8 Day Classic Northern Explorer |
| Low Cost Escorted Coach Tour starting in Wellington and finishing in Auckland |
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Tour Type: Low Cost Escorted Tour
Duration: 8 Days
Tour Starts In: Wellington
Tour Finishes In: Auckland
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from NZ $2135 pp
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8 Day Classic Northern Explorer Touring Route:
Tour Description:
Check out the impressive North Island on this 8 Day Northern Explorer Coach Tour. Visit the rugged coastline of the Coromandel, see steaming thermal springs and boiling mud in the geothermal region of Rotorua and survey the stunning views from the top of the SkyTower - Just a few things you will enjoy on this coach holiday.
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 available.
Tour Highlights:
Back to top |
Day
1 |
Arrive Wellington
Welcome to New Zealand! We will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel. Stay: Bay Plaza Hotel |
Day
2 |
Wellington – Taupo – Rotorua
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island. On a clear day you may glimpse a last look at the South Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. Cross rolling farmland to the Volcanic Plateau and Tongariro National Park, dominated by the three volcanoes - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro & Mt Ngauruhoe. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, famous for trout fishing.
Stop at the Huka Falls, where the Waikato River is squeezed through a 20 metre wide gorge and gushes into a beautiful sapphire pool. Pass through the Wairakei Geothermal area and power station en route to Rotorua. Whether seeking to experience Maori culture, geothermal sights or adventure activities, your coach captain will be happy to assist with any optional sightseeing. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights) |
Day
3 |
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
4 |
Rotorua – Waitomo – Auckland
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. At Waitomo a guide will escort your group underground to the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. During your guided tour you'll take in the spectacular Glow-worm Cave with its majestic and ornate cave decorations, the deep limestone shaft known as the Tomo and the equally magnificent Cathedral Cavern.
On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the region's Maori people, then travel alongside the Waikato River and cross the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand's largest city - Auckland "the City of Sails". A city tour will give a feel for the city. Visit the summit of the Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for superb city and harbour views, the down town area, Waterfront Drive and The Domain. Stay: Rydges Hotel |
Day
5 |
Auckland – Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge for the drive north along the scenic Hibiscus Coast with its numerous beach front holiday settlements, and on to Matakohe for a visit to its 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, where we meet our local Maori Guide, a descendant of the original settlers to the region, 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 bay. Stay: Tanoa Hotel, Paihia (2 nights) |
Day
6 |
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
7 |
Bay of Islands – Auckland
This morning a launch cruise takes you through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett. Cruise past many of the islands of the Bay, keeping a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life as you make your way past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic Hole in the Rock - hold your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space into the Grand Cathedral Cave.
Head back into the sheltered waters of the bay. Upon reaching Paihia, board your coach and bid farewell to the Bay of Islands. Your journey will take you south past scenic native forests and sub-tropical bush, before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge and arriving into Auckland City. Stay: Rydges Hotel |
Day
8 |
Depart Auckland
It is farewell to your new found friends and travelling companions. You will be transferred to Auckland International Airport in ample time to join your flight home. This completes your New Zealand Holiday. We look forward to seeing you back here in the future. Safe travels. |
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 |
| 12 Feb 2012 |
19 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $2580 |
Save $445 |
NZ $2135 |
| 21 Feb 2012 |
28 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $2580 |
Save $445 |
NZ $2135 |
| 28 Feb 2012 |
06 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $2580 |
Save $105 |
NZ $2475 |
| 11 Mar 2012 |
18 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $2580 |
Save $445 |
NZ $2135 |
| 27 Mar 2012 |
03 Apr 2012 |
|
NZ $2580 |
Save $105 |
NZ $2475 |
| 17 Apr 2012 |
24 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $2580 |
Save $105 |
NZ $2475 |
| 15 May 2012 |
22 May 2012 |
|
NZ $2395 |
Save $95 |
NZ $2300 |
| 14 Aug 2012 |
21 Aug 2012 |
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NZ $2395 |
Save $95 |
NZ $2300 |
| 25 Sep 2012 |
02 Oct 2012 |
G |
NZ $2395 |
Save $95 |
NZ $2300 |
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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| Single Room Supplement: |
Add |
NZ $620 |
*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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