7 Day Cultural Discovery

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. A day pass is included to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It includes admission to the new Museum of Waitangi, a guided tour and a Maori cultural performance. The reserve also houses the Whare Runanga, a Maori meeting house and the 100ft long war canoe or waka. (2 nights)

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.

A big day of driving today, but lots 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, which 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. (2 nights)

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)

Today make your way back north to Auckland, en-route entrance to the Ruakuri Cave is included. This cave were first discovered by local Maori between 400 and 500 years ago and it takes its name from the wild dogs that made their home in the cave entrance. 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.

Today is the last day of your arrangements, please return your rental car to the depot at Auckland airport prior to your onward flight.