Search through the range of current accommodation specials to grab yourself a bargain.
The New Zealand Backpackers category includes budget "shared" accommodation in a hostel, lodge, or "hotel". Most offer a mixture of dormitories, double, twin and single rooms. Some rooms may include linen, or offer linen hire. 
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) provide "home-like" or "character" accommodation; think a garden cottage, converted villa or a 'homestay' arrangement. Bed & Breakfast accommodation will always include breakfast. 
At the top end of the price scale, Exclusive accommodation includes intimate, luxurious and highly individual establishments offering the finest locations, food and wine, facilities, activities and service.
Stay with a New Zealand family, in their home, with Farmstay and Homestay accommodation. Homestays are commonly located in urban areas, whereas farmstays let you experience real Kiwi life on a New Zealand farm!
Freedom camping in New Zealand means pitching a tent or parking a motorhome on public land, without paying. Visitors need to be careful where this is done, as many regions will fine campers staying in undesignated areas.
NZ Holiday Homes are rentable time-share and 'summer house' type accommodation. Typically self contained and un-serviced, holiday homes vary hugely in size and are often located near beaches, lakes and mountains.
The New Zealand Holiday Parks category includes camping grounds and motor camps. All properties provide communal kitchens, toilets, showers and laundries and a variety of additional features.
A New Zealand Hotel is 'a property with at least one licensed bar and restaurant on the premises or adjacent, with charge-back facilities.' All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and on-site management at all times.
The New Zealand Motel category includes a wide range of accommodation - from budget to top end. New Zealand motels typically offer a 'unit' or room with a private bathroom and at least tea and coffee-making facilities. 
The Self Contained Units category includes studio units and self contained holiday cottages. 'Self Contained' implies full kitchen and bathroom facilities and can comprise a studio or multi-bedroom layout.
Serviced Apartments range from exclusive luxury suites to affordable family-size accommodation. Serviced daily, apartment accommodation should include a full ensuite bathroom and full kitchen facilities.
Search through the range of current specials on activities to see more of New Zealand, for less!
Adventure is all about getting out into the wild, pushing your limits and going places you only ever dreamed of! New Zealand has plenty of adventure activities to choose from.
From dirt bikes to armoured tanks - New Zealand has some amazing adventure driving experiences to rev you up!
Take to the air! Whether in a balloon, plane, glider or with a parachute attached, New Zealand looks spectacular from the air. You’ll find plenty of airborne activities throughout the country.
Visit New Zealand's array of attractions. Museums and markets, cathedrals and chocolate factories; there's something for everyone.
Take a wild mountain biking tour, try heli-biking, rent a scooter, motorcycle or push bike and explore the cycling paradise of New Zealand!
Bubbling mud, soothing thermal pools, natural hot springs... New Zealand is a geo-thermal wonderland. You’ll find geothermal areas in both the North and South Islands.
New Zealand boasts some of the top golf courses in the world. Try your luck at one of the many courses sprinkled around the country, from the Far North, to the Deep South.
New Zealand's landscape is purpose built for walking. Get the most out of your visit by taking a guided walk - learn about the landscape, the flora & fauna and - best of all - never get lost!
Horse riding and horse trekking are a great, eco-friendly way to see New Zealand’s backcountry. Each region offers vastly different experiences.
Tried and true entertainment for all the family, mini-golf is a popular and fun way to pass the time in New Zealand.
For a unique Kiwi experience, explore and climb New Zealand’s spectacular and diverse mountain ranges with a guided mountaineering expedition.
A great activity for nearly any age, paintball is a popular pastime in New Zealand. Beware of the bruises!
New Zealand is known for its exceptional ski resorts and heli-skiing opportunities. Get amongst it with this list of unforgettable skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing adventures.
Adventure tours to scenic tours; garden tours to wine & food tours - join a tour to experience your favourite things with like-minded people.
Venture into New Zealand's beautiful landscape on a walk or hike. Home to many world-famous bush walks, New Zealand is a spectacular walking holiday destination.
Get out and on the water! With thousands of kilometres of coastlines, numerous lakes and winding rivers, you’ll never run out of activities, be it diving, jet boating or kayaking.
