Mini North Island Explore 7-10 days
This is the perfect tour for those who are on a shorter break but who would still like to cover as much of our northern island as possible. Spend some time exploring our CBD in Auckland then see some of our wonderful beaches around the city.
Head up to the simply beautiful Bay of Islands and indulge in so many activities that New Zealand is famous for, then drive back down and around to the Coromandel Penisula and be bewildered by its beauty, soaking up some of rural New Zealand at its best. Travel via Tauranga to our major geo-thermal area of the central North Island and wake up in amazing Rotorua, then relax lake-side in Taupo - taking in some truly outstanding scenery.
Perfect for our locals who want to get away from city life and have a unique luxury week away!
Waiwera to Paihia Bay of Islands, 2 hours 38 min, (allow longer travelling times in peak season) 191km
Call in at Whangarei on route for a Maori Cultural experience, or stop off
at the beautiful Uretiti beach.
Once you have arrived don’t forget to go and have a look at the
Waitangi Treaty Grounds, perhaps take a trip out from Paihia to look for whale or dolphin. Stunning scenery, with plenty of activities.
Paihia to Cape Reinga, 2 hours 49 mins, 213km
At the Cape, the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a spectacular swirl of currents. At the northernmost tip of the Cape is a pohutukawa tree, believed to be over 800 years old. The spirits of deceased Maori are said to leap from this tree into the ocean to return to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki.
Cape Reinga to Matauri Bay, 2 hours 30 mins, 181km
Beautiful Bay to unwind.
Matauri Bay to Waipoua Visitor Centre, Waipoua Forest, via Openoni, 2 hrs 9 mins, 141kms
Waipoua Forest is one of the best examples of kauri forest remaining in New Zealand. It has two of the largest living kauri trees, Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere. The forest being declared a sanctuary in 1952.
Waipoua to Wenderholm Regional Park, 2 hours 49 mins, 199kms
Beautiful Beach and estuary, bush walks with incredible views, canoe/kayak hire usually available.
Camping ideas Wenderholm Regional Park.
Wenderholm Regional Park to Tairau (Coromandel Peninsula) 2 hours 29 mins, 193kms
Hot Water Beach, a truly unique Kiwi experience An underground river of hot water flows from the interior of the earth to surface in the Pacific Ocean at Hot Water Beach – a long beautiful white beach located between Tairua and Whitianga. A stunning beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean with Pohutukawa lined cliffs at either end of the beach.
Two hours either side of low tide visitors flock to the usually deserted Hot Water Beach to find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Dig your own spa pool in the sand, lie back and relax while the steam from your hot pool envelops you.
Fantastic area which is well worth staying in for a couple of days and exploring if you have the time available.
Tairau to Tauranga Tauranga and Mt Maunganui, 1 hour 51 mins, 126 kms
Mt Maunganui stretches 232 metres above sea level, the extinct volcanic cone sits right at the end of the peninsula. A popular location for scenic walks (via trail both up and around the mountain), fitness (via the stairs - straight up!).
Tauranga to Rotorua Tauranga to Rotorua, 58mins via SH36 (toll road), 1hr11mins via SH2 & SH33
Rotorua, set on lake Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. In the Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools, hot water pools for you to relax in and the Pohutu Geyser, which erupts several times daily. It’s also home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, complete with traditional wood carving and weaving.
Rotorua to Taupo 1hour2mins, 81.7kms
Lake Taupo’s surface area is bigger than Singapore for your enjoyment you can head out on a cruise, try your hand at trout fishing, go on a kayak excursion, or simply sit on the lakeside to watch the sun sets.
Huka Falls The 11-metre (36.1-foot) high waterfall is renowned for its voluminous flows, walking tracks and viewing platforms. Or hop on a jet boat – that will get you up close and personal to those thundering river rapids.
Tongariro National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its cinematic appearances (Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy being among the best renowned) and incredible alpine hiking terrains day walks available. Mount Ruapehu, is an active volcano and it’s sounds great to be able to say you have been on a live volcano.