Day 1

A private transfer will meet you from your flight and drive you to your Auckland accommodation.

Auckland City is New Zealand's largest, with a population of around 1.5 million people (about one third of the national population), spread over approximately 60 square kilometres. There is somewhere for every visitor to feel comfortable and right at home as each suburb has its own unique style and atmosphere, from the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found on Ponsonby and Parnell Roads to the breathtaking native bush and beaches of the West Coast. One of the worlds great cities Auckland is full of life and opportunities to explore are endless. Spend the day exploring the city or relaxing before your adventure begins.

Day 2

There is so much to do in and around New Zealand's largest city. Sitting on one of the world's finest natural harbours there are countless opportunities to explore the islands of the gulf. Waiheke Island is a popular choice with its splendid beaches and vineyards. Just a short distance from the city centre is Rangitoto Island, the youngest of the volcanic cones that dot the region. Take a ferry over and enjoy the hike to the summit.
Auckland is known as the 'City of Sails' and taking the helm of an Americas Cup yacht with Sail NZ is a great way to experience the harbour. If you just want to relax and enjoy the nautical atmosphere then the Viaduct Basin has shops, cafes, restaurants and the Maritime Museum.
West Auckland offers a huge contrast to the busy modern city. The rainforest and beaches of the Waitakere Ranges are a great place to explore and there are many walks to enjoy. Muriwai Beach is a popular destination and you can see one of the worlds few mainland breeding colonies if the Australasian Gannet at the Takapo Refuge.
West Auckland also has some of New Zealand oldest wineries around the Kumeu and Waimauku regions. Auckland based Fine Wine Tours offer some great day trips that incorporate visits to the wineries and a chance to experience the wild west coast.

Day 3

Heading north to the Bay of Islands normally takes around 3 ½ hours but plan to take a little longer. The township of Puhoi, New Zealand’s only Bohemian settlement, the art stores and cafes of Warkworth, the harbour side in Whangarei and the unique township of Kawakawa are all worth exploring. Arriving into the sub tropical Bay of Islands you are greeted with bush clad hillsides dropping to golden sand beaches. Paihia is the main tourist centre in the bay and has a great beach side atmosphere.
Crossing the harbour via the Opua Ferry you arrive onto the Russell Peninsular. The township of Russell offers a tranquil village atmosphere and a fascinating past.

Day 4

A visit to the Bay of Islands wouldn't be complete without a cruise amongst the islands or even a trip to swim with the dolphins. Dolphin Discoveries operate daily Swimming with the Dolphins Tours and also Discover the Bays cruises.
Waitangi, just a few kilometres north of Paihia is considered the most important historical site of modern New Zealand. It was here that the Treaty of Waitangi was prepared and signed between the Crown and Maori. The visitor centre tells its ongoing story and is set in beautiful gardens and grounds.
Russell Township, on the other side of the bay is full of history and stories from its days as the 'hell hole of the Pacific'. This was the countries first busy port and capital. Fernz Eco Tours offer guided tours that include exploring the bush and beaches, local food and wine and the local Maori culture.

Discover the Bay, visit the world famous Hole in the Rock, see an abundance of marine mammals and wildlife and learn of the rich history and culture whilst cruising amongst the 144 stunning islands in the Bay of Islands.Discovery IV is a modern high-speed catamaran equipped with underwater cameras for close up marine mammal viewing and is purpose built for dolphin and whale watching in the Bay.
Discover the Bay includes: Dolphin / Whale Watching, Travel through the world famous Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting), Grand Cathedral Cave, Cape Brett Lighthouse, Cruise and commentary amongst the 144 islands, Encounter wildlife in their natural environment and Culture and History of the Bay of Islands. Make sure you don’t forget your sunscreen, camera and sense of adventure.

