State: New Zealand
Operator: Adventure Express
Minimum Price: AUD $ 1,590

A 10-day itinerary linking the numerous highlights of the North Island including Wellington, Lake Taupo, Rotorua Thermal reserves, the remote and spectacular Coromandel Peninsula and the amazing Bay of Islands.

Highlights:

• Sightseeing tours of Auckland, and Wellington
• Auckland Harbour Bridge
• Bay of Islands Sightseeing
  
• Hibiscus Coast
• Whangarei
  
• Matakohe Kauri Museum
• Waitangi Treaty House
• Cape Brett Launch Cruise
• Auckland’s Maritime Museum
• Auckland’s Skytower
• Working Kiwi fruit and Avocado Orchard
• Volcanic and Geothermal Region
• Agrodome – Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
• Authentic Maori Hangi and concert
• Rotorua’s Thermal Wonderland
• Rainbow Springs and Kiwi House
• Te Puia Thermal Reserve
• Skyline Gondola and Luge ride
• Te Papa – Museum of New Zealand
  

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Kirra Tours will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.
Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 2 Auckland / Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge for the drive north along the scenic Hibiscus Coast with its numerous beachfront holiday settlements and on to Matakohe for a visit to its museum that houses an exceptional display highlighting the region’s early settlement and kauri gum industry which was so important to the region’s early development. Continue to Paihia in the picturesque Bay of Islands for visits to Waitangi with its famous Treaty House and giant Maori war canoe. All set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.
Hotel Paihia (2 nights)

Day 3 Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional 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 or simply relax and explore the township.

Day 4 Bay of Islands / Auckland
This morning a launch cruise will take you across the Bay and some of its world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock", cruising amongst picturesque islands with pristine sandy beaches and sparkling clear water. Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth, passing the satellite tracking station. Shortly Auckland city and Harbour come into view with a late afternoon arrival.
Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 5 Auckland / Whangamata
A tour of Auckland, to the summit of Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the downtown city area and waterfront drive, then experience the thrill of sailing aboard a 15m yacht on Auckland Harbour and visiting the Maritime Museum, all before driving to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Breakers Motel (2 nights) 

Day 6 Coramandel Peninsula
A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads to Puketui an 1890’s gold mining town and visit a gold mine studded with glowworms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach.

Day 7 Whangamata / Rotorua
On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a luge ride with our compliments. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua(1 night)

Day 8 Rotorua / Turangi
Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Pass massive pine forests, see the Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka Falls to reach Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Skirt its shores to Turangi with time for trout fishing, many picturesque walks or if you are daring, white water rafting.
Bridge Tongariro Resort (1 night)

Day 9 Turangi / Wellington
Cross the National Park with its volcanic peaks to Bulls and Levin, then along the Kapiti coast to the Capital City, Wellington, a tour includes Mt Victoria, the Houses of Parliament, Wellington Cathedral and Oriental Bay with time to explore the city and Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.
Bay Plaza (1 night)

Day 10 Wellington / Home
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends. You will be transferred to Wellington International Airport to join your flight home.

What's Included?

• A warm welcome at the Airport on arrival to begin your tour
• Transfers Airport - Hotel - Airport at the beginning and end of your tour
• Quality, twin share or double accommodation
• A hearty cooked breakfast each morning (Optional, recommended)
• A 3 course multi choice dinner each evening (Optional, recommended)
• Travel in luxurious, well appointed and fully air conditioned tour coaches
• Escorted by a professional Coach Captain
• An informative commentary as you travel
• Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as detailed with each itinerary
• Cook Strait ferry crossing where applicable
• Baggage handling / porterage
• Travel kit including travel bag, ticket wallet, notebook, pen, postcards, maps and itinerary
• GST
  

Notes:

Special Departure Dates: Departs Fridays from 21st September 2008 to 4th April 2008
Trip Duration: 10 days
Departs from: Auckland
Tour Ends: Wellington
All Prices: Year round $1590 pp
Breakfast (9) Supplement $120
Dinner (7)Supplement $205