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Entertain the whole family in the North Island with this unforgettable 9-day self-drive road trip including Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, and the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.
New Zealand’s North Island offers island sanctuaries and lively cities with a large helping of culture and history for a truly diverse holiday experience. From the Bay of Islands where New Zealand’s political history began, journey through landscapes that blend magnificent beaches and coasts, sprawling farmlands and geothermal wonders. Maori culture is rich and ever-present in many parts of the North Island.
Departing from Auckland, hit the road to make lasting memories in the North Island. Discover an island paradise of golden, sandy beaches and charming towns in the Bay of Islands; explore the world’s youngest geothermal system in Rotorua; ride the rapids on ...
Departing from Auckland, hit the road to make lasting memories in the North Island. Discover an island paradise of golden, sandy beaches and charming towns in the Bay of Islands; explore the world’s youngest geothermal system in Rotorua; ride the rapids on the Rangitaki River; immerse yourself in traditional Maori life at the Tamaki Maori Village; and witness the spectacle of a thousand sparkling glow worms at the wonderous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Throughout your journey, there will be ample free time to explore the cities, towns and countryside at your own pace. The kids will never be bored!
This 9-day family fun self-drive package includes 8-nights’ kid-friendly accommodation in 2-bedroom apartments, hotels and townhouses. At the end of each fun-filled day, you will sleep in comfort and have access to luxurious facilities and amenities including swimming pools and spas. Nine days premium 4WD rental is included as well as activities and sightseeings as specified in the itinerary.
Give the family an adventure they will never forget, with this 9-day self-drive road trip through the North Island. The best thing about memories is making them!
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
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Driving Information: Auckland to the Bay of Islands: 247km/153mi | 3.5 hours
Arrive into Auckland, pick up your rental 4WD vehicle and hit the road for some good, old-fashioned family fun.
Journey approximately 3.5-hours north to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Known for its pristine beaches and water activities, the Bay of Islands encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula and includes the boutique towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri.
You will stay the next 3 nights at Edgewater Palms Apartments. Set on Paihia’s sparkling waterfront, Edgewater offers spacious self-contained apartments, each with its own balcony or patio. Enjoy the quiet pool and garden setting or sit out on the waterfront and watch the activity on the bay. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, Paihia offers a wide range of water activities including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, powerboating and sailing.
Explore the Bay of Islands with a local guide.
Witness the spectacle of a thousand luminous glow worms at the Kawiti Caves. Get up close to the ancient Kauri trees of the Puketi Forest. Hear the mighty roar of the Haruru Falls. Admire one of the best views in town at the Waitangi Lookout. See where modern art meets modern convenience at the Hundertwasser Toilets, the world’s most architecturally important public bathroom. Along the way, there will be ample opportunity to stock up on local delights (own cost). The Makana Chocolate Factory produces handmade chocolates and other sweet treats, while the Kauri Workshop next door is the perfect place to snap up local crafts and collectables.
At around 2:30pm, your guide will return you to your accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to do as much or as little as you please.
Board your cruise in Paihia and take in stunning views as you glide out through the islands and along the Rakamangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island (Motukōkako), or as it is popularly known the “Hole in the Rock”.
Majestic in size and rising proudly out of the Pacific Ocean, Piercy Island is dominated by sheer cliffs that rise almost 150-metres (492ft) out of the sea. Piercy could have been just another large rock in the ocean had that same ocean and wind not carved out a spectacular 16-metre (52ft) high hole at its southwestern end. According to Maori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in their canoes before departing for battle. If drops of water fell from above, it was a good omen! If weather conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space… and if you get dripped on, consider yourself lucky!
Driving Information: Bay of Islands to Auckland: 247km/153mi | 3.5 hours
Say farewell to the Bay of Islands and make your way back to Auckland.
Spend the day exploring New Zealand’s most populous city, a multi-cultural hub of food, music, arts and culture sprawled over volcanic hills and around twin harbours. The city is filled with endless fun for the whole family. Take in the panoramic views at The Sky Tower, get up close to wild animals at Auckland Zoo, or simply let the kids run wild in one of the city’s many playgrounds. Alternatively, why not take a ferry to one of the stunning Gulf islands? Waiheke and Rangitoto both offer a wide range of land and sea activities.
Once everyone is tuckered out, settle into your accommodation at Waves. Situated just steps from Orewa Beach, Waves offers offers spacious self-contained apartments, each with its own balcony or patio. Most bathrooms are complete with spa baths, which are an ideal place to soak off the salt after a sun-filled day.
Driving Information: Auckland to Rotorua: 227km/141mi | 3hrs
Journey east to Rotorua. Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in.
