Travel Specials > New Zealand > New Zealand Independent Packages and Tours > North New Zealand Campervan Self-Drive Tour

7 Day Drive: Auckland to Wellington

7 Days / 6 Nights from $659
Check out all our New Zealand Packages here!

Package Name: North New Zealand Campervan Self-Drive Tour 

Duration: 6 nights / 7 days

Description

Discover the North Island of New Zealand in the comfort of your own camper van. New Zealand is an ideal country to drive around as all the road signs are in English, the scenery is beautiful and the pace of life is relaxing. Start in Auckland "The City of Sails," visit the capital city of Wellington and relax in the thermal town of Rotorua. All along the way, you will be amazed by the great scenic highlights of the North Island and its majestic culture. This is the perfect North Island overview tour and can easily be combined with another New Zealand tour that we offer or you create. Drive on!

Accommodations Along the Way

Throughout New Zealand you will find a vast choice of holiday parks and campgrounds. We recommend that you stay with Qualmark* rated holiday parks. Many parks are located in prime coastal, river and lakeside locations which will allow you to wake up in some of the most scenic spots in the world! The nightly cost of powered sites (sites with power points for suitably wired vehicles like our camper vans) varies between: NZ$18 to $40 per night (subject to change). *Qualmark® is New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality. All tourism businesses that carry Qualmark® means they've been independently assessed as professional and trustworthy, so you can book with confidence.

Click here to learn about our Tailor-Made Itineraries

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

After your flight to New Zealand, arrive in Auckland for a day of relaxation. Once you get settled and unwind a bit, enjoy this magical city known as the Gateway-to-New Zealand. From culture to cosmopolitan, Auckland is the perfect introduction in your South Pacific experience. Some of the must-see’s of Auckland are Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, Native New Zealand Wildlife Encounter, Sky Tower and taking a cruise in the Auckland harbor.

Recommended places to stay: Clarks Beach Holiday Park OR Auckland North Shore Holiday Park

Day 2: Auckland – Waitomo (124 miles / 2.5 hrs)

As you drive south to Waitomo, suburban scenery gradually gives way to the farmland of South Auckland. Places of interest along the way include the wine growing area of Te Kauwhata, the coal mining town of Huntly and the city of Hamilton. Once in Waitomo, make sure to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the Lost World Cave or Woodlyn Park.

Recommended places to stay: Miranda Holiday Park OR Waitomo Holiday Park

Day 3: Waitomo – Rotorua (85 miles / 1.5 hrs)

Rotorua is known as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. Its hot springs and geysers have attracted tourists for over a hundred years. Rotorua sits on the shores of Lake Rotorua with several other lakes nearby. Some of Rotorua’s most popular attractions include Rainbow Springs Nature Park and Te Puia where you can view mighty geysers, boiling mud pools and the traditional arts and culture of the Maori People.

Recommended places to stay: Blue Lake Holiday Park OR Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park

Day 4: Rotorua – Taupo (81 miles / 1.5 hrs)

This short journey from Rotorua to Taupo will take you through the Lake Taupo region on State Hwy 5. Stop at Orakei Korako thermal area along the way. Some of the main points of interest in Taupo are the Wairakei Geothermal visitor center, the Thermal Baths, and also boating and fishing on Lake Taupo.

Recommended places to stay: All Seasons Holiday Park Taupo OR Lake Taupo Holiday Resort

Day 5: Taupo – Napier (89 miles / 2 hrs)

Depart at your leisure in your campervan on the Thermal Explorer Highway, also known as the Napier – Taupo Road. You will travel through rugged mountain ranges and gentle plains. Arrive at Napier / Hawke’s Bay Region, which is well known for its Mediterranean climate, wine and Art Deco architecture. There are over 30 vineyards in this area, most offer daily tours, wine tastings and feature outdoor dining.

Recommended places to stay: Affordable Westshore Holiday Park OR Waipatiki Beach Farm Park

Day 6: Napier – Wellington (201 miles / 4 hrs)

Today as you depart Napier, you will travel south on State Hwy 2 through the Wairarapa region, over the Rimutaka Hill and through the Hutt Valley before arriving in Wellington, New Zealand’s beautiful capitol city.

Recommended place to stay: Wellington Holiday Park (Hutt Park)

Day 7: Wellington

Enjoy New Zealand's capital at leisure: Hike up Mount Victoria for fantastic views of the surrounding landscape, visit Te Papa (the national museum), stroll through the city, taking note of the impressive architecture, or catch an evening show at one of the city's theaters.

From this point forward is up to you as the traveler what you’d like to do. This could be the conclusion of your travels in New Zealand or you could consider exploring the South Island, home to Christchurch, Queenstown, Fjordland National Park and Milford Sound.

Talk with one of our New Zealand Experts for more information about this package and ideas in conjunction with this itinerary.

Pricing

Your choice between:

2 BM Spirit 2 Campervan $1319.00 / $659.00 pp

• The Spirit 2 is an ideal vehicle for a couple. With a gas stove and a fridge you have the added convenience of your own kitchen. Rear access doors allow you to choose an idyllic place to stop, relax and soak up the stunning scenery that is right on your doorstep. 

2 MTSM Spirit 2 Deluxe Campervan $1409.00 / $705.00 pp

• The Spirit 2 T/S is a generously sized vehicle for 2 adults. With a shower, toilet, microwave and gas stove you can explore the remote areas of New Zealand without missing the luxuries of home.

Pricing is also dependent upon travel dates and availability of hotels. Please call a Travel Team Agent for a price quote, including international airfare and car rental.  1.800.788.0829. Email this Page to a Friend!

Valid for travel 10 Jun - 30 Nov, 2013
Some taxes not included