An exciting 8 day tour of the upper portion of the North island. Depart Auckland for an Intercity coach to Rotorua, where you can see the incredible thermal hotpools. Then on to see the glow-worms of the Waitomo Caves. Up to the picturesque Bay of Islands, and then back to Auckland. Eight days of pure New Zealand. 
Tour Duration: 8 Days
Tour Type: Group coach tour
Tour price per person:
01 May 10 - 30 Sep 10 NZ$1880
01 Oct 10 - 30 Apr 11 NZ$2157
Optional extras (per person) |
|
| Breakfast (7) Supplement | NZ$144 |
| Dinner (5) Supplement | NZ$174 |
| Single Room Supplement | NZ$588 |
Day 1 – Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! You will be met at Auckland Airport with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 2 – Auckland/Hamilton/Rotorua
Join a scheduled InterCity coach this morning
departing Sky City Terminal at 8.15am
(reporting 7.50am) for the drive to Rotorua.
From New Zealand’s largest city, through lush
farmlands of Waikato, to Hamilton and the
Mamaku Ranges to reach Rotorua, centre of
Maori culture and a thermal wonderland.
Transfer to your Hotel on arrival with the
afternoon at leisure and you will meet your tour group this evening.
Accommodation:Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration. See pools of brown and rainbow trout at Rainbow Springs Park and even native birds including the Kiwi. Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre 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 our compliments. Time for optional activities this afternoon before a Maori hangi (meal) with selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka.
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 region’s Maori people, then alongside the Waikato River before crossing the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand’s 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.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Cross Auckland’s 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, where we meet our local Maori guide, a descendent of the original settlers to the region, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. A self guided tour through the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.
Day 6 – 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 Zealand’s northern most
point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic
Russell, New Zealand’s first settlement and visit
its original Church, Mission House and
Museum.
Day 7 – 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.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 8 – Auckland/Home
It is farewell to your travelling companions. You will be transferred to Auckland Airport to join your flight home.
(included in tour cost)
- Intercity Coach Service Auckland - Rotorua
- Entry to Agrodome
- Entry to Rainbow Springs Park
- Entry to Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Entry to Skyline Skyrides & Luge Ride
- Entry to Waitomo & visit to Glowworm Grotto
- City Highlights Tour in Auckland
- Entry to Skytower
- Entry to Kauri Museum
- Entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Hole in the Rock Cruise
- Maori Hangi & Concert in Rotorua