9 Day Northern Escapade
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
9 Day Northern Escapade
This tour travels from Auckland to Wellington with stopovers en route in the unspoilt haven of Coromandel, thermal Rotorua, art deco Napier as well as the opportunity to taste and explore Hawke's Bay's fantastic wines and wineries.
Tour Info
| Tour Type: | Self Drive Tours |
| From: | Auckland to Wellington |
| Departures: | Jan 2020 - March 2021 |
| Price: | From (NZD) $2618 per person |
| Tour Operator: | Relaxing Journeys |
| Duration: | 9 Days |
| Tour Code: | GNNS |
Inclusions
| 8 nights accommodation |
| 2 night stopovers in Rotorua, Napier & Coromandel |
| Driving Creek Railway |
| Admission to the Te Puia geothermal region |
| Te Po - Maori cultural experience with traditional hangi |
| Admission to the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal region |
| Half day wine tour in Napier |
Conditions
Prices are per person based on twin-share, and are subject to availability. Prices are correct at the time of submission but are subject to change without notice. Valid for travel January 2020 – March 2021. Blackout periods may apply. A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person is required at time of booking.
Click here for our full terms and conditions.
Click on the prices below to enquire.
* Prices shown are per person (based on two people travelling).
* 2 Bedroom Motel pricing also available with Exclusive Specials. Please request a quote for prices.
Day by Day Tour Itinerary
On arrival at Auckland airport, you will be personally met by our representative and transferred in an executive sedan to your accommodation. The ‘City of Sails’ is New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences.
Built on an isthmus of 48 volcanoes, Auckland’s fertile valleys and islands 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.
Take delivery of your rental car this morning. Today depart Auckland and enjoy a leisurely drive on The Pacific Coast Highway. Traversing the spectacular East Coast of the North Island, it is classed as one of the great touring routes in the world.
Linking the Coromandel with Auckland, The Pacific Coast Highway travels through a unique region where land and sea intermingle. Depart on the Driving Creek Railway in innovatively designed trains. Travel over viaducts (including the unique, double decker), 2 spirals, 3 reverses, tunnels and enjoy a magnificent view from the ridge-top terminus.
Here a talk is given about local history, ecology and activities including the potteries. The train also passes through a native Kauri Forest replanting project. Continue across the main divide to your accommodation for tonight. (2 nights)
There are many beautiful places in the world and the Coromandel Peninsula is an unspoilt haven. Today you may choose to enjoy the stunning beaches of Cathedral Cove and Hahei or dig your own spa pool using the thermal waters in the sand at Hot Water Beach, which is only a 30 minute drive from your hotel.
We highly recommend a guided tour with local expert and personality, ‘Kiwi Dundee’.
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. (2 nights)
Free time to explore Rotorua 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.
This morning depart Rotorua and head to Wai-O-Tapu. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the reserve’s unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. Stop at the mighty Huka Falls and Wairakei Geothermal project then wander around the popular lakeside resort of Taupo. Continue on to Napier, one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities. (2 nights)
You 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.
Drive south today to the Wairarapa, a rural retreat in the very heart of New Zealand. Stop in at Martinborough, a unique wine village with over 20 boutique vineyards before continuing onto Wellington, the nation’s capital.
Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will drive to Wellington 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.
There are 13 reviews of this tour from past clients of Relaxing Journeys, averaging 4.9 out of 5.
Tour Reviews
- Auckland - Heritage Hotel, 2 Bedroom Suite. Perfect for short stay with the family and great pool. Would stay there again
- Whitianga - Marina Park, 2 Bed Apartment. Very nice and roomy for the family. Loved the location and facilities, suitable for a longer stay. Would definitely stay there again.
- Rotorua - Novatel Lakeside, 2 x Rooms (adjoining). Nice, great view of the lake. Great facilities and location. Great for a short stay. For a longer stay would probably opt for a 2 bed apartment. Would stay there again.
- Napier (Ahuriri) - Crown Hotel, 2 Bed Apartment. Nice apartment, perhaps a little petite for our family (when compared to the Marina Park Apartments), but the facilities were good and had everything we needed, nice location. Would be happy to stay there again, but would opt for a larger apartment if staying longer.
- Wellington - City Life. We were upgrade to a 3 Bedroom apartment, so no issues there. Great location.
Optionals
New Zealand has a great deal of things to see and do, why not add one of our optional sightseeing activities to your trip. Prices are per adult (we'll adjust your quote for any children).
Enquire about our 9 Day Northern Escapade
Terms and conditions apply. Please see tour overview for more information.
This tour travels from Auckland to Wellington with stopovers en route in the unspoilt haven of Coromandel, thermal Rotorua, art deco Napier as well as... Read More
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