6 Day Northern Explorer
A 6 day tour taking you from Wellington to Auckland. Explore some of the most interesting destinations in New Zealand's North Island. Experience authentic Maori culture, including a traditional authentic Maori Hangi and concert. 
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Tour Duration: 6 Days
Tour price per person:
01 Feb 10 - 30 Apr 10 NZ$1785
01 May 10 - 30 Sep 10 NZ$1785 ***
Optional extras (per person) Valid for travel 01 Feb - 30 Apr 10 |
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| Breakfast (5) Supplement | NZ$95 |
| Dinner (4) Supplement | NZ$130 |
| Single Room Supplement | NZ$400 |
Optional extras (per person) Valid for travel 01 May - 30 Sep 10 |
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| Breakfast (7) Supplement | NZ$140 |
| Dinner (5) Supplement | NZ$170 |
| Single Room Supplement | NZ$575 |
*** Please note that from 01 May 2010 the tour cost will include 1 night pre tour accommodation in Wellington and 1 night post tour accommodation in Auckland along with airport transfers ***
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Wellington/Taupo/Rotorua
Your tour departs from the Bay Plaza Hotel, 40 Oriental Parade at 7.45am. 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 Zealand's largest lake and famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls skirting massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
Your tour departs from the Bay Plaza Hotel, 40 Oriental Parade at 7.45am. 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 Zealand's largest lake and famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls skirting massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
Day 2 - Rotorua
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.
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.
Day 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 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 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)
Day 4 - Auckland/Bay of Islands
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 and visit New Zealand's 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.
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 and visit New Zealand's 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.
Accommodation: Tanoa Hotel Paihia (2 nights)
Day 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 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.
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 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.
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.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sightseeing where indicated in cities and resorts
- Wellington the Capital City
- Volcanic and Geothermal Region
- Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
- Authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
- Rotorua’s Thermal Wonderland
- Waitomo Glow-worm Caves
- Subtropical Bay of Islands
- Agrodome
- Rainbow Springs and Kiwi House
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Skyline Gondola and Luge ride
- Auckland’s Skytower
- Matakohe Kauri Museum
- Guided Tour of Waitangi Treaty House and grounds
- Cape Brett Launch Cruise