Today, you will explore the raw beauty of the world’s youngest geothermal site on a self-guided, ecology-focused adventure among the craters of the wonderous Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This exciting geothermal attraction has a very unique ecology, with rare botany and plenty of fascinating geothermal features to explore.
See the hypnotic steam rising from the Echo Crater, marvel at the fizzling Frying Pan Lake (the world’s largest hot spring) and take in the beauty and dazzling blue of the Inferno Crater hot lake. The newly forming silica terraces are also a highlight. At any stage during your walk, you can jump on board a courtesy shuttle that regularly circles the valley back to the Waimangu Visitor Centre.
During your visit, you will also have the opportunity to embark on a 45-minute cruise of Lake Rotomahana. In the Victorian era, Rotomahana was renowned around the world for its spectacular “Eighth Wonder of the World” – the Pink and White Travertine Terraces, which cascaded down to the water. Long thought lost in the catastrophic eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886, surviving fragments of the terraces were discovered 60-metres (200ft) below the lake’s surface. Although temporarily drained by the eruption, Rotomahana came back 20 times its original size and now covers 2,000 acres.
You will stay the next 3 nights at Ramada Resort by Wyndham Rotorua Marama. Surrounded by parklands and offering beautiful views of the Ohau Channel, this highly rated hotel promises a tranquil family escape. Spend the rest of the day making the most of facilities including an outdoor pool, spa, tennis court and gymnasium. When you’re ready, head into Rotorua city centre. Take a walk around the lakefront before indulging in a tasty meal on “Eat Streat” (own cost). The thermally heated footpath and enhanced lighting gives Eat Streat a unique and vibrant dining atmosphere – you’ll satisfy any craving from pub fare and steaks, to tapas, Indian, Italian and much more.
Embark on a leisurely white water rafting experience on the Rangitaiki River, the longest river in the Bay of Plenty region. This scenic trip is an extraordinary adventure for the whole family (ages 5 and up) and those wanting time on the water to enjoy the incredible scenery.
Start your journey at the base of Aniwhenua Falls in the lower Rangitaiki River. Be amazed as you paddle past tumbling waterfalls, lush native forest and through the striking rock gorge. This trip has rapids, but they are nice rolling waves with almost no rocks to avoid. You will feel the thrill of rushing white water without going through it – it is the best of both worlds!
The full expedition is 5.5 hours including a picnic style lunch, Rotorua transfers, safety training and river time of approximately 1.5 hours. You do not need rafting experience for this one, but you do need to be able to get down the rock step formations to start the journey.
Choose your own adventure from Rotorua’s endless family friendly activities. Meander through the giant redwoods in the Whakarewarewa Forest, watch the farm show at the Agrodome, or go swimming in the historic Blue Baths. Alternatively, why not take in stunning views of Lake Rotorua on the 8-seater Skyline Gondola? The whole family can zip back down along the 2-kilometre (1.2mi) scenic luge track or challenge themselves on the intermediate and advanced tracks, with their tight bends, dips and tunnels.
In the evening, join a local guide for an evening of ceremonial rituals at the Tamaki Maori Village. Board a specialised coach for the short journey to the village, nestled in the thick of an ancient, native Tawa forest. En route, your guide will instruct you on the rules of entering a Marae and the protocol you must observe.
Upon arrival in the village, you will participate in the Powiri – the ancient ceremony of welcome – and explore the living Pre-European Maori village as it comes alive with the sights and sounds, and activity of days gone by. You will enter the ancestral Meeting House at the heart of the village and relax as the hosts entertain you with a powerful cultural performance. Afterwards, you will indulge in a traditional “Hangi Buffet Meal”.
Driving Information: Rotorua to Waitomo Glow Worm Caves: 140km/87mi | 2hrs
Make your way back to Auckland via the wonderous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.
Your guided tour of the caves will take you through over 250-metres of stunning underground scenery and over 130 years of cultural and natural history. Your tour begins in the Cathedral and proceeds along a low narrow passage to the Tomo, a deep limestone shaft. Other magnificent cave formations include the Banquet Chamber, the Pipe Organ and the Catacombs. The highlight of your tour is an unrivalled boat ride through the spectacular Glow Worm Grotto. As your eyes adjust to the dark, the walls and roof sparkle with the lights of glow worm larvae like a thousand shimmering stars.
You will stay the night at CityLife Auckland. Centrally located on bustling Queen Street, this highly rated hotel offers suites and apartment accommodation, perfect for families. Make the most of facilities including indoor saltwater lap pool and gymnasium.
Driving Information: N/A
All good things must come to an end. Check out of your accommodation by 10:00am and drop off your rental vehicle to commence your onward journey.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.
The start and finish point of this package is Auckland, New Zealand
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.