Self-drive road trip · New Zealand
Experience the remarkable contrasts of New Zealand’s North Island, from glowworm caves and Māori culture to geothermal wonders, vineyards and vibrant cities.
Per person, estimatedUS$782
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.
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
Every stop has a hotel already chosen for you. Open a stop to swap the hotel, add activities or stay longer. The price updates as you go.
Want more time somewhere? Open any stop and tap Add a night. Every day after it moves back, and your dates and price update automatically.
Stay longer or shorter in Arrive in Auckland
Your stay in Arrive in AucklandDays 1–3
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Pick up your car at AUCKLAND (AKL), from 10:00. It's yours for all 10 days.
Welcome to New Zealand. Collect your rental car at Auckland Airport and drive to your hotel.
Spend the remainder of the day relaxing or begin exploring New Zealand’s largest city. Walk along the waterfront, visit the Viaduct Harbour or enjoy views across the city and surrounding islands from the Sky Tower.
Overnight in Auckland
Overnight: Attic Backpackers, night 1 of 2
Enjoy a full day in Auckland. Explore the city center, visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum or take a ferry across the harbour to the seaside village of Devonport.
Alternatively, travel by ferry to Waiheke Island, known for its beaches, vineyards and restaurants. As wine tasting is involved, leaving your rental car in Auckland is recommended.
Overnight in Auckland
Overnight: Attic Backpackers, night 2 of 2
“This centrally-located Auckland hostel impresses guests with its excellent kitchen facilities, welcoming atmosphere, and genuinely helpful staff who create a friendly, social vibe perfect for solo travelers and small groups. The comfortable common areas and clean spaces make it an ideal base for exploring New Zealand's city center.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, 31 Wellesley Street
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Arrive in Auckland surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo
Your stay in Auckland to Rotorua via WaitomoDays 3–5
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 350 km / 217 miles
Approximate driving time: 4 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Leave Auckland and travel south through the green countryside of the Waikato region.
Stop at the Waitomo Caves, where an optional guided excursion leads through impressive limestone formations and an underground grotto illuminated by thousands of glowworms.
Continue across the North Island to Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s most fascinating destinations and an important center of Māori culture.
Overnight in Rotorua
Overnight: Haka House Rotorua, night 1 of 2
Spend a full day experiencing Rotorua’s extraordinary landscapes and cultural heritage.
Visit one of the geothermal reserves to see steaming vents, colorful mineral pools, bubbling mud and powerful geysers. You can also join a Māori cultural experience featuring traditional stories, crafts, music and food.
Other possibilities include the Redwoods Forest, Lake Rotorua, the Polynesian Spa or a visit to a wildlife center where you may see New Zealand’s elusive kiwi bird.
Overnight in Rotorua
Overnight: Haka House Rotorua, night 2 of 2
“Haka House Rotorua is a spotless, modern hostel loved by guests for its spacious, well-equipped rooms with comfortable beds and excellent storage, generous kitchen facilities perfect for group meals, and prime location within easy walking distance of Rotorua's town center and attractions. Visitors consistently praise the friendly, helpful staff and vibrant social atmosphere, making it a standout choice for backpackers and families exploring New Zealand.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, 1278 Haupapa Street
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Rotorua to Lake Taupō
Your stay in Rotorua to Lake TaupōDays 5–6
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 80 km / 50 miles
Approximate driving time: 1 hour
Today’s short drive allows plenty of time for additional sightseeing around Rotorua before continuing south.
Stop at one of the geothermal areas between Rotorua and Taupō, where volcanic activity has created brightly colored pools and otherworldly landscapes. Before reaching Taupō, visit Huka Falls and watch the Waikato River surge through a narrow volcanic gorge.
Spend the remainder of the day beside Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake.
Overnight at Lake Taupō
Overnight: Haka House Taupo
“Haka House is a highly praised backpackers hostel in Taupo's prime location, just a short walk from downtown and close to adventure attractions like bungy jumping and Huka Falls. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, sparkling clean facilities, warm and comfortable rooms, well-equipped communal kitchens, and welcoming atmosphere that makes it perfect for budget travelers and group gatherings alike.”
Included in your trip1 night, 56 Kaimanawa Street
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Rotorua to Lake Taupō surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Lake Taupō to Napier
Your stay in Lake Taupō to NapierDays 6–8
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 145 km / 90 miles
Approximate driving time: 2 hours
Enjoy the morning in Taupō before travelling through forests, mountain landscapes and fertile countryside toward Hawke’s Bay.
Arrive in Napier, a coastal city famous for its remarkable collection of Art Deco buildings. Explore the compact center on foot, walk along Marine Parade or enjoy dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.
Overnight in Napier
Overnight: Palm City Motor Inn, night 1 of 2
Today is dedicated to Napier and the surrounding Hawke’s Bay region.
