Coastal Escape

Perched on the edge of a large natural harbour, New Zealand's ‘City of Sails’ offers the best of both worlds. Sandy beaches, native bush and lush rainforests give way to a vibrant urban culture. Spend time in the Viaduct Harbour, try your hand at sailing an America’s Cup Yacht or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for a gourmet food and wine experience. Venture to the top of Auckland's highest volcano, Mt Eden, for soaring views of the Hauraki Gulf or hop on the short ferry to Rangitoto Island and hike to the top of the volcanic island. Immerse yourself in nature at the expansive Auckland Botanic Gardens, sprawled across 156 acres of native forest, pack a picnic, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy the birdsong. Head up to the Sky Tower, standing over 300m tall, and have a meal in the 360-degree revolving restaurant. Scale the outermost perimeter of the Harbour Bridge or test your stomach with a bungy jump, then end your day on Ponsonby Road sampling upmarket culinary delights.

A short cruise through the Waitemata Harbour to the Hauraki Gulf delivers you to Rangitoto Island. Rangitoto Island is the largest and youngest of the many volcanoes that make up the Auckland volcanic field. It erupted around 600 years ago, but is extinct now and safe to explore. During your cruise to and from the island enjoy fantastic views of Rangitoto Island and Auckland. On reaching the island you can walk to the summit (1 hour direct) for great views of the Hauraki Gulf and over Waitemata Harbour looking back towards Auckland. There are a number of walking trails to explore this volcanic island, further information can be found at the Department of Conservation website.

Escape the city bustle and discover the soul of Auckland’s heritage wine region. Just 25 minutes from the CBD, the Kumeu Wine Country awaits with its rolling green hills and world-class Chardonnay. This half-day journey pairs exquisite wine tastings at renowned family estates with a seasonal vineyard lunch and a breath of fresh Tasman Sea air at the rugged Muriwai Beach. From sipping award-winning vintages to spotting the majestic gannet colony on the clifftops, this is a sophisticated yet relaxed taste of the very best of Auckland’s "West Side."

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park - visited by a staggering one third of all the types of marine mammals found on earth. Departing directly from the Viaduct Harbour, 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. Be surrounded by some of the most abundant marine life in New Zealand, and discover what the beautiful Auckland area has to offer.

This tour's from price includes an intermediate-sized vehicle, setting you up for comfortable travels. Yet, we understand every adventure is unique! Feel free to select the perfect wheels from our incredible collection of rental cars, spanning from economy hatchbacks to premium SUVs. See the most popular range here.

First time driving in New Zealand? Check out our hot tips for a safe and successful self drive experience on our roads.

Heading south from Auckland you will eventually reach the green fertile farming country of the Waikato.  Following the Waikato river you will pass through the small townships of Huntly and Ngaruawahia.  Just after Ngaruawahia you will turn west and head towards Raglan,  a mecca for all manner of wave riders.  This seaside community is reminiscent of an older more laid back way of life in New Zealand and is the perfect place to experience real New Zealand.  As well as the surrounding beaches and surf, Raglan is an eco-friendly town with a thriving arts and crafts community.

Raglan on the west coast of the Waikato region and a short drive from Hamilton is world famous for its surf.  It came to prominence in the 1966 movie ‘Endless Summer’ and is reputed to have the longest left-hand surf break in the world.  The waves attract all manner of wave-riders from boogie boarders, surfers to the high flying kite-surfers which are amazing to watch.  And for the uninitiated there are surf schools which can get you out in the surf with just one lesson. There are many sheltered bays suitable for swimming and kayaking as well.  For a break from the water there are a number of interesting walks in the area, including the Mt Karioi Summit track which rewards the hearty with magnificent views of the region’s mountains and coastline.  The Bridal Veil Falls is a much shorter easy access walk, suitable for all abilities. Raglan has a thriving arts and crafts community and the monthly creative market is a great spot to pick up unique hand-made items, if you miss this pop into one of the many funky galleries for some great shopping.

Leaving Raglan you head east towards Hamilton City, before reaching the city you will turn south at Whatawhata.  Heading south you travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato, passing through Pirongia with the majestic Mt Pirongia in the distance which reigns over Pirongia Forest Park. The park is the largest tract of unbroken native bush in the Waikato region and offers numerous opportunities for walking.  Continue south and you reach the limestone hills of the Waitomo region. Waitomo is home to a huge network of caves from the magical Glow Worms, stunning Rakiura Cave or for a more active experience try black water rafting.

Embark on a unique 3 hour adventure into the Okohua Glowworm Cave, a hidden world of natural beauty and exhilarating fun. Discover thousands of glowworms, stunning limestone formations, and fresh underground springs as you float through the cave by tube. This is a small group tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Your adventure is catered to you, with thrilling rock jumps and swim-throughs or a more relaxed exploration of the main route. After emerging from the cave, unwind with hot showers and a cedar hot tub. 

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.

Today cross the lush farmland of the Waikato as you make your way inland to Rotorua. Pass through several small farming towns such as Otorohanga and Putaruru, before the region’s geothermal activity signals your arrival into the city of Rotorua.

