14 Day North Island Discovery Holiday Package

Plan an unforgettable North Island holiday with the 14 Day North Island Discovery Holiday Package. Travel from Auckland to Wellington, experiencing countless highlights along the way. This comfortably paced itinerary maximises sightseeing and minimises driving.

Perfect for couples, families, and groups, this North Island holiday package includes accommodation, activities, and a rental car.

Read on for more details on this 14 Day North Island Holiday Package.

14 Day North Island Discovery Holiday Package

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland – the “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city and is bordered by two stunning harbours. Collect your rental car from the airport, explore the city, then make your way to your accommodation.

This evening, if you would like to dine with a spectacular view, you might like to visit the Sky Tower. You are spoilt for choice with three restaurants and cafés up the Sky Tower, including the Orbit 360–degree dining revolving restaurant; The Sugar Club, which is superbly chic and elegant; or the Sky Café, where you can relax with a coffee, cheese board or ice cream. You will have the opportunity to view the city from 328 metres high above street level and take in the beautiful views, up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Spot the key landmarks, including a number of volcanoes and historical locations within the greater Auckland area.

Stay 2 nights in Auckland City.

Day 2 Auckland

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, which is visited by a staggering one third of all the types of marine mammals found on earth. Departing directly from the Viaduct Harbour, you will be welcomed aboard the 20 metre, purpose-built vessel ‘Dolphin Explorer’ for an unforgettable marine mammal eco-safari out on the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf. During your 4.5 hour eco-cruise, you are guaranteed to see whales and dolphins – or you get a free trip! Friendly, knowledgeable guides, commentary on the culture and history of the Hauraki Gulf, and a fully licensed bar with snacks available for purchase.

Day 3 Coromandel Peninsula

Driving time Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula 178 km /110  miles, 2.5 hours

Renowned worldwide as a spectacular holiday destination, with warm white-sand beaches, misty rainforests and wilderness aplenty, the Coromandel is the ideal place to relax and unwind. Relax on the coastline, exploring beaches, volcanic reefs and the world-famous Cathedral Cove!

Stay 2 nights in Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula.

Day 4 Coromandel Peninsula

Today, join the Glass Bottom Boat for a unique boat cruise. Depart from the Whitianga Wharf to explore the breathtaking volcanic coastline, including the famous Cathedral Cove. See the stunning Champagne Bay, plus a range of blow holes and sea caves, including Orua’s Sea Cave, the second largest sea cave in New Zealand! See what lies above and below the surface in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve and be amazed by all the marine life to be seen. You can choose your own level of fun. Either sit back and enjoy the amazing marine life through the glass boat, or take the plunge and snorkel amongst the fish. All equipment supplied and no experience necessary. Blue penguins are a common sight year-round.

Day 5 Tauranga

Driving time Coromandel Peninsula  to Tauranga 170 km / 106 miles, 2.5 hours

The Bay of Plenty is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in New Zealand. Located along the idyllic Pacific Coast Highway, it offers a great mix of activities, beaches and dining experiences. Tauranga is the main centre, whilst the coastal suburb of Mount Maunganui is the region’s seaside resort.

Downtown Tauranga has several historically significant areas to view during a scenic walk around the area. The Strand waterfront area is modern and always buzzing, and is home to a number of cafés, restaurants and pubs.

Stay 2 nights in Tauranga.

Day 6 Tauranga

Relax in the Bay of Plenty for the day. Around Tauranga are hectares of orchards and gardens producing everything from kiwifruit and citrus fruit to avocados. Add to this bounty the local wines and the plentiful fresh seafood and you just know that this is a place where you will dine well. Mount Maunganui, a short distance from Tauranga, has spectacular beaches which are a magnet for surfers all year round and voted New Zealand’s best by TripAdvisor.

Day 7 Hobbiton > Rotorua

Driving time Tauranga to Matamata 48 km / 29  miles, 1 hour

Make your way to Matamata to discover the real Middle-Earth on the most picturesque private farmland. Near Matamata, visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy in a fascinating two-hour guided tour. The set has been completely rebuilt and will remain as it was seen in the films. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm. You can relax and soak up the unique atmosphere with a great cup of coffee or a light meal in The Shire’s Rest Café.

Driving time Matamata to Rotorua 68 km / 42 miles, 1 hour

Enjoy the scenic journey to Rotorua, distinguished by Maori culture and geothermal activity. This diverse city will put on a display as you encounter geysers, mud pools, steaming craters and 16 beautiful lakes.

