| 1 - Wellington / Taupo / Rotorua |
Your tour departs from the Bay Plaza Hotel, 40 Oriental Parade at 8.15am.
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island and on a clear day, the South Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. Across rolling farmland to the central North Island National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealands largest lake and famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls skirting massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture.
Lake Plaza Hotel. (2 nights) |
| 2 - Rotorua |
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a display featuring New Zealands various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration. See pools of brown and rainbow trout at Rainbow Springs Park and native birds including the Kiwi. Visit Whakarewarewa, the Maori Arts and Crafts Center and Thermal Reserve, with boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement, try a Luge ride with compliments. Time for optional activities this afternoon before a Maori hangi (meal) with a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka.
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| 3 - Rotorua / Waitomo / Auckland |
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. At Waitomo, a guide will escort your group underground to the limestone caverns and glow worm grotto. On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the regions Maori people, then alongside the Waikato River before crossing the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealands largest city Auckland. A city tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for superb city and harbour views, the downtown area and Waterfront Drive.
Rydges Hotel. (1 night) |
| 4 - Auckland / Bay of Islands |
Cross Aucklands Harbour Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe and the Kauri museum telling the story of the Kauri tree and the regions early settlement, the displays are superb and their story fascinating. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia and visit New Zealands birthplace, Waitangi. A guided visit to the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.
Hotel Paihia. (2 nights) |
| 5 - Bay of Islands |
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. A full day Tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealands northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New Zealands first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum.
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| 6 - Bay of Islands / Auckland |
A launch cruise will take you across the Bay and world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Shortly Auckland city and Harbour come into view
Your tour will conclude at approximately 5:30pm.
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