Tour Type: Premium Self Drive Tour
Duration: 11 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Auckland
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from NZ $3596 pp
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11 Day Bush & Beach Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
"Haere Mai" Welcome to Auckland - the 'City of Sails'. On completion of formalities, you will be personally met by our representative & transferred in an executive sedan to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore what Auckland has to offer. Auckland is built on an isthmus of 48 volcanoes, fertile valleys and islands that are home to award-winning wineries. Family attractions abound and the city has plenty of adrenaline for adventure lovers. Indulge in auckland's shopping, nightlife and unrivalled cuisine. Discover why Auckland is one of the best places in the world to live - and visit.
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Day
2 |
Auckland – Bay of Islands
Your rental car will be delivered to your accommodation this morning. Travel north over the Harbour Bridge and along the Hibiscus Coast to arrive in Paihia, a seaside town nestled on the shores of this National Maritime Park in the Bay of Islands. On arrival visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s most historic site where the Treaty was signed between the Maori Chiefs and the British Crown. (B)
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Day
3 |
Overnight Bay of Islands cruise aboard Ipipiri
The morning is at leisure. Check in early afternoon for your overnight cruise on board Ipipiri. As you cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands, afternoon tea will be served. With 144 islands and abundant marine and bird life, the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s finest sub-tropical marine parks, stunning during the day and unforgettable at night. This afternoon you have the choice of doing as much or as little as you like. Take a kayak tour, go snorkelling, enjoy a guided nature walk and tree planting, take a leisurely stroll on a secluded beach or simply relax and soak up the views from the sundeck.
As the sun sets behind the islands of the Bay and your cruise ship finds a sheltered cave to moor overnight, the ambience transforms aboard Ipipiri. New Zealand wines, local cuisine and knowledgeable crew help create the perfect setting. (B/D)
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Day
4 |
At leisure in the Bay of Islands
Disembark from your cruise late morning. The rest of your day is free enjoy all that this natural playground has to offer. We'd suggest a quick ferry ride across the water to the charming, elegant township of Russell. This tranquil place was once known as "the hell hole of the Pacific" when it was the shore leave destination for sailors, whalers and traders during the 19th century. Historic buildings to visit include the Catholic Mission "Pompallier" and Christ Church, which still carries the bullet holes from the Maori Wars. Discover Russell's exciting past by visiting the museum, cafés, restaurants and craft galleries, while appreciating its colonial architecture. (B) |
Day
5 |
Paihia – Takapuna
Head south from Paihia this morning and at Whangarei, take the turn-off to Dargaville, which is the kumara capital of the world. New Zealand’s own sweet potato comes in two varieties, golden and red. However, Dargaville has more strings to its bow, especially its history. It was home to the original Dalmatian gum diggers and kauri loggers who made the area their own in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and whose lives are charted in the local museum. Approximately 40 kms south of Dargaville is Matakohe, home to the Kauri Museum (admission included). This amazing museum tells the fascinating story of the pioneering days through the use of kauri timber and kauri gum. Explore the many exceptional displays and galleries inside the museum from the magnificent collection of antique kauri furniture and the largest collection of kauri gum in the world to restored machinery including New Zealand’s earliest tractor, a 1929 Cat 60, and a turning steam sawmill. Leaving Matakohe, rejoin the main highway and a two hour drive brings you back to Auckland. (B)
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Day
6 |
Takapuna – Coromandel
This morning you continue your journey to the Coromandel along the the Pacific Coast Highway, traversing the spectacular east coast of the North Island, is one of the great touring routes in the world. The Pacific Coast Highway is well signposted along the entire route, giving a safe and easy way to navigate through some of the most spectacular coastal scenery New Zealand has to offer. This afternoon share a unique & unforgettable experience with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Learn about our heritage & enjoy the opportunity to feel in touch with nature & our unique environment. (B)
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Day
7 |
Coromandel
There are many beautiful places in the world and the Coromandel Peninsula is an unspoilt haven. Today you have a full day of leisure. You may choose to enjoy stunning Cathedral Cove. Accessible only on foot or by boat, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the "must visit" sites on the Coromandel Peninsula. The track begins at the northern end of Hahei. You can also choose to dig your own spa pool using the thermal waters in the sand at Hot Water Beach. There are other hot water springs nearby but the location of these two springs on the beach make them unique. You can only dig your own spa pool 1 hour either side of low tide. (B) |
Day
8 |
Coromandel – Rotorua
Depart today and travel along the Bay of Plenty coastline through the subtropical orchards of kiwi fruit and citrus. Head inland through massive pine forests, passing many of the regions crystal clear lakes en route to Rotorua. You have time to spend a relaxing afternoon exploring Rotorua. (B)
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Day
9 |
Rotorua Sightseeing
Enjoy a cruise on the beautiful fresh waters of Lake Rotoiti this morning on board a luxury sailing catamaran. You have the chance to hoist the sails and grind the winches, try your hand at trout fishing, leap off to swim in the fresh water or soak in the natural mineral hot pools that are only accessible by boat. Your skipper and crew will share local legends with you and point out some of the many historic and culturally significant sites of Lake Rotoiti.
