“The Blindside” sees you travel across the West Coast of New Zealand’s North Island on a sensational 7 day Roady. Experience the freedom of the Kiwi road trip in a comfortable and spacious car as you take in some of New Zealand’s hidden gems.
The West Coast of the North Island is one of New Zealand’s most captivating regions. Here you’ll stay in unique Kiwi towns such as Raglan, Waitomo and New Plymouth. These destinations have something for everyone whether it’s surfing in Raglan, abseiling into the Waitomo Caves, or trekking through the beautiful Egmont National Park.
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The beauty of the West Coast is that there’s so much to see and do for free. When you book the “Up the Guts” Roady you’ll receive our Travel Guide Itinerary to help you make the most of your time away.
Top 5 Free Activities |
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Top 5 Paid Activities |
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Auckland
“The Blindside” starts with a bang in New Zealand’s premier city. You’ll enjoy a full day in Auckland to spend as you please. Roady recommends catching the Ferry to Waiheke to explore the stunning beaches and vineyards of New Zealand’s most celebrated island. Other day options include: Auckland Bridge Bungy, exploring the sea life at Kelly Tarlton’s, relaxing on the beach at Mission Bay, or taking a stroll up Mt Eden for amazing views of the City.
Car pick up: Day 2, 8.30am (shuttle pick-up at Hostel to Go-Rentals depot)
Driving time Auckland to Raglan: 2 hours
Raglan
Raglan is a charming and naturally stunning surf town on the West coast of the North Island. You’ll enjoy two full days in Raglan to spend how you please. Roady recommends booking in a surf lesson with Raglan Surfing School at Karioi Lodge or Solscape Surf School, swimming at Ngarunui Beach, checking out the world-famous surf break at Manu Bay, having a beer at the YOT Club, and shopping through Raglans crafty retailers.
Driving time to Waitomo: 1 hr 20 minutes
On the road to Waitomo: Check out Bridal Veil Falls and Book a tour at Hobbiton Movie Set
Waitomo
The Waitomo Caves are 30 million years in the making when the creation of limestone began at the bottom of the ocean. Now, these limestone formations stand as one of NZ’s most inspiring natural wonders. Roady recommends seeing the Glowworm Caves in some form. Whether it be a tour, such as the Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Ruakuri Cave Tours, or free access by taking the Ruakuri Bush Walk where you’ll see many shining glowworms through arches, tunnels, and limestone cliffs.
Driving time to New Plymouth: 2 hours 30 mins
New Plymouth
As soon as you catch a glimpse of the impressive Mt Taranaki you know you’re approaching the sunny Kiwi city of New Plymouth. Relax into your stay by enjoying the quaint arts scene and some great cafes. Following a good nights sleep, you’ll enjoy a full day to spend how you please. Roady recommends traversing the Pouakai Crossing and hiking up Fanthams Peak for incredible views and a good stretch of the legs.
Driving time to Wellington: 4 hours 30 mins
Wellington
“The Blindside” ends in the capital city of New Zealand. Explore the vibrant streets and take in the creative atmosphere of Wellington as you stay right in the heart of the city. Roady recommends Te Papa National Museum, Weta Workshop for all the Lord of the Rings fans, Oriental Bay and Beach, Botanical Gardens, Cuba Street shopping and coffee, and a stroll up Mt Vic for epic views of the windy city!
Car drop off: Day 6, by 5pm
Wellington
“The Blindside” starts with a bang in New Zealand’s capital city. Explore the vibrant streets and take in the creative atmosphere of Wellington as you stay right in the heart of the city. Roady recommends Te Papa National Museum, Weta Workshop for all the Lord of the Rings fans, Oriental Bay and Beach, Botanical Gardens, Cuba Street shopping and coffee, and a stroll up Mt Vic for epic views of the windy city!
