11 Day North Island Deluxe Road Trip
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
On these packages you will travel from city to city on your own, exploring at your own pace. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, Taste your way around Auckland and surrounding wineries, travel to Paihia and the Bay of Islands, cruise the serene waters and visit the ‘Hole in the Rock’, travel south and witness the Waitomo glowworm caves and visit the geothermal pools of Rotorua
✓ Enjoy the flexibility of independent travel
✓ 9 days Compact SUV Holden Trax or similar
✓ 10 nights accommodation in mostly 4 star hotels
✓ Daily breakfast
✓ Full day guided tour tasting some of New Zealand’s best wine, eat local food and drink the dramatic scenery of Auckland’s west coast.
✓ Half day cruising the Bay of Islands enjoying picturesque views of the famous Hole in the Rock
✓ Guided Waitomo Caves tour. Marvel at thousands of glow worms as you glide gently downstream in an inflatable raft, and enjoy easy walks through stunning limestone caves and landscape.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Auckland. The rest of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with this vibrant city.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Check in & arrival information.
Auckland airport is connected to the city by the Auckland City Express SkyBus and offers a great cost-effective means of getting directly into Auckland City. For $17 each one way (or $32 return), they will take you directly from the airport into the city. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, taking between 40 and 50 minutes. As you’d expect, you’ll need to allow additional time if travelling in peak hours.
Hotel check in is at 2pm. Should you arrive earlier than this, hotel staff will do all possible to check you in as soon as possible. If your room is not available before check-in time, you are welcome to leave your luggage in storage and explore the surrounding area.
Enjoy a free morning to begin exploring Auckland.
Today you’ll be collected from your hotel to join a tour of Kumeu Wine Country. A 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland brings you to the Kumeu Wine Country. Your first tasting is at award-winning Soljans Vineyard. Enjoy lunch at Soljans Winery restaurant which has been built with sunshine in mind and serves Mediterranean-style food with a New Zealand twist, showcasing fresh seasonal produce from around the region. Next to tempt the taste buds is Matua Valley Wines who offer an extensive range of wines for every unique taste and occasion.
Your journey takes you to one of the few mainland gannet nesting sites in the world situated on the cliff-tops overlooking the Tasman Sea where you have the chance to see one of the world’s largest seabirds in their natural environment. Here you get a close-up of gannet behaviour without disturbing their environment. The views extend for miles along the wild, black, iron sand beach of Muriwai.
Your final tasting is at West Brook Winery. The West Brook cellar door looks across an idyllic duck pond and terraced picnic area to row after row of vines. The wines reflect true varietal character and their unique regional origins.
At the conclusion of the tour you will be returned to your hotel.
This morning collect your rental car and begin the trip north to Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Island.
Driving along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway we recommend a visit to Whangārei. If you are up for it, take a detour to the Whangarei Heads scenic drive as it winds through pohutakawa fringed bays with stunning views to the wild and beautiful Ocean Beach (approximately an additional 80 minute return trip).
Continuing north, travel the remaining distance to Paihia and on arrival check in to your hotel.
Approximate distance driven: 280km, 3.5hrs
Car Hire Pick Up.
Collect your car from Budget downtown office, located on 206 Victoria Street, Auckland.
At 8.30AM board your vessel from the Paihia Wharf and enjoy picturesque views as the boat winds its way through the islands.
According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space... and if you get dripped on, consider yourself lucky!
Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as we get you up close to the action. Please note that during our morning cruise we are permitted to interact with common dolphins only.
Cruises include an island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Stroll along the white sand beach, or walk to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands.
Your cruise concludes back at Paihia Wharf at 12:00PM. There rest of the day is at leisure.
Today is a full day to explore the northernmost peninsula of New Zealand. Having the car will give you the flexibility to discover the hidden coves and stunning outlooks that dot the coastline.
Before leaving Paihia today we recommend visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. New Zealand’s most important historic site, where in 1840 New Zealand's founding document was signed: the Treaty of Waitangi. The award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a must-do for all visitors to the Bay of Islands.
Today is a long drive to Waitomo. Leaving early, make your way south back along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.
Along the way enjoy coffee and a lunch break at the many charming towns that line the route. On arrival in Waitomo, check in to your hotel.
