- Day 1 Fly into Auckland Airport
I will pick you up from the Airport and take you to your accommodation in Auckland.
Day 2
Today we will drive to Paihia the heart of the Bay of islands. We will stop off at various attractions along the way. The afternoon will be spent at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the most historic parts of New Zealand history. You can enjoy a guided tour and also some time strolling around these panoramic grounds with fabulous views across to the Bay of Islands. We will return to Paihia for your night's accommodation.
Day 3
- Today you will join a Cruise to the Hole in The Rock on a catamaran and explore the beautiful Bay of Islands.
You will see the historic Cape Brett lighthouse and pass through the
majestic Hole in the Rock. You will visit Urupukapuka Island and visit
the stunning shores and for those who wish to climb to the top you will
be rewarded with spectacular views. I will pick you up later and take
you up to Maiki Hill where
famous flagstaff, cut down 4
times between 1844 and 1845 by one of the Maori Chiefs. The views from
the top are also spectacular. We will then make our way eventually back
to Paihia via a scenic coastal drive calling into some beautiful bays along the way. Your night's accommodation will be in Paihia.
Day 4
Today we will make our way up to historic Kerikeri where in 1814 Reverend Samuel Marsden arrived in the Bay of Islands and held New Zealand's first church service.
The Stone Store and the Mission House (Kemp House) built by Marsden’s
early missionaries are New Zealand’s
oldest standing European buildings. It is now known as the Mission
Stonehouse Store and well worth a visit. We will then make our way to
Wairere Boulders the only known basalt boulder valley world-wide with
huge rocks in the middle of clay country. The rocks are over 2 million
years old and there are some lovely short walks to explore this very
unusual region in New Zealand. We will then make our way across to
Opononi on the West Coast for your night's accommodation,
Day 5
- We leave Opononi to travel through Dargaville and to explore some of the magnificent Kauri Trees of the North island as in Tane Mahuta and a stop off at the Kauri Museum also along the way. We will then make our way to Warkworth for your night's accommodation.
Day 6
- Today
we will make our way down through Thames and a very scenic coastal
drive through the fabulous Pohutakawa Trees which line the road and in
December are a stunning array of Red (NZ Christmas Tree). We will then
make our way into Coromandel where you will join a short 1 Hour train journey takes you through replanted native Kauri forest and includes 2
spirals, 3 short tunnels, 5 reversing points and several large viaducts
as it climbs up to the mountain-top terminus.
It offers great panoramic views out over the island-studded
Hauraki Gulf with the forested valley and mountains behind. Your night's accommodation will be in Coromandel.
Day 7
We will drive today to
Rotorua to visit a living Maori Village of
Whakarewarewa. You will join a
tour to enjoy traditional song & dance performances by the Te Pakira
Performance Group and then afterwards lunch from a Hangi - traditional
Maori way
of cooking.afternoon. Maybe a swim in the hot pools...later that
afternoon ...don't forget your swimmers.Your night's accommodation will
be in
RotoruaDay 8
Your tour today takes you through Arapuni Village and a short walk on the 152 metre long swing bridge that crosses the Waikato River with incredible views of the Arapuni Power Station below. Afterwards we will drive to Otorohonga to the Kiwi House and and native Bird park for a close up of the National icon and join a tour to see the Kiwis being fed. We will then make our way to Waitomo Caves where you will join a 45 minute tour through the glow worm caves. We will then make our way back to Rotorua for your night's accommodation.
Day 9- Today we will leave Rotorua and travel through some of the back roads passing some stunning scenery to Whakatane. There will be plenty of time to do a spot of fishing if you choose on your way out as there are many guided fishing tours by fly and boat fishing near Rotorua.Your night's accommodation will be in Whakatane.
Day 10
- Today you will join a White Island Tour crew aboard a luxury
cruiser for a 6 hour adventure to explore New Zealand’s only
active marine volcano – White Island.
Sitting
49km off the coast , this is one of the
world’s most accessible live volcanoes. With the majority of the volcano
sitting beneath the sea it means you are able to get directly into
the crater complex – no mountain climbing required.
You are able to get
up close to roaring steam vents, bubbling pits of mud, hot volcanic
streams and the amazing lake of steaming acid. The vivid hues of yellow
and orange resulting from the abundant sulphur on the island make it a
photographer’s dream.
Your night's accommodation will be in Whakatane.
Day 11
- Today we will make our way through some more back roads with lovely scenery across to Huka Falls
which is a natural attraction in New Zealand. It's quite remarkable to
see the power of these falls. It will be then onto Wairakei the
area of a Geothermal Power Station before making our way to Napier the Art Deco Capital of the Southern Hemisphere. Your night will be in Napier.
Day 12
- We will leave Napier via a few of the fine Vineyards in this area for some wine tastings before we drive into the Mountain Region of Tongariro National Park for your night's accommodation. Here there will be some opportunities to explore a few short walks the next day before we leave. If you choose to do a longer walk we would stay an extra night here.
Day 13
- We will leave Tongaririo today to make your way through to Auckland. We will travel through some alternative roads passing through the lush pastoral countryside and the Hydro
Villages situated on the Waikato River. Night in Auckland before flight out next day.
- Day 14 - Flight Out
The Total Cost For This Tour :
2 Persons - NZ $8145.00 each
4 Persons - NZ $5040.00 each
This includes:
14 Nights 4 Star accommodation with 8 breakfasts (Self contained other accommodation)
14 Days Private Flexible Touring including Airport Transfers
Kiwi House Entry & Native Bird Park
Waitomo Caves Tour
White Island Cruise incl lunch
Hole In the Rock Cruise
Waiwere Boulders Entry
Treaty of Waitangi Grounds
1 Hour Train Journey Coromandel
Whakarewarewa Tour incl lunch
Please note that these prices are based on the New Zealand peak season and availability
at the time of year (Dec-Mch)
If you are interested in this private 2 week tour of the North Island the please fill out the contact form below