Auckland - Wellington tour
Day 1: Auckland - Paihia
You will pick up your motorhome in Auckland and drive to Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. In Kerikeri you can enjoy local products and characteristic buildings. You will continue driving to Paihia, the perfect place to admire the beaches and bays. Several cruises depart daily from the port.
Day 2: Bay of Islands
You have a full day on the Bay of Islands to explore the area. The historic Treaty Hose at Waitangi marks New Zealand as a nation and is well worth a visit. Take a ferry trip to one of the more distant islands such as Russell.
Day 3: Paihia - Auckland
From Paihia, you drive back south to Auckland. Once you arrive in Auckland, you really must walk the Auckland Harbour Bridge. The view is insane. Auckland also has many volcanically active areas, wine tours and many hiking trails.
Day 4: Auckland - Whitianga
In Whitianga you will find the freshest and most delicious seafood. Several boat excursions are offered to Mercury Bay, for example. Visit Cathedral Cove, a picturesque lookout and dig your own natural spa in Hot Water Beach.
Day 5: Whitianga - Rotorua
The road further south takes you through the surf town of Whangamata and the dramatic Karangahake Gorge. You will drive right through the area where the famous Lord of The Rings was filmed! You can visit the Hobbit Movie Set in Matamata to see how this beautiful place came to life.
Day 6: Rotorua
You will spend another day in Rotorua, with lots of volcanic activity and where you will experience Maori culture at its purest. The villages of the Maoris are special and in some villages you will be welcomed with an authentic dance. Fun to visit are the geysers that spit water as high as tens of meters.
Day 7: Rotorua - Taupo
During this route you will drive through an extraordinary landscape of geysers, craters and boiling mud. Towards the end of this drive, you will reach the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station with beautiful hiking trails. Once you arrive in Taupo, indulge in the many choices of fine restaurants and the town's quaint downtown area.
Day 8: Taupo - Napier
You will continue driving south through a hilly landscape with beautiful valleys and natural springs. Make a stop at Tarawera where you can admire the natural springs that lie above the Waipunga River. Napier is the Art Deco capital of the world and you will also find vineyards such as those at Hawke's Bay.
Day 9: Napier - Martinborough
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Wairarapa on this drive. Make a stop in Carterton where you will have ample choice of fun souvenirs and admire the beautiful Victorian architecture. Once you arrive in Martinborough, relax in the town center. From downtown, there are several options for fun activities.
Day 10: Martinborough - Wellington
You will continue driving through the mountains of Rimutaka Range, which gives you great views of the area. Wellington has much to offer in terms of culture and nature. It is a lively city with several stores, museums and restaurants. Highly recommended are the Te Papa Museum and the Wellington Cable Car.