An Educational Driving Tour Around the North Island

Home to almost three-quarters of the country’s population, New Zealand’s North Island is full of exciting activities to experience as you adventure around the landscape. Follow this educational driving tour in your Dollar rental car to discover some of the fascinating parts to the country’s history, both ancient and recent.

Embrace the Hustle and Bustle of Auckland 

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, nestled into the northern tip of the North Island. Once you pick up your rental vehicle from Auckland airport, you’ll find educational adventures right on your doorstep. Before you cruise out of the city, make a stop by Auckland’s War Memorial Museum, a hub of history and culture that will enlighten you to the fascinating history of the city and how it has developed over time. Located on a volcanic cone, this is just a taste of the fascinating volcanic remnants that can be found all around the North Island.  

As you’re heading out of Auckland, venture down south into the heart of the northern region of the island to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set. Here you’ll find the filming location of the Lord of the Rings movies, including the famous hobbit houses. The kids will love this adventure, which is made even better with an informative tour of the set by a friendly guide. For many international visitors, the Hobbiton Movie Set put this pocket of New Zealand on the map - it’s a fascinating landmark to see on the screen and then experience in real life. 

Prepare to Awe at a Geothermal Playground 

As you head further south into the centre of the North Island, an unmissable spot to have a rest is the magical city of Rotorua. You’ll discover a network of geothermal attractions hidden just below the surface of the earth in Rotorua, some of which even emerge from it. As New Zealand is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, there is plenty of geothermal activity found all around the North Island, and especially in Rotorua. Visit Whakarewarewa Valley to witness the magnificent Pohutu Geyser, which shoots 30 metres into the sky - a spectacular reminder of nature’s raw power and otherworldly force. Learn more about Rotorua’s geothermal history with a visit to Kauirau Park, the country’s only free geothermal public park, located in the heart of the city. This will give you a great idea of how the city has been built around these natural beasts, and how they play an important role in the face of the city as it thrives alongside nature today. 

Step Back in Time in the Historic City of Napier 

Venture to the east coast of the North Island and you’ll find a city kept almost perfectly the same since it remerged in the 1930’s. After an earthquake destroyed many of the buildings, Napier was built again in the beautiful Art Deco style of the time, providing visitors today a fascinating insight into how architecture in the region has evolved over time. Walking through Napier is like walking back in time, from the old newspaper offices to a reformed tobacco building - you’ll quickly realise why Napier is known as the Art Deco capital of the world. Elevate your adventure with a walk along the beach, taking in the seemingly endless shimmering sparkle of the crystal blue Hawke Bay as it stretches toward the horizon. 

Immerse Yourself in Nature in Palmerston North 

Finish off your educational driving tour with a visit to Palmerston North, a bustling regional city that is surrounded by lush nature and rolling hills. The New Zealand Rugby Museum is a hotspot of national history, detailing the importance of the game to the fabric of the country’s culture, as well as delighting visitors with some of the world’s rarest rugby artefacts. Once you’ve learnt about the country’s favourite sport, adventure to the outskirts of the city and spend some time exploring Manawatū Gorge. This pocket of paradise is brimming with native flora and fauna, with a network of walking tracks weaving you through the lush landscape and dramatic gorges.  

From the North Island’s largest city in Auckland, all the way to the natural wonderland of Palmerston North, this educational driving tour of the North Island in your Dollar rental car is sure to both entertain and educate travellers of all kinds.