Northern Circuit Tour

Explore the famous Waiheke Island, known for its rolling vineyards, sandy beaches, rocky bays, and glorious wineries. Meet your guide in Auckland as you board the ferry to head out to the island, cruising along the Hauraki Gulf to reach the Mataitia Bay terminal. On the Island, your guide will tour you around in a luxury vehicle, as you indulge in wine tasting and a vineyard tour from three premium wineries, before enjoying a picnic lunch at one of the gorgeous white sandy beaches. After lunch you will get to explore an award-winning Olive Oil estate, here you will get the chance to view the trees and the process of how the Oil is harvested and made. After your tour, you will board the ferry and head back to Auckland. 

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range. From compact economy, hatchbacks to prestige SUVs. Find out all you need to know about rental car hire in New Zealand with our helpful FAQ's.

The drive south from Auckland takes you past the the Bombay Hills which mark the outer boundary of greater Auckland area and it's here you turn inland to central Waikato. You’ll soon go through the town of Matamata where you can visit the fully intact Hobbiton film set used in the shooting of the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Continuing on, you’ll pass several small farming communities before telltale signs of steam and other geothermal activity signal your arrival into Rotorua.

Discover the geothermal, adventure, and cultural wonderland of Rotorua. As you explore, you may see steam rising from cracks in the road, bubbling and hissing water in pools along the lake's edge, and the unmistakable smell of Sulfur. Rotorua is rich in Māori culture and history, with many Māori inhabitants recognising the great potential of the volcanic land. For an outdoor adventure, head to The Redwoods and experience the rainforest treetops from high up. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of New Zealand's native birds, such as the Pīwakawaka (Fantail) and the Tūī. Alternatively, enjoy the Lake Tikitapu Blue Lake Walk or explore Kuirau Park, where you'll find bubbling mud pools and steaming lakes. Don't miss the private thermal reserves such as Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu, where you can walk among bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and Sulfur ponds. Just a few minutes from the town centre, the Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery offer an insight to nature. Rotorua's rich Māori culture is a must-see, spend an evening with Te Pā Tū complete with a traditional style dinner or stroll along the lake edge to reach one of the country's oldest Māori villages at Ohinemutu. When hunger strikes, visit Eat Street in Rotorua CBD, a vibrant street lined with delicious eateries and restaurants to satisfy any craving. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without experiencing Rotorua's original tourist attraction - a relaxing spa treatment, this town boost an array of wellness experience to unwind in. Whether you are seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Rotorua offers an unforgettable experience.

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

This exclusive guided experience is a truly unique opportunity to learn about the world-renowned kiwi hatchery conservation program. You are invited to step ‘behind the glass’ for an immersive experience to join the hatchery team in a staff-only area to learn about the incubation and chick rearing techniques from global experts. Learn all about New Zealand’s intriguing national icon and the efforts of the kiwi husbandry team, see and discover what it takes to hatch and rare chicks, and if you’re lucky, see baby chicks in person! Afterwards, take more time to learn in the interactive kiwi burrow and see adult kiwi roam and forage in our purpose-built Nocturnal house.

This 30 minute highlights tour is a rare opportunity to spend time with New Zealand Jade artists. New Zealand Jade known as Greenstone, but more commonly known in New Zealand as Pounamu has a rich history within Maori culture. The expert guide will show you the intricate process of Pounamu carving first hand in the Mountain Jade studio. The local artist will be there to personally demonstrate the carving process and share their stories and knowledge with you. To top off the tour, you will get to select your very own piece of Pounamu and learn to string it yourself so you can take it home.

Indulge your senses in a Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora), a thoughtfully designed therapeutic experience inspired by the practices and culture of Ngāti Whakaue. Embrace the healing power of the natural environment as your senses awaken through a series of hot and cold therapies. Your journey begins beneath a cascading waterfall, cleansing your body and mind. Transition to Te Ahi Tupua, where a sequence of hot and cold immersions invigorates and rejuvenates. Relax in the soothing waters of the Geothermal Pool, sourced from the renowned Rachel Spring. Follow this with a refreshing cold plunge, easing muscle tension and reducing inflammation. Conclude your experience in the Kohu Wai Arik steam room, where heated stones create a serene space for reflection and relaxation, leaving you revitalized and restored.

