Day
1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your city hotel,
or if taking the self drive option, pick up your rental car from
the Airport Depot. We suggest you use any free time to explore
the ‘City of Sails’. We recommend a visit to Kelly Tarlton’s fascinating
Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, shopping or perhaps
take a walk around Auckland’s exciting marina and waterfront
Day
2: AUCKLAND/BAY OF ISLANDS
(Optional meal plans begin today)
Cross the Auckland Harbour bridge and travel north via the Hibiscus
Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Arrive in Paihia and visit
the Waitangi Treaty House where New Zealand’s most important document
of state was signed. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Day
3: BAY OF ISLANDS/AUCKLAND
Today, cruise to Cape Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock”.
On your return journey stop at Otehei Bay, where you will have
a chance to walk, swim or just relax. Return to Auckland.
Day
4: AUCKLAND/WAITOMO/ROTORUA
Today travel south to Rotorua via the rich pastoral province of
Waikato. Travel on to the fascinating Waitomo Caves where you
will enjoy lunch. Here experience a guided tour of the famous
Glowworm Grotto featuring an underground boat ride. Continue on
via Lake Karapiro to arrive in Rotorua. In the evening enjoy a
unique Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert with Tamaki Tours.
Day
5: ROTORUA/AUCKLAND
Today you will experience the many varied sights that Rotorua
has to offer. Visit the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Maori
Arts & Crafts Institute, enjoy a guided tour and see Maori
carving and weaving demonstrations. Walk through the Thermal Reserve
to see boiling mud pools and shooting geysers. Next, Rainbow Springs
a unique showcase of New Zealand's flora and Fauna and featuring
some of New Zealand's endangered native species.
The
Rainbow Farm Show is definitely a 'hands-on' experience that will
entertain and amuse giving an animated insight into New Zealand's
farming history, then begin the trip back to Auckland. If travelling
by coach, you will arrive in downtown Auckland at approximately
6pm.