In the evening, enjoy a Maori Cultural Experience including a Hangi Dinner. Hear stories and learn how Maori traditions live on today. Experience an authentic Maori welcome. Watch a challenge by the Maori warriors, a karanga (call) from the Maori women welcoming you onto the marae, and a whaikorero (welcome speech). Relax and enjoy the beautiful waiata (songs), the world renowned haka (challenge), and the elegant poi dance. Learn Maori customs including Maori musical instruments, haka and poi. The dining experience is a culinary opportunity like no other. Following dessert, you will be transported down into the valley to conclude your evening beside the awe-inspiring Pohutu geyser.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 8 Rotorua

Relax in Rotorua for the day.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Rotorua’s most spectacular location – Skyline Restaurant. Sit back and relax as the views from the gondola unfold on your journey to the Skyline complex. The Skyline Restaurant will then serve you a mouthwatering taste of New Zealand, a buffet of legendary proportions. Feast on mouth-watering fresh soups, salads and seafood specialties such as mussels, queen scallops, sushi and sashimi. Enjoy carvery roasts of beef, lamb or pork with specialty sauces to match, with live cooking from your friendly chefs. Add to that a range of sumptuous desserts, and you’ve got yourself a unique dining experience not to be missed. Tiered seating guarantees stunning views from every table! After dinner, enjoy the scenic ride back down on the gondola.

At the top of the gondola you also have the option to add on a thrilling Luge Ride, enjoy nature walks, or visit the Jelly Belly Shop and Volcanic Hills winery and tasting room.

Day 9 Taupo

Driving time Rotorua to Taupo 76 km / 47 miles, 1 hour

Enjoy the short drive south to Taupo, rich in natural beauty with attractions such as the Huka Falls, relaxing boat cruises, and bungy jumping.

Enjoy a Peek at the Lake Scenic Floatplane Flight, which takes off from Taupo Bay and continues past Acacia Bay to Rangatira Point, viewing the crystal clear waters of Whakaipo Bay. Climb up through Mapara Valley, view red scoria quarries, then discover the headwaters of the Waikato River. Fly over the Craters of the Moon and over the Borefields of the Wairakei Power Station, followed by a circuit of the Huka Falls, before returning over Taupo to land on the lakefront (approximately 20 minutes).

Stay 2 nights in Taupo.

Day 10 Taupo

Relax in Taupo for the day. Taupo is a great lake for water-skiing, sailing and kayaking. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, make for a great boat trip or kayaking excursion. The forests surrounding the lake offer hiking and mountain biking to suit all levels of experience. Just north of Lake Taupo you’ll find New Zealand’s most visited attraction, the magnificent Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second.

Day 11 Napier

Driving time Taupo to Napier 142 km / 88 miles, 2 hours

Head to the East Coast and discover Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand. Set within the country’s oldest and second largest wine growing region, Hawke’s Bay, Napier is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and wineries.

Explore the Napier and Hasting wine region in the afternoon if you wish, and visit vineyards and cellar doors at your leisure.

Stay 2 nights in Napier.

Day 12 Napier

Enjoy the drive along the scenic coast from Napier to Te Awanga, and visit the world’s largest, most accessible gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Gannet Safaris has been guiding visitors over Cape Kidnappers for over 35 years. The safaris are the only way to approach within a few feet of these remarkable birds. There is absolutely no walking required. You will travel in comfort in the air conditioned 4 x 4 Mini Coach through Cape Kidnappers Station – traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, stands of native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines. There is a stop on the way at a spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke Bay right across to the Mahia Peninsula. The amazing geology of the area can also be taken in.

The 36km, three hour trip includes commentary by your tour guide / driver on the farming operation at Cape Kidnappers Station and an introduction to the gannets. On arrival at the gannet colony, you can stretch your legs and take in the spectacular scenery from your position at the brink of the cliff’s edge – 100 metres above the ocean. Here your guide will serve you light refreshments whilst you enjoy watching the gannets perform around you.

Day 13 Wellington

Driving time Napier to Wellington 319 km / 198 miles, 4 hours

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, has so much to offer. Set on the edge of a stunning harbour, surrounded by rolling hills, it’s a city rich in culture waiting to be explored. From shopping and picturesque walks to concerts, live theatre, exhibitions, festivals, Te Papa Tongarewa: the Museum of New Zealand, and more – Wellington has something for everyone.

Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 14 Wellington

Relax and enjoy Wellington City for the day. Options include visiting top Wellington attractions such as Te Papa, Weta Workshop, Wellington Cable Car, Mount Victoria Lookout and Wellington Zoo.

You may like to visit Zealandia, located a 10- minute drive from downtown Wellington. Hidden in a suburban valley, this project aims to return a 225-hectare section of bush to its pre-human state. Take a walk and hear the songs of the flourishing native bird population.

Day 15 Depart Wellington

Drop your rental car off at Wellington Airport and depart Wellington.

Plan a North Island Holiday

This New Zealand North Island itinerary for 14 days is fully customisable. In other words, we can amend the schedule, inclusions, and accommodation level to suit your preferences.

We offer a range of North Island packages for inspiration. Your personal travel consultant will work with you to ensure your itinerary matches exactly what you are after.

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your unforgettable North Island holiday.