North Island
Day 1
Arrive in Auckland and take delivery of your car. Take time to familiarise your
self with the 'City of Sails' - home of the America's Cup. A ride to the top of
New Zealand's tallest building - Sky Tower and Casino - is also a great
experience.
Day 2
Now you are on your way. Take a leisurely three and a half hours drive to the
Bay of Islands, the game fishing capital of New Zealand. Take a cruise on the
ocean to visit the famous 'Hole in the Rock' or experience sailing from a bygone
age on a tall sailing ship. Visit Waitangi, where the historical treaty was
signed between Pakeha and Maori in 1840.
Day 3
Explore the Bay of Islands further. Visit the mighty Kauri Forests of the far
north or take a full day trip to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach at the top of
the North Island.
Day 4
Back to Auckland to recharge the batteries.
Day 5
Head south east from Auckland along the Pacific Coast Highway. Stop for lunch in
the old gold mining capital of Thames, before driving alongside spectacular bays
and rugged coastlines towards the township of Coromandel. Explore the arts and
crafts stores or cruise Cathedral Cove by sea kayak.
Day 6
Travel on to majestic Cathedral Cove and take a dip at nearby Hot Water Beach.
Then head south on to the jaunty nautical city of Tauranga.
Day 7
Take a cruise from Tauranga out to White Island, an active volcano. The ocean in
this area is home to many sea mammals and you may be lucky enough to catch a
glimpse of dolphins or even a whale. Return to Tauranga before journeying south
towards Gisborne through valleys cloaked with forest and past sleepy seaside
towns.
Day 8
Gisborne is the city that is the first in the world to see the sun each day.
Sample the vintage at a local award winning winery. Later head south to the Art
Deco city of Napier. Here you can take a trip to the world's largest mainland
gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. In addition to architecture, the Napier area
is also well known for its vineyards and wineries.
Day 9
Enroute to Taupo this morning stop to admire the splendour of the mighty Huka
Falls. For those seeking an adrenaline rush there is the opportunity for a
jetboat ride up the river to the base of the falls. Taupo is famous for trout
fishing and the area offers plenty of opportunity for fishing excursions or
perhaps just a boat cruise on the lake.
Day 10
Travel to Rotorua, New Zealand's centre of Maori Culture and geothermal
activity. Experience a taste of New Zealand farm life by visiting one of the
areas famous farm shows. Visit a wildlife sanctuary or try luging, a gondola
ride, a scenic flight or boat trip on Lake Rotorua. Tonight, try a Maori concert
performance and hangi feast or a soak in a naturally heated spa or mineral pool.
Day 11
Continue through to Waitomo Caves. Millions of years old these caves are filled
with glow-worms, stalagmites and stalactites. You have a choice of a tranquil
boat guided ride along the underground river or for the more adventurous there
is a caving and cave tubing option.
Day 12
A full day's travel takes you to Wellington, New Zealand's capital.
Day 13
Experience the atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city. Explore the delights of the
many restaurants or visit our newest museum and icon-Te Papa (our place).
Itineraries: North Island | Lower North Island/Upper South Island |
South Island | Queenstown/Wanaka/Te Anau