New Zealand is home to some world-class wines and top restaurants. Sample a selection of wines on a wine tour in some of New Zealand's best wine regions.
Indulge yourself! Sink into a steaming hot pool; enjoy a relaxing massage; or treat yourself to a soothing spa treatment.
Search through the range of current transport specials to grab yourself a bargain.
New Zealand is well serviced with a strong network of domestic flights to all the main centres.
Exploring New Zealand by bus is easy and affordable. Several companies offer commercial, as well as scenic transport for visitor, covering the length and width of the country.
Travel to your own agenda with a New Zealand rental car. The choice and variety are broad to fit your style & budget.
Take a cruise on a New Zealand ferry. Journey between NZ's islands, or cruise Gulf Harbour.
Travel in luxurious style with a New Zealand limousine rental!
Explore New Zealand's back roads and highways on a motor cycle.
Motorhomes, campervans, RVs... whatever you call them, they're an excellent and popular way of discovering NZ.
Make your way around NZ on a multi-day overland package tour!
Sit back, relax and enjoy a train ride through stunning New Zealand.
Whether to the airport, across town or to another city, shuttles are a convenient and affordable transport option.
Taxis are available in all major towns & cities in New Zealand.
Catch up on travel news related to New Zealand and find out about local happenings without having to leave your house!
A selection of travel writers offer insights into some of New Zealand’s most scenic and often, quirky attractions. These stories are sure to amuse and inform you.
Thermal Explorer Highway
The Thermal Explorer Highway covers much of the upper North Island, stretching from the northern city of Auckland, through the central plateau and Taupo, to Napier on the sunny east coast. This highway takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand, along a path well-known for its geological wonders – from huge limestone caves, to bubbling geothermal areas and volcanic plateaus.
Auckland
The Thermal Explorer Highway begins in Auckland, giving you the opportunity to explore New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, offering all manner of shopping, eating and entertainment. Auckland City is within easy access to some of the region’s best vineyards, beaches and attractions.
Waikato & Hamilton
Heading south into Waikato, you pass some of the North Island’s important cultural locations; the sacred Maori burial ground of Taupiri Mountain & Turangawaewae Marae. Visit Hamilton's botanic gardens or escape to Raglan for chilled out seaside ambience. From Hamilton the route branches into two options:
Waitomo & Otorohanga (option 1)
From Hamilton the Thermal Explorer route takes two paths. One option is to head south to the world famous Waitomo Caves. Head underground to explore this incredible cave system by floating tube, boat or on foot. Visit nearby Otorohanga to see a Kiwi or stop en route at pretty Te Awamutu - also known as 'rose town'.
Tongariro National Park
Continuing south from Waitomo will take you to the central volcanic plateau, and the stunning Tongariro National Park. Here you can view the triplet volcanoes of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. Trek the famous Tongariro Crossing, go skiing on Mt Ruapehu or try fly fishing in this action-packed region.
Rotorua (option 2)
Veering east from Hamilton will lead you to the tourist hot-spot of Rotorua. The bubbling mud pools and gushing geysers of this town have attracted visitors for well over a century. Also a renowned Maori tourism area, visits to local Marae (Maori meeting grounds) and Maori cultural performances are a must.
Taupo
Whether you opt for option one via Waitomo or option two via Rotorua, the route will eventually guide you to Taupo - home of NZ's largest lake. Many activities can be found here – from skydiving, to trout fishing, to jet boating. The spectacular Huka Falls is a must-see attraction before you leave town.
Hawke's Bay
From Taupo you cross the beautiful Ahimanawa range to reach sunny Hawke's Bay. Enjoy the transition as you drive from untamed forest to manicured vineyards, olive groves & orchards. Known for its Art Deco architecture & great wildlife encounters, Hawke's Bay is also NZ's food & wine capital, a great place to end your tour!
Route Map
Route Facts
- 744km or 446 km long
- One way
- Two route options
- Minimum duration: 2-3 days (depending on route)
- Start: Auckland or Napier
- End: Napier or Auckland
- City life, scenery, adventure, culture, geothermal, lakes, wine & food, wildlife
