Tour Type: Low Cost Escorted Tour
Duration: 8 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Wellington
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from NZ $2090 pp
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8 Day Classic Northern Discovery Touring Route:
Tour Description:
Join us on a 8 Day Coach Tour through the centre of the North Island experiencing New Zealand's natural wonders such as the rain forests of the Coromandel Peninsula, the geothermal region of Rotorua before enjoying the vineyards of Hawkes Bay and the cafes and shopping of Wellington.
During the course of the tour you will also have free time in Rotorua and Paihia (Bay of Islands) to experience some of the unique and regional optional sightseeing activities including Float plane or Helicopter flight to Mt Tarawera or Cape Reinga Day Trip from Paihia plus many more options for those wishing to explore further.
Tour Highlights:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand and Auckland, New Zealand's City of Sails. You will be met with a smile and transferred to your hotel by a tour representative. As you travel into the city center you will spot Skytower, Auckland's iconic landmark. Your accommodation this evening is less than half a block from this landmark. Stay: Rydges Hotel |
Day
2 |
Auckland – Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast skimming past the many seaside villages on the Whangaporoa Peninsula. Travel to Matakohe for a visit to the Kauri Museum that houses an exceptional display highlighting the region's early settlement and kauri gum industry, which was so important to the region's early development. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia. On arrival into Paihia we meet our local Maori guide, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands, before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi.
A self guided tour through the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe, all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bountiful Bay of Islands. This afternoon you will experience a launch cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett.
Cruise past many of the islands of the Bay. Enjoy the views as you cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Your coach captain will meet you at the wharf to transfer to your accommodation this evening. Bay of Islands. Stay: Tanoa Hotel, Paihia (2 nights) |
Day
3 |
Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your coach captain will happily assist with all details. We highly recommend a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point. At Cape Reinga you view the blending of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and an understanding of the Maori myths and legends of the area, go sand boarding down the giant sand dunes and travel along Ninety Mile Beach the highway of the north. |
Day
4 |
Bay of Islands – Rotorua
Bid farewell to the 144 islands of the Bay of Islands. Your journey will take you south past scenic native forests and sub-tropical bush and towns of Whangarei and Warkworth before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge and arriving into Auckland City.
Your tour will visit the summit of the iconic Sky Tower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, and you can view the ground through the glass floors! Then you will drive past the Domain, the central city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs.
Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato region noted for its horse studs and the famous Waikato River, which is New Zealand's longest river. Drive past the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity, thrilling activities, Maori culture and its lakes. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights) |
Day
5 |
Rotorua
An action packed day today with many included sightseeing activities. First a visit to Agrodome, for an exciting and informative insight into the world of New Zealand agriculture, featuring 19 breeds of sheep, sheep shearing, cow milking, lamb feeding and sheepdog demonstrations. Next stop is at Rainbow Springs Park where you will see pools of brown and rainbow trout and native birds including the Kiwi.
Last activity is the spectacular Skyline Gondola, offering superb views over city, lake and mountains. and for a little excitement, try a Luge ride with our compliments. The Luge is a fun filled ride on a three-wheel cart with a unique braking and steering system providing the rider full control and allowing them to travel as fast or as slow as they wish.
This evening you are in for a cultural treat. Watch in awe as two warriors perform a formal Powhiri (welcome), be thrilled by the Haka (war dance), and see the talented Poi dances. You will even be given the opportunity to try to perform the Haka or the Poi dance. The concert is complemented by mouth-watering buffet selections of Eastern and Western cuisine and divine desserts, including the very 'Kiwi' Pavlova. |
Day
6 |
Rotorua – Napier – Masterton
Skirt some of the worlds largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity. View the Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm and pauses at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, claimed to be the world's art deco capital. Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmland as you pass through Hastings then to Dannervirke and Woodville for an afternoon stop at Mangatainoka, home to Tui Brewery before continuing on to Masterton for the night. Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park, Masterton |
Day
7 |
Masterton – Wellington
A leisurely day as we travel south over the Rimutaka ranges into the capital city, Wellington.
