
This tour starts in Christchurch, South Island so you can savour the delights of the Southern Alps and the mighty whales of the Pacific Ocean, before taking the ferry through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to the North Island full of geo-thermal wonderland and Maori legends.
The highways are legendary too - the Thermal Explorer, the Twin Coast Discovery, and the Coromandel Peninsula, to name but a few, but you'll also be taking some of the gorgeous back roads too. Explore New Zealand's Capital and Art Deco City for some culture, spend time in Rotorua to learn about our Maori culture and visit the mighty geysers, thermal hot springs and bubbling mud pools.
If you're a 'Hobbit' fan, check out the fascinating film set of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Your trusty GPS will take you through ancient forests of giant native trees to deserted headwaters framed with giant sand-dunes.
Reach the very top of the Island at Cape Reinga before discovering the beautiful Bay of Islands, a stunningly beautiful coastline of over 150 islands. Sea kayak in and out of them, swim with our friendly dolphins, or cruise to the 'Hole in the Rock'.
Explore the well-preserved relics of the past, both Maori and European, in romantic Russell, Paihia, Waitangi or Kerikeri.
Your tour finishes in Auckland, our vibrant City of Sails.
Driving times:9am-4pm approx with breaks throughout the day for lunch, coffee, activities etc.
Distance:2500 kms (1500 miles) approximately, with option to do more on 'Rest or Drive' days
Rest or Drive:Wellington, Bay of Islands
Driver Competence:Suitable for all competent Drivers
Route Grade:100% asphalt, multiple switchbacks with twists and tight bends
Support Vehicle Info:Route-loaded GPS, Personalised Handbook/Itinerary/24 hour on-call service
All prices are in New Zealand Dollars. Price shown includes sports car hire. Click on the prices to convert the prices into a currency of your choice. The default is NZD to USD but you can choose any currency you like on the conversion tool.
12 Day North Island Tour |
Day |
Route |
1 |
Christchurch to Hanmer Springs |
2 |
Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura |
3 |
Kaikoura to Picton (or Wellington) |
4 |
Picton (or Wellington) to Napier Via Ferry Crossing |
5 |
Napier to Rotorua |
6 |
Rotorua Rest or Drive |
7 |
Rotorua to Whitianga via Coromandel Peninsula |
8 |
Whitianga to Auckland West |
9 |
Auckland West to The Hokianga Harbour |
10 |
Hokianga to Paihia, Bay of Islands |
11 |
Bay of Islands Rest or Drive |
12 |
Bay of Islands to Auckland City |
Tour Highlights:-
- Hanmer Springs Alpine Resort
- Ride the Great Alpine Highway
- The whales and sea creatures of the Pacific Ocean
- Wellington Capital City & Te Papa Museum
- Napier Art Deco City
- Huka Falls, Lake Taupo
- Rotorua's bubbing mud & geysers
- See the Giant Kauri Trees of Waipoua Forest
- Ride the Coromandel Peninsula
- Cape Reinga, NZ's most northerly point
- Relax at the beautiful Bay of Islands
- Driving our secret scenic back roads!
Recommended Extra Activities:-
Here's a guide about some extra activities that we can incorporate seamlessly into your Trip. There's no booking fee, the retail rate is simply added to your account, and in the unlikely event the operator cancels you will be refunded in full. Your friendly Tour Planner will send you further information about each activity to help you decide.
- Whale-watching
- Winery & Wine-tasting Tour
- Kiwi/Wildlife Experience
- Art Deco City Walk
- Jet-boat Ride
- Highlands Motorsport Park
- Maori Culture Experience with Dinner (Christchurch or Rotorua)
- Geyser & Geothermal Wonderland Day Pass, Rotorua
- The Polynesian Spa, Rotorua
- Giant Kauri Tree Museum
- Bay of Islands Dolphin Boat Cruise
What's included in your 12 Day North Island GPS Tour?
Easy Rider (Motor-lodge no breakfast) |
- 12 Days Vehicle Hire
- 12 Nights Accommodation
- Side and top luggage
- Tour Pack with Full Colour Itinerary Booklet
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers to/from Christchurch Base
- Inter-islander ferry boat cruise
|
Kiwi Classic (Bed & Breakfast) |
- 12 Days Vehicle Hire
- 12 Nights Accommodation
- Side and top luggage
- Tour Pack with Full Colour Itinerary Booklet
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers to/from Christchurch Base
- Inter-islander ferry boat cruise
|
Supreme (Hotel Full Breakfast) |
- 12 Days Vehicle Hire
- 12 Nights Accommodation
- Full Breakfast
- Side and top luggage
- Tour Pack with Full Colour Itinerary Booklet
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers to/from Christchurch Base
- Inter-island ferry boat cruise with Premier Lounge Upgrade
|
Platinum (Hosted Luxury Lodge, Full Breakfast, Full Dinner) |
- 12 Days Vehicle Hire
- 12 Nights Accommodation
- 12 Full Breakfasts
- 12 Evening Dinners
- Side and top luggage
- Tour Pack with Full Colour Itinerary Booklet
- New Zealand maps
- Route loaded GPS
- Activity booking service
- 24/7 Roadside Assist
- Full insurance
- Government tax
- Luggage Storage facility
- Transfers between Christchurch hotel and Base
- Transfers between Christchurch airport and Christchurch hotel
- Transfers between Auckland Base and Auckland Hotel
- Inter-island ferry boat cruise with Premier Lounge Upgrade
|
Not included:- Flights, travel insurance, drinks (except where indicated in lodgings inclusions) , fuel, activities (unless stated), room service, hotel incidentals (unless stated)