North Island
Auckland to Wellington in 10 nights, 6 stops.
Head north from Auckland to Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands, then back down the west coast through the Waipoua Forest. From Rotorua and Lake Tarawera the route crosses to Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, and ends in Wellington. Two days are around 4 hours on the road: Te Arai to Rotorua, and Hawke’s Bay to Wellington.
Day 1
One night in the city. A driver meets you at the airport, and you pick up the car on day 2.
1 nightStart of the route
Where you stay
A Qualmark 5 Star Gold hotel on the brick laneways of Britomart in central Auckland, with rooms that look out over the harbour.
Days 2 to 4
Three nights at Kauri Cliffs above Mātauri Bay, with dinner each night. Fly to Cape Reinga one day, and spend the next at Waitangi and out on the bay.
3 nightsAround 3 hours on the road
Where you stay
A clifftop lodge above the sea at Matauri Bay in Northland, with dinner and breakfast included.
Day 5
Cross to the Hokianga Harbour and drive south through the Waipoua Forest, past Tāne Mahuta, to a night at Te Arai Links Suites near Mangawhai.
1 nightAround 3 hours on the road
Where you stay
Rooms on the dunes beside the South Course, each with a private deck and a view across the course to the Pacific and the islands offshore.
Days 6 to 7
Two nights at Solitaire Lodge on Lake Tarawera, outside Rotorua, with dinner each night. You drive yourself to fly over Mount Tarawera and Ōrākei Kōrako, then to an evening at Te Pā Tū.
2 nightsAround 4 hours on the road
Where you stay
Nine suites on a point in Lake Tarawera, below Mount Tarawera itself, with every meal included.
Days 8 to 9
Two nights at Cape Kidnappers above the Hawke's Bay coast, with dinner each night and a day touring the wineries.
2 nightsAround 2 hours on the road
Where you stay
A lodge on farmland high above the sea at Te Awanga in Hawke's Bay, with dinner and breakfast included.
Day 10
Drive south to a night on the Wellington waterfront, then drop the car at the airport when you leave.
1 nightAround 4 hours on the road
Where you stay
A five-star hotel on the Wellington waterfront, with harbour or city views from the rooms, an indoor pool, and GPO restaurant for seasonal seafood.
Around 4 hours, on two days: Te Arai to Rotorua, and Hawke's Bay to Wellington.
No. You drive every leg, and two of the included trips are scenic flights: Cape Reinga, and Mount Tarawera.
Yes. Add a night, drop a stop, swap a lodge or do the route in reverse.
December to March is summer and the warmest. Spring and autumn are milder and quieter. February is the busiest month at the lodges, so book early for it.
Each route is a starting point. The stops, nights and pace can all change.
8 stops, longest drive around 3 hours
Explore route: North & South Islands, 15 nights
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