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| self drive tours > 13 Day Northern Discovery North Island Self Drive Tour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Day 2: Auckland to the Bay of Islands At the beginning of your journey today, you’ll drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland’s North Shore. The motorway will quickly sweep you northward, until the suburban scenery gives way to peaceful farmland. Perhaps stop to marvel at the magnificence of the protected Kauri Tree at the Parry Kauri Park. You then enjoy spectacular scenery of native forests and sub-tropical bush as you make your way to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, a seaside town nestled on the foreshore of the National Maritime Park.
Day 3: Discover Cape Reinga Depart on your full day trip that takes you to New Zealand’s northernmost tip, and on the way you will encounter fascinating landscapes, legends and ancient and modern history, with a dash of fun and adventure. Visit giant Kauri trees, enjoy a 4 wheel drive along 90 Mile Beach, drive along Te Paki quicksand stream, then give yourself a workout by climbing the giant sand dunes and toboggan back down. Great fun and well worth the effort, and visit Cape Reinga Lighthouse. You also visit Awanui Ancient Kauri Kingdom and stop at the famous Mangonui Fish & Chip Shop. Throughout the day the tour takes you through a diverse range of scenery, from orchards and farmland to exotic and native forests and beautiful coastal beaches on both the West and East Coasts of New Zealand. Day 4: Bay of Islands to Auckland Today enjoy a leisurely drive back to Auckland via the East Coast of the North Island and through Auckland’s northern suburbs. You may note the sprawling nature of Auckland, which despite only having one million inhabitants, is one of the top 10 largest cities in the world area wise.
Day 5: Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula Depart Auckland today as you travel south along the Southern Motorway to reach the market garden area of Pukekohe. Then continue on to reach your destination of the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches. Located just a couple of hours from Auckland, the Coromandel is a world away from the urban sprawl. Its unique landscape and relaxed lifestyle make it an ideal destination for both New Zealanders and international visitors.
Day 6: At Leisure Today is at leisure to enjoy the best that this region has to offer. Perhaps a picnic at the beach or in the bush, a relaxing day at the stunning beaches or take a 20 minute drive to Hot Water Beach which is one of the region’s most fascinating places. For two hours either side of low tide, you can dig in the sand for hot spring water and make your own spa pool.
Today travel along the Bay of Plenty Coastline before heading inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua, passing many of the regions crystal clear lakes en-route. This evening you combine a memorable Maori cultural experience with Rotorua’s original Nature Park, Rainbow Springs, by night and Mitai Maori Village. The opening features Maori warriors paddling down stream by waka (war canoe) - a truly special moment, followed by Maori cultural performance, succulent hangi meal, tranquil bush walk, glow worm viewing, and visit to sacred Fairy Spring. Here you walk through the bush to Rainbow Springs where you and your guide stroll through the park observing the flora and wildlife including the new walk-through outdoor kiwi enclosure. A unique opportunity to enjoy Rainbow Springs under light - magical time guaranteed.
Day 8: Destination Tarawera
Day 9: Rotorua to the Hawke's Bay 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. Here 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. Afterwards continue on to the Hawke’s Bay.
Discovering Hawke’s Bay vineyards by mountain bike is an ideal way to enjoy time together, while enjoying the beautiful countryside that is the world-renowned Ngatarawa Triangle grape growing region. Today you enjoy a self guided tour and with three routes to choose from, you can visit up to six wineries! A packed lunch is included. You’ll be provided with a mobile phone for contact with the base to arrange for collection of any wine purchased enroute, or for rescue if you’ve 'run out of puff'! A great day out! Day 11: Hawke’s Bay to Wellington Drive south today as you climb out of the Hawke’s Bay region and into the rolling sheep and cattle farmland that will characterise much of your journey today. You then travel beside the rugged Tararua Ranges before climbing over the Rimutaka Ranges to join the motorway system into Wellington. Home to New Zealand’s parliament, and being the Capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a picture perfect city. Situated between a dramatic harbour and bush clad hills, the city’s compact size makes it an effortless place to explore diverse choice for shopping, dining and nightlife.
Day 12: Walk Wellington
The best way to discover the heart and soul of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city is on foot as you enjoy a personal introduction to the city. The enthusiastic, local guides reveal stories about Wellington’s past, present, people and places – things you won’t always find in the guide books. They will give you a unique insight into Wellington’s heritage and its dynamic arts and social scene, and also tips about what’s on, where to eat and shop. The guides have a deep knowledge and love of Wellington and enjoy helping to make your visit an absolutely positively fantastic experience. You’ll visit the stunning waterfront, bustling city centre, and historic Parliamentary neighbourhood. Day 13: Depart Wellington | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Package Inclusions
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| Package Prices Valid for travel 01 October 2009 to 30 April 2010
Valid for travel 01 May 2010 to 30 September 2010
Valid for travel 01 October 2010 to 30 April 2011
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