8 Day Northern Discovery Itinerary

 
1

Hello Auckland!

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Relax you are now officially on holiday and everything has been taken care of! We will meet you at the airport and drive you directly to your hotel to freshen up and unwind. Make the most of some free leisure time in the 'City of Sails' - simply relax or take this opportunity to explore the many sights of Auckland

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Explore Waiheke Island    Island Kayaking Adventure    America’s Cup Sailing
Auckland's Sky TowerRelax on the BeachRangitoto Island Cruise & Walk
West Coast Wine TourWhale and Dolphin SafariMuriwai Surf Beach


Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

Auckland
Accommodation:
A contemporary hotel for the curious, the explorers and those who thrive on new experiences. Functionally chic, this contemporary hotel features 190 rooms and suites designed for all travellers, overlooking the vibrant Princes Wharf that is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.
M Social Auckland

2

Beautiful Bay of Islands

Today is full of adventure - after collecting your rental car following the highway, venture north over the Harbour Bridge and up to the Hibiscus Coast. Take a stroll among majestic kauri trees and discover Northland's largest city, Whangarei. Your journey extends all the way to the Bay of Islands - a marine wonderland brimming with unique sights and wildlife.

Approximate Distance: 227 km | 141 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Bay of Islands - 2 Nights

Bay of Islands
This four star hotel offers uninterrupted Bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It features a spectacular, lagoon style swimming pool and rock pools of cascading water. The hotel’s 180 guest rooms have individual patios or balconies from which to enjoy the water or garden views. Taking inspiration from nature, rooms have been designed to blend into the natural environment whilst offering a serene escape.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

3

Hole in the Rock Cruise

Experience the stunning Bay of Islands your way – today is a whole day of leisure and the freedom to explore as you wish. A subtropical wonderland of secluded bays, islands and history, the Bay of Islands is a coastal paradise.

This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, and for good reason! Board your cruise in Paihia or Russell and take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the 'Hole in the Rock'. This four-hour cruise includes an island stopover, dolphin viewing and the Hole in the Rock. Morning cruises depart daily and afternoon cruises are give you the chance to relax or explore at leisure during the afternoon.

Excursions available after your morning Dolphin Cruise.

Historical Island Cruise  Diving Rainbow Warrior  4WD Adventure Cape Reinga
Sailing the Islands  Dolphin Swimming  Giant Kauri Forest Walk
Cultural Tour of Waitangi  Golf at Kauri Cliffs  Sea Kayaking the Bay
Russell

4

Back to the City of Sails

This morning you will have the opportunity to relax in the Bay of Islands, perhaps you may want to travel over to historic Russell, New Zealand’s first capital. This afternoon make your way down through Northland’s lush farmland scenery and past the sprawling suburbs of the North Shore of Auckland. 

Approximate Distance: 227 km | 141 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

Russell
Accommodation:
A contemporary hotel for the curious, the explorers and those who thrive on new experiences. Functionally chic, this contemporary hotel features 190 rooms and suites designed for all travellers, overlooking the vibrant Princes Wharf that is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.
M Social Auckland

5

Waitomo, Rotorua & the Majestic Redwood Treewalk

Collect the rental car this morning we travel South to Waitomo where we will explore the fascinating life of the glow worms. After the tour concludes, we continue onto Rotorua, where we go on to explore the beautiful Redwood Forest at night. Suspended high above the forest floor, enjoy the walk which includes eco-suspended bridges and platforms that are intricately designed to honour and accentuate the stunning natural environment of the redwoods. 

Approximate Distance: 328 km | 204 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights

Maori Cultural Evening Rotorua
This 4.5 star deluxe property is perfectly situated next to mystical Lake Rotorua and is just a brief stroll from the City centre, close to many restaurants and bars. The hotel offers world class residential style accommodation that is suitable for those travelling on business and for leisure. Restaurant Nikau offers a good range of evening menu choices, from the Restaurant's famous Nikau Burger to fine dining options, while the Brassiere Poolside Restaurant is the perfect place to start your day with an alfresco style breakfast beside the geothermal heated pool.
Millenium Hotel Rotorua

6

Rotorua - Geothermal Wonderland and Cultural Experience

Sitting squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire - Rotorua is a geothermal spectacular. At the midway point between Rotorua and Taupo - stop at the  New Zealand's most colourful volcanic area at Wai-o-tapu. Enjoy unique volcanic features while walking well defined trails at your own pace, the earths crust at its most exciting and accessible, the smell of sulphur and sight of steaming vents invade the senses.  But Rotorua is more than boiling mud, there are ancient forests set amongst prisitine lakes, and the area is steeped in the history and tikanga (culture) of Maori, the First People of New Zealand. This evening, explore the wonders of the Maori Culture a traditional Hangi dinner and performance. 

Meals: Dinner 

Recommended excursions in and around Rotorua:

See Geysers & Boiling Mud    Polynesian Hot Springs  Whirinaki Forest Walk
Thermally Active GolfBiking the Mighty ForestsFlight to Volcanic Island
Museum of Art & HistoryEvening Cultural Experience   White Water Rafting
Rotorua Te Puia Pohutu Geyser

7

Wellington the Cool Capital City

The Thermal Explorer Highway guides you to the Central North Island and the largest body of freshwater in the Southern Hemisphere - Lake Taupo. follow its shores south and climb up to the spectacular Desert Road into the Tongariro National Park where a dramatic alpine vista unfolds, crowned by the imposing volcanic peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngaruahoe. Continue along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington.

Approximate Distance: 450 km | 280 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Wellington - 1 night

Wellington
Wellington's iconic hotel, James Cook Grand Chancellor is situated right in the heart of the city. The friendly staff and excellent service will help make your stay in Wellington a memorable one. With well appointed rooms that all have high speed internet access, Sky TV, in house movie system, iron and board, full minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. They also offer Bodyhaven Spa Style Boutique and a complimentary in-house gymnasium.
James Cook Wellington

8

Homeward Bound

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

Today we say farewell to newfound friends. Drop your car at Wellington Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

Bon Voyage

Notes

Highlights

  • Cruise through ‘Hole in the Rock’ in the Bay of Islands
  • Cruise through Waitomo’s famous Glowworm Grotto
  • Experience Maori culture with the Tamaki family over dinner
  • Explore the scenery of Tongariro National Park
  • Discover Wellington 
  • Airport transfers on arrival

Inclusions

  • Hand picked accommodation
  • 24 Hour Support - We are with you all the way! 
8-day-northern-wonders-LargeMap

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What Jess says about this tour: A great trip of the North Island that has a selection of activities that gives you a sence of place in the Bay of Islands and Rotorua. Flexibility and premium hotels in premium locations with plenty of extras - This is a great itinerary, you wont have to worry about a thing.
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The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price