16 Day Complete North Island

This morning head north out of Auckland 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. As dusk falls into night, you’ll be treated to a magical evening in the Waipoua Forest, accompanied by a local Maori guide and many spoken legends. It’s a Twilight Encounter you don’t want to miss.

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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 and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Then you can make your way to Paihia, holiday resort of the North and gateway to the beautiful Bay of Islands. (3 nights)

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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. Fish ‘n’ Chip lunch (or falafel salad) included. (L)

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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 and 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) a quaint seaside village where you can take some time to wander around and enjoy.

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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.

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Head south out of Auckland, then take the turnoff to the east on your way 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 the centrally located seaside town of Tairua tonight. The town is a great place from which to explore the Peninsula. (2 nights)

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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.

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Head south along the East Coast of the North Island, taking in the quiet beach of Whiritoa, the gold mining town of Waihi and the gorges of Tauranga. Old native forests line the road as you arrive into the intriguing, historic city of Rotorua and deposit your bags before tonight’s festivities.

We hope you’re hungry, as a quintessential New Zealand experience is just around the corner – your taste buds will be treated to a traditional Maori Hangi (translated as feast) as local performers explore their history through a highly memorable concert. (2 nights)

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Today is free to explore! Indulge your curiosities with a city tour or get back to nature with a walking trail of the marvellous Whakarewarewa Forest, delving into a wondrous grove of Californian Coastal Redwoods.

Go further afield, hiking through both exotic as well as native plants and trees, enjoying the sunlight filtering through a thickened canopy and the fresh forest air on your face. All trails lead to spectacular views of Rotorua city, lakes and the surrounding area.

Something more? Tikitapu (the Blue Lake) is a short drive from the Redwoods – walk around the shoreline and drink in views of Rotokakahi (Green Lake).

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Pack a lunch and strap yourself in for a short drive to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake and popular hotspot for sight-seeing, picnicking and camera-snapping moments.

Begin your trip at the Aratiatia Rapids, pausing to learn more about the unique power generation system, and continue onwards to the mighty Huka Falls on the Waikato River, before reaching the banks of Lake Taupo.

Have a nibble and take a walk before continuing onto Tongariro National Park, centred around the volcanoes of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. The park is only one of a handful of sites in the world that has dual World Heritage status in recognition of both its natural and cultural values.

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You can visit the Taupo Hot Springs Spa if you’d like another hot swim on the way to Napier. Make your way to Napier city which was destroyed by an earthquake and fire in 1931. Napier was rebuilt in the Art Deco style and is known as one of the best Art Deco cities of the world.

Art Deco tours are available, and you can also take a walk along Marine Parade or up Bluff Hill to enjoy the fabulous vista from there. From here you have quite a variety of scenery as you ascend to the volcanic plateau then across mountains and valleys to Hawke’s Bay.

Alternatively you can leave Taupo early and get to Napier in time to go on one of the tours to the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony. (2 nights)

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ou have the morning to relax or explore Napier at your leisure. Hawke’s Bay has also become well known as a leading food and wine region in New Zealand, so we have booked you in for a wine tour this afternoon.

Meet like- minded people and share an appreciation of Hawke’s Bay’s fantastic wines. Travel through New Zealand’s most prestigious wine growing district from which we taste award winning wines throughout the day.

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Today’s route has you driving through some of New Zealand’s rural heartland with a mixture of sheep, dairy and crop farming. Make your way south to Pukaha Mount Bruce Nature and Wildlife Reserve.

Experience some of New Zealand’s endangered wildlife up close and in the wild. Learn about what is being done to save kiwi, tuatara, kokako, kaka and return them to New Zealand’s forests.

Make your way down the Wairarapa through the farming towns of Masterton, Carterton and Greytown before staying in Martinborough for the night.

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You may like to have a wander around the Wairarapa village which has become well known for its wineries before heading over the Rimutaka Ranges on to New Zealand’s Capital – the harbour city of Wellington.

Take a drive up Mount Victoria or a ride up the Cable Car to get some magnificent views of this pretty city. You may also like to have a walk around Oriental Bay, visit Te Papa the Museum of New Zealand, or spend some time shopping or dining in one of the many fine restaurants downtown.

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After breakfast this morning, please make your way to the airport where you will return your car in time for your onward flight.

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