Day 1 Arrive Auckland
After arriving in Auckland transfer to your hotel. En route travel to the top of Mt Eden (one of the extinct volcanic mountains scattered throughout Auckland) for a panoramic view of the ‘City of Sails’ which has more boats per person than any other city in the world. Check in to your hotel and rest of day at leisure until city sights mid to late afternoon including Sky Tower, the Auckland Museum and Kelly Tarltons Underwater World. Dinner at leisure. Overnight Auckland
Day 2 Auckland
One of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf is home to a conservation initiative to preserve New Zealand fauna and flora. Tiritiri Matangi is an Auckland island sanctuary that provides pest-free habitat for a number of rare and endangered species. It is one of the most successful conservation projects in the world. Today cruise to Tiritiri Matangi Island bird reserve. Late afternoon return to Auckland and dinner at leisure.
Overnight Auckland
Day 3 Auckland - Omapere
Depart Auckland via Auckland Harbour Bridge. Visit the Kauri museum at Matakohe, where you have lunch and then travel through Dargaville to the Waipoua Kauri Forest, home of Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest, the largest Kauri tree in the world at 52 metres). Take some short walks to see some of these magnificent trees. From here continue to Oamapere on the Hokianga harbour. Dinner in your hotel. Overnight Omapere, Hokianga
Day 4 Omapere – Bay of Islands
Travel to Paihia this morning and visit the Waitangi National Reserve where the Treaty of Waitangi was negotiated with the Maoris by Captain William Hobson representing the British in 1840. Late morning travel by ferry to Russell where you can enjoy lunch in a café and explore this town which had a seamy reputation in the 1800’s and where the Ngapuhi chief Hone Heke cut down the British flagstaff four times in 1844 and 1845. This afternoon cruise out to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Overnight Waitangi, Bay of Islands
Day 5 Bay of Islands - Rotorua
This morning drive south on State Highway One to Whangarei and Auckland and then over the Bombay hills with their rich red volcanic soil, through the lush green Waikato to Hamilton and then over the Mamaku range to Rotorua, for a 2 night stay. A gondola ride this evening to dinner in the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Lake Rotorua.
Overnight Rotorua
Day 6 Rotorua.
Visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. See the Maori carvers at work and walk around the thermal reserve where you see boiling mud pools and the spectacular Pohutu geyser. Next enjoy the entertaining farm show at the Agrodome followed by lunch at the Farmview café. Optional leisure activities this afternoon. This evening travel a short distance from Rotorua for a Maori hangi (meal cooked in an underground oven) and cultural experience.
Overnight Rotorua
Day 7 Rotorua – Palmerston North
A short journey this morning past dairy farms and pine plantations to the Orakei Korako thermal valley. After exploring this exciting area of thermal activity continue to the Huka falls. Stop in the attractive township of Taupo for lunch at leisure. Time for some shopping and then head south alongside the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake, through the Tongariro National Park and past many hill country sheep and beef farms to Palmerston North. Dinner at leisure. Overnight Palmerston North
Day 8 Palmerston North
An exciting day to participate in an authentic Maori cultural experience. At ‘Kai on the Farm’ you will join in the preparation of a hangi and other activities which may include a visit to a local marae, Maori art and craft and a forest walk to view native plants and birds. Return to your hotel late afternoon and dinner at leisure. Overnight Palmerston North
Day 9 Palmerston North - Queenstown
This morning fly to Queenstown via Christchurch. Visit historic Arrowtown which thrived in the gold rush days and where you can enjoy lunch in a café. Explore the area’s gold mining history before carrying on to Queenstown, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu amongst magnificent alpine scenery. This evening ride on the gondola to Bob’s Peak where you dine while enjoying the magnificent view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Overnight Queenstown
Day 10 Queenstown
This morning travel over the Crown Range to the picturesque town of Wanaka, a popular ski resort in winter and lake resort in summer. Visit a local farm which runs red deer, sheep and beef cattle. Lunch on the farm where you are entertained with the sights and stories of farming in central Otago. Then travel to Queenstown via Cromwell and the Kawerau Gorge. The route takes you alongside Lake Dunstan which was formed when the Clyde dam which is designed to move in an earthquake was built. Stop at one of the many wineries to taste some of New Zealand’s premiere wines including Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Dinner at leisure. Overnight Queenstown
Transport in air conditioned coach.