A city tour will incorporate the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour, the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, city centre and Oriental Bay. There is ample time for you to explore the city yourself. Don't miss Te Papa, the "Museum of New Zealand" or take a ride on the famous Cable Car. Stay: Bay Plaza Hotel, Wellington |
Day
8 |
Wellington – Home
Today it is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Wellington International Airport to join your flight home. This completes your New Zealand Holiday. |
from NZ $2,090
8 Day Classic Northern Discovery
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8 Day Classic Northern Discovery Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 8 Day Classic Northern Discovery. |
I booked this tour because I had a limited window in which to explore the North Island (not enough time for both islands) and wanted a tour that would take me to the main sights without having to waste time finding them myself and sorting out my own accomodation. I was NOT disappointed. The small group (17 for most of the trip) were all friendly - although I was lucky that there was one other single traveller in my age group so I didn't feel isolated at all. The coach captain, Ross, was fantastic! His extensive knowledge and almost continuous commentary, along with the frequent sight-seeing and comfort stops, made the long journeys pass in no time. The hotels were all of a high standard, and the food very nice and plentiful - especially in the Paihia and Rotorua hotels. The highlight for me was the Bay of Islands. Stunning weather and scenery, and I thoroughly recommend the optional half-day plane flight to Cape Reinga through Salt Air. That experience will stay with me forever. Well worth the extra money. Of course there are a couple of things that could've improved the tour. The visit to Rainbow Springs in Rotorua was boring and a complete waste of time (nothing of interest to see, very contrived) and instead of having a free afternoon in Rotorua, which doesn't have much to offer as a city, we all agreed we would prefer to have spent more time in Taupo, where we only spent two hours as a lunch stop. An overnight stay there would've given us time to explore the town and area more. But thats my only complaint; otherwise it was a fantastic tour. I booked my tour through Relaxing Journeys. They (especially Georgina Walpole) were helpful, patient and thorough throughout the booking process, answering all my questions to help me find the tour that suited me best. Overall, a fantastic way of seeing the North Island if you are limited for time.
Stephen Biggs (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 25/11/2009 |
I enjoyed the trip and driver was very informative and professional. Coach was comfortable and most of the hotels were good especially the Sudima. However the Angus was absolutely horrible! I also would have preferred that we stay in Napier and have some extra time to wander around. I was also disappointed when we arrived in Paihai to be offered another bus trip to go to the top of the North Island (the tour to take when you are already on tour). I did not think that on only the second day of tour we needed a whole day break, and would have liked a few more hours in Rotorua. Thought the itinerary was good and gave a good introduction to the North Island.
Carly Strachan (Australia)
Tour Date 06/05/2009 |
It was an excellent tour - right from where we were met by Barbara at Auckland Airport. Rydges Hotel excellent - in fact all accommodation and meals were very good. It all went very smoothly and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole tour - only complaint - not long enough. Will have to return.
Ann & Barrie Williams (Australia)
Tour Date 29/04/2009 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Hot Seat Deals! Unbeatable Savings Exclusive to Relaxing Journeys!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
Tour
Starts |
Tour
Finishes |
Tour
Status |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
SPECIAL |
OUR
PRICE |
| 05 Feb 2012 |
12 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $2300 |
Save $160 |
NZ $2140 |
| 14 Feb 2012 |
21 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $2300 |
Save $160 |
NZ $2140 |
| 26 Feb 2012 |
04 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $2300 |
Save $160 |
NZ $2140 |
| 06 Mar 2012 |
13 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $2300 |
Save $160 |
NZ $2140 |
| 13 Mar 2012 |
20 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $2300 |
Save $160 |
NZ $2140 |
| 20 Mar 2012 |
27 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $2300 |
Save $160 |
NZ $2140 |
| 03 Apr 2012 |
10 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $2300 |
Save $160 |
NZ $2140 |
| 10 Apr 2012 |
17 Apr 2012 |
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NZ $2300 |
Save $160 |
NZ $2140 |
| 01 May 2012 |
08 May 2012 |
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NZ $2235 |
Save $145 |
NZ $2090 |
| 19 Jun 2012 |
26 Jun 2012 |
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NZ $2235 |
Save $90 |
NZ $2145 |
| 10 Jul 2012 |
17 Jul 2012 |
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NZ $2235 |
Save $90 |
NZ $2145 |
| 21 Aug 2012 |
28 Aug 2012 |
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NZ $2235 |
Save $90 |
NZ $2145 |
| 18 Sep 2012 |
25 Sep 2012 |
G |
NZ $2235 |
Save $90 |
NZ $2145 |
| 25 Sep 2012 |
02 Oct 2012 |
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NZ $2235 |
Save $90 |
NZ $2145 |
Note: Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart. The majority of departures above will proceed. We will confirm the status of your preferred departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
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Tour Options & Single Supplement:
Optional extras & single traveller supplement. |
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*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'. |
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