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular views on the stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. This Tour highlights these amazing features unique to this region because of their location on the faultline relative to the Pacific Rim of Fire. 

This drive will take you south through the thermal region of Rotorua. Home to a plethora of unique geothermal attractions including boiling mud pits, natural hot springs and steaming geysers, this area is a must do before you move on to Havelock North. Notable attractions are Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Craters of the Moon. Continue on to Taupo and marvel at the lake - A giant crater formed following a volcanic eruption in the year 180 CE. As you approach the city, be sure to stop at Huka Falls to view the spectacular sight of hundreds of cubic metres of water spilling every second down the narrow 11 metre drop. Leaving Taupo, follow the road as it climbs the rugged Ahimanawa Range before descending back down the Pacific Coast through the art deco town of Napier and finally onto Havelock North. The perfect base from which to explore the Tukituki River Valley and beyond to the coastal settlements of Ocean Beach and Waimarama.

With its Mediterranean climate and Art Deco style, Hawke's Bay is an attractive holiday prospect. As the nation's first winemaking region, a visit to one of its 30 wineries is a must. A trip to Mission Estate touted as the birthplace of NZ wine can't be missed. For the truly enthused head out on a tour of the vines. Those into Gatsby will enjoy the chance to view prominent Art Deco landmarks on a 1930s Vintage Car Tour. Passengers will spend just over an hour learning about the history of the city's architecture including the Napier Municipal Theatre, one of the top ten Art Deco Buildings in the world. If you're after some fresh air, hire a bike and take your pick of one of over 200km of cycling trails or head on down to one of the many beaches that ring the area. Ocean or Waimarama beach are good choices and both are patrolled by surf lifeguards during the summer. Indulge in some local produce and head out on a cheese, chocolate, honey or orchard tour.

Hawke's Bay offers a variety of scenic walks, from coastal paths to forest trails, perfect for exploring the region's natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more challenging hike, there's something for everyone. Be sure to check with the Department of Conservation for current conditions before heading out.

Leave the rolling countryside of Hawke's Bay to traverse some of the country's richest dairy farmland in the Manawatu Gorge. Continue on through the Wairarapa Region and take a break in Masterson - home to the ‘Golden Shears’ sheep shearing competition. As you drive south, a visit to historic Greytown is a must do. Take in the restored Victorian buildings and make time for a cup of tea at one of its quaint cafes. Leaving state highway 2 you will cross over the Ruamahanga River into Martinborough wine country - then over the Remutaka Ranges to arrive in New Zealand's capital city, Wellington.

Wellington known in Māori as Te Upoko o Te Ika a Maui is home to New Zealand’s centre of government. Often referred to as ‘mini Melbourne', this windy city is a melting pot of art, culture, food, and fashion. Quirky laneway bars, underground art shows, and hipster eateries make up its inner-city vibe, while a host of sandy beaches outside the urban bustle bring a cheerful holiday feel. Head to Te Papa Museum for a history lesson and a ticket to one of its many international exhibitions or jump aboard the Wellington Cable Car - the only running funicular railway in the country. For those with an eye for boutique, fashion wander through Cuba St to sample some of the city's best vintage stores. Break for coffee at a hipster cafe and be sure to snap a pic outside the ‘Beehive,’ New Zealand’s parliamentary debate chamber. Go behind the scenes at Weta Workshop Experience, the Oscar Award Winning design studio behind Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar. If you're a foodie at heart, a two-hour round trip to Martinborough is a must-do. Take your time as you wind through spectacular wine country. For an educational day out, learn about New Zealand's native species at Zealandia, the world's first fully-fenced eco-sanctuary and home to over 40 types of endangered and native birds.