Approximate distance driven: 420km, 5.5hrs
Make your way to the starting point of the cave tour at 39 Waitomo Village Rd. Please ensure you bring a warm jacket as the cave temperature can be significantly lower than the outside temperature. Discover thousands of illuminating glow worms as you explore these glittering underground worlds on two walking tours. Glide silently by boat through the Glowworm Grotto in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, then get up-close and personal for a photo opportunity.
Farewell Waitomo today and continue your drive to the volcanic mecca of Rotorua. Enroute, make a stop at Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park (entry not included). The park is the best place to see Kiwi birds up close and conducts keeper talks featuring kiwi’s at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm daily.
Then continue to Rotorua, one of the world's most lively fields of geothermal activity. Suggested evening activities include spending the evening enjoying a Māori Cultural Performance and traditional hangi (entry not included).
Approximate distance driven: 139km, 2hrs
Spend the day exploring Rotorua at your own pace. Rotorua is a fascinating mix of geothermal activity, Māori culture, and adventure, Rotorua is a region that offers a multitude of experiences.
Explore the bubbling mud pools and geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, or get your adrenaline pumping with some of the great adventure activities on offer. Visit Te Puia or Tamaki Maori Village to experience Māori culture and learn about the historic events of New Zealand's history.
For those that love getting outdoors, try a walk or mountain bike along the network of trails that wind through the giant Redwood forests.
Leaving Rotorua behind, make your way to Matamata where you will find the original Hobbiton Movie Set from Lord of the Rings. While not everyone might be a die hard fan, the movies put New Zealand on the map on a global scale and have had significant involvement in the boom of New Zealand tourism.
For those movie lovers, you may want to take a guided tour around the Hobbit Shire and learn all about the history and the on-location filming processes (optional tour)
Continue back to Auckland where your car needs to be returned to the downtown depot where you collected your car from.
Approximate distance driven: 228km, 3hrs
Today your North Island Deluxe Road Trip comes to an end. Farewell Auckland as you make your own way to the airport for your onward flight or to continue the next part of your journey.
Auckland airport is connected to the city by the Auckland City Express SkyBus and offers a great cost-effective means of getting directly to the airport. For $17 each one way (or $32 return), they will take you directly from the city to the airport. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, taking between 40 and 50 minutes. As you’d expect, you’ll need to allow additional time if travelling in peak hours.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Upgrade to a Budget SUV vehicle
You may want to upgrade your car hire to a Budget Intermediate SUV (Toyota Rav 4 or similar) for an extra $260 in total.
Bring Your Own Vehicle (No Car Rental Included)
You can opt to drive your own vehicle. A total of $325 per person (two people booking) or $650 (one person booking) will be reduced from the total price.
Driving in Winter
Whilst Tasmanian roads are well maintained, during snowy weather in the winter months, some roads may be temporarily closed to all but all wheel drive vehicles. If travelling in winter, please consider upgrading your car hire to an all wheel drive one. See below under Car Hire Upgrade for more information & prices
Drivers Licence Requirement
Avis Australia will rent to drivers that present a current drivers licence. The renter has to have held the licence for 12 months. Avis Australia will not rent to any person on a Provisional or Probationary licence.
If foreign licence is in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an International Drivers Permit (containing an English translation).
Age Requirement
Medium size cars, minimum 21 years of age
SUVs & larger vehicles, minimum 25 years of age
Additional Drivers
Additional Driver fees will apply to each individual additional driver - with the exception of the lead driver’s spouse.
* $5.00 + GST per day, per additional driver
* Max charge of $25.00 + GST per additional driver (5 day max charge)
It is essential that proof of a valid driver’s licence is provided and that the additional driver signs the rental agreement.
The Spouse of the Lead Driver includes someone (of any gender) they are married to or in a relationship with.
Digital Drivers License
A Digital Drivers License is not accepted. Drivers require a hard copy license until further notice.
Rates Include
Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF), Administration Fee, Goods & Services Tax (GST),
Premium Location Surcharge (PLS) / Concession Recovery Fee (CRF), Loss Damage Waiver, Unlimited Kilometres, Nil Damage Excess.
