Tour Type: Budget Self Drive Tour
Duration: 7 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Auckland
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from NZ $1345 pp
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7 Day Cultural Discovery Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
Arrive Auckland and once you have collected your rental car please make your way to your accommodation. New Zealand’s largest city has an idyllic setting, overlooking the forested Waitakere Ranges, sheltered Manukau Harbour and the island-studded Hauraki Gulf to the north. No wonder over a million people choose to live there and enjoy the benefits of nature on the doorstep. Beautiful beaches and dreamy offshore islands are just half an hour from the city. In fact the sea is so much a part of the place that an unusually high number of people own their own boat giving the city its name of ‘City of Sails’. Stay: Oaktree Motel |
Day
2 |
Auckland to the Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland make your way north over the Harbour Bridge to the Bay of Islands. A must for anyone visiting Northland, the aptly named Bay of Islands is a great place to combine adventure and relaxation. Offering some of the most scenic coastal scenery in New Zealand, 150 islands are nestled within the picturesque bay, providing the setting for activities including sailing, big game fishing and swimming with wild dolphins. The Bay of Islands is also one of New Zealand’s most historically significant areas, most notably for the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between the Maori chiefs and the British. Entrance to the Treaty House at Waitangi is included, it acts as a museum and visitor centre recording these important events in New Zealand history. The reserve also house the Whare Runanga, a Maori meeting house and the 100ft long war canoe or waka. Stay: Averill Court Motel (2 nights) |
Day
3 |
Bay of Islands
This morning enjoy a cruise out to the ‘Hole in the Rock’ and the surrounding areas. Board the luxury "Dolphin Seeker" catamaran for the most popular cruise in the Bay of Islands. The high speed vessel will whisk you on a comfortable journey out through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Next is Motukokako Island and the famous "Hole in the Rock"; the excitement grows as you make a passage through the Hole and on to the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave. On the return journey time is taken to meander through the inner islands. View sandy beaches, beautiful bays and marine wildlife as your skipper gives an informative commentary. An island stopover is also included on beautiful Urupukapuka Island (Morning Cruise Only) where there are numerous activities. Enjoy the coastal walks and magnificent beaches or browse through the Maori Arts and Crafts centre. |
Day
4 |
Bay of Islands to Rotorua
A big day of driving today, but lot's to see on the way. (If you want to break this trip up with a stop in or around Auckland, we can add a stopover here). Head south early to Rotorua, the city sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so volcanic activity is part of the city’s past and present. The city is also the tribal home of the Te Arawa people, who settled in lakeside geothermal areas more than 600 years ago. Stay: Six on Union (2 nights) |
Day
5 |
Rotorua
Free time to explore Rotorua this today. You may like to visit the Agrodome or take a gondola ride to the top of Mt Ngongotaha for spectacular views of Rotorua. Later this afternoon visit Te Puia geothermal area to view the boiling mudpools and cascading Pohutu geyser that make Rotorua famous as New Zealand’s thermal city. This evening experience Te Po, Te Puia’s cultural experience. It is a feast of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Maori kai (indigenous food). After a formal Maori welcome, relax and enjoy a performance including the beautiful songs, haka and poi dance. After dinner you will be transported by people movers to enjoy the spectacular lighting of the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and hot chocolate. (D) |
Day
6 |
Rotorua to Auckland, via Ruakuri Caves
Today make your way back north to Auckland, en-route entrance to the Ruakuri Caves is included. These caves were first discovered by local Maori between 400 and 500 years ago, it takes its name from the wild dogs that made their home in the cave entrance. Newly reopened after an interval of 18 years, Ruakuri cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo’s most compelling subterranean experiences. in any one sightseeing tour, your guide will bring you up close to glowworms, elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites. Stay: Oaktree Motel |
Day
7 |
Depart Auckland
Today is the last day of your arrangements, please return your rental car to the depot at Auckland airport prior to your onward flight. |
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Note: To view tour prices or to make an enquiry, please click on the Tabs at the top of this itinerary. Top |
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Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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| Compact Car |
NZ $1,345 |
NZ $1,448 |
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| Intermediate Car |
NZ $1,367 |
NZ $1,469 |
NZ $1,053 |
| Full Size Car |
NZ $1,399 |
NZ $1,501 |
NZ $1,069 |
| Mid Size 4WD |
NZ $1,489 |
NZ $1,592 |
NZ $1,115 |
| People Mover (MPV) |
NZ $1,567 |
NZ $1,671 |
NZ $1,153 |
* 1 & 2 Bedroom motel units are all self catering.
** 2 Bedroom motel prices based on 4 adults travelling.
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012/13 Season Sale! Save 10% off the prices shown on our website, for 01 May to 31 Aug 2012 departures. Save 5% on all other departures. Deposit this month to qualify! |
*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'. |
Self Drive Tour Notes
Prices above are per person & valid till September 2013. |
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- Frequently Asked Questions.
- 2 Bedroom motel prices above are based on 4 adults travelling.
- Some motel studios may not have full self catering facilities. If self catering is required then please request a 1 or 2 bedroom room.
- If a property listed on our itinerary is unavailable at the time of booking we will replace it with a equivalent accommodation, and let you know, to ensure it is to your satisfaction.
- Please note this itinerary was last amended 5 April 2012.
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