Pacific Coast Highway
Stop at the visitor centre in the Kauaeranga Valley and perhaps take a short walk through the native forest. Ride on the Driving Creek Railway or visit the Rapaura Watergardens and Waiau Waterworks. See the 509 Road Kauri as you cross to Whitianga on the other side of the peninsula.
Free day. We recommend a day tour along the Coromandel Coastal Walkway and to the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula. Alternatively visit Cathedral Cove, try bone carving, explore the crafts and gardens or enjoy a day at the beach.
At Hot Water Beach, hire a shovel and dig yourself a private thermal pool in the sand (swimming in the sea here is not recommended). Visit historic gold-mining sites and beautiful valley walks around Waihi and Karangahake. Katikati is known for its murals and watersports.
Visit the wineries near Tauranga and go cruising or dolphin watching on the harbour. Nearby Mt Maunganui is a surfer's paradise.
The ideal location from which to explore White Island , an active volcano just off the coast from Whakatane. A great base for dolphin cruises, fishing, diving, hunting, kayaking, rafting and jetboating.
Settle into the unhurried pace of the East Cape as you follow the winding coastal road. Spectacular views of the wild coastline are interspersed with picturesque little bays, inlets and coves. The Cape is rich in Maori culture; red-framed Maori meeting houses dot the countryside. It was here that 'Whalerider' was filmed.
Continue your leisurely journey of discovery around the East Cape until you arrive in Gisborne, the world's easternmost city.
Drive through the fertile wine-making region around Gisborne and Napier. So that you don't drink and drive, there are many tours available, or you can hire a bicycle and follow the wine trail in your own time.
The character of Napier was changed for ever one day in 1932 by a devastating earthquake and subsequent fire. Today it is a rare example of an Art Deco city and you can learn about the history of the town on one of several excellent guided walks. Other sights of Napier include a gannet colony, the aquarium and the former Napier Prison.
You may continue to drive south through the Wairarapa wine region to Wellington ( New Zealand 's capital city), or travel inland towards Taupo and Rotorua to link with the thermal tour.
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