Meet your guide at Switched on Bikes store on Queens Wharf in central Wellington in time for a 10am departure. After listening to the safety briefing, learn how to operate your electric bike and enjoy time to practice in a car-free space before heading out.

Once you are comfortable, saddle up for a fun bike tour of Wellington's bays and follow your guide along the Wellington Waterfront. Glide along the seafront, passing the lively harbour and the beaches of Oriental Bay - filled with swimmers and sun-bathers in the summer. Continue along the Miramar Peninsula and leave the bustle of the city behind as you cycle along the scenic coast. Pause along the way at a local cafe before looping back towards the city.

Finally, set the bikes to 'turbo' to climb up to the lookout point of Mt Victoria for an unforgettable view over Wellington, the Miramar Peninsula, and the ocean harbour entrance.

Follow the main highway north along the Kapiti Coast towards the rich farmland of the Manawatu and Taranaki. Continue north-west towards the city of Whanganui which rests on the banks of the spectacular Whanganui River. Follow the coast of the South Taranaki Bight towards the volcanically formed region of New Plymouth. The dominant and perfect volcanic cone of Mt Egmont/Taranaki is visible for many miles as you approach the region. New Plymouth is the largest town in Taranaki. Situated on the coast this busy centre has a great range of restaurants and accommodation. The coastal highway and the magnificent Mt. Taranaki are the main attractions. The Taranaki region is very popular for its gardens and hosts the Rhododendron festival each year. New Plymouth has over 70 000 people with a beautiful coastal walkway running from Port Taranaki to the Waiwhakaiho River mouth. Pukekura Park, just a 5 minute walk from the city centre, is a haven of over 25ha of native bush including a beautiful lake. The district boasts 16 parks and reserves, with 13 official beaches, 60km of walkways as well as many "tucked away" spots for a peaceful moment.

New Plymouth is the largest town in Taranaki. Situated on the coast this busy place has a great range of restaurants and accommodation. The coastal highway and the magnificent Mt. Taranaki are the centre attractions. The Taranaki region is very popular for its gardens and host the Rhododenron festival each year. New Plymouth has over 70,000 people with a beautiful coastal walkway running from Port Taranaki to the Waiwhakaiho River mouth.
Pukekura Park is a haven of over 25ha of native bush with a beautiful lake, it is a world class park and with 5 minutes walk from the city centre. Adjacent to Brooklands Park with its natural amphitheatre bowl and zoo. The district boasts 16 parks and reserves, with 13 official beaches, 60km of walkways as well as many "tucked away" spots for a peaceful moment.

Follow the coastline of the North Taranaki right before turning inland through the beef and cattle farming regions on North Taranaki. The small townships en route provide an insight into the real rural New Zealand. The township of Te Kuiti sits within the King Country, named after the movement of the Maori warrior Chief King Tawhiao, who during the Maori Wars, led a resistance against the European's who coveted their land. The rich rolling countryside accompanies you to the limestone valleys and caves that have attracted visitors for the past century.

Be absolutely Spellbound on this tour that allows you to take in the truly spectacular display of glowworms in their natural habitat - over 30,000 of them gently lighting the entire cave. This relaxed and gentle tour will also treat you to the beautiful Cave of the Spirit where you will walk through an incredible succession of chambers to find speleothems, fossil remains of extinct moa and cathedrals filled with natural light, softly falling to the floor.

Today cross the lush farmland of the Waikato as you make your way to Cambridge. Pass through several small farming towns such as Otorohanga and Kihikihi, before arriving to small township of Cambridge. Renowned for producing racing horses, the town is centred around a traditional village green, giving Cambridge the feel of an English country town and making it well worth a stop to explore the cafes and antique stores.

Heading north from Cambridge the main highway follows the Waikato River. State Highway 1 runs from Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island and this section follows what was the original main trunk line, the Waikato River. New Zealand's longest river was used by Maori as an important trading and transport route and it is still important today as a water and power supply. New Zealand's only major motorway will deliver you directly to the airport.

Explore more of vibrant Auckland city before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Bid farewell to New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Maori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!