Discover the geothermal, adventure, and cultural wonderland of Rotorua. As you explore, you may see steam rising from cracks in the road, bubbling and hissing water in pools along the lake's edge, and the unmistakable smell of Sulfur. Rotorua is rich in Māori culture and history, with many Māori inhabitants recognising the great potential of the volcanic land. For an outdoor adventure, head to The Redwoods and experience the rainforest treetops from high up. There are a few accessible trails for disabled hikers and great biking trails as well. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of New Zealand's native birds, such as the Pīwakawaka (Fantail) and the Tūī. Alternatively, enjoy the Lake Tikitapu Blue Lake Walk or explore Kuirau Park, where you'll find bubbling mud pools and steaming lakes. Don't miss the private thermal reserves such as Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu, where you can walk among bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and Sulfur ponds. Just a few minutes from the town centre, the Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery offer an insight into nature. Rotorua's rich Māori culture is a must-see. Spend an evening with Te Pā Tū, complete with a traditional-style dinner or stroll along the lake edge to reach one of the country's oldest Māori villages at Ohinemutu. When hunger strikes, visit Eat Street in Rotorua CBD, a vibrant street lined with delicious eateries and restaurants to satisfy any craving. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without experiencing Rotorua's original tourist attraction - a relaxing spa treatment. This town boasts an array of wellness experiences to unwind in. Whether you are seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Rotorua offers an unforgettable experience.

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the world's most active volcanic regions. Geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Māori tribes, a visit to one of the Māori experiences should be high on your agenda, learn about the special meaning of pounamu-Greenstone with Mountain Jade, explore the geysers and arts of Te Puia or immerse in an evening with Te Pā Tū. An excursion to one of the area's wellness spas is also a must! Try the Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs, Wai Ariki offers an indulging and unwinding restorative journey or pay a quick visit to Secret Spot for a soak and a delicious smash burger! If it is a thrill you are looking for, spike your adrenaline at Rotorua Canopy Tours, soaring above the ancient native forest below. Alternatively, head up the Skyline Rotorua Gondola for soaring lake views, and ride the luge at night for an extra thrill. Make the most of your time in Rotorua with an excursion through the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the area’s most colourful volcanic attractions. Whatever you are after, Rotorua is almost certain to have it!

Fly over the site of the largest eruption in New Zealand’s living memory, Mount Tarawera, and gain an appreciation of how the 1886 eruption changed this stunning landscape. From Mount Tarawera to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, view the eruption trail and surrounding Lakes district whilst enjoying informed commentary from your experienced local pilot/guide, all combined with the thrill of taking off and landing on water at the Rotorua City Lakefront.

Redwoods Treewalk is Rotorua's newest Eco-Tourism attraction. Using ecologically friendly engineering, the Treewalk is suspended from 100-year-old majestic redwoods. Featuring a series of suspension bridges and living decks, elevated from 6-metres to 12-metres at its highest point.
Designed for use without harnesses or protective gear, it is suitable for all ages. The only pre-requisite is that all users must be able to walk the entire 553-metres.

Indulge in tranquillity with a soak in private cedar hot tubs nestled among ferns, overlooking the serene Whakarewarewa Forest and Puarenga Stream. Perfect for unwinding with family or friends, these 39.9°C non-geothermal tubs offer 45 minutes of pure relaxation, with drinks just a button away. By day, enjoy the natural beauty of ancient trees, and by night, marvel at the forest illuminated by colourful lights. After your soak, treat yourself to a complimentary "shinny dip" foot tub at the Basecamp café while sipping a beverage or enjoying a delicious bite to eat.

Today you will head north from Rotorua through the picturesque Waikato countryside to Matamata. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and see the famous Hobbit Holes and Green Dragon Inn. From Matamata, you will climb over the Kaimai Ranges, offering sweeping views across the Hauraki Plains. Follow the signs toward Tairua and continue over the windy hills of the Coromandel Range. You will arrive at Cooks Beach, a tranquil coastal haven and the perfect gateway to explore the nearby Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.

Become immersed in The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton Movie Set. Located just outside of Matamata - in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region, your 3 hour tour will begin with a drive through a picturesque sheep farm. You will also get to experience the taste of the Shire with a delicious buffet lunch served in the Party Marquee.

Cooks Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand located on the southern shores of Mercury Bay. One of the most enjoyable ways to reach it is from Whitianga, by taking the short ferry ride to Ferry Landing. From there, you can walk to Flaxmill Bay either via Purangi Road or the scenic Whitianga Rock Walk track, then continue on to Cooks Beach. For breathtaking views, the Shakespeare Cliff Lookout track offers a rewarding walk to the top of the headland, with panoramic vistas over the bay. A side track also leads down to the secluded and picturesque Lonely Bay.

