Holiday Planning Guide - 7 Days for an Upper North Island road tour. Experience New Zealand with a Drive
NZ planned road tour.
7 Day Upper North Island Road Tour - Drive NZ Rental Cars
Holiday Planning Guide - 7 Days for an Upper North Island road tour. Experience New Zealand with a
Drive New Zealand rental cars planned road tour.
Day 1: Exploring Auckland City
Get a Car from Drive NZ Rental Cars
You’ve just got off the plane at Auckland International Airport and you need some wheels
quickly, make sure you head down to the conveniently located Drive NZ Rental
Cars office located only 3 minutes from the terminal - we’ve even got free pickup
when you phone us on 0800 374 836.
Take in the View at One Tree Hill
Take the Southwestern Motorway (State Highway 20) from the airport towards the city via Onehunga and
check out the famous landmark One Tree Hill for an excellent view of Auckland City.
Make sure you check out the boulders that have been moved to make huge sculptures in the farmland
below.
Go Shopping in New Market
From One Tree Hill its only a short drive through Remuera to the shopping precinct of New
Market. Park in one of the many parking buildings (some offer limited free parking with
purchases).
Viaduct Harbour for Lunch
Feeling a little hungry? Take a 5 minute drive into the city and find some parking near the waterfront
for your rental car. Walk the Viaduct Harbour, checking out the Voyager New Zealand National Maritime
Museum and the many restaurants, cafes and bars on the waterfront.
Take a Stroll around Wynyard Quarter
A short walk from the Viaduct is the new precinct of Wynyard Quarter, formerly
industrial warehouses and fuel storage containers its now a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants and
entertainment venues and retails stores. They’ve even got the odd open air cinema going on!
Spin The Wheel at Skycity
Jump back in the card and head up the road to Skycity
Casino where you can try your hand at the card tables, roulette or even the slots, take
the elevator up to the top of the Skytower, the tallest building in the Southern
Hemisphere and if you are feeling crazy - freefall from the top!
Mission Bay Dinner Time Picnic By The Beach
Only a 15 minute drive along the waterfront, with amazing views to Rangitoto Island and you arrive in
Mission Bay. Grab some Kiwi style fish and chips from the Fish Pot Cafe, ice cream
from Movenpick and a cold beer from the De Fontein, the Belgian beer bar and enjoy
watching the world go by as Aucklanders head home for the evening.
Enjoy Ponsonby Cafe Culture
Ponsonby is the home of Auckland’s cafe and bar culture, go record shopping at Conch Records and a drink at Chapel, or an amazing cocktail from Ben and
Jason at Revelry. Wind shop as you walk down
the street checking art galleries, clothing and book shops in Auckland’s trendiest area.
Party Hard in Auckland’s CBD
You haven’t experienced Auckland until you’ve experienced its nightlife. Backpackers check
out Globe bar for fellow travellers, hipsters feel at home at Cassette
#9 on Vulcan lane, or loads of other pumping bars and clubs like The Carpark,
Waterfront Bar, Bungalow 8 and Home Bar.
Sleep
Accommodation options for Auckland are practically endless, with loads of choice for any budget.
Whatever you are looking for can be found in practically any suburb of Auckland, just look out for the
Vacancy signs on the side of the road, or if in doubt visit one of the many Visitor
Information Centres dotted around the city.
Day 2: Driving from Auckland to Paihia
Get out of the city and drive north towards Paihia and the
beautiful beaches located in the Bay of Islands. The journey is approximately 240 kilometers and
should take just over 4 hours non stop, but getting there is only half the fun, so why not stop off
along the way.
Paihia
Paihia is a great little town full of history and right on the coast line in the Bay of Islands, home
to 144 islands off the coast of New Zealand. The area is full of both Maori and European history and
culture, so make sure you take the time to check out the best of nature, beaches and historical
monuments while you are in town!
Finding Somewhere to Sleep
A wide variety of accommodation is available in Paihia, from camping, backpackers, homestays and
motels with the Cooks
Landout Motel and Breakwater
Motel getting the highest ratings on Tripadvisor. If you get stuck for accommodation pay
a visit to the Bay of Islands i-Site Visitor Information Centre located on Marsden
road who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
Day 3: Exploring Paihia
Check Out New Zealand’s History
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand’s most historical site and the
birthplace of the modern nation where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Make sure you check
out the Treaty House, Maori Meeting House and the Maori War Canoe.
Explore the Natural Landscape
Haruru Falls are a short drive, only around 3km from Paihia township where one of the
earliest European settlements is based. Go on a bushwalk through the forest at Opua
and walk all the way to the bay for an amazing view of the township (and former Kiwi capital) of
Russell.
At the Beach
Theres no shortage of beaches in Paihia and its surroundings, all of which are safe for swimming (make
sure you stay between the flags) and perfect for sunbathing (remember the sunscreen, Kiwi sun can burn
very quickly!).
On the Water
You can’t visit the Bay of Islands without doing at least something water related, whether it’s
taking the Fullers cruise of the islands, hiring some sea kayaks, swimming with
dolphins or diving in the wreck of the rainbow there is something for everyone who is a fan of the
sea! A trip to Paihia isn’t complete without visiting the Hole in the Rock.
Day 4: Driving from Paihia to Rotorua
Grab a Big Breakfast
Today is going to be a long day on the road, so make sure you get a big kiwi breakfast from one of the
many cafes in the town, we’ve heard that you can’t go wrong at El
Cafe on Kings Road. Its going to be a long drive of around 8 hours and 475 Kilometers so make sure
you fill up with petrol and stock up on snacks before hitting the road in your car rental.
