Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland - Whitianga [D]
Departing Auckland early in the morning we travel to one of New Zealand's alternative lifestyle regions - the Coromandel. This scenic peninsula is framed by
native Pohutukawa trees, sub tropical rain forest and beautiful white sandy beaches. We pass through Thames, the 'Gateway to the Coromandel', a historic Gold and Kauri logging town. We board the
amazing Driving Creek Railway in Coromandel Township for a journey through native forest and past unusual structures to the 'Eyeful Tower' for a stunning view over the bays and beaches far below.
Free time for you to enjoy lunch at a local cafe.
After an afternoon stop for a wine tasting we end the day at Whitianga, located in beautiful Mercury Bay. Get to know your fellow
traveler over a special dinner.
Accommodation: Admiralty Lodge
Day 2: Whitianga - Tauranga [B & L]
This morning you will be taken by luxury launch to see Mercury
Bay with its secluded bays and sandy beaches, stopping at the famous Cathedral Cove (only accessible by boat or on foot). Next we travel by coach to Hot Water Beach – when if tides allow you will
have the opportunity to create your own hot water spa right on the beach. Lunch will be taken at one of the regions renowned cafes.
Our next destination is the old Gold mining town Waihi,
then on to Katikati where murals along the main street tell the stories of days past. Our final destination today is Mount Maunganui, where the extinct volcano known by Maori as Mauao, guards the
entrance to Tauranga Harbour. The evening is free for you to enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants just a short walk from your hotel.
Accommodation: Oceanside Resort
Day 3: Tauranga [B & L]
After a local tour of historic sights, you will enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at the award winning Mills Reef Winery. The afternoon is free for your
choices: relax at the beach, enjoy salt water hot pools, shop downtown, try one of the many cafes, or arrange a helicopter flight to White Island – an active marine volcano. For the more
adventurous try white water rafting or skydiving.
Accommodation: Oceanside Resort
Day 4: Tauranga - Rotorua [B,L & D]
We make an early start to Te Puke, the kiwifruit
capital of the world. Take a fascinating tour at KIWI360 to learn about this amazing fruit. There is time if you wish for a thrilling jet boat ride along the Kaituna River.
Our next stop is the geothermal region of Rotorua. Steaming hot water geysers, boiling mud pools and monuments of the Maori culture are to be found all over the city. You will visit a thermal village and enjoy lunch at an historic venue in the Government Gardens.
The afternoon can be spent in one of the Hot Spas, trout fishing on Lake Rotorua or just looking through the many arts and crafts shops.
In the evening you will be taken for a scenic flight over Rotorua in a float plane, landing close to your special dinner venue.
Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
Day 5: Rotorua - Taupo [B,L & D]
After a short drive south from Rotorua will we begin the day with the eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser at Wai-O-Tapu. This thermal valley has amazing
and unique features, such as the world famous Champagne Pool and the Sinter Terrace formations. Continuing to Taupo we will pass by the Huka Falls, which are the largest falls on the
Waikato River. You will enjoy a luxury lunch at a boutique lodge. The rest of the afternoon is for you to relax, until joining a private launch for an evening dinner cruise on Lake Taupo.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Taupo
Day 6: Taupo – Waitomo – Auckland [B & L]
Your journey continues to the Waitomo Region today. Famous for its glowworm ridden
caves, a guided tour will take you through stunning underground caves, followed by a boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto. Lunch at Roselands Farm will refresh your senses
before you visit one of New Zealand's most traditional kiwi culture shows where you will learn what it takes to shear a sheep. You will be back in Auckland in the early evening.
B, L & D in brackets show which meals are included each day. |
