8 Day Secluded Bay of Islands
North Island Self Drive Tour
Auckland to Auckland
Self Drive
Days: 8 days / 7 Nights
Accommodation: 4-5 star
Vehicle: Modern Toyota Rav4 + Full Insurance
From: $460 NZD Per Person, Per Day*
Price: $3685 NZD Per Person, Twin Share *(low season)
100% Customisable to Fit Your Budget!
All Inclusive & Customisable
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day self-drive tour of New Zealand's Bay of Islands, revealing captivating experiences. First, you will savor an exquisite Deluxe Tasting Menu at The Sugar Club atop the Skytower, overlooking the vibrant Auckland city lights. Sail through azure waters on a Hole in the Rock Dolphin cruise, exploring the scenic Rakaumangaanga Peninsula to Cape Brett.
This sub-tropical self drive trip will allow you to indulge in a delightful Carrington Peninsula wine tasting, sampling the renowned Karikari Estate Winery's creations before a delectable locally produced dinner. Immerse yourself in Māori culture with the Footprints - Waipoua Twilight Encounter tour to experience the enchanting Waipoua Forest. This bespoke Bay of Islands tour will be one to remember! Chat to our driving experts today for more information.
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Deluxe Tasting Menu at The Sugar Club - Skytower
Hole in the Rock Dolphin cruise visiting Rakaumangaanga Peninsula to Cape Brett
Carrington Peninsula tasting of wines produced by karikari Estate Winery, followed by a locally produced dinner
Footprints - Waipoua Twilight Encounter 4 Hour tour hosted by local Māori
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7 nights in 4-5 star/best available motel, hotel, bed and breakfast or apartment featuring mountain, ocean and lake views
8 days vehicle hire of a modern Toyota Rav4 or similar + GPS + full insurance
All meals as listed under each day's itinerary
All experiences as listed under each day's itinerary
All bookings and reservations + assistance for urgent matters during your trip via email and a free calling number
A digital travel guide APP outlining our top picks for what to see and do and where to eat along your route
The donation of 4 native trees – a sustainability initiative to offset carbon emissions and re-grow Aotearoa/New Zealand's forests
Arrival and departure flights not included
Detailed Itinerary - Day by Day
Day 1
Stay: Rydges Auckland
Meals: Deluxe Dinner Included
Your Day: Auckland Arrival
Upon arrival at Auckland Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Tonight you will enjoy a dining experience like no other, high above Auckland at The Sugar Club, located in the Skytower.
Day 2
Driving time: 227km, 3.5 hours driving
Stay: Sea Spray Suites Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Auckland to Bay of Islands (Paihia)
Today you will head over ‘The Harbour Bridge’ and say goodbye to New Zealand’s largest city to be greeted by Northland ‘The Winterless North’, famous for its gigantic kauri trees, Māori culture and its stunning beaches. En route you could visit the Kauri Museum to learn all about New Zealand’s most ancient tree and how its significance has developed over time (optional – extra cost). You will then visit Whangarei, the capital of the Northland region where you can view the stunning Whangarei Falls, known as the most photographed waterfall in New Zealand due to its ease of access, picturesque bush surrounds and guaranteed 365 day of the year flowing cascade. From here you head north to Paihia, the hotspot of the well-known ‘Bay of Islands.' Tonight if you choose the gold option, you will enjoy a complimentary dinner at Glasshouse Kitchen & Bar, at Paihia Beach Resort & Spa.
Day 3
Stay: Sea Spray Suites Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Paihia/Russell
This morning is free to explore the beautiful Bay of Islands. Perhaps enjoy a walk along the beautiful Paihia School Road Track through native bush to Opua Forest Lookout. Today you will take the short ferry (car or passenger) over to Romantic Russell for lunch at the beautiful Duke of Marlborough. Enjoy delicious food and a delightful ocean view. We recommend a wander around the very pleasant village of Russell, a visit to one or several of it's beautiful pohutukawa lined beaches and (if you go by car) a stop at the site of New Zealand's first capital! This afternoon you will head out on the water, enjoying the Hole in the Rock Dolphin cruise. Here you will have stunning views as you sail around the Bay of Islands, visiting Rakaumangaanga Peninsula to Cape Brett. Here you will see Motukokako, the Hole in the Rock. You will have the chance to spot a number of marine wildlife, including dolphins and whales (included activity).
Day 4
Driving time: 112km, 1.5 hours driving
Stay: Carrington Estate
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Your Day: Paihia to Karikari Peninsula
North you go! Today you can check out the quaint seaside villages of Mangonui, Coopers Beach and Taipa in the stunning Doubtless Bay, before reaching the secluded beauty of the Carrington Peninsula and Carrington Estate, where you will stay for 2 nights. Upon arrival you will enjoy a tasting of wines produced by karikari Estate Winery, followed by a complimentary dinner at the resort's restaurant.
Day 5
Driving time: 275km, 4 hours driving time return
Stay: Carrington Estate
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Included
Your Day: Karikari Peninsula to Cape Reinga Return via Giant Te Paki (Sand Boarding)
Today you will reach the very Northern tip of Aotearoa/New Zealand! Stand at the top of the cliff and observe the Tasman Sea and Pacific Oceans meeting together in harmony. It is a beautiful sight. Following this, head South back down the road and pull off at Giant Te Paki to see ginormous sand dunes. Here you can rent a boogie board and sandboard your way down these massive slopes. It is quite the thrill! Return to Carrington Lodge in the evening.
Alternatively, you have the option to relax at Carrington Estate. Laze about by the pool or perhaps play a round of golf at Carrington Estate's on site golf course (additional cost).
Day 6
Driving time: 172km, 2 hours 15 minutes driving
Stay: The Heads Hokianga Harbour
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Karikari Peninsula to Hokianga Harbour
Today you will head South-West towards Opononi/Omapere where you will stay facing the Hokianga Harbour and it's massive sand dunes. This evening you will be taken on a tour hosted by local Māori who will take you into the Waipoua Forest to see Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere - 2 of Aotearoa's largest and most majestic trees. Learn of the significance of these trees to the Māori people as day turns in to night in this breath-taking forest.
Day 7
Driving time: 256km, 3.5 hours driving
Stay: Rydges Auckland
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Hokianga Harbour to Auckland
You will drive through Waipoua Forest where you will have another opportunity to see the impressive kauri trees by day on one of several forest walks in the area. New Zealand only has around 1 percent of its beautiful Kauri trees remaining and they can only be seen in the Northern part of the North Island. Heading South to Auckland down the west coast through Dargaville, you arrive in the’ City of Sails’ in the afternoon/evening.
Day 8
Meals: Breakfast Included
Your Day: Auckland Departure Day
Today you will transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you've had an excellent time in New Zealand and wish you safe travels to your next destination.
Onward flight not included.
Here's how it works.
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Step One.
Enquire by filling out our form with a few more details about your driving holiday plans. Our driving holiday experts will be in touch to discuss options and ideas with you.
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Step Two.
We will help match you to your perfect New Zealand driving holiday itinerary, complete with all the destinations you want to visit and any additional activities you would like to include.
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Step Three.
Once you are happy with everything, we can take a small deposit and you can get excited to hit the open road and explore New Zealand. With our 24/7 support, you can rest easy knowing that everything is arranged.
Plan your ultimate New Zealand driving holiday today with our expert travel agency.
Our team of specialists will help you create a seamless travel solution, tailored to your specific touring plans and desired duration.