North Island Classic

On arrival at Auckland Airport private transfer to your hotel. 

This morning make your way to the rental car city depot where you will collect your rental car for your exclusive use.
Enjoy the drive south through farmland, lakeland and forest until the distinctive smell of sulphur and constant steam drifts let you
know you are in tempestuous, geothermal Rotorua. 

Day free to enjoy the many sights and activities on offer. This evening enjoy a memorable night of culture, song and dance followed
by dinner cooked the traditional Maori way on hot stones underground. 

Enjoy the scenery as the road changes from forest to rugged mountain ranges and then to fertile vineyards as you continue on to the
Hawke’s Bay, known for its Art Deco architecture, gourmet food and world-class wineries. 

Travel today to Tongariro National Park where the three volcanic mountains of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro dominate the
scenery. Travel through the desert-like plateau to your accommodation at the foot of Mt Ruapehu. 
 

Travel today to Matamata, the home of one of the biggest movie trilogies of all time, Lord of the Rings. 

Today is a day at leisure.
Recommended Optional Extra: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour.
In the heart of the Mighty Waikato region, you can explore the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided walking tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. 

Travel to the ancient limestone Waitomo Caves region with its labyrinth of caves and underground rivers. Your guide will provide historical and geographical commentary before you drift silently in a boat under the milky way of glowworms. Continue on to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, situated between two harbours and dotted with extinct volcanoes. 

Tour concludes with the return of your rental car to Auckland city or airport depot.