North Island Tour

Package Overview

With these tours we present some of our most popular and compelling self-drive itineraries. Experience the benefits of self driving but enjoy the convenience and security of us pre-booking your chosen type of accommodation and rental car. Just enjoy the travelling without having to worry about where you are going to stay.

Any of our itineraries can be modified as well as adding extra days in any of the locations. If you require something completely different, please advise and we will be happy to put something together.

During your trip you can call us anytime to make amendments to your tour, book extra activity or simply ask for some advice. We will be happy to help you anytime of the day or night.

Other Information
Duration

​​These tours depart daily. Please click on the “Prices and Dates” tab for accommodation and rental car options.
Departure

Daily departures / 365 days of the year
Tours can start and finish on any day of the week
Mix, match and join individual tours together to create a tailor made itinerary
Plan and Book Ahead
Preplanning and pre-booking your New Zealand vacation before you depart is essential. Limited accommodation in certain areas during the high season could mean that a town’s accommodation can be booked out well in advance. Without pre-booking, you may find that the you pay a higher rate upon check-in or waste a lot of time travelling between accommodation providers trying to find a suitable option.

We know the best places and with our discounted rates you are guaranteed of receiving well chosen accommodation options at the best possible price. Pre-planning will ensure you make the most of your valuable holiday time. Acrossnz is well-versed with all areas of New Zealand and is totally experienced at arranging well planned self drive itineraries. Feel free to ask the advice of Acrossnz when planning your self drive adventure to make sure you maximize your holiday experience.

Book early: New Zealand has very limited availability in the summer months and often books out well in advance. It is recommended to book early to avoid disappointment.

Create Your Own Self Drive Holiday
Along with choosing one of our prearranged itineraries you can construct your own ‘a la carte’ holiday by booking the rental vehicle from this link and selecting your accommodation from our accommodation link. If you choose to book your accommodation through our link we will happily assist with knowledge on your accommodation choices or amendment your itinerary to ensure your holiday is just what you want.

Camper Vans & Motor Homes
Perhaps you prefer to follow one of the itineraries we have created in a Motor Home? Just book the Motor Home with us and we will be happy to provide you for the full itinerary as well as assisting you with camping ground bookings. Click here to choose some of the cheapest options in NZ.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive Auckland

  Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest, busiest and most diverse city. Home to almost one third of the country’s population, and the business centre of the nation, it’s not surprising this vibrant metropolis is often mistaken for the country’s capital. Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is magnificently framed by the stunning waterways, the Hauraki Gulf and Manukau Harbour. Easily highlights of the city, the harbour and marina are in walking distance of your accommodation. Distinct in its pace, opportunities and multi-cultural influences, Auckland offers many diverse events, attractions and experiences. Auckland is a popular arrival destination for starting your New Zealand holiday, a fantastic place for a city break or a perfect venue for an unforgettable surfing holiday.
  
  Auckland, the “City of Sails”, lies on an extinct volcanic bed and is magnificently framed by geographic wonders – the stunning waterways of the Hauraki Gulf and Manukau Harbour and by native forests. From boats and boutiques, to surfing and socialising, Auckland is a marvellous multi-cultural city that offers so very many diverse events, attractions and experiences and is thus a great place for a city break.

  • Hotspots : Population

• Day 2 : Travel to Waiheke Island

  Board the Fullers passenger ferry for an interesting ride across Auckland Harbour out to the Hauraki Golf. You can relax and view all the boats, ships, and sailing vessels that populate the harbour year end. Satisfied in knowing you are heading for Auckland s harbour playground of Waiheke.
  
  Once ashore you will head for your pre-booked accommodation from where you can choose how you will spend you time on this delightful escape from reality.

• Day 3 : Waiheke Island

  In the words of many a visitor to Waiheke ” Its a tropical island paradise” and it is. Out in Aucklands Hauraki Golf it is well placed for farming, forest, white sand beaches, grape growing, olive groves, sightseeing, walks, dining, wineries, watersports and world class Arts and Crafts.
  
  Take your pick and make sure to cover as much ground as you can, as you will want to live and breathe this very romantic island to the depths of its possibilities, for soul satisfaction and beyond.
  
  Once you have been here you will most probably never want to leave. We did say its paradise!

• Day 4 : Travel to Rotorua

  Rotorua to Auckland
  Driving distance: 235 km / 146 miles
  Driving: Approx 3h21m
  
  Catch morning ferry through to Auckland where you will pick up your rental car form the city depot. Travelling south on SH1, the buzz of the city gives way to the more bucolic sights and sounds of the country – farms, market gardens and rivers. There are many interests en route, both urban and rural, vineyards at Te Kauwhata, the historic battle site at Rangiriri, the coal-mining town (and museum) at Huntly and the thermal springs at Waingaro.
  
  If time is plentiful and you’re looking for a diversion, there’s the beach at Raglan, known for its perfect surfing conditions, Maungatautari Ecological Island is 15kms from pretty Cambridge, the Mormon temple at Temple View is open to visitors.
  
  Taking SH5 at Tirau – known for its fascinating animal-shaped corrugated iron buildings and antique shops – the route travels through the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, over interesting volcanic terrain and leads to Rotorua.