Car pick up: Day 2, 8.30am (shuttle pick-up at Hostel to Go-Rentals depot)
Driving time to New Plymouth: 4 hours 30 mins
New Plymouth
As soon as you catch a glimpse of the impressive Mt Taranaki you know you’re approaching the sunny Kiwi city of New Plymouth. Relax into your stay by enjoying the quaint arts scene and some great cafes. Following a good nights sleep, you’ll enjoy a full day to spend how you please. Roady recommends traversing the Pouakai Crossing and hiking up Fanthams Peak for incredible views and a good stretch of the legs.
Driving time to Waitomo: 2 hours 30 mins
Waitomo
The Waitomo Caves are 30 million years in the making when the creation of limestone began at the bottom of the ocean. Now these limestone formations stand as one of NZ’s most inspiring natural wonders. Roady recommends seeing the Glowworm Caves in some form. Whether it be a tour, such as the Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Ruakuri Cave Tours, or free access by taking the Ruakuri Bush Walk where you’ll see many shining glowworms through arches, tunnels, and limestone cliffs.
Driving time to Raglan: 1 hour
On the road to Raglan: Book a tour at Hobbiton Movie Set and Check out Bridal Veil Falls
Raglan
Raglan is a charming and naturally stunning surf town on the West coast of the North Island. You’ll enjoy two full days in Raglan to spend how you please. Roady recommends booking in a surf lesson with Raglan Surfing School at Karioi Lodge or Solscape Surf School, swimming at Ngarunui Beach, checking out the world-famous surf break at Manu Bay, having a beer at the YOT Club, and shopping through Raglans crafty retailers.
Driving time to Auckland: 2 hours
Auckland
“The Blindside” ends in New Zealand’s premier city. You’ll enjoy a full day in Auckland to spend as you please. Roady recommends catching the Ferry to Waiheke to explore the stunning beaches and vineyards of New Zealand’s most celebrated island. Other day options include: Auckland Bridge Bungy, exploring the sea life at Kelly Tarlton’s, relaxing on the beach at Mission Bay, or taking a stroll up Mt Eden for amazing views of the City.
Car drop off: Day 6, by 5pm
We partner with only the best car rental company in New Zealand – GO Rentals – so you can GO Anywhere on your Roady. Check out some of our favourite Roady vehicles below:
SUV 4X4 – Hyundai Sante Fe or Similar
GROUP SIZE: 2-5
MODEL: 0 – 1 year old
TRANS: Automatic
ENGINE: 2200cc
FUEL ECONOMY RATING: 4.5/6
SUV – Hyundai Tucson or Similar
GROUP SIZE: 2-4
MODEL: 0 – 1 year old
TRANS: Automatic
ENGINE: 2000cc
FUEL ECONOMY RATING: 4/6
SEDAN – Toyota Touring Corolla or Similar
GROUP SIZE: 2-4
MODEL: 0 – 2 year old
TRANS: Automatic
ENGINE: 1800cc
FUEL ECONOMY RATING: 4.5/6
HATCHBACK – Toyota Corolla or Similar
GROUP SIZE: 2-3
MODEL: 0 – 2 year old
TRANS: Automatic
ENGINE: 1800cc
FUEL ECONOMY RATING: 4.5/6
Notes:
- All drivers must be 21 years of age or over and have a Full Drivers Licence printed in English
Our accommodation is carefully selected on the criteria of: great location, friendly and helpful staff, social and fun atmosphere, cleanliness of rooms and facilities, the comfort of beds, and unique character.
We have accommodation options staying in: Hostels, Motels, Hotels, Private Homes, Glamping and Luxury Stays to suit your budget and preferences.
We are also able to provide a mixed accommodation road-trip for those keen on a range of different accommodation styles.
Hostels
Budget-friendly accommodation that focuses on a shared social experience and allows you to meet people from all around the world. Hostels have shared lounge spaces and kitchen facilities giving you the option to cook some of your own meals on tour. Hostels have both private room options as well as shared dormitory style rooms.
Motels
Comfortable private room accommodation ranging from three to five stars. The motels we partner with are of high standard and are in convenient locations for your tour.