Day 5

A full day trip that takes you to New Zealand's northernmost tip, and on the way you will encounter fascinating landscapes, legends and ancient and modern history, with a dash of fun and adventure. You will be entertained on your journey with a fascinating commentary on the historical and cultural points of interest. Throughout the trip stops will be made for photo opportunities and comfort stops.
Starting in Paihia you travel to Puketi Forest to walk through spectacular native bush to view the giant Kauri and many other native specimen trees. As you walk listen to the many calls of the unique diversity of New Zealand birdlife. Then you travel to a morning tea stop at the Coopers Beach café on the beautiful east coast.
A short drive on to Waiharara you arrive at the ancient buried Kauri forest. Marvel at trees that were buried thousands of years ago, to be uncovered in the gum digging boom that lasted 150 years and help found the culture and diversity of the Northland area as we know it today.
Moving to the Aupouri pine forest with its herds of wild horses, you arrive at the famous Ninety Mile Beach. Enjoy breathtaking views that go on forever as you ride this "highway of the North".
Take an exhilarating ride through the Te Paki stream; known locally as ‘Quick Sand' stream for good reason. Then give yourself a workout by climbing the giant sand dunes and toboggan back down. Great fun and well worth the effort.
Back in the bus and off to Cape Reinga. The magnificent sweeping views of Te Werahi beach down to Cape Maria Van Dieman, the crashing turmoil as the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean collide, the splendid isolation of the lighthouse and the location of the Spirit Tree are just some of the highlights of this extremely spiritual place.
A brief comfort stop and a chance to stretch the legs at Houhara, before you continue your journey to Wanui and the Ancient Kauri Kingdom. Here you can browse the finished products made from ancient and massive Kauri timber before buying your souvenir of an awesome day out.
To round off your spectacular day we visit the ‘world famous' Mangonui Fish shop for afternoon tea/dinner. Grab the freshest fish and chips as the sea washes gently beneath your feet. Then back to Kerikeri and Paihia, via the Stone Store and Kemp House.

Day 6

Heading west from the Bay of Islands you leave the Pacific Ocean and soon and arrive into the Hokianga and the wilder seas of the Tasman.
The small townships of Omapere and Opononi have a great seaside feel and the perfect place to stop for an ice cream. The route now heads south and into the Waipoua Forest, home to the massive Kauri trees. Make sure you allow time to take a few short walks that are signposted as you pass through the region. Not to be missed is the 5 minute loop to view the largest of all the trees Tane Mahuta. 
Heading back across country the Matakohe Kauri Museum is an award winning museum and has extensive displays of the regions logging, farming and social history. Just a short drive from Warkworth towards the coast is the small township of Matakana and a little further you will find the often deserted beaches of the Tawharanui Marine Reserve.

Day 7

Continuing south you pass through Auckland biggest city, Auckland, and soon you will pass the city boundaries where the landscape changes to rolling lush farmland. The fertile Hauraki Plains are one of New Zealand's largest dairy producing regions. The Thames Estuary is a haven for wildlife in particular shore birds and a short detour to Miranda (well sign posted) is worthwhile to see the large flocks of godwits and oyster catchers amongst others. Arriving into the old gold town of Thames you can choose 2 different routes to the Coromandel's east coast. Straight over the Coromandel Ranges on highway 25A will deliver you to the coast in around 45 minutes. The more scenic route however takes you north to Coromandel Township along the Pohutukawa Coast (part of the Pacific Coast Highway). This is one of the most spectacular drives in the region and not to be missed.

Day 8

The Coromandel Peninsular region extends from Waihi in the south to Port Jackson in the north. The Coromandel ranges run the length of the peninsular and provide some of the most dramatic bush clad mountain scenery in the North Island. The tallest peak is Mt. Te Aroha at 953 metres.
When gold was discovered in the ranges in the 1850's the population of the area, Coromandel Township in particular, grew very quickly as miners followed the gold rushes of the era. Today there are still known deposits of gold, silver, lead and zinc throughout the ranges but residents and conservationists are unlikely to allow any form of exploitation of the region. Remote towns, isolated bays and a rich history of pioneers and fortune hunters make this one of the more diverse regions to explore.
The west coast of the peninsular drops to the Firth of Thames with steep pohutakawa clad cliffs while the east coast has an abundance of golden sand beaches and inlets.
Heading down the east coast you pass through the town of Whitianga and from here you can take the small foot ferry over to Cooks Beach and Flaxmill Bay. A little further south is the famous Hot Water Beach and the holiday town of Hahei. Cathedral Cove is a popular walk and is well worth the effort to view the massive limestone formation aptly named on the golden sand beach. Tairua is also a great location and Paku Hill offers spectacular views over the natural harbour and the Pacific Ocean.

Day 9

Heading south from the Coromandel Peninsular you pass through the seaside town of Whangamata. A popular location for Kiwi holidaymakers the town boasts one of the best beaches in the region. The old mining town of Waihi still has an operating open cast gold mine and you can view the workings of the Martha Mine from a vantage point signposted from the town centre. For rail enthusiasts the Goldfields Railway operates passenger trains along a scenic and historic section of track towards Waikino.
The route now takes you into the Bay of Plenty and the port town of Tauranga before you head aong the scenic Pyes Pa Road to Rotorua. For Lord of the Rings fans a detour to Matamata is recommended as this is the location of Hobbiton.
Arriving into Rotorua from the north you are welcomed with some great views of the lake.

