural centre and its here you can enjoy and experience some of their history. The Rotorua Museum is outstanding and one of its main presentations is the devastating eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886. Nearby Ohinemutu Village is the original site of the first Maori settlers in the area.
One of the most popular introductions for many to the Maori culture is through an evening at Tamaki Maori Village. A  recreated village pre-European times gives you an insight into the way of life before an evening of song, dance and entertainment. A dinner prepared in the traditional manner is served to finish the evening off.

SPECIAL OFFER INCLUSION - Mitai Maori Village

An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress, paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream, and don't miss your only opportunity in the Rotorua area to see glow worms in their natural habitat.
Marvel at the crystal clear water full of eels and trout, flowing directly from the earth at the sacred Fairy Spring. See your traditionally cooked hangi meal being lifted from the ground. During our cultural performance, you'll learn about our past, carvings and ta moko (tattoo art).
Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat, coupled with the grace and beauty of the poi dance. You'll be amazed by the spine tingling haka finale. The Mitai family is proud to have created a sacred and spiritual place that offers you an indigenous cultural experience like no other.
Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Rotorua's largest 4 star deluxe hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of the city overlooking Lake Rotorua. Five levels of accommodation offer guests a wide variety of scenic views.    

Driving Information
Auckland to Rotorua Distance
235 kilometres : 3 1/4 hours

Day 4
Explore Rotorua and surrounds
Rotorua sits right in the centre of the worlds most volcanically active region and this is highly evident through the smell of sulphur. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without visiting one of the many geothermal parks or areas. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is around 30 minutes from Rotorua and here a network of paths will take you though bubbling pool, sulphur ponds, geysers and waterfalls. Formed during the eruption of Mt. Tarawera was the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and you can also stroll amongst hot springs and enjoy a short boat cruise in the world's newest geothermal eco system.
The Buried Village or the village of Te Wairoa was destroyed during the Tarawera eruption. Now this registered historic area has been excavated to show original buildings pre eruption. Set amongst beautiful bush there is also a dedicated museum telling the fascinating story of Te Wairoa Village and the legendary Pink and White Terraces.
White Island sits around 40 kilometres off the Bay of Plenty coast and is still one the most active volcanoes in the world. Volcanic Air Safaris offer scenic helicopter and float plane trips to the island and the opportunity to land (helicopter only) and explore the original sulphur mines. They also offer scenic flights over Mt. Tarawera and float plane flights to Orakei Korako Hidden Valley.
Rotorua though also offers much more than this. The lake is stocked with trout and fishing charters operate from the lake front. The Agrodome offers a unique New Zealand experience combining farm tours and sheep shearing shows with the opportunity to enjoy some of the adrenalin packed adventures New Zealand is renown for.
Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Day 5
Rotorua to Napier
This drive takes you through the thermal regions south of Rotorua. Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Craters of the Moon near Taupo to name just a few locations you can visit. Approaching Taupo signs direct you to Huka Falls, a spectacular sight as the full force of the lake pours through a narrow gorge forming the Waikato River. Here you can take a thrilling Hukajet boat ride or enjoy a lunch of fresh prawns raised in naturally heated thermal pools.  The road from Taupo climbs high onto the plateau crossing the Ahiminawa Range before arriving onto the Pacific Coast just north of the worlds finest art deco city of Napier.
Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania
The 109-room Scenic Hotel Te Pania offers 4-star accommodation of a truly international standard. The impressive six-storey hotel has been designed to complement its setting and offers guests a very desirable central waterfront location on Marine Parade.    

Driving Information
Rotorua to Napier Distance
223 kilometres : 3 1/4 hours

Day 6
Explore Napier and the Hawke's Bay
The Hawke's Bay is home to some of New Zealand finest wineries and there are ample tours to show you around while you sample the produce. Napier has a remarkable history. Destroyed by an earthquake it was rebuilt at the height of the art deco period and the city is teeming with fine buildings.
Enjoy a city tour in a car from the era or explore the museum. Cape Kidnappers is home to one of the few mainland gannet colonies and a trip along the beach by tractor is a unique way to see these incredible birds in their natural habitat.
Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania
The 109-room Scenic Hotel Te Pania offers 4-star accommodation of a truly international standard. The impressive six-storey hotel has been designed to complement its setting and offers guests a very desirable central waterfront location on Marine Parade.    

Day 7  
Napier to Wellington City
The rolling countryside of the Hawke's Bay lead you into some of the countries richest farmland around the Manawatu region. Passing along the Manawatu Gorge the Wairarapa welcomes you. Masterton is home to the golden shears sheep shearing competition while just further south Greytown boasts the largest concentration of historic wooden buildings in the country. Nearby Martinborough is home to dozens of boutique wineries. The route takes you over the Rimutaka Range and along the magnificent natural harbour that the capital city of Wellington sits upon.

Rental car drop off Wellington City. Your rental car will be collected from your hotel.

Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay
Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay underwent a multi million dollar refit in 2007. Located just 2 minutes walk to Te Papa Museum, the vibrant Courtney Place and local Theatres rooms offer either a harbour view or city view.    

Driving Information
Napier to Wellington Distance
334 kilometres : 4 3/4 hours

Day 8
Private transfer to Wellington train station
You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Wellington train station to meet your train.

The Overlander Scenic Train Wellington to Auckland

The Overlander is a journey through the heart of the North Island, travelling between Wellington - New Zealand's arts and culture capital and Auckland - New Zealand's largest city. Along the way you pass the Central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune. You also see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges - all from panoramic windows or open air viewing decks allowing you the best possible views. All carriages feature large panoramic windows giving sweeping views of the magnificent North Island. The Observation Carriage includes a mix of seating including lounge style seating. The lounge style seating is arranged at the very rear of this glass backed carriage enabling you to enjoy a totally unique Overlander experience.

Private transfer Auckland train station to hotel. A private transfer will meet you from your train and drive you to your Auckland accommodation.
Your accommodation: Heritage Hotel Auckland City
The Heritage Auckland Hotel commands an elevated position in the centre of the city. With two distinctive accommodation wings, the hotel reflects the traditional style of the building's famous past, while The Tower is a contemporary design.    

Day 9
Transfer to Auckland airport 
You will be collected from your Auckland hotel and transferred to the airport to meet your departing flight.

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