Itinerary
After collection from
your cruise ship or hotel, we leave Auckland on State Highway 1, heading south over the Bombay Hills, the city's southern boundary. From this high viewpoint you can see ahead across the
lush farmland of the Waikato district laid out before you, in the distance the cones of extinct volcanoes can be clearly seen.
We make a brief stop at the RIVER VIEW cafe on the banks of
the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river and the origin of the districts name. Time here for refreshments as needed and some souvenirs.
Continuing south along the banks of the
majestic Waikato river, we first pass through Huntly before arriving at Ngaruawahia township, a significant location for the Maori, as this is the seat of the Maori royal family [King or Queen]
and has many important Maori buildings.
Leaving Ngaruawahia we head further south into the King Country, one of the last parts of New Zealand to resist the colonial rule in the
1860's, so named as it was in this area that the various Maori tribal groups agreed to form an alliance, proclaiming a Maori king who could coordinate their resistance to the English rulers. This
regions undulating and lush farmland is one of the country's most productive agricultural regions and offers some great scenery.
Arriving at the Waitomo Caves, we join one of the fully
guided tours of the main cave systems set deep within the limestone rocks, formed over many thousands of years by the constant effect of water running through the caves. Marvel at the rock
formations, the careful lighting accentuating the effects of water erosion. Test the acoustics with some impromptu singing, maybe not quite as melodious as that of Dame Tiri Te Kanawa who has
performed in these very caverns.
Having visited the caves, we then board a small boat for a trip through the flooded cave system to see the amazing Glow Worms, a highlight of the tour for
most.
Lunch is taken at Roselands Farm Restaurant, a short drive from the caves. Enjoy a traditional kiwi BBQ lunch with a choice of fish or steak, salads and dessert. Set amongst
green hills, pockets of native bush [forest ] and the lush farmland.
Time permitting there will be chance to visit the Angora Rabbit centre and see these cute bunnies being shawn before
heading back to Auckland by an alternative route, allowing you to see more of the countries landscape. |
