Day 1: ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND
You’ve touched down in Auckland! Kia ora, we hope you’re ready for a relaxed, self-drive adventure. Your hire car will be waiting to take you and your bags wherever you wish to go (we recommend checking into your hotel first).
Day 2: AUCKLAND TO BAY OF ISLANDS VIA EAST COAST, 230KM (3 HRS 20 MINS)
You’re northbound today, passing over Waitemata Harbour and onto the well-marked roads of the east coast. Don’t feel hurried, as this easy drive leaves a lot of room for quick stops and longer ones; fill your stomach with a sumptuous lunch at one of Whangerei’s quayside cafes. The Bay of Islands awaits.
Day 3: AT BAY OF ISLANDS
Touch the northernmost tip of New Zealand with our day-trip to Cape Reinga, coupling the experience with tobogganing good times at Ninety Mile Beach. Don’t be surprised if your guide tells a Maori story or five, as the anglicised icon is also recognised as a deeply spiritual and significant site by the indigenous people. Panoramic views, off-road experiences and exciting sand-boarding activities are guaranteed, as the sea meets the forest under shadow of the giant Kauri trees.
Day 4: BAY OF ISLANDS TO AUCKLAND, 350KM (5 HRS)
Begin your day with one last adventure, as the Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise departs from the Paihia ferry terminal at 9am. This three-hour catamaran tour will have you seeking signs of fins and flippers, as dolphins and other marine animals love to play around the inlets and islands, drawn to the coastal warm waters. Spot the tip of the notable Cape Brett Peninsula before traversing the legendary Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island. Grab a quick bite to eat, check the tyres, and drive back to Auckland via the eastern coastline.
Day 5: DEPART AUCKLAND
Check off a few last-minute activities – like hurling yourself off the Sky Tower or strolling the Viaduct as the city comes to life – before returning your rental care to the depot and boarding your flight home. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport!
