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Highway to Well... ington

Overview

From Auckland to Wellington along SH1 via Rotorua, Taupo and Tongariro National Park and at the end, a nice wine tasting in Martinborough.

Itinerary

Don't forget, this is our suggested itinerary only. You can customise each trip to your own requirements.

Day 1 : Auckland

Exhausted or not, depending where do you arrive from… we have a good plan for you if you are not too excited to drive right away, I mean on the left, to your accommodation. Take our shuttle and get over gently from your jetlag.

Day 2 : Auckland

Auckland is a melting pot of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity brings an abundance of unique dining and shopping experiences. Auckland's temperate climate, easy access to the coast and variety of activities earn the city consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys.

Day 3 : Auckland - Rotorua (250km - 3h10)

Drive to Rotorua to experience Maori culture, geothermal forces, spa treatments, thrills and adventure, or any of the other natural assets such as 16 lakes, some of the world's best mountain biking trails, fantastic trout fishing and myriad forest walking.

Day 4 : Rotorua

A full day in south of Rotorua to discover the 2 most amazing sites of geothermic activity: Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu Valley. Why not diving in Wakiti Valley Thermal pools at the end of your day.

Tip : what about a White Island landing helicopter landing tour? Allow 3 hours.

Day 5 : Rotorua - Taupo (80km - 1h)

Drive south to Taupo. On your way, stop at Hidden Valley called Orakei Korako, it is off the beaten track and it is worth it. If you are not done with sulphur smells, keep on visiting geothermal sites in Taupo or experience crazy adrenaline activities.

Day 6 : Taupo - Tongariro National Park (100km - 1h15)

Drive south to Tongariro National Park and take some information about the forecast for the following day.

Tip: we also suggest you a 30 to 45 min scenic flight over the area, it's awesome.

Day 7 : Tongariro National Park

If you feel like experiencing a big walk, Tongariro Crossing is waiting for you. The crossing spans the length of Mt Tongariro (18.5 km) and takes about 7-9 hours. If the weather does not look too good, there are hundred different walks from 10 min to several hours in the area.

Day 8 : Tongariro National Park - Martinborough (380km - 4h45)

From volcanoes to wine tasting, drive south to Martinborough. Enjoy your first tasting in one of the terrace on or next to the village square.

Day 9: Martinborough - Wellington (80km - 1h)

Depending how much you appreciated the wines, get up early and go to Cape Palliser and the Pinnacles Reserve before heading to the busy city for an entertaining evening.

Day 10: Wellington

Enjoy this full day to discover the capital of New Zealand. Wellington is set on a busy harbour surrounded by hills, visit the Te Papa National Museum, the Parliament House and the Beehive buildings or take a look at the different cosmopolitan quarters. If you are more interested by nature take the Cable car and come back trough botanical gardens.

Day 11: Wellington - Auckland (1h flight)

Drop off your car at the airport and fly back to Auckland according to your international flight schedule.

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Some images

Auckland - copyright OUATRuapehu Lake - copyright OUATMartinborough - Ian Trafford
Te Papa Museum - copyright CMYKWai-O-Tapu - copyright OUATWai-O-Tapu - copyright OUAT

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