Arrive Auckland
Welome to New Zealand! On arrival at Auckland airport you will pick up your rental car and then make your way to your hotel in the central City. Auckland - the “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city and surrounded by two harbours. Stay: Scenic Hotel Auckland
Day 2
Auckland to Bay of Islands
This morning and head north out of Auckland today north to the Bay of Islands. Take some time to visit Kerikeri on the way for arts, crafts, antiques and see one of the oldest buildings in the country – the Stone Store. Then you can make your way to Paihia, holiday resort of the North and gateway to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Stay: Paihia Pacific (2 nights)
Day 3
Cape Brett and the Bay of Islands at Leisure
You can relax today and enjoy the Bay of Islands in a number of ways. We’ve included a cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett for you this morning. Board the luxury catamaran which 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" where we make a passage through the Hole and on to the Grand Cathedral Cave.
On the return journey the cruise takes its time and meanders through the inner islands. View sandy beaches, beautiful bays and marine wildlife as your skipper gives an informative commentary. Included is an island stopover on beautiful Urupukapuka Island. As your catamaran docks at the Historic Otehei Bay, enjoy the white sandy beach, picturesque views and its rich archaeological landscape. On the way back you might like to stop off at Russell (New Zealand’s first capital) which was also known as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific” It’s now a quaint seaside village where you can take some time to wander around and enjoy.
Day 4
Bay of Islands to Auckland
It’s a good day for exploring today as there are many possibilities for stops on the way down south. At Waipu turn left to Waipu Cove and follow that road down through Langs Bach and Mangawhai. Waipu Cove is the local surf beach in the area. Further on, at the old Bohemian settlement of Puhoi have a drink and sample some local cheese. A little further south is Waiwera where there are mineral hot pools to bathe and have fun in. Stay in auckland tonight. Stay: Scenic Hotel Auckland
Day 5
Auckland to Waitomo & Rotorua
Continue south on State Highway 1 to the city of Rotorua. On the way stop off at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves (included in the tour price). For over 100 years Waitomo Glowworm Caves have attracted millions of people from all over the world. This evening you will be picked up and taken to the Mitai Village for a unique and unforgettable cultural experience. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress, paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream to see glow worms in their natural habitat. See your traditionally cooked hangi meal being lifted from the ground. During the cultural performance, you'll learn about our past, carvings and ta moko (tattoo art). Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Rotorua (2 nights) (D)
Day 6
Rotorua Sightseeing
Rotorua has been known for its geothermal activity for over 150 years now and today you are able to see, feel, smell and hear some of this wonder of nature. At Te Puia, experience the raw power of Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley with bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and the world famous Pohutu Geyser. Take a journey into the heart of Maori culture, arts and crafts. Then take a ride on the new 8 seater gondola which climbs up the side of Mt Ngongotaha and experience Rotorua's most spectacular views with Skyline Skyrides. This is a fun, all age, all weather attraction with views of the City and Lake Rotorua. You can have lunch here at the café or restaurant, and enjoy the fresh air a little more if you decide to ride a cart down the Luge. At the end of the day you can relax at the Polynesian Spa where you have the choice of 7 hot mineral spring pools – or upgrade to some wonderful treatments from the Spa such as the Aix Massage.
Day 7
Rotorua to Auckland
Head north back to Auckland today. You have plenty of time as the jouney is only about 3 hours direct. So take your time and enjoy the scenery or perhaps you'd like to take the opportunity to visit Hobbiton. The remnants of the Lord of the Rings movie set are on picturesque private farmland near Matamata. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the farm, which is a working sheep and beef unit. The Hobbiton movie set has been returned to its natural state, however, hobbit holes and some structures from the film set are still present. Stay: Scenic Hotel Auckland
Day 8
Depart Auckland
After breakfast this morning, please make your way to the airport where you will return your car in time for your onward flight.
Note:This self drive tour can be completed in reverse order, the tour cost remains the same.To view tour prices or to make an enquiry, please click on the Tabs at the top of this itinerary.Top
8 Day Northern Heritage Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys.
1 Reviews,
Average Rating 4.0
of 5.
All arrangements went well. Useful information for UK visitors would be - car insurance in NZ is not compulsory so in the case of any accident/damage the cost could be very high. Taking out full insurance on the hire cars added hundreds of GB pounds to the cost of our holiday. (Ed. You can prepay this with us, or better yet, ensure your travel insurance policy covers the car hire Excess). Scenic Hotel Auckland charges daily for valet parking. The centre of Christchurch sadly is still closed. Consider how long you would wish to stay there. Be prepared for day trips to be cancelled because of weather conditions. Very disappointed that our Kaikoura whale watching trip suffered this fate. (Ed. Relaxing Journeys are trying to control the weather (involves the crossing of fingers), but without much success recently - however we do of course refund any activity or day trip affected by Mother Nature :)
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Value For Money Accommodaton Tour Pace Our Service
Margaret & Norman Waterman (United Kingdom) Tour Date 20/02/2012
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.
International flights to & from New Zealand are not included.
Breakfasts are optional for mid range self drive tours, please select your preference when requesting a quote.
Mixed accommodation pricing is available on request.
For families we can also price our mid range self drive tours using self catering apartments.
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.
