|
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland! On arrival at the airport you collect your rental vehicle before making your way to your centrally located accommodation.
Included for the duration of your rental car hire is an innovative commentary system. Imagine driving around New Zealand automatically gaining an in-depth knowledge of the history of the towns and regions you pass through, hearing ancient Maori myths and legends, listening to stories told by the characters that shaped our history, learning of the unique wildlife, geographical landmarks and scenic attractions that you see as you travel. Packed with over 2,000 audio commentaries, KRUSE® is guaranteed to keep you entertained and informed everywhere you go on your New Zealand self-drive holiday.
| Hotel: |
Sky City Hotel |
| B&B: |
Aachen House |
| Boutique: |
Mollies |
Day 2: Auckland to Hokianga Harbour & Twilight Encounter
Drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland’s North Shore. Travel along the Hibiscus Coast before turning to the west and passing through the towns of Matakhoe and Dargaville. Drive through the Waipoua Forest and follow the steep climb of the highway to suddenly reveal the majestic beauty of the Hokianga Harbour. This evening you enjoy a Twilight Encounter – a unique eco-cultural night walk of the Waipoua Kauri Forest, hosted by guides of the local iwi (Maori tribe). An experience not to be forgotten, this 4 hour night experience visits the oldest and largest known kauri trees in the world, Te Matua Ngahere (The father of the forest) and Tane Mahuta (The lord of the forest). Let the night noises, foreign environment, time, local Maori guides and ecological and cultural interpretation (Maori story, song and instruments) awaken your spirtual senses.
| All: |
Copthorne Hokianga Hotel |
Day 3: Hokianga to the Bay of Islands
It's just a short drive today to bring you to the seaside town of Paihia in the Bay of Islands. This afternoon you join your 1 ˝ hour high speed powerboat adventure through the islands out to Cape Brett. Navigate the ‘Hole in the Rock’ (conditions permitting) and Grand Cathedral Cave at Motukokako Island. Feel the adrenalin rush as 1600hp blasts you across the Bay – don’t worry if the weathers a bit rough, the bigger the waves, the better the buzz! Take your camera, there’s plenty of photo opportunities as you'll often see Dolphins, Whales, Seals, Penguins and other sea and birdlife.
| Hotel: |
Copthorne Bay of Islands (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Arcadia Lodge (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Bay of Islands Lodge (2 nights) |
Day 4: At Leisure
Paihia is known as the jewel of the magnificent Bay of Islands. With shimmering safe waters and superb beaches it’s a great place to be based for your Bay of Islands experience. Take a relaxing walk along unspoilt beaches, a guided tour through historical sites or try your hand at big game fishing. And if adventure is what you seek, perhaps try skydiving, parasailing, scuba diving or kayaking.
Day 5: Bay of Islands to the Coromandel Peninsula
Depart Auckland today as you travel south along the Southern Motorway to reach the market garden area of Pukekohe. Then join the Pacific Coast Highway and continue on to reach your destination of the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches.
| Hotel: |
Pacific Harbour Lodge (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Colleith Lodge (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Villa Toscana (2 nights) |
Day 6: Wilderness Adventure Walk
This walk is ideal for those who enjoy walking & photography. Your guide will take you into tranquil & remote pristine Rainforest surrounded by giant rock faces, rugged Volcanic peaks, ancient Kauri, Rimu and Rata trees. Wonder at the world's largest tree ferns, crystal clear Rivers & rock pools. You may even be treated to meeting our 'friends' of nature. Visit old historic gold caves, home to sparkling glowworms. Enjoy the fascinating history and learn about the flora & fauna within this magnificent forest. A picnic lunch is included to be enjoyed by the river or up in the mountains.
Day 7: Coromandel Peninsula to Taupo
Today travel along the Bay of Plenty Coastline before heading inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua, known for it's geysers and boiling mud pools, passing many of the regions crystal clear lakes en-route. You then continue south through the large Kaingaroa man made forest to reach the popular lake resort of Taupo, home to New Zealand's largest lake and the spectacular Huka Falls.
| Hotel: |
Copthorne Hotel Taupo (2 nights) |
| B&B: |
Paeroa Lakeside Homestay (2 nights) |
| Boutique: |
Point View Lodge (2 nights) |
Day 8: Huka Falls Jetboat Ride
Today you feel the exhilaration and the power of a Huka Jet jetboat ride. Marvel at the incredible water level views of the spectacular Huka Falls, and enjoy the sensation as you slide past cliffs and trees at 80km per hour. Then get ready for a 360 degree spin, as the boat turns on its own length! Your 30 minutes of fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush and natural hot springs. You’ll travel up to the very base of the Huka Falls, past the Wairakei Thermal Power Station, Prawn Park and the Aratiatia Dam. Afterwards a host of leisure experiences are available in Taupo today. Perhaps enjoy a round of golf at one of several local courses, a swim in a warm thermal pool, enjoy fly fishing on the lake or rivers, sail or explore the local township.
Day 9: Taupo to Waitomo & Ruakuri Caves
The cross-country route to Waitomo Caves takes you past Wairakei Geothermal Power Station before turning west after the hydro power station at Atiamuri. Drive through a mixture of farmland, lakeland and forest before reaching Waitomo Caves, a region famous for its subterranean splendour. This afternoon you visit Ruakuri cave which offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. In any one tour, your guide will bring you up close to glowworms, elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites. Your journey begins as you are transported to Ruakuri Cave, where you will enter and begin a spiral descent from ground level via an incredible drum entrance and walkway. You then continue on a 1.6 kilometre guided tour underground. Ruakuri is New Zealand's longest guided underground walking tour and an experience that must be seen to be believed. I t will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature.
| Hotel: |
Waitomo Caves Hotel |
| B&B: |
Kamahi Cottage |
| Boutique: |
Kamahi Cottage |
Day 10: Waitomo to Auckland
The trip to Hamilton takes you through prime Waikato farmland. The Waikato River will then accompany you for much of your journey north towards Auckland. You know you’re getting close to Auckland when you reach the motorway at the base of the Bombay Hills. The scenery will change gradually from market gardens to bloodstock farms to suburbia.
| Hotel: |
Sky City Hotel |
| B&B: |
Aachen House |
| Boutique: |
Mollies |
Day 11: Depart Auckland
Sadly your time in New Zealand comes to an end as you return your rental vehicle to Auckland Airport in time to join your onward flight. Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your homeland and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
|
Package Prices
Valid for travel 01 October 2008 to 30 April 2009
| Vehicle Choices (More Info)
|
Hotel |
B&B |
Boutique |
| Intermediate Sedan |
$2,771 |
$3,437 |
$4,516 |
| Full Size Sedan |
$2,806 |
$3,473 |
$4,552 |
| Intermediate 4WD |
$2,900 |
$3,566 |
$4,645 |
| Full Size 4WD |
$3,202 |
$3,868 |
$4,947 |
- Prices are per person in New Zealand Dollars, based on share twin accommodation
- Single & triple prices available on request
- B&B properties are not suitable for children
Fully Flexible Holidays!
All of our self drive holidays are completely flexible. Whether you want to mix and match a couple of packages, add some extra nights before, after or during your stay or include some additional attractions or activities, our team of travel specialists are here to assist you. We're New Zealander's so we have the local knowledge and expertise to tailor a package just for you. Just let us know when you enquire.
|