An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress, paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream, and don't miss your only opportunity in the Rotorua area to see glow worms in their natural habitat.
Marvel at the crystal clear water full of eels and trout, flowing directly from the earth at the sacred Fairy Spring. See your traditionally cooked hangi meal being lifted from the ground. During our cultural performance, you'll learn about our past, carvings and ta moko (tattoo art).
Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat, coupled with the grace and beauty of the poi dance. You'll be amazed by the spine tingling haka finale. The Mitai family is proud to have created a sacred and spiritual place that offers you an indigenous cultural experience like no other.

Day 10

Rotorua sits right in the centre of the worlds most volcanically active region and this is highly evident through the smell of sulphur. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without visiting one of the many geothermal parks or areas. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is around 30 minutes from Rotorua and here a network of paths will take you though bubbling pool, sulphur ponds, geysers and waterfalls. Formed during the eruption of Mt. Tarawera was the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and you can also stroll amongst hot springs and enjoy a short boat cruise in the world's newest geothermal eco system.
The Buried Village or the village of Te Wairoa was destroyed during the Tarawera eruption. Now this registered historic area has been excavated to show original buildings pre eruption. Set amongst beautiful bush there is also a dedicated museum telling the fascinating story of Te Wairoa Village and the legendary Pink and White Terraces.
White Island sits around 40 kilometres off the Bay of Plenty coast and is still one the most active volcanoes in the world. Volcanic Air Safaris offer scenic helicopter and float plane trips to the island and the opportunity to land (helicopter only) and explore the original sulphur mines. They also offer scenic flights over Mt. Tarawera and float plane flights to Orakei Korako Hidden Valley.
Rotorua though also offers much more than this. The lake is stocked with trout and fishing charters operate from the lake front. The Agrodome offers a unique New Zealand experience combining farm tours and sheep shearing shows with the opportunity to enjoy some of the adrenalin packed adventures New Zealand is renown for.

Fly over the Crater Lakes District and the volcanic rift of Mt. Tarawera and then continue south via Waimangu and Waiotapu Thermal Areas to land at the Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako. Transfer by boat across the lake to explore the bubbling hot springs, gushing geysers and natural beauty of this hidden geothermal wonderland. Enjoy a self guided tour before you rejoin your aircraft for the flight to the Buried Village. Explore the historical site and return to Rotorua by shuttle bus. Approx 2 hours 15 minutes (Rotorua to Buried Village).

Day 11

This drive takes you through the thermal regions south of Rotorua. Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Craters of the Moon near Taupo to name just a few locations you can visit. Approaching Taupo signs direct you to Huka Falls, a spectacular sight as the full force of the lake pours through a narrow gorge forming the Waikato River. Here you can take a thrilling Hukajet boat ride or enjoy a lunch of fresh prawns raised in naturally heated thermal pools.  The road from Taupo climbs high onto the plateau crossing the Ahiminawa Range before arriving onto the Pacific Coast just north of the worlds finest art deco city of Napier.

Day 12

The Hawke's Bay is home to some of New Zealand finest wineries and there are ample tours to show you around while you sample the produce. Napier has a remarkable history. Destroyed by an earthquake it was rebuilt at the height of the art deco period and the city is teeming with fine buildings.
Enjoy a city tour in a car from the era or explore the museum. Cape Kidnappers is home to one of the few mainland gannet colonies and a trip along the beach by tractor is a unique way to see these incredible birds in their natural habitat.

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Crossing the Rimutaka Ranges you drop towards the impressive deep water harbour and Wellington City. Wellington is home to a selection of great museums such as Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum (not to be missed), The National Library and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea. For some great views of the city and the harbour take the Cable Car from Lambton Quay up into the hills of Kelburn, 130 metres above the city. The ride terminates in the botanic gardens, a 26 hectare park with rose, fern, succulents, exotic trees and native forest displays.
Another great vantage point is Mt. Victoria. If you're felling energetic take a stroll along the waterfront cafes of oriental bay and walk to the top of the hill. Great views across to the Hutt Valley can be enjoyed. The cannon on the summit dates back to 1877.
Wellington has excellent shopping, theatre, cafes and restaurants and being only 2 kilometres wide the majority can easily be explored on foot. The capital's proximity to the sea, the mountains of the Rimutakas and Tararuas, the rolling countryside and wine regions of the Wairarapa provide a myriad of opportunities for adventure or relaxation. At just a kilometres across its centre the city is ideal to explore on foot.

Day 16

New Zealand's capital, Wellington, sits on a large natural harbour at the bottom of the North Island. First explored in 1826 by Captain Herd, the deep water harbour is consider one of the finest in the world and this point was a major factor in the decision to site the first organised settlement of the New Zealand Company here.
"Windy Wellington" is often buffeted by strong winds whipped up in the Cook Strait, the stretch of water separating the North and South Islands. It is the worlds southern most capital city and the only city in the world that lies within the "roaring forties" latitudes.
The mix of modern high rise, colonial historic and wonderful timber villas that cling to the