Day
1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, or if
taking the Self-Drive option, you can pick your car up 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 waterfront.
Day
2: AUCKLAND/WAITOMO/ROTORUA
(Optional meal plans begin today)
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
3: ROTORUA SIGHTSEEING
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 enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take
a tour the Buried Village or enjoy a swim at the Polynesian Spa
(own expense).
Day
4: ROTORUA/TAUPO/NAPIER
This morning travel the short distance to Taupo where you will
be taken on a guided tour of Taupo’s highlights including the
Boat Harbour, Craters of the moon and the Aratiatia Rapids. Enjoy
a spectacular jetboat ride to the Huka Falls. This evening enjoy
an evening walking tour of Napier’s fascinating Art Deco architecture.
Day
5: NAPIER/WELLINGTON
Enjoy a tour of some of Hawkes Bays leading wineries before travelling
to Wellington.
Day
6: WELLINGTON
At leisure in the capital city today. Make time to visit “Te Papa”
the Museum of New Zealand and use your complimentary voucher in
one of the eating establishments.
Day
7: WELLINGTON/KAIKOURA
Cruise across Cook Strait this morning and through the picturesque
Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Follow the East Coast south to coastal
Kaikoura.
Day
8: KAIKOURA/CHRISTCHURCH
Begin your day with a whale watching cruise or flight (weather
permitting). Enjoy a short guided tour of Kaikoura’s highlights
before travelling south to Christchurch where your tour concludes.
