Arrive Auckland
After clearing customs and immigration you will pick up your rental car from Auckland Airport and then make your way to your hotel in the central City. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. The “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city and surrounded by two harbours. Perhaps visit the Sky Tower for spectacular views of the harbour and surrounding volcanic hills. Stay: Scenic Hotel Auckland
Day 2
Auckland to Hokianga Harbour with Twilight Encounter
This morning and head north out of Auckland today for an hour and a half before turning west and taking a step back in time. You’ll find a stop at the Matakohe Kauri Museum gives you some great insight to the area you are traveling through. Continue north through Dargaville and the Waipoua Forest before arriving at Hokianga Harbour. Tonight you have the Twilight Encounter – a magical evening tour of the Waipoua Forest guided by local Maori guides. Stay: Copthorne Hokianga Resort
Day 3
Hokianga Harbour to Bay of Islands
A relaxing day today. Sleep in and take your time heading east over 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 (3 nights)
Day 4
Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Day Trip
We’ve arranged a coach tour for you today to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand. There are numerous stops for you to take in the scenic highlights and activities. They start with the easy twenty minute boardwalk through the Puketi Kauri Forest. Then thunder along Ninety Mile Beach and sledge down the sand dunes there. Take a swim and dig for shellfish. See the picturesque village of Mangonui. Your Coach Captain's local knowledge and informative commentary will make this trip one to remember. (B/L)
Day 5
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 6
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 7
Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula
Head south out of Auckland, then take the turnoff to the east to the Coromandel Peninsula. There were a number of gold rushes in this fairly remote area in the 1800's but now it is well known for its light sandy beaches, great fishing and surfing Stop at Tairua tonight. This centrally located seaside town is a great place from which to explore the Peninsula. Stay: Pacific Harbour Lodge (2 nights)
Day 8
Coromandel Peninsula at Leisure
With sparkling azure waters, white sandy beaches, tree lined coastal roads and secluded bays just waiting to be explored, The Coromandel, is one of those special places - breathtaking and unforgettable. The protected forest and marine parks are easily accessed so you can go and discover their delights. Dramatic landmarks and a unique thermal beach with hot water bubbling up from deep in the earth are just some of the many surprises that await on this coastline of contrasts. Enjoy the day.
Day 9
Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty to Rotorua
Head south today along the East Coast of the North Island. You can stop at the less populous beach of Whiritoa before visiting the gold mining town of Waihi. Continue past Tauranga through some great gorges and old native forests before arriving in the tourist city of Rotorua. 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) (B/D)
Day 10
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 11
Rotorua to Waitomo and Auckland
Head north back to Auckland today. 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. The moment you enter this subterranean wonderland you'll discover an ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos. You’ll experience a boat trip like no other, journeying through the starry expanse of the Glowworm Grotto, while your way is lit by a multitude of tiny glowworm lights. Stay: Scenic Hotel Auckland
Day 12
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
Earlybird Special! Save 5% off the retail prices shown! Departures to 31 March 2011.
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 September 2010 and 30 September 2010
. Subject to availability at time of booking.
*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 August 2011.
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 updated 22 July 2010.
