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| self drive tours > 15 Day Northern Circle North Island Self Drive Tour | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Day 4: Half Day Sea Kayaking Today you enjoy your sea kayaking tour and on your trip cover what we believe to be the most spectacular stretch of coast on the Coromandel Peninsula, if not New Zealand. Kayaking is backpacking on the sea. No rush, no noise, just you and nature at its best. This, their speciality tour (due to the overwhelming popularity and feedback) runs from Hahei twice a day. Paddle through amazing sea caves, explore offshore islands, snorkel the marine reserve & enjoy a cappuccino at our exclusive Cathedral Cove Beachfront Café’. Day 5: Coromandel to Rotorua Depart today and 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 to Rotorua. Best known for its geysers, boiling mud pools, crystal lakes teeming with trout, steaming cliffs and volcanoes, Rotorua is also the home of Maori culture. This evening you enjoy an unforgettable cultural experience at Mitai Maori Village. See Maori warriors paddling down stream by waka (ancient war canoe), followed by Maori cultural performance, succulent hangi meal, tranquil bush walk, glow worm viewing, and visit to sacred Fairy Spring.
Day 6: Sail Lake Rotoiti Enjoy a half day eco-sailing experience in pure comfort aboard your luxury 53 foot catamaran on Lake Rotoiti a pristine natural environment rich in cultural history and wildlife. You will have the chance to helm the vessel, hoist the sail and grind the winches. You may like to try your hand at trout fishing, leap off to swim in the fresh water or soak in the natural mineral hot pools that are only accessible by boat. Alternatively sit back and let the crew set the sails while you relax and enjoy watching the scenery slip by under full sail, ‘it’s simply stunning’. Day 7: Rotorua to the Hawke's Bay Depart and 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. Then continue on to the Hawke’s Bay. The major entertainment on the road from Taupo to Napier is the fantastic scenery. There’s a bit of everything - rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas.
Day 8: Guided Art Deco Walk Join the 20,000 plus people who take a guided Art Deco Walk each year. Your accredited guide will bring Napier's fascinating architecture to life for you as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre. Afterwards enjoy complimentary refreshments and a movie screening. Then the day is free to explore this city which was totally destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and has been faithfully restored. Highly recommended today is a visit to Cape Kidnappers Reserve where you can view the world’s largest mainland Gannet Colony or perhaps enjoy lunch at one of the many vineyards in the region. Day 9: Hawke’s Bay to Martinborough On your way south you’ll drive through Waipukurau and Waipawa as well as Dannevirke, a town originally settled by Scandinavians. Then enjoy the clean, green Wairarapa scenery. Carterton is a good place to shop for paua shell souvenirs, while Greytown has many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture and a quaint museum – take yourself on a self-guided walk. At Featherston, you’ll turn left towards Martinborough.
Day 10: Martinborough to Wellington Less than 2 hours drive away, Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital beckons. Climb up and over the Rimutaka Range - great views in every direction. Once the mountains are behind you, it’s easy driving for the rest of your journey. You’ll wind through the picturesque Hutt Valley then a fast moving motorway will whisk you into the city.
Day 11: 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 12: Wellington to Taupo The road north takes you past Waikanae Beach and on through Levin and Foxton to reach Bulls, known for its antiques. The Mangaweka Gorge is the next attraction – a scenic masterpiece that leads you into Taihape, the Gumboot Throwing capital of the world. In Waiouru, an army town, you should check out the QE2 Memorial Museum. Then travel the long, straight Desert Road towards the rugged terrain of the Tongariro National Park - dominated by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngaruhoe and Tongariro. From here you follow the western edge of New Zealand’s largest lake to reach Taupo.
Day 13: Scenic Flight & Leisure Time Today enjoy a truly magical experience! This 90 minute scenic helicopter flight takes in Lake Taupo’s scenic spots on the way to Mount Ruapehu’s steaming Crater Lake, set amongst snow covered peaks. Here you will be able to photograph the stunning lava flows, glacial valleys and colourful volcanic formations that are only visible from the air. Enjoy an alpine landing in the Kaimanawa ranges before heading back up the shoreline of Lake Taupo on your way back. Day 14: Taupo to Auckland It’s a leisurely drive today as you farewell Taupo and travel through the fertile Waikato region to Hamilton - New Zealand's fourth largest city. Continue further north to reach the market garden area of Pukekohe then travel on the Southern Motorway to reach Auckland.
Day 15: 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. Please note that this self drive package can be taken in reverse order and the prices remain the same. If you are interested in receiving further details about this package, please complete the enquiry form below. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Package Inclusions
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Package Prices EARLYBIRD SPECIAL
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| Enquire Now | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To receive more information about this package, please complete the below enquiry form. Once received, one of our specialist travel consultants will be in contact by the next working day. In addition Luxury Vacations take your privacy very seriously and you can be assured that we will never distribute, sell or rent your information to anyone else. Fields marked with a * are required. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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