Islands
& Thermal Country - Bay of Islands and Rotorua's
Thermal Country
5 Days / 4 Nights...for
more details>>>
Explore New Zealand by Coach or Self-Drive Car. Flexible
Daily Departures
Combine the history of Northland with
the culture of Rotorua to experience the best of both these
places of interest. Walk on pristine sand, swim with dolphins,
take a coach trip along New Zealand’s longest beach
or trek through ancient kauri forests. In Rotorua, lazy
drifts of steam are emitted from cracks and crevices in
parks, gardens and even residential streets. These constant
steam drifts, together with the distinctive scent of sulphur,
let you know you are in the geothermal wonderland of New
Zealand.
| Day 1 |
Arrive
Auckland
Welcome to Auckland, the 'City
of Sails'. This afternoon we suggest a city sightseeing
tour. Visit Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic
Encounter & Underwater World or perhaps
a sail on the beautiful harbor. |
| Day 2 |
Auckland
| Bay of Islands (149
miles)
Cross the Auckland
Harbour Bridge and travel north from Auckland
along the beautiful Hibiscus Coast to the Bay
of Islands. This afternoon enjoy a guided
tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds,
where the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840
cemented European and Maori into nationhood.
Balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy the many
activities of the area that was the stage for much
of New Zealand's early history -settlement by Polynesian
adventurers, discovery by Captain Cook, and the unruly
whaling era. (Optional meal plans
begin today) |
| Day 3 |
Bay
of Islands | Auckland
Board the luxury catamaran
at the Paihia Maritime Wharf and cruise to Cape Brett.
This most popular cruise in the Bay of Islands will
whisk you on a comfortable journey out through game
fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and the
famous "Hole in the Rock".
On the return journey time is taken to meander through
the islands. View sandy beaches, beautiful bays and
marine wildlife before an island stopover allowing
you to enjoy a scenic walk, swim or browse through
the local souvenir shop. Upon return to Paihia your
coach will return you to downtown Auckland at approximately
9:15pm. |
| Day 4 |
Auckland
I Waitomo I Rotorua (226 miles)
Travel south over the Bombay Hills, following the
Waikato River to Hamilton, then on via Te Awamutu
to Waitomo. Enjoy a buffet lunch before visiting the Waitomo Caves. Tours to the caves
include the magical boat-ride through the Glow-worm
Grotto. Continue on via Lake Karapiro to arrive in Rotorua. This
evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. |
| Day 5 |
Rotorua
| Auckland (150 miles)
Rotorua is the centre of the
geothermal region of New Zealand and is also the main
centre for Maori culture. Boiling mud, geysers and
silica deposits surrounding the lake attract visitors
from all over the world. Enjoy a half-day thermal
tour - visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Rainbow Springs & Agrodome Farm Show and Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. The afternoon
is at leisure before retuming to Auckland at approximately
8:15pm. |
Includes:
4 nights accommodation; Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Cruise
to Cape Brett; Waitomo's Glow-worm Caves with lunch;
Maori Hangi (dinner) & Concert; Half day Rotorua
sights. Seat-in-Coach prices include arrival transfer.
Self-Drive prices do not include vehicle insurance.
Page Updated 14 April 2008
