Auckland is the start of this tour. Making our way south east we cross over to the beautiful Peninsula of Coromandel to Hahei. Continuing our journey down the Coromandel Peninsula we make our way to Rotorua where you can stand on active volcanoes, peer into massive craters, see boiling mud, erupting geysers, and learn about the Maori people.
We follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to Hawkes Bay stopping en route to view the sights of Lake Taupo. Hawkes Bay has plenty to offer with winery tours, hot air balloon flights, art deco tours, or perhaps take a tractor ride to New Zealand’s only Gannett colony.
We continue south past the Tararua Ranges and through the Manawatu Gorge to Wellington. We cross the Cook Straight by ferry to the South Island, entering through the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound. A drive takes us through the wine region of Marlborough where we can sample some of New Zealand’s award wining wines before continuing onto Kaikoura. We now make our way to Christchurch.
Day 1: Auckland to Hahei: As we leave Auckland we take advantage of the views from the top of Mount Eden, which is 196m high and the closest volcano to the city centre. From up here you come to terms with how this city was made from volcanic forces. 'One Tree Hill' is another land mark that you will see. The first thing you will notice is that it's a hill with no trees - as over the years, the one tree was subject to a number of vandalized attacks before being officially cut down in 1999.
We now make our way east on the 'Pacific Coast Highway' to one of New Zealand's popular beach holiday destinations, Hahei on the Coromandel Peninsula with its beautiful sandy beaches, crashing surf, rock strewn shorelines and huge Pohutukawa trees. We make ourselves comfortable here for two nights.
Day 2: Hahei: Today we have the day to either explore the local area: Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach or just relax on the beach. You can take a leisurely walk out to the very famous Cathedral Cove or an optional half morning kayaking trip to take in the sights of this majestic rock formation. Other optional activities that can be enjoyed are snorkelling and diving.
Day 3: Hahei to Rotorua:Our day starts off with a scenic drive South via more popular white sand beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula. We then cross the heart of New Zealand's dairy farms on our way to a geothermal wonderland - Rotorua. Rotorua is the thermal and volcanic capital of New Zealand, and offers endless amounts of sights and activities you can participate in. You are free to explore Rotorua as you wish. You can soak away at the Polynesian Natural Thermal Pools, ride the Skyline gondola followed by a luge ride back down, or take in the spectacular wildlife amid trees and ferns at Rainbow Springs.
There is also plenty of water based activities, like kayaking and rafting, or take a walking/cycle trail through the redwood forest that stands at the end of town. We then venture back in time to a Maori Village for a cultural experience of a life time, and this evening enjoy a traditional concert and Hangi (dinner cooked on hot stones in an earth oven).
Day 4: Rotorua to Hawkes Bay via Taupo: This morning we take the 'Thermal Highway South.'. We can take an optional trip to the astonishing volcanic craters at Wai-O-Tapu Valley, where you can walk past the worlds largest hot springs. We will make one more stop before we reach Lake Taupo at the base of the Huka falls. Here you will see the equivalent of two Olympic size swimming pools of water tumbling over the falls every second.
A short drive brings us to Lake Taupo - New Zealand's largest lake covering 619sq km, Lake Taupo was formed in AD186 by the biggest volcanic eruption in the last 5,000 years. The amount of ash that was spewed into the air was seen in China and Rome. The view across the Lake is something not to be missed with its wide open spaces, snow capped mountains and clear blue water. We then drive South East to Hawkes Bay.
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 5: Hawkes Bay: Hawkes Bay is New Zealand's leading food and wine region. Hawkes Bay is home to the oldest winemaker and producer of award-winning red wines. Hawkes Bay is also renowned for its world-class concentration of Art Deco Architecture, a result of rebuilding after a devastating earthquake in 1931. Your day could start off with an optional early morning hot air balloon flight over the Hawkes Bay.if the budget allows! You then have a choice to join in on a Winery Bike Tour or there is a selection of optional activities to choose from to fill your day.
You could spend your day at Napier's Splash Planet Theme and Water Park, take an adrenaline pumping River Gorging trip, take a tractor ride to visit the Gannet Colony or simply take a guided walk of Napier's Art Deco Architecture. Tonight we realx after a full day.
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 6: Hawkes Bay to Wellington: Our journey continues south through Tararua, past the' World Famous in New Zealand' Mangatainoka's Tui Brewery and the Manawatu Gorge before we hit the capital of New Zealand. Wellington enjoys a small town atmosphere and is noted for its art and café culture. You will have free time to visit Te Papa - The Museum of New Zealand, Wellington Cathedral, or relax in the Botanic Gardens, or take a ride on the famous cable car. Tonight we head out for a night on the town.
Day 7: Wellington to Kaikoura via the Cook Strait:Today we cross the Cook Strait and enter the South Island through the scenic Marlborough Sounds, often dubbed New Zealand's 'little slice of Norway'. We arrive at Picton, the gateway to the Sounds, and make our way to Kaikoura via Marlborough which is New Zealand's top producing wine region. Kaikoura is home to some of the best sea creatures in the world. There is so much diversity and accessibility here because of the topography and depth of the ocean floor. You cannot be anything but impressed with Kaikoura; from the beautiful Peninsula backed by the snow-capped peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges to the whales, dolphins and seals.
*Possible upgrade available here.
Day 8: Kaikoura to Christchurch This morning before we depart Kaikoura we have the chance to go in search for the mighty Sperm Whale (weather permitting) - or maybe a swim with dolphins/seals in their natural environment. A drive along the Kaikoura coast and the 'Alpine Pacific Triangle' brings us to the very English looking city of Christchurch. The 'Garden City' has plenty to offer and you will have time to explore. Don't miss the Cathedral Square and the chance to meet the famous wizard! Take time out with a walk through tree lined Hagley Park which borders the city centre, and end your afternoon with a relaxed punt down the Avon River. This is where your tour comes to an end.
NOTE:
All our tours are flexible and we do our utmost to take you to the best places we possibly can. Our expeditions can sometimes be effected by local climatic conditions and anything else unexpected so please treat this information as a guideline only. When you come to New Zealand be prepared to take things as they come and above all don’t forget your sense of humour!
*Winter Tour Supplement of $150.00 on some departures
