 Self-drive
adventure package - Auckland to Wellington - 10 days
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 - Auckland to Tutukaka
Drive north to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, launching
point for the first of your 2 dives. This afternoon you dive the infamous
wreck of the Rainbow Warrior, a Greenpeace
vessel fatally wounded by French bombers in the Auckland Harbour, and
later sunk as an artificial reef. In the late afternoon take a short drive
to Tutukaka
Day 2 - Tutukaka
Dive the Poor Knights
Marine Reserve, named by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top 10 dive
locations in the world. The warm currents here originate in the Coral
Sea, so the water temperature is higher and visibility greater than that
of nearby coastal waters. Born from volcanic activity, tropical and sub-tropical
life abounds in this unique underwater environment. Caves, tunnels and
archways are all home to great schools of friendly colourful fish - great
photography!
Day 3 - Tutukaka to Auckland
After a short drive to Auckland you are going to "conquer
the Sky Tower". This is the
latest tourism adventure activity to hit Auckland. The vertigo adventurer
climbs to a crow's nest platform a dizzy 300 metres above sea level, braving
the heights to experience Auckland's ultimate panorama. It is a fully-guided
two-hour climb up the heart of the Sky Tower's mast to the highest open
air viewing platform, the Sky Deck, revealing unsurpassed views only comparable
to a scenic flight over the city. While you're up there you may take the
opportunity to bungy jump off! After lunch you might like to have a leisurely
canoe to Rangitoto Island bird sanctuary for a refreshing native bush
walk before returning to experience Auckland's night life.
 Day
4 - Auckland to Whakatane
After a drive to the Waikato region you are going to
go to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.
There are two options here - you can take a boat ride on a river running
through one of the larger caves, or take the Seriously Adventurous Option
and head 'down under' for some serious caving. Either option is fine with
us - caving is very exciting, but it's not for everyone. If you're taking
the Seriously Adventurous Option, you'll don a wetsuit, helmet and headlamp
to explore the system of underground caves. You'll float down a stream,
jump off waterfalls, and lie on your back with your headlamp off to admire
the glow worms.
Five hours of adventuring will leave you looking forward to a scenic drive
to Whakatane launch spot to dive a volcano the following day.
Day 5 - Whakatane
There are very few places where you can dive a live volcano
site, but White Island, which
has been steaming away for centuries, is something absolutely unique.
Climb to the creators edge of this active volcano in the interval between
diving were Huge Kingfish, Stingrays and Blue Maomao abound, along with
some huge crayfish. But what makes this place truly unique are the bubbling
underwater fissures creating an underwater Jacuzzi. Warmer currents also
mean nudibranches like those of the Poor Knights abound, and visibility
of generally 20 metres plus is the norm.
Day 6 - Whakatane to Rotorua
Enjoy the Volcanic Wonderland and experience boiling
mud, steaming geysers and geothermal activity. Venture into the nearby
forests to explore the mountain by horse, then mountain bike through the
giant Californian redwood trees in Whakarewarewa Forest. Or you could
Round off the afternoon with the excitement of a tandem skydive with 45
seconds of freefall from 12,000 feet. In the evening enjoy the cultural
experience of traditional Maori-tanga (culture) at a concert and feast.
Day 7 - Rotorua to Auckland or Rotorua Tongariro
Today if you are on the 7 day itinerary you are having
a leisurely drive via the beautiful Coromandel back to Auckland. The 10
day or Twin Island Adventure proceeds to Tongariro National Park, with
a relaxing day enjoying the fantastic scenery of this World Heritage site,
with its three volcanoes. Dining at The Hermitage that evening.
 Day
8 - Tongariro
Today you tramp the famous Tongariro
crossing. Often described as the best one day walk in New Zealand,
the Tongariro Crossing is a challenging walk taking 7-8 hours covering
a distance of 17km one way (we also have a selection of walks to suit
any level of fitness).
The Tongariro Crossing is exceptional. From lava strewn
valleys to active volcanic vents and boiling springs, crystal lakes, lunar-like
landscapes mixed with thick podocarp forest - this walk has some amazing
and diverse beauty. The steep climb from the Mangaetepopo saddle between
Mt Ngauruhoe is rewarded by views of Tongariro and on a clear day, Mt
Taranaki to the west. The Tongariro Crossing provides an opportunity to
experience some of the most scenic volcanically active areas of the park.
 Day
9 - Tongariro to Napier
Having made your way to Napier you can relax and be spoilt,
spend the day touring vineyards, Hawkes Bay is the oldest established
winegrowing region in New Zealand and contains some of the countries most
famous vineyards
Early morning we will venture out to Te Mata Peak and take in the fantastic
views of the area followed by a walk through an olive grove and the opportunity
to taste local olives and oils. For lunch we will dine at Clearview Estate
and have the opportunity of tasting their range of hand crafted single
vineyard wines. In the afternoon we will visit the largest mainland Gannet
colony at Cape Kidnappers
Day 10 - Napier to Wellington
On the way to Wellington you travel down through the
market gardens of the Kapiti Coast area and follow the highway down the
coast to Wellington.
On the way you have a Fly
By Wire ride where visitors are the pilot of the world's first adventure
ride that offers full pilot control of a high-speed, tethered plane. Suspension
from overhead wires spanning the valley is the only constraint as passengers
experience the thrill of flying at speeds of up to 120 km per hour! Arriving
in Wellington to conclude your trip.
Enquire about departure dates and pricing here.
Extras/options:
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Dive
Sail
Surf
Bike
Walk
Kayak
Golf
Horse
treks
Food & Wine
Snow Sports
Caving
Adventure
