Departure
Plan and Book Ahead
Preplanning and pre-booking your New Zealand vacation before you depart is essential. Limited accommodation in certain areas during the high season could mean that a town’s accommodation can be booked out well in advance. Without pre-booking, you may find that the you pay a higher rate upon check-in or waste a lot of time travelling between accommodation providers trying to find a suitable option.
We know the best places and with our discounted rates you are guaranteed of receiving well chosen accommodation options at the best possible price. Pre-planning will ensure you make the most of your valuable holiday time. Acrossnz is well-versed with all areas of New Zealand and is totally experienced at arranging well planned self drive itineraries. Feel free to ask the advice of Acrossnz when planning your self drive adventure to make sure you maximize your holiday experience.
Book early: New Zealand has very limited availability in the summer months and often books out well in advance. It is recommended to book early to avoid disappointment.
Create Your Own Self Drive Holiday
Along with choosing one of our prearranged itineraries you can construct your own ‘a la carte’ holiday by booking the rental vehicle from this link and selecting your accommodation from our accommodation link. If you choose to book your accommodation through our link we will happily assist with knowledge on your accommodation choices or amendment your itinerary to ensure your holiday is just what you want.
Camper Vans & Motor Homes
Perhaps you prefer to follow one of the itineraries we have created in a Motor Home? Just book the Motor Home with us and we will be happy to provide you for the full itinerary as well as assisting you with camping ground bookings. Click here to choose some of the cheapest options in NZ.
Arrive Auckland and travel to the Bay of Islands - Full Day Bay of Islands - Full Day Bay of Islands - Bay of Islands - Travel to Auckland
Auckland to Paihia
Driving distance: 219 km / 136 miles
Driving: Approx 3h22m
The excitement of leaving Auckland via the magnificent Harbour Bridge and SH1 is quickly replaced by calm, scenic travelling options. Taking the east coast – take the exit to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and the Gulf Harbour marina; visit the beach at Orewa; the thermal springs at Waiwera or taste some of the dairy delicacies at Puhoi before heading through native forests and farms – via pretty Warkworth and the Mahurangi River – towards Whangarei.
En route distractions could be the beach Pakiri (great for surfing and horse treks), Kaiwaka if your fondness is for Dutch cheese; or the stunning vistas at Mangawhai Heads, Langs Beach and Waipu Cove. Subtropical Whangarei has a beautiful harbour and all the attractions of a popular small town – fine dining, shopping and gallery options. Before the scenery and allure of the Bay of Islands totally absorbs you, make time to visit Kawakawa for – as improbable as it sounds – the famous public toilet designed by Austrian artist Frederick Hundertwasser! The winding road via Opua and Paihia now leads to the breath-taking Bay of Islands.
Driving along the west coast through Waipoua Forest you’ll come across the magnificent Tane Mahuta, the tallest kauri tree in an area that was once covered in kauri. Hokianga. Exit the forest and you come to the Hokianga Harbour with its huge white sand dunes and quiet beach communities.
Today you’ll need your sea legs as you are spending the day deep sea fishing. You will motor out to depths of up to 300 metres. You can try your arm at fishing for Bluenose, Bass, Hapuka and Gemfish. No experience is required as all equipment, guidance and assistance will be provided. Deep Sea fishing is exciting and you could end up with a very nice fish for the table at the end of the day.
Today is for relaxing and unwinding with a round of golf on the Kauri Cliffs golf course. This is a par 72 championship golf course with tees to challenge all levels of abilities.
The site boasts some gorgeous sea and cliff views which add a nautical dimension to your play for the day.
All equipment provided so have a fun day and you never know you could score the elusive hole in one!
To round out your visit to the Bay of Islands a day trip to Cape Reinga is a must. You will visit the northern most tip of New Zealand, at the place where the Maori are said to journey to their homeland in spirit.
On the way you can see for yourself the iconic Ninety Mile beach and maybe dig for shellfish. You will be visiting an ancient Kauri Forest, stopping for morning tea (own expense), having a buffet lunch and, if you want, sandboarding down giant sand dunes!
Paihia to Auckland
Driving distance: 219 km / 136 miles
Driving: Approx 3h22m
Departing Paihia and heading back to Auckland will take you through Waipoua Forest. Here’s a good place to make a stop to view Tane Mahuta (an ancient Kauri tree) and also to take in the native flora and Fauna.
There a many more places you can visit on the way including Whangarei, and anywhere you missed on the trip from Auckland to Paihia. Its worth taking your time to soak up as much of the local atmosphere and sights as you can, and its a good way to ensure maximum value and memories of the Bay of Islands.
Vehicle | Quality Hotels | Bed & Breakfast | Superior Hotels | Exclusive |
---|---|---|---|---|
Economy |
NZ $2,975.00 | NZ $3,415.00 | NZ $3,295.00 | NZ $4,095.00 |
Compact |
NZ $2,985.00 | NZ $3,425.00 | NZ $3,305.00 | NZ $4,105.00 |
Intermediate |
NZ $3,045.00 | NZ $3,485.00 | NZ $3,365.00 | NZ $4,165.00 |
Full Size |
NZ $3,060.00 | NZ $3,500.00 | NZ $3,380.00 | NZ $4,180.00 |
Permium Wagon AWD |
NZ $3,130.00 | NZ $3,570.00 | NZ $3,450.00 | NZ $4,250.00 |
Intermediate 4WD |
NZ $3,120.00 | NZ $3,560.00 | NZ $3,440.00 | NZ $4,240.00 |
Full Size 4WD |
NZ $3,255.00 | NZ $3,695.00 | NZ $3,575.00 | NZ $4,375.00 |
8 Seater People Mover |
NZ $3,205.00 | NZ $3,645.00 | NZ $3,525.00 | NZ $4,325.00 |
12 Seater Van |
NZ $3,275.00 | NZ $3,715.00 | NZ $3,595.00 | NZ $4,395.00 |
Pricing Details
Pricing is based on 2 people. Option of Double Room (1 bed) or Twin Room (2 beds) For single travellers or larger groups vacationing together please contact us for a customized quation to ensure you receive the best price. For different rooming configurations (eg triple share or special needs) please contact us.
Children Costs
Children under 5 travel for free (max 2 excluding certain activities) Children aged 5-14 at time of travel are an added extra (max 2)
Price Includes
4 nights accommodation; 5 days rental vehicle of choice; All Inclusive rate hire including unlimited kilometres, loss damage waiver (LDW, provides Accident Damages Cover which is subject to excesses that can be reduced); airport concession fee recovery; accident excess reduction insurance; local sales tax (GST), 8hr big game fishing charter
18 Hole round of golf on the Kauri Cliffs golf course; green fees, golf cart & premium rental clubs included.
Price Excludes
Flights to New Zealand and airport taxes
Prices are in New Zealand dollars and include 15% GST (local sales tax) Click here for an online currency converter to convert prices to your own currency (approximate only)
All prices are based on travel between October 1st through to March 31st. For prices outside these dates, please contact us directly