| 1 - Auckland / Bay of Islands |
Your tour departs from Rydges Hotel, Federal Street, City at 7.30am.
Cross Aucklands distinctive Harbour Bridge to drive north along the Hibiscus Coast, through Kawakawa to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. A guided visit to Waitangi with its Treaty House and Maori war canoe. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay crossing the areas world renowned game fishing grounds to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and famous Hole in the Rock. Return through the inner islands with their beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine life.
Hotel Paihia (2 nights) |
| 2 - 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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| 3 - Bay of Islands / Rotorua |
South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and its majestic harbour soon comes into view and a tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the central city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.
Lake Plaza Hotel. (2 nights) |
| 4 - Rotorua |
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealands various sheep breeds and sheep shearing, Rainbow Springs to see rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments. There will be time this afternoon for optional activities. This evening enjoy a Maori hangi (meal) with traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes and followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka.
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| 5 - Rotorua / Taupo / Napier / Hastings |
Visit Whakarewarewa, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Skirt some of the worlds largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity, view the Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm and pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, claimed to be the worlds art deco capital. A city tour will encompass the Marine Parade and foreshore area plus many of the citys art deco buildings. A few minutes drive to Hastings, the fruit bowl of New Zealand
Angus Hotel (1 night) |
| 6 - Hastings / Wellington |
Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings then to Dannevirke and Woodville for an early afternoon arrival in the Capital city Wellington. A city tour includes the summit of Mount Victoria for views over the city and its Harbour, the Houses of Parliament and distinctive Beehive, Wellington Cathedral, the central city and business area and Oriental Bay. Also explore the city yourself. Dont miss Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand or take a rideon the famous Cable Car.
Bay Plaza Hotel. (1 night) |
| 7 - Wellington / Picton / Blenheim |
Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with views of the City and its hillside suburbs. Cross Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, bush clad hillsides remote bays and isolated holiday homes. In Picton, you are welcomed by your South Island Coach Captain. Explore Picton then drive to Blenheim for an afternoons sightseeing and a visit to the Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea.
Blenheim Country Hotel. (1 night) |
| 8 - Blenheim / Kaikoura / Christchurch |
Past Lake Grassmere then follow the coastline to Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching. Over the Hundalee Ranges and onto the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch. Visit the International Antarctic Centre before a city tour highlighting a strong English influence. See the parklands and River Avon before boarding the Tourist Tram for a circuit of the city centre which showcases all the main points of interest.
Your tour will conclude at approximatley 5.30pm
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