self drive tours > 15 Day Northern Circle North Island Self Drive Tour

Northern Circle - 15 Days / 14 Nights

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.  The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore what Auckland has to offer.  Perhaps visit Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter, take a cruise on Auckland Harbour or make your way to the top of the Sky Tower for spectacular views of Auckland city.  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 (2 nights) B&B: Aachen House (2 nights) Boutique: Mollies (2 nights) Day 2:  Wilderness Experience Depart around midday today on your guided tour and only 30 kilometres from downtown Auckland is the city’s largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges.  In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the rainforest.  Travel to the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean.  Learn about and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings.  Continue on to the lush rainforest where you can walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns.  Unwind by spectacular cascading waterfalls or swim beneath them.  Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged West Coast.  Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. Day 3:  Auckland to the Coromandel 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. Hotel: Pacific Harbour Lodge (2 nights) B&B: Colleith Lodge (2 nights) Boutique: Villa Toscana (2 nights) 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 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.  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.  Hotel: Heritage Hotel Rotorua (2 nights) B&B: Koura Lodge (2 nights) Boutique: Accolades Boutique Hotel (2 nights) Day 6:  Half Day Volcano Adventure Depart the 4WD base today and drive 40 kilometres through picturesque rural farmland and past the largest man-made forest in New Zealand, Kaingaroa Forest, to the base of Mt Tarawera Volcano.  From here you travel by 4 Wheel Drive vehicle 10 kilometres up to the edge of the massive craters and enjoy a short crater walk, or for the more adventurous experience the famous scree slide into the crater or a hike to the summit at 1111 meters.  Your experienced local guide will give a commentary on Maori Legend, History and Volcanology.  You may even catch a glimpse of some of the rare and unique wildlife in their natural habitat. 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. Hotel: Scenic Circle Te Pania Hotel (2 nights) B&B: Mon Logis (2 nights) Boutique: McHardy House (2 nights) 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. Hotel: Peppers Martinborough Hotel (2 nights) B&B: The Old Manse (2 nights) Boutique: Parehua Country Estate (2 nights) Day 10:  Gourmet Wine Escape Today you enjoy wine tastings at four Martinborough wineries.  These are selected from and may include Te Kairanga, Muirlea Rise, Tirohana Estate, Alana Estate Palliser Estate Wines of Martinborough or Martinborough, vineyards.  Lunch is included at one of the delightful cafe's the area has to offer.  After lunch you visit the remainder of the days selected wineries.  The final visit of the day is to the Martinborough Wine Centre where you will have the opportunity to choose from a selected list of fine Wairarapa Wines not already included in the tours visits or a voucher for A Taste of Martinborough for a delicious cheese board and coffee or tea. Day 11:  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. Hotel: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (2 nights) B&B: Lambton Heights (2 nights) Boutique: 298 Oriental Bay (2 nights) 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:  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. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Taupo (2 nights) B&B: Paeroa Lakeside Homestay (2 nights) Boutique: Point View Lodge (2 nights) Day 14:  Scenic Flight & Leisure Time Today enjoy a truly magical experience!  This 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 15:  Taupo to Auckland & Depart 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 where 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 Inclusions Transport by your choice of rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres & daily insurance KRUSE commentary system for duration of rental vehicle hire 14 nights accommodation of your choice Cooked breakfast included daily Wilderness Experience in Auckland Half day guided Sea Kayaking tour in the Coromandel Evening Maori cultural show and Hangi (dinner) Rainbow Springs by night Mt Tarawera 4WD Tour Guided Art Deco Walk in Napier Guided tour of Martinborough Vineyards including lunch 90 minute guided Walk Wellington tour Scenic helicopter flight in Taupo Arrival documents Driving directions & maps 24 hour on call assistance from Luxury Vacations NZ representative

Package Prices Valid for travel 01 October 2008 to 30 April 2009 Vehicle Choices   (More Info) Hotel B&B Boutique Intermediate Sedan $4,314 $4,944 $6,836 Full Size Sedan $4,373 $5,003 $6,894 Intermediate 4WD $4,491 $5,121 $7,012 Full Size 4WD $4,863 $5,493 $7,385 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.

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Tour Details Package Name: Northern Circle Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights From: Auckland to Auckland Accommodation Selection: * Hotel Bed & Breakfast Boutique Rental Car Choice: * Intermediate Size Car Full Size Car Intermediate Size 4WDFull Size 4WD Date of Travel: * 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Month January February March April May June July August September October November December Year 2008 20092010 Number of people travelling: * Adults      Children Ages of Children  Is this an Enquiry or Booking? Enquiry Only        I would like to Book Contact Details Title: Mr Mrs Miss Ms Dr  First Name: * Last Name: * Email Address: * Re-Confirm Email Address: * Phone Number (inc country code): Nationality: Are you celebrating any special occasions on your holiday? Other Questions Is this your first visit to NZ? Yes   No Do you have any questions about the self drive package or your travel to New Zealand?   How did you hear about Luxury Vacations New Zealand? Official Tourism New Zealand Site (www.newzealand.com) The Best of Golf New Zealand Website Referral by a Friend Google Yahoo Other Search Engine Browsing (Link from Another Website) Subscribe me to the free Luxury Vacations NZ Newsletter! Yes   No  Have you arranged your travel insurance for this trip?   If you haven't have a look at our Travel Insurance page which offers competitive full inbound travel insurance information and quotations.  You can also eaisly purchase your insurance from this page. Is there any other information that you think we should know?      Home | About Us | About NZ | Free Enquiry | News & Events | Specials | Free Newsletter | Travel Insurance | Sitemap Golf | Wine | Honeymoon | Rejuvenation | Fishing | Hikes & Walks | Private Tours | Self Drives | Motorhomes  | Escorted Tours Transport Options | Accommodation | Golf Courses | Wine Regions | Terms & Conditions | Useful Links © Luxury Vacations New Zealand Ltd 2004 1st Floor, 121 Elliot Street, PO Box 39397, Howick, Manukau 2145, Auckland, New Zealand Phone +64 9 537 2325, Fax +64 9 532 8825, Email travel@luxuryvacationsnz.com