Tour of New Zealand and Fiji
This 11-day vacation from Pacific Holidays includes a seven-night self-driving tour of New Zealand and a two-night getaway in Fiji. A number of optional tours are offered along the way. The trip includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Air Pacific, as well as hotel accommodations and a rental car in New Zealand. View the complete itinerary here.
Days 1–2:
You’ll board a transpacific flight at LAX, crossing the International Date Line on Day 2.
Days 3–10:
After arriving in Auckland, pick up your rental car at Jucy Rentals and hit the road. You’ll have the whole week to explore the country’s northern region on a self-driving tour, with accommodations in Auckland, Bay of Islands, and Rotorua. Below you’ll find suggested attractions in each city.
Auckland: Three nights at Auckland City Hotel
Often called the “City of Sails,” Auckland, which sits along the Waitemata Harbor, has more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world. Jet-boat tours that offer dazzling views of the city skyline and the Auckland Harbor Bridge depart regularly from the harbor. You can learn about New Zealand’s history and culture at the renowned Auckland Museum. Set on the rim of an ancient volcano, it houses the world’s largest collection of Maori and Polynesian artifacts, including an 80-foot canoe chiseled from a single tree trunk.
Bay of Islands: Two nights at Tanoa Paihia Hotel
Three hours north of Auckland you’ll find Paihia, a coastal town situated on the Bay of Islands. The region is famous for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, and you can see both on one of the many fishing and sailing charters that navigate the 144 islands in the area. For an up-close look at whales, dolphins, and leatherjacket fish, visit the Rainbow Warrior dive site, a popular snorkeling and scuba-diving location. Back at the hotel, you can lounge by the outdoor pool and sample authentic Indian food at Nirvana Restaurant.
Rotorua: Two nights at Sudima Lake Rotorua
On the way to Rotorua, stop off at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, one of the area’s top geological attractions. Guided boat tours take groups to underground rivers and caves that are illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. From here, it’s a 90-mile drive (135 km) west to Rotorua, where geothermal activity abounds—hot springs, volcanic crater lakes, and erupting geysers are all easily accessible. In Maori villages nearby, you can watch cultural dances and try out Zorb globe riding, which involves rolling down a hill in a large inflatable globe.
Days 10–12:
After returning your rental car in Auckland, you’ll fly to Fiji for the last stage of the trip.
Fiji: Two Nights at Mercure Nadi
Set on 5 acres of tropical gardens, this chic hotel is well positioned for nature excursions and visits to the city of Nadi. Guided jungle cruises along the Nadi River go past dense mangroves, cane fields, and bubbling thermal springs. There’s also plenty to do around the hotel, as guests can lounge by the outdoor pool or get a massage at Senikai Spa. The Port of Denarau offers trips to nearby islands.