Hotels
Hotel accommodation generally has a greater range of facilities and services such as restaurants/cafes, bars, gyms and pools. We have hotel options ranging from three to five stars.
Private Homes
Fancy a house to yourself? We deal with a range of private home owners that are happy to have our Roady guests stay. Private homes can be a great option for families and groups.
Glamping
Glamping means ‘glamourous camping’, and gives you the opportunity to camp in luxury accommodation, with all the modern conveniences. NZ has some amazing private and secluded glamping spots in beautiful locations.
Luxury Stays
Think award-winning luxury lodges and unique retreats in the most beautiful and remote parts of the country.
One of the best parts about a Kiwi Roady is that you have the freedom to spend your days as you please. In saying this we want to make sure you don’t miss out on New Zealand’s hidden gems. Once your trip is confirmed we will send through a Travel Guide Itinerary to help you make the most of your time away.
Our Travel Guide Itineraries include:
– Best paid attractions
– Best free attractions, including hidden gems carefully picked by Kiwi locals
– Best places to eat & drink
– Best walks, waterfalls and other gems in our great outdoors
– Driving and route information
Roady offers a full activity booking service and will make you aware of activities you will need to book in advance. We also offer assistance during your tour between the working hours of 8:00am – 18:00pm, so please feel free to call us with any questions you have, or if you want advice on things to do.
Below are some of our favourite things to do in each destination of this tour:
Auckland
- A day trip to Waiheke Island for lunch at one of our world class vineyards
- Catch a sunset at Piha Beach and visit Karekare Falls
- Hike to the top of the Rangitoto Island summit, one of Auckland’s most iconic volcanoes
- Take a stroll along the Auckland Viaduct
- Climb Mt Eden and take in stunning views of the CBD
- A trip up the Sky-tower at night time for panoramic views of the city and a meal at the 360 degree rotating restaurant
- Go Bungy jumping off the Auckland Harbour Bridge
Raglan
- Book in a surf lesson with Raglan Surfing School
- Visit the Bridal Veil Falls
- Swim and lounge at Ngarunui Beach
- Check out the world-famous surf break at Manu Bay
- Have a beer at the YOT Club
- Yoga at the Solescape retreat
- Walk or go horse trekking up Mt Karioi for wonderful ocean views
- Take a stroll through town and check out Raglan’s crafty retailers
- Drink some of NZ’s best coffee at the Raglan Roast
Waitomo
- Discover our beautiful glow-worm caves by foot or small boat
- Take a black water rafting tour
- Enter the ‘Lost World’ on a abseiling tour into the caves
- Check-out the natural beauty of the Marokopa Falls
- Visit the Mangapohue Natural Bridge
New Plymouth
- Climb Paritutu Rock for epic 360 degree views of Taranaki
- Visit Fitzroy Beach, great for swimming or surfing
- Walk, run, or cycle the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
- Take on Taranaki’s premier one day walk – The Pouakai Crossing
- Take a Sugar Loaf Island Kayak Tour
- Visit the Len Lye Art Gallery
- Take a surf lesson with Tarawave Surf School
Wellington
- Enjoy Wellington’s food, drink and nightlife scene
- Visit NZ’s best museum ‘Te-Papa’ and Sir Peter Jackson’s impressive WWII sculptures
- Walk or drive to the top of Mount Victoria for stunning views of the city
- Head to Cuba Street for delicious coffee, craft beer & a range of quirky/ alternative shops
- Relax on the man made beach of Oriental Bay
- Discover the seal colonies and catch a sunset at Owhiro Bay
Tour Reviews
We had an absolute blast exploring the West Coast of the North Island. The itinerary was epic and gave us access to a range of places we had no idea existed. Loved every minute. Tom Carter – New Zealand
An amazing way to see the real New Zealand. A load of hidden gems to visit. The recommendations are endless and include everything from nightlife to surf spots. I would highly recommend Roady. I wouldn’t experience New Zealand any other way.
Tamati Turnbull – Australia
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