A 9-day Auckland to Wellington Itinerary, New Zealand

09 February 2023

New Zealand is one of our favourite destinations – a place of thrilling experiences in raw nature. This self-drive itinerary gives you time to explore the multicultural hub of Auckland before taking you south to the Bay of Plenty with its exceptional wines, the mud pools of Rotorua, and Huka Falls with their jetboard rides.

A 9-day Auckland to Wellington Itinerary, New Zealand

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

Collect your rental car to drive to your accommodation before exploring this gateway city to North Island under your own steam.

Day 2: Tauranga & Bay of Plenty

Head south through Waikato farmlands to this area of exceptional wineries, kiwi orchards and kilometres of white sandy beaches.

Day 3: Rotorua

Venture inland to the geothermal home of geysers and mud pools alongside the sparkling lakes and dormant volcano of Mount Tawawera.

Day 4: Rotorua

Continue to explore Rotorua, discovering its rich layers of Maori culture and taking an optional gondola ride or canopy treewalk.

Day 5: Taupo to Napier

Visit the mighty Huka Falls for a pulse-racing jetboat ride, then explore the popular lakeside town of Taupo.

Day 6: Napier

Enjoy a guided walk of the fascinating Art Deco city then get to know Hawke’s Bay, with optional winery visits.

Day 7: Napier to Wellington

Travel through the rural Wairarapa region and stop at Zealandia wildlife refuge to see some of the most endangered native animals.

Day 8: Wellington

Spend the day discovering this harbourside city including Te Papa National Museum, Space Place Observatory and the botanic gardens.

Day 9: Depart Wellington

Sneak in some last-minute sightseeing or shopping before returning your rental car to the airport ahead of your flight.

To book your New Zealand break with full financial protection, call your Travel Counsellor today.

Experience the magic of the Mediterranean with Fred. Olsen

22 July 2024

Step aboard a journey that promises to captivate your soul and awaken your adventurous spirit. Fred. Olsen’s fly-cruises in the Mediterranean invite you to embark on smaller, more intimate ships designed to navigate the hidden gems of this enchanting region. Picture yourself exploring the sun-kissed islands of Dalmatia, where history and natural beauty intertwine, or marvelling at the vibrant, colour-drenched clifftop towns that adorn the Amalfi Coast.

Try something new this year with these destination dupes

15 July 2024

Tired of the usual tourist traps? Looking for a unique adventure that not everyone will have been to? You're in the right place. Welcome to our second guide on destination dupes—unexpected places that offer the same allure as popular spots but without the huge crowds. Perfect for adventure travellers and luxury seekers alike, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences in beautiful, less-talked-about locales.

Discover the cultural highlights of Europe with Riviera Travel

15 July 2024

Imagine stepping back in time to an era of grand voyages, where the joy of travel was found in the act of exploring, learning, and immersing yourself in the wonders of the world. Riviera Travel's European Grand Tours offer you the chance to relive that golden age of travel on luxurious 9 to 13-day adventures. If you're a lover of art, culture, and history, these tours are a once-in-a-lifetime experience you'll cherish forever.