Please note: The renter must always pay to Avis the following costs and fees:
The cost of repairing any:
· (a) ‘Overhead Damage’ means damage (excluding hail damage) to the Vehicle during the Rental Period above the top of the front and back windscreens, damage to third party property, caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything overhanging or obstructing its path, objects being placed on the roof of
the Vehicle, or You or any person standing or sitting on the roof of the Vehicle;
· (b) ‘Underbody Damage’ means damage to the Vehicle during the Rental Period caused by the Vehicle coming into contact with anything below the bottom of the door seal and the bottom of the front and rear bumper bars where Avis considers, acting reasonably, that the driver of the Vehicle is reasonably at fault for that damage;.
(c) You driving the Vehicle in a manner that results in total or partial inundation or immersion of the Vehicle in water or exposure of the Vehicle to salt water (including, without limitation, damage which occurs as a result of You driving the Vehicle through floods, creeks or rivers);
(d) damage to the Vehicle caused by a breach of clause 3, 4.1, 5.1 or 5.6 of the Avis Australia Rental Terms and Conditions (save, in respect of clause 4.1(m), for minor infractions);
(e) damage to a tyre or an Accessory not attributable to Fair Wear and Tear that is caused deliberately or recklessly by You;
(f) theft of the Vehicle, unless You report the Vehicle as stolen to the police immediately on becoming aware of the theft and provide a copy of the police report to Avis as soon as you receive it; or(g)
loss or damage to Your property, the property of a member of Your immediate family or of a person related to You if that loss or damage is from a breach of these terms and conditions.
The cost of any professional cleaning or odour extraction incurred by Avis because the driver or another person has been smoking in the Vehicle during the Rental Period and/or a reasonable administrative fee reflecting the cost of making arrangements for professional cleaning or smoke extraction.
For the purposes of paragraphs (a) to (g) above, any reference to You includes an Authorised Driver and any person You or the Authorised Driver allow to drive the Vehicle.
Rates Exclude
Airport Concession Fee, Fuel, Optional Extras (baby seats, snow chains etc)
Deposits
All rentals are subject to a deposit at the time of vehicle collection to cover miscellaneous/optional charges and may also have to cover the applicable insurance excess and a $100.00 fuel bond. A credit or debit card is required. Avis Australia accepts all major credit cards. Debit cards will be accepted if they meet the following requirements: Be issued by a recognised bank, Display the Visa or Master Card logo and hologram, Display the Cardholder Name and Display the Card Number. Prepaid and Reloadable Debit Cards as well as Travel Cards and EFTPOS cards will not be accepted.
The amount of the deposit is not debited to the card at rental collection; an authority only is taken until the conclusion of the rental when any applicable charges will be debited. All renters must provide a credit card or approved debit card to enable LINKT to directly charge their applicable toll fees.
Restricted Driving Roads/Areas
The below detailed driving restrictions apply to rentals on Avis Tour Rates. Should the Avis vehicle be driven over the restricted roads / areas detailed below, or on the Rental Agreement, Avis Coverage will be void. Vehicle hire is subject to satisfactory road and weather conditions at all times.
General
The vehicle must only be used on roads that are properly formed and constructed as sealed, metalled or gravel roads (Unless the Vehicle is a 4 wheel drive vehicle).
All vehicles cannot be driven on beaches or through streams, dams, rivers or floodwaters. Vehicles may not be driven above the snow line.
Avis full Rental Terms & Conditions can be found HERE.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $2,695.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Available on request.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Group Size
This package is made up of multiple components which will be provided by different operators throughout your trip. As such, group size will differ between operators and can be as intimate as 2 people or as lively as up to 60 people, depending on the activity and advertised inclusions. There may be unique cases where your selected travel date exceeds the expected group size for special events or types of activities, particularly during popular times of travel. For packages that include a train or cruise, you will be travelling with other passengers up to the capacity of this component.
When travelling with a group, no matter the size, we ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Bedding requests
We do our best to meet your bedding preference, however, bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only and cannot be guaranteed. All efforts will be made to meet your preference, however, any changes are beyond our control and limited by the hotel facilities and availability.
Tour Styles - This package is an Independent style.
To meet the needs of various types of travellers, we choose to operate various types of tours and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Who is operating this package
We have partnered with a wide range of third party operators who assist in fulfilling your booking and delivering an enjoyable on-tour experience. Each package will consist of multiple operators meaning both guides and fellow travellers may change day to day. But don't worry, regardless of the operator, you'll be in good hands to experience the most out of each destination.
