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This tour covers from Wellington to Auckland (North Island, NZ). Pass through amazing countryside from an active volcano, to thermally heated waters. Enjoy the panoramic view over the Bay of Islands , sand board down the Te Paki sand dunes...

DAY 1: Wellington to Rotorua Marae Stay
Meet and greet on arrival in Wellington. This afternoon, we depart Wellington and head north through farming country. We head past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe – the classical conical volcano most commonly recognised as Mt Doom from the epic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy – on to Lake Taupo. We’ll make a stop at the raging waters of Huka Falls, and past Wairakei Geo-thermal area. You’ll see that Rotorua is truly alive as we drive through it on our way to our nights accommodation. Tonight we will be staying in a traditional Maori Marae, we will be welcomed onto the Marae by the elders in traditional style. If you wish you can help prepare your night’s hangi dinner and help lift it out of the ground when it is ready or maybe a walk to the Okere Falls or an afternoon swim in the lake. Traditional Maori Marae Stay - open plan multi-share accommodation (Dx1)

DAY 2: Rotorua
After breakfast we will depart the Marae and head to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve. Learn of the Maori lifestyle, history and customs on our tour and concert in this unique village. See displays about traditional weapons, instruments and learn the intricate details of woodcarving. The afternoon is yours to explore Rotorua or you have time for an optional tour*, mudbaths and massages might be for you, or if you feel a bit more active hire a mountain bike and explore the fantastic Redwood Forest or try white water rafting. After dinner you might want to relax under the stars as you soak in the natural thermally heated waters of the motel spas and pool. Alpin Motel (Bx1)

DAY 3: Rotorua to Paihia - Bay of Islands
This morning we travel north along the Waikato River to Auckland, otherwise known as the “city of sails” and New Zealand’s largest city. It’s here we have time for lunch and pick up any new passengers before our journey continues across Auckland’s scenic harbour and north with our to Parry’s Kauri Park to check out a magnificent Kauri tree, whose ancestors once covered the island. Continuing north we reach the seaside town of Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. Once settled into our motel, we’ll have the chance to share a refreshment on the beach, perhaps? Waitangi Motel (Bx1)

DAY 4: Paihia - Bay of Islands
Today is yours to explore this fascinating region by way of a range of optional activities – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Try a drive along, or flight over, 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga* where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea and board down the Te Paki sand dunes. Relax as you sail the inner Bay on a catamaran and look for dolphins*, take a paddle through mangrove forest to Haruru Falls* or take a day cruise and hike at Cape Brett*. Waitangi Motel (Bx1 Dx1)

DAY 5: Paihia to Auckland
This morning we start our journey southwards. If the weather is in our favour today we’ll enjoy the local scenery with a walk to view Whangerei Falls. It’s then onto Auckland and as we again cross the bridge you can appreciate the magnficient harbour, islands and modern city environment that has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Not a bad spot to finish your journey with us! (Bx1)