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Attractions in bold print are included in your tour cost.
TOUR MEAL PLAN : Dinner (D) Breakfast (B) Room Only (R) Specialty Dinner regardless of meal plan (S)
WED: DAY 1 - AUCKLAND/BAY OF ISLANDS (D)
Your tour departs from the Rydges Auckland Hotel, Corner Kingston & Federal Streets, Auckland at 7.30am. Please be there by 7.00am. You may wish to reconfirm this by phoning Kirra Tours Office the preceding business day between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
Cross Auckland's distinctive Harbour Bridge for the drive north along the scenic Hibiscus Coast with its numerous beach front holiday settlements then on through Kawakawa to Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands. You will be met by a local Maori guide who will travel with you to the famous Waitangi Treaty House and Grounds , providing you with a detailed history and commentary on the area and of the Treaty of Waitangi. Once at the Treaty House and Grounds, you are free to explore at your own pace. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay crossing the areas world renowned game fishing grounds made famous by Zane Grey, to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and spectacular “Hole in the Rock”. Return through the inner islands with their beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine life. Overnight accommodation is at Hotel Paihia.
THU: DAY 2 - BAY OF ISLANDS (B, D)
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. A full day Tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New Zealand's first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum. Overnight accommodation is at Hotel Paihia.
FRI: DAY 3 - BAY OF ISLANDS/ROTORUA (B, D)
South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and its majestic harbour soon comes into view and a city tour visit the summit of Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. Your overnight accommodation is at the Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua.
SAT: DAY 4 – ROTORUA (B, S)
A sightseeing tour encompasses the cultural and scenic highlights of the area. Visit the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand's various sheep breeds and a sheep shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park and see pools of rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over city, lake and mountains and for those wanting just a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments - enjoy the thrill. At the completion of the tour (mid afternoon) there will be time for optional activities:-shopping, trout fishing or a dip in a thermal pool. This evening you will enjoy a Maori hangi (meal) which will include a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka. Your overnight accommodation is at Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua.
SUN: DAY 5 - ROTORUA/TAUPO/NAPIER/HASTINGS (B, D)
This morning visit Te Puia for the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and famous Pohutu Geyser. After departure from Rotorua we skirt some of the worlds largest man made pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity and on to view the mighty Huka Falls where the full force of the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm. Pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand and world famous for its trout fishing. Continue across the Central Plateau noted for its intensive forestry development to the Hawkes Bay region and the city of Napier claimed to be the art deco capital of the world. First stop is at the Hawkes Bay Museum , learn about the devastating 1931 earthquake that destroyed so much of the city and led to the distinctive Art-Deco building style for which Napier is now so famous. Learn of the region's history, early settlers, arts and heritage before exploring the city on your own. Follow our abbreviated Art Deco Tour around the inner city area to see close up many of its unique buildings and don't forget a walk along the foreshore to enjoy the spectacular ocean views – highly recommended. Later a few minutes drive has us at our overnight accommodation in Hastings. Overnight accommodation is at Angus Hotel.
MON: DAY 6 - HASTINGS/WELLINGTON (B)
Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings and across the northern Wairarapa Region to Dannevirke and Woodville for an early afternoon arrival in New Zealand's Capital City, Wellington. A city tour will include the summit of Mount Victoria for spectacular views over the city and its magnificent Harbour. See the Houses of Parliament dominated by the distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, the central city and business area and Oriental Bay. There is ample opportunity to also explore the city yourselves and if you wish take a ride on the famous Cable Car, but be sure not to miss Te Papa, the “Museum of New Zealand”.
Your tour concludes at approximately 3.30pm. > return to top <
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