• Day 5 : Full Day Rotorua

  Famed for its geothermal activity, Rotorua is utterly unique – peer into an active volcano and watch the belly of the earth bubble and roar as it leeches sulphurous steam trying to find its way out through thermal pools and geysers. Steeped in Maori history and culture, and picturesque to boot, Rotorua offers a profusion of opportunities for the long or short-term visitor.
  
  The thermal activity in Rotorua is fascinating – as is the local constant companion, the smell of sulphur! There are many geysers to view although the Pohutu Geyser in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley at Te Puia is arguably Rotorua’s favourite geyser known for its 30 metre high steam spurts! Whakarewarewa Thermal Village is where the rich Maori history and culture of the region is detailed through song, dance and storytelling. However there is more to Rotorua than hiss and steam.
  
  A visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing a few of the 16 magnificent lakes in this region – such as Lake Rotorua, Lake Tarawera or the beautiful Green (Rotokakahi) and Blue (Tikitapu) Lakes – perhaps even catch a trout for dinner? Popular water sports are kayaking, jet boating, water skiing, fishing (note that Green Lake is closed to public) and white water rafting (especially at the Kaituna River). Nearby Mount Tarawera is known for its devastating volcanic eruption of 1886 which, in destroying three whole villages, also buried The Pink and White Terraces, a geological phenomenon considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.
  
  Opportunities for families – attractions and actions – abound. For the adrenaline junkies why not try hurtling downhill in a plastic bubble, racing through space, body flying or bungy jumping 43 metres! But worry not, there’s always horse riding, orienteering and walks through the lovely Whakarewarewa (Redwood) Forest.

• Day 6 : Travel to Lake Taupo

  Rotorua to Taupo
  Driving distance: 76 km / 47 miles
  Driving: Approx 1h5m
  
  Whether you drive on SH30, then SH1 or follow SH5 south towards Taupo, a riveting journey is guaranteed and our recommended route is via SH5 so can visit Waimangu Geotherrmal Valley and/or Wai O Tapu. Traversing this active geothermal area, the volcanic terrain is fascinating and has huge geological appeal.
  
  En route look out for the tremendous and unique thermal valleys. Wai-O-Tapu has been active for over 150,000 years and has some remarkable features such as the deep cauldron-like craters bubbling frantically with mud and the coloured pools. Waimangu Volcanic Valley is the world’s newest geothermal system and features both a scenic reserve and a wildlife refuge – walks, cruises and bus trips are available. The more secluded Waikite Valley Thermal Pools are equally worth a diversion.
  
  Other interesting places to visit include the hydro power station at Atiamuri and the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station further south. For a natural, perhaps ‘raw’, experience of the pure energy of water, make time to see the stunning Aratiatia rapids and the Huka Falls where water hurtles down at a rate of more than 220, 000 litres per second.
  
  Finally, the glistening harbour announces your arrival at the largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupo.

• Day 7 : Travel to Tongariro National Park

  Taupo to Tongariro National Park
  Driving distance: 133 km / 83 miles
  Driving: Approx 1h56m
  
  Three active volcanoes define the Tongariro National Park and deservedly elicit gasps of awe at the incredible sight of these huge geological beasts expelling lava. The three volcanic peaks are Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. The National Park is so naturally spectacular and culturally significant that it has been awarded the rare accolade of dual World Heritage Site status.
  
  Covering almost 80 000 hectares, the national park’s scenery is sublime and varied – dry deserts and barren tussocks morph into mountain beech forest and wetlands, it is no wonder this became a favourite filming location for “The Lord of the Rings.”
  
  Tracks and huts are available for fit trampers/walkers especially on the popular walks – the ‘Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk’, the ‘Round the Mountain (i.e. Mount Ruapehu) Track’ and the famous one day track – the ‘Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track’.

  • Hotspots : Location

• Day 8 : Travel to Auckland

  Ohakune to Auckland
  Driving distance: 358 km / 222 miles
  Driving: Approx 5h12m
  
  From your base at Ohakune you will travel to Auckland. This is a lovely scenic route. If possible include a visit to the National Army Museum at Waiouru. If time permits you might also like to visit the Waitomo Glowworm caves, where the only light in the caves comes from the glowworms, creating a sky of living lights.
  
  In Tirau you can stop for a few minutes to enjoy the quirky corrugated iron sculptures.
  
  From here you can head to Hamilton for a comfort stop, and then from there to the highways of your destination, Auckland.

• Day 9 : Depart Auckland

  Return your car at the airport in time to catch your onward flight.

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• 8 nights accommodation in 3.5 to 5 star B&Bs / motels / hotels
• Rental vehicle of your choice including airport and ferry port collection charges, unlimited kms & additional driver fees
• Rental car insurance included – Excess reduced to zero
• Comprehensive travel itinerary, maps and vouchers
• 24/7 nationwide roadside accident assistance
• Rotorua Trilogy Experience, includes admission to Rotorua Museum, Waimangu Volcanic Valley & Whakarewarewa – The Living Thermal Village.
• Waiheke Island Ferry return fares
• Free after hours assistance for amendments or additional bookings with you assigned consultant.
• 15% Goods and Services Tax

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Price & Rates

* Mentioned prices may vary depending upon date of travel, hotel availability, surge pricing and seasonal rush.

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

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