Exploring the exquisite Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga in the far north, through the central North Island featuring Coromandel, Tauranga, Waikato, Waitomo, Rotorua and Taupo.
Day 1 Arrive in Auckland
You are met at the airport by your driver guide and taken to your water front Luxury Hotel. Freshen up and we will take you on a tour of Auckland City - 'City of Sails' - attractively built around the shores of two harbours, dotted with extinct volcanoes. Visit Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World and the America's Cup village at the viaduct basin.
Day 2 Auckland - Russell
This morning you are taken on a leisurely drive north via the coastal highway to the Bay of Islands. We visit Matakohe Museum, which features displays of the magnificent Kauri tree. One 2000year-kauri tree still lives in the 6250acre Waipoua Kauri forest near by. Stroll through the local craft shops or wander along the waterfront before sitting down to an evening meal of the best cuisine and fine selection of NZ (New Zealand) wine.
Day 3 Russell - Cape Reinga
Rise early so that you can meet your 'Waverider' coach whose driver must navigate unsealed roads, quicksand streams, and the rigors of Ninety-Mile beach. Marvel at the unforgettable view from Cape Reinga Lighthouse of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea colliding with impressive turbulence. Stops along the way, allow you to experience the rich history and living culture of Northland Maori and European settlers.
Day 4 Russell - Cape Brett
Familiarize yourself with the rich history of Russell, which was New Zealand's first capital city in the 1800s, before boarding a luxury catamaran for a cruise of the Bay of islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse, and the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. Join 'Nautilus', for a Subsea adventure that allows you to see the many species of marine life that abound these islands. Selection of dinner venue is your choice tonight.
Day 5 Russell - Waitangi - Cavalli
Catch the vehicle ferry to Paihia this morning for a scenic drive, stopping at Waitangi where the treaty was signed between the British and local Maori tribes some 150 years ago. Walking with the 'descendants' is a Maori guided cultural tour that gives you an insight into New Zealand's early history. Pass by the world-class Kauri Cliffs International golf course, set in full view of the Cavalli Islands. Your exclusive beachfront retreat is only minutes further on.
Day 6 Cavalli
Appropriately named Waiwurrie (Why Worry). By now the atmosphere of this unique location will have made you feel as if you had known your hosts longer than the few hours that it really is, after they have told you about the history of this fabulous location. Not far from their home is their own private beach haven, accessible only through their private property. Maybe you would like a round of golf on the Kauri Cliffs exclusive golf course.
Day 7 Cavalli - Clevedon
On our way south we stop off at Whangarei's town basin for a short break, check out the craft and gift shops before eventually arriving in Auckland. Visit quaint historic Devonport that bustles with cafes/restaurants and offers shopping in historic boutiques, trendy designer and craft stores. (Optional) Catch the ferry to Auckland City where your driver will meet and deliver you to your overnight accommodation.
Day 8 Clevedon - Coromandel Peninsula
A leisurely mornings drive along the ever-changing scenic coastal highway of Coromandel Peninsula. Stopping frequently at various places of interest on the way. Experience a 1-hour train excursion on NZÔøΩs only narrow-gauge mountain railway offers spectacular viaducts, spirals, zigzag, tunnels and great views.
Day 9 Whitianga - Rotorua
Enjoy the scenic beauty around you as we follow the Pacific Coastal Highway to the quartz-mining town of Waihi. A century on and gold is still being extracted commercially from open pit mines. Passing through Katikati and on to Tauranga where we take time to stroll around the base of scenic Mount Maunganui. Visit Kiwifruit Country for a commentated tour of a fully working kiwifruit orchard. Finally making our way to Rotorua where tonight you will enjoy a traditional Hangi (feast) and concert at a local Maori Village.
Day 10 Rotorua
This morning there will be time to visit more of the major attractions that include boiling mud-pools, geysers, Rainbow Springs and its unique flora and fauna, native Kiwi bird and the unique NZ rural experience, the Agrodome. Relax in a private thermal spa (optional) or perhaps enjoy some of the many other activities available in Rotorua. Selection of dinner venue is your choice tonight.
Day 11 Rotorua- Taupo
Absorb New Zealand's most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing area, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Travel past the worldÔøΩs second large-scale geothermal power scheme. See Huka Falls, as the blue waters from Lake Taupo rush at 250,000 litres a second through a chasm and over an 11m ledge into the Waikato River below.
Day 12 Taupo - Waitomo - Waingaro
Leaving Lake Taupo behind, we move on to experience the star-studded sky underground (glow-worm caves). Waitomo Caves, with a history dating back 30 million years offer a caving adventure to observe stalactites, stalagmites and glow worm activity. Make our way through the dairy farming region of the Waikato to your Country Estate.
Day 13 Waingaro - Auckland
This morning pack all your treasures for their safe journey home. Travel through rural countryside to Auckland International Airport where New Zealand bids you farewell, with many happy memories and hopes to see you again, to share more of this country's beautiful experiences.
Best of North - 13 Days - RDJ003 Tour Pricing per person from
2 People
4 People
USD$2920.00 Per person
USD$1550.00 Per person
*Prices valid as of September 2003, subject to change, and availability.
Inclusions
Meeting service on arrival.
Your own personal chauffeur/guide.
Luxury vehicle with all related costs.
Local government taxes.
PLEASE NOTE: Activities, Accommodation, Dinner and Breakfasts NOT INCLUDED.
