All Trips · Oceania
Māori Culture, Volcanoes & Wine
Experience the remarkable contrasts of New Zealand’s North Island, from glowworm caves and Māori culture to geothermal wonders, vineyards and vibrant cities.
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Starts
Auckland
Ends
Wellington
Car
Suzuki Swift
Hotels
6 Cities
Stay as many nights as you wish
Your package price updates instantly
Hotels & rental car included — flights optional
Secure online payment
Overview
Discover the cultural and natural treasures of New Zealand’s North Island on this carefully paced self-drive journey from Auckland to Wellington.
Travel through the rolling landscapes of Waikato to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves before continuing to Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand’s Māori culture and geothermal activity. Explore Lake Taupō, the vineyards and Art Deco architecture of Napier, and the charming wine country around Martinborough before concluding your journey in Wellington.
The suggested itinerary can be extended or adjusted to match your preferred travel dates, hotel category and pace.
Perfect for
Self-Drive Explorers
Couples
Wine Lovers
Nature Lovers
Culture Seekers
Scenic Road Trips
History & Heritage
Food & Wine
Your Itinerary Overview
10 Days · 9 Nights
Auckland
Rotorua
Lake Taupo Lake Terrace
Napier
Martinborough
Wellington
Your route. Your pace.
Add or remove nights at every destination. Your itinerary and package price update instantly.
1
Start
Arrive in Auckland
Attic BackpackersStay 2 Nights · Days 1–3
2
Day 2
Discover Auckland
Attic Backpackersnight 2 of 2 · Same accommodation
3
Day 3
Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo
Haka House RotoruaStay 2 Nights · Days 3–5
4
Day 4
Rotorua’s Māori culture and geothermal wonders
Haka House Rotoruanight 2 of 2 · Same accommodation
5
Day 5
Rotorua to Lake Taupō
Haka House Taupo
6
Day 6
Lake Taupō to Napier
Albatross MotelStay 2 Nights · Days 6–8
7
Day 7
Napier and Hawke’s Bay
Albatross Motelnight 2 of 2 · Same accommodation
8
Day 8
Napier to Martinborough
Margrain Vineyard Villas
9
Day 9
Martinborough to Wellington
Haka House Wellington
10
Day 10
Wellington and departure
Departure day · No overnight stay
Choose your rental car
Prices shown for a 10-day rental.More rental cars available — drag sideways or use the arrows to explore
Type
Why You'll Love This Trip
One flowing route — no backtracking
Your own rental car, your own pace
Glowworm caves, geysers and a volcanic lake in one trip
Wine tasting in both Hawke's Bay and Martinborough
Real Māori cultural experiences in Rotorua
Napier's Art Deco streets are unlike anywhere else in NZ
Ends in Wellington — easy to fly out or explore further
Important travel information
This is a suggested 10-day itinerary. The duration, hotels, room category and rental-car category can be changed to suit your plans.
New Zealand drives on the left-hand side of the road. Driving times are approximate and do not include sightseeing or refreshment stops.
The Auckland-to-Rotorua journey is the longest driving day, but it is divided by the recommended visit to Waitomo Caves.
Wine tasting and driving must not be combined. Organized tours or local transport should be used when visiting several wineries.
The rental-car driver must meet the supplier’s age and license requirements. An International Driving Permit or approved English translation may be required if the original license is not in English.
A one-way rental charge may apply between Auckland and Wellington. Any applicable charge must be displayed in the confirmed rental-car price.
The route is suitable throughout much of the year, although winter weather can occasionally affect higher roads. Current road and weather conditions should always be checked before travelling.
What's Included
Accommodation for nine nights in the selected hotel category
Daily breakfast where specified by the selected hotel
Rental car from Auckland until Wellington
One-way rental between Auckland and Wellington
Unlimited kilometers where included in the selected rental rate
Standard rental-car insurance and mandatory local charges as specified during booking
Detailed day-by-day itinerary
Applicable hotel taxes and service charges
24-hour emergency assistance during your journey
What's Excluded
International or domestic flights unless specifically selected
Fuel, parking charges, road tolls and traffic fines
Waitomo Cave admission and guided tours
Māori cultural experiences and geothermal park admissions
Wine tastings, excursions and optional activities
Meals and drinks unless specifically mentioned
Additional rental-car insurance or excess reduction
Personal expenses and gratuities
Travel insurance
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, visa or visitor levy where required
From per personUS$855