Refresh and Refuel in Bombay
About an hour South of Auckland is the official end of the motorway and start of the coast to coast
highway, pull off, refuel and grab a feed at the Autobahn
Cafe.
Take a Side Trip to Hobbiton
Matamata is on the way to Rotorua, so why not relive a bit of Kiwi film history. Open to the public
after the filming of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film series is the Hobbiton film set. Explore Hobbit holes
and check out film props before heading back on the road towards the final leg of todays trip. Be
careful on the roads however, as these have some of the highest accident rates among tourists in all
of New Zealand.
Accommodation on the Roto Vegas Strip
Your nose will remind you that you’ve arrived in Rotorua, New Zealand’s thermal
wonderland. Drive along the riverside until you see a vintage World War II DUKW amphibious landing
craft and go into the Rotorua Visitor Information Centre next door on Fenton Street,
who will help you book your accommodation. Choices are endless at for all budget levels, with a wide
variety of hotels and backpackers accommodation with Base being a favourite due to
its location right next to party spot Lava Bar.
Day 5: Explore Rotorua before driving to Taupo
Check out the Thermal Hotspots
Rotorua is known as New Zealand’s thermal wonderland. Mototara (Sulphur Bay),
Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Te Puia, Hells Gate,
Wai-o-Tapu are just a few of the thermal sites where you will see geysers, bubbling
mud pools, pink and blue terraces and much more. If you feel like a swim make sure you visit the
Polynesian Spa & Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools where you can plunge
into the thermally warmed water and relax.
Nature & Tourist Sites
Rent a mountain bike and ride through the the Redwood Forest, take a stroll through
the picturesque Government Gardens, get a slice of history at the The Buried
Village, New Zealand’s answer to Pompeii, or check out a working farm with sheep shows,
zorbing and bungy jumping at the Agrodome.
Lakes, Streams and Springs
Rotorua is a fishermans paradise, with trout fishing spots (providing you have a licence and its in
season) in many lakes and streams. There are plenty of other spots that are great for swimming and
sightseeing, such as Hamurana Springs, Orere Falls,
Ride a Gondola & Luge down Mount Ngongotaha
Skyline Skyrides located on the side of Mount Ngongotaha is a must visit site when
you are in Rotorua. Take the gondola up the mountainside, but don’t look down! Then jump on the
luge for high speed fun as you race to the bottom.
Unwind in a Secret Local Hot Spring on the way to Taupo
Drive approximately 35 kilometers south on Old Taupo Road and just after you’ve gone past the
honey shop you’ll see a small track (Old Waiotapu Road) off to the left. Follow this track to
Kerosene Creek, a hidden hot spring in the middle of the forest, a perfect rest
before the short 80km, one and a half hour drive to Taupo!
Find your Accommodation in Taupo
Once again the best bet is the local Visitor Information Centre, its easy to find
being located right beside the lake on Tongariro Road. There are plenty of affordably priced hostels
including Rainbow Lodge Backpackers, Black Current Backpackers and
the Taupo Urban Retreat.
Drop your bags off in your room and hit the town for some food and drinks.
A Night on the Town in Taupo
Taupo is a major backpacker destination, and is full of cafes, pubs and bars catering to travellers.
Bar hop from pub to club and irish bar including favourites like The Lazy Trout,
Element Bar, Mulligans Pub & Lone Star.
Day 6: Explore Taupo then drive to Whitianga
Drive to Whitianga
Head out after lunch, as its a bit of a drive at over four hours and 278 kilometers in a rental
car.
Hit The Beach
Check out Buffalo Beach in Mercury bay and take the ferry to Whitianga Rock
Scenic Reserve. Other great beaches include Flaxmill Bay, Lonely
Bay and Cooks Beach. Make sure you remember your sunscreen!
Fun for Adventure Junkies
If the beach is a little boring try out Highzone home of Whitianga’s very own
trapeze, flying fox and high ropes course or if you are still keen for something on the water give
PADI accredited diving, Windsurfer Seafaris or Banana boating a go.
Sightseeing Time
After the mornings activities take some time to check out all the sights that Whitianga has to offer
including Mercury Bay Museum, Shakespeare Cliff Lookout, Captain
Cook’s memorial or a fortified Maori Pa at Whare-Taewa or Wharekaho.
Time for Dinner
Seafood lovers can grab a feed at Squids, Wild Hogs is great for pub
food, while Sangam Indian Cuisine is the perfect taste of North India, or pop into a
cafe on the main street for something more local.
Accommodation In Whitianga
Need cheap accommodation at the end of your trip, book in at either On the Beach
Backpackers or Albert Number 6.
Day 7 Whitianga to Auckland
Drive back to Auckland
Its your final day on your road trip and time to start the 205 km drive back to Auckland which should
take around 3 1/2 hours in reasonable traffic using a car rental. Grab a big breakfast at one of
Whitianga’s local cafes such as Cafe Nina or Eggcentric before
hitting the road.
Make sure you stop along the way at popular spots like Miranda Hot Springs, Thames,
Coromandel Township and grab some of the best pies in New Zealand in Pokeno.
Time to drop the car off and go home
The staff at Drive NZ Rentals will even drop you back off at the airport so you don’t
miss your flight home!
Ready to start your Kiwi road trip with Drive NZ? Give us a call and book your Auckland car rental
now!