Auckland - Wellington
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
After we transfer you from the airport, settle into your hotel, then see Auckland your way – visit the Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour or explore the Waitemata Harbour by ferry. A welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions ends the day.
Hotel: Stamford Plaza, Auckland.D
Day 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands
Over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and through Orewa and the scenic Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park. We have time to explore Whangarei, the northern-most city in New Zealand then it’s off to Paihia and the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a cruise through the sensational Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. We’ll meander through picturesque islands, see sandy beaches, secluded bays and explore Urupukapuka Island on our return to Paihia.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort (Water View), Bay of Islands, 2 nights. B D
Day 3: Bay of Islands ‘Free Time’
The day is yours to explore the Bay of Islands. Dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, take a coach ride along the Ninety Mile Beach, sail or sea kayak – whatever takes your fancy. Top off your day with a night on the town. B
Day 4: Bay of Islands – Auckland
We’ll visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed. You’ll have time on your own to take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe (Waka) and Marae (Meeting House). You’ll be inspired by the lush farmland scenery on our way back to Auckland.
Hotel: Stamford Plaza, Auckland.B D
Day 5: Auckland – Rotorua
After an Auckland City Sights Tour, we trace New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, to Waitomo Caves. We’ll see the amazing Glow Worm Grotto by boat and walk the limestone caves. On arrival in Rotorua an orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua.Tonight experience The Realm of Ta-ne, including a Maori Hangi feast and concert.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights. B HD
Day 6: Rotorua
Ride the Skyline Gondola for breakfast with stunning views over Lake Rotorua. We then head to the Agrodome Sheep Show for a sample of farm life.Visit Te Puia and be accompanied by a local Maori guide for a tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. An afternoon of ‘Free Time’ – relax, explore or take a tour. B
Day 7: Rotorua – Wellington
From the mountains to the sea. View the Huka Falls. Visit Taupo and drive along the shores of its lake. Travel through the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu. Tongariro National Park. Manawatu. The Kapiti Coast. On arrival in Wellington we’ll see the sights of New Zealand’s capital city, with views of the city from Mt. Victoria.
Hotel: Novotel, Wellington. B D
Day 8: Depart Wellington
Time this morning to explore Wellington your way.Then we’ll see Parliament House and visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, with time to discover it yourself. Later we will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. B |
Wellington - Auckland
Day 1: Arrive Wellington
On arrival in Wellington you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon exploreWellington on a sightseeing tour including views from Mount Victoria and free time atTe Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Te Papa allows you to experience the warmth andvibrancy of Maori culture. See the magnificent contemporary Marae (meeting house) andexplore interactive displays depicting modern New Zealand and pre European history.Tonight enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
Hotel: Novotel, Wellington. D
Day 2: Rotorua
Today travel to Taupo and see the thundering Huka Falls before continuing to Rotorua.Tonight enjoy a special evening of entertainment featuring The Realm of Tãne, anextraordinary journey through Maori culture, mythology and our story of creation, whichis followed a Maori concert and Hangi feast including traditional dances, music andentertainment.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights. B HD
Day 3: Rotorua ‘Free Time’
Our day begins with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with stunning views over Lake Rotorua. We then take an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome Sheep Show. Later tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where a local Maori guide escorts us past pools of boiling mud and geysers. We also view kiwis here. This afternoon there is free time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour (see your Tour Director for details). B
Day 4: Auckland
Explore the famous Waitomo Caves on a guided tour and a boat trip through the incredible Glow Worm Grotto then journey north to Auckland. Enjoy a city sightseeing tour with views from Mt Edenbefore arriving at our hotel.
Hotel: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. B D
Day 5: Bay of Islands
Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge, then take in the amazing scenery of the Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park then journey to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands - see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes out for marine life.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands, 2 nights. B D
Day 6: Bay of Islands ‘Free Time’
Today is free for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands at your own pace - perhaps take a coach trip to Cape Reinga, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach; enjoy a guided sea-kayaking trip or a day of sailing. Tonight is at leisure - why not try the delicious cuisine in a local restaurant?B
Day 7: Auckland
Enjoy a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Reserve, which is of great historical importance, as this is where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. You will have time to explore the Reserve and take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe and traditional meeting house. This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.
Hotel: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. B
Day 8: Depart Auckland
Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. B |