The Coromandel Peninsula is most well-known for its white sandy beaches and idyllic bays.  But if you head inland you’ll also find large tracts of rainforest with rivers and spectacular gorges.  There are also many remnants from the historic gold mining boom and kauri logging industry.  There are endless walks located on the peninsula for all abilities, so for a complete list of walks and to find some located near where you are staying visit the Coromandel Tourism website or the Department of Conservation website.  Here are a selection of the more popular.

Cathedral Cove Walk (near Hahei)
This is one of the must-visit destinations on the Coromandel Peninsula and is only accessible by foot or by boat.  The track begins in Hahei and takes you to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal scenery. This walk takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and is 2.5km.

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout (near Cooks Beach)

For fantastic views of Mercury Bay take the short walk to Shakespeare Cliff lookout.  There are a number of options to extend this walk by leaving from Ferry landing and following the Maramaratotara Track.

Broken Hills Recreation Area (near Pauanui and Tairua)
Located 19km from Tairua, the Broken Hills Recreation Area is home to many short walks.  This picturesque reserve is located along the Tairua River and was once a bustling gold-mining settlement, so walks follow old wagon routes to historic battery sites.

Kauaeranga Valley Short Walks (near Thames)
The Kauaeranga Valley is located east of Thames and its most famous walk is to the Pinnacles which is usually done as an overnight hike.  There are many shorter walks in the area which take less than an hour or the Billygoat Circuit which takes 4-5 hours.  The walks take you through regenerating native forest and past historic relics from the logging days.

Karangahake Gorge (Between Waihi and Paeroa)

The natural beauty of the Karanagahake Gorge is visible from the road, but stopping to explore some of the walks will lead you to stunning swimming holes, fascinating relics from the gold mining past and spectacular vistas. Two of the more popular walks are the Karangahake Windows Walk (1 hour/ 2.5km) and the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway (2hrs one way).

Kauri Block Track (near Coromandel Township)

Just outside of Coromandel Town this new reserve offers spectacular views in every direction including the coast and inland Coromandel Ranges. Walk takes approximately 45 minutes one way.

The Coromandel Peninsula is a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor adventures, making it an incredible destination for everyone seeking natural escapes, beaches, and outdoor experiences. While on the Coromandel Peninsula, a visit to Cathedral Cove is a must - it is one of the most iconic spots in the region. Take an early morning walk along the track (around 2.5 km return), enjoying stunning coastal views and the serene beauty of the cove. You can kayak or take a glass-bottom boat if you prefer to access Cathedral Cove from the water. For lunch, stop by one of the charming cafés in Whitianga or taste the region's fresh seafood, including mussels, oysters, and snapper, at local restaurants and markets.  In Coromandel Township, you can hop aboard the charming Driving Creek Railway for a scenic train ride through native forests and enjoy panoramic views from the EyeFull Tower. Combine this with a visit to the nearby pottery studio. If you like walking, you can head for a nature & coast tour to enjoy a leisurely walk through lush forest, and paths to a historic gold cave while learning about the area's fascinating history, flora, and fauna. A visit to Hot Water Beach during low tide is another must-do. Dig your own natural hot pool in the sand and relax in the geothermal waters—a unique experience you can’t miss. In the afternoon, you can visit stunning Waiau Falls, go hiking, biking, or sailing, and wrap up your day with sunset at New Chums Beach. The Coromandel Peninsula offers an incredible mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, you’ll find plenty to explore in this stunning region.

Considered one of the best sea kayaking trips in the country the Cathedral Cove Classic has got it all. The Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve opens up a sea kayaking paradise full of beaches, islands and rock gardens that are just waiting to be explored. Paddle through sea caves, interact with the local marine life and discover the thrill of kayak sailing with the wind on your back. To top it off you land at Cathedral Cove where you will be treated to the 'world famous' cappuccinos and hot chocolates on the beach! Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking use very stable double sea kayaks and quality safety equipment. No experience is necessary and a qualified guide accompanies throughout and offers full instructions and assistance.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.

Explore the spectacular coastline of Te Whanganui-a-hei Marine Reserve, including its most famous feature the hidden paradise of Cathedral Cove. On board you'll peer through the glass bottom of the boat enjoying amazing views of the diverse marine life that inhabit the reserve. You can also snorkel the reserve if you want an even closer encounter. The Te Whanganui-A-Hei is the only marine reserve in the Coromandel and is rich with marine life. There are many different species of fish to be seen including schools of snapper, blue moamoa, red moki, parore, blue cod, trigger fish, wrasses and more. Watch as the fish swim right past the glass as if you had your own personal aquarium. Keep your eyes peeled for other marine life such as sting rays, octopus, crayfish, moray eels, dolphins and other marine creatures you may find on the tour.

Bid farewell to the Coromandel as you make your way back to the "City of Sails." This scenic drive takes you across the rugged spine of the Coromandel Ranges and through the historic gateway of Thames. From the peaceful, sandy shores of Cooks Beach, you’ll journey through lush native forest and open coastal plains before merging onto the motorway that leads you directly into the vibrant heart of Auckland.

Explore more of Auckland before dropping your rental car at Auckland Airport and continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Auckland today. If there is more of New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!