Join an Art Deco walking tour, visit local food producers or explore some of New Zealand’s oldest vineyards. The region is particularly known for Chardonnay, Syrah and Bordeaux-style red wines.
If you intend to visit several wineries, an organized wine tour is recommended so you can leave your rental car at the hotel.
Overnight in Napier
Overnight: Palm City Motor Inn, night 2 of 2
“This modern, spotlessly clean motel offers spacious, well-appointed rooms with excellent amenities including pools, spas, and kitchenettes, all complimented by genuinely warm and friendly staff. Guests rave about the on-site restaurant's delicious meals with generous portions and the convenient Napier location, making it an ideal choice for families and groups seeking comfort and value.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, 31 Georges Drive
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Lake Taupō to Napier surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Napier to Martinborough
Your stay in Napier to MartinboroughDays 8–9
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 270 km / 168 miles
Approximate driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Travel south through the agricultural landscapes of Hawke’s Bay and the Wairarapa region.
Your destination is Martinborough, a charming village surrounded by boutique vineyards. Many wineries are close to the village center and can be visited on foot or by bicycle.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon discovering the local wines, restaurants and peaceful countryside.
Overnight in Martinborough
Overnight: Margrain Vineyard Villas
Included in your trip1 night, Corner Of Ponatahi & Huangarua Roads, Wellington
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Napier to Martinborough surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Martinborough to Wellington
Your stay in Martinborough to WellingtonDays 9–10
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Approximate driving distance: 80 km / 50 miles
Approximate driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Leave Martinborough and cross the Remutaka Range on your way to Wellington.
After arriving in New Zealand’s capital, return your rental car at the designated downtown location or Wellington Airport, depending on your confirmed arrangement. A car is generally unnecessary while staying in central Wellington.
Spend the afternoon exploring the waterfront, Cuba Street and the city’s restaurants and cafés.
Overnight in Wellington
Overnight: Haka House Wellington
“Experience exceptional hospitality at this vibrant city-centre hostel, where friendly staff go the extra mile to ensure your comfort. Guests rave about the spacious kitchens, spotless facilities, prime waterfront location near shopping and entertainment, and welcoming atmosphere perfect for meeting fellow travelers—making it a standout choice for budget-conscious explorers.”
Included in your trip1 night, 292 Wakefield St
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Martinborough to Wellington surprise you.
Return your car at WELLINGTON (WLG) by 10:00, then check in for your flight home.
Depending on your departure time, visit Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, explore the compact city center or ride the historic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views.
Make your way independently to Wellington Airport and continue with your onward journey.
Your North Island fly-drive ends after a varied journey through New Zealand’s culture, geothermal landscapes, lakes and wine regions.
Departure day · No overnight stay
A rental car is included for all 10 days. Want more room or comfort? Upgrade below.
Pick up, day 1AUCKLAND (AKL), from 10:00
Return, day 9WELLINGTON (WLG), by 10:00
Good to knowUnlimited miles. Rates assume a driver aged 30 or over.
Operated by Avia Travel & tours.
Download this tour's PDF brochure and plan offline: every day, your hotels, the car and our phone numbers.
Our travel experts know these roads. Call and we'll tailor the trip with you.
Estimated total, 2 travelersUS$1,564
How this road trip stacks up against similar self-drive tours, side by side.
| Tour | |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price, per person | ||||
| From | US$782 | US$1,371 | US$1,988 | US$240 |
| Per night | US$87 / night | US$114 / night | US$221 / night | US$27 / nightBest |
| The trip | ||||
| Duration | 10 days, 9 nights | 13 days, 12 nights | 10 days, 9 nights | 10 days, 9 nights |
| You're viewing this tour | View tour | View tour | View tour |
"From" prices are per person for 2 travelers sharing, at the cheapest hotels. Driving is estimated from the stop locations.
| Stops | 6 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
|---|
| Places | Auckland, Rotorua, Lake Taupo Lake Terrace, Napier, Martinborough, Wellington | Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre Larch Grove, Wānaka, Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels Manapouri Te Anau Highway, Queenstown | Rome, Siena, Florence, Venice | Zagreb, Plitvice Entrance 1 Ticket Office, Zadar, Split |
|---|
| Start and finish | Auckland – Wellington | Christchurch – Queenstown | Rome – Venice | Zagreb |
|---|
| On the road |
|---|
| Total driving | About 820 km | About 500 km | About 550 km | About 720 km |
|---|
| Longest drive day | About 285 km | About 175 kmBest | About 255 km | About 325 km |
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| Car included | Economy | Compact | Compact | Yes |
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| Stays and extras |
|---|
| Hotels included | 4 to 5-star hotels | 3 to 5-star hotels | 3 to 4-star hotels | 3 to 4-star hotels |
|---|
| Hotel choice | About 8 hotels per stop | About 10 hotels per stopBest | About 10 hotels per stop | About 10 hotels per stop |
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| Airport transfer | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
|---|
FromUS$1,988per person