Free time to explore Rotorua this afternoon. 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. (B/D) |
Day
10 |
Rotorua – Waitomo Caves – Auckland
Journey over the Mamaku Saddle & through Fitzgerald Glade as you make your way to the famous Waitomo Caves this morning. Here you will enjoy a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers to view stalactites formed over thousands of years by dripping water. The tour ends with a boat ride through the glowworm grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights emitted by glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Return to Auckland later this afternoon. (B)
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Day
11 |
Depart Auckland
Time for some last minute sightseeing or shopping before making your way to Auckland airport.
Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you leave your car at the rental depot located at the airport today for your onward flight. Here, we bid you a fond farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand. (B) |
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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 |
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from NZ $3,596
11 Day Bush & Beach
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11 Day Bush & Beach Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 11 Day Bush & Beach. |
We really enjoyed our NZ experience. Your service was wonderful and it was really great to be greeted at the airport. This is a really nice touch. The accommodation was terrific and all tours organised by you on our behalf were very enjoyable. We would recommend Kiwi Dundee to anyone and Pure Cruise was really beautiful. We also appreciated the information on places we might like to visit between stops. This was particularly helpful. Such a pity we had to come home. We will certainly be coming again and would be more than happy to organise travel thru you again. Many thanks for a truly enjoyable and worry free experience.
Trevor & Linda Nugent (Australia)
Tour Date 03/01/2011 |
First of all, we would like to say thank for the wonderful arrangements. Everything was very well planned & organised. I have already one colleague planning to go at the end of this year whom I have gratefully recommended Relaxing Holidays. New Zealand is a fantastic & beautiful country to visit. We really enjoyed everything we saw and did and wish we had more time there to do more! We certainly would love to go back again one day! Happy New Year to you all!
Klaas van Luik & Jenny Wee (Malaysia)
Tour Date 20/12/2010 |
Jarrod, we were delighted with our tour and have no complaints at all. In fact we have been at pains to tell all our friends how well it all went. A particular thanks to Ian of Kiwi Dundee who gave us a wonderful day's excursion. From a purely personal observation I would say that the Grand Mercure Puka Park should be recommended only to the fit twenty somethings who can readily scale the 39 steps to their tree chalet after negotiating the near vertical path from the restaurant. With thanks. Nan Peterkin
Ian & Nan Peterkin (Australia)
Tour Date 09/02/2010 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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| Intermediate Car |
NZ $3,917 |
NZ $3,596 |
NZ $4,277 |
| Full Size Car |
NZ $3,963 |
NZ $3,643 |
NZ $4,323 |
| Mid Size 4WD |
NZ $4,092 |
NZ $3,772 |
NZ $4,453 |
| Full Size 4WD |
NZ $4,167 |
NZ $3,847 |
NZ $4,527 |
| People Mover (MPV) |
NZ $4,204 |
NZ $3,883 |
NZ $4,564 |
| Premium Full Size 4WD |
NZ $4,264 |
NZ $3,943 |
NZ $4,624 |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Season Sale! Save 5% off the prices shown on our website, for all 2012 departures. Deposit this month to qualify!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. 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 September 2012. |
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- Frequently Asked Questions.
- International flights to & from New Zealand are not included.
- Single, Triple & Quad prices are available on request.
- If you would prefer a mix of the accommodation listed we can arrange this.
- For families we can also price our premium self drive tours using self catering apartments.
- Our premium B&B's do not cater for children.
- 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 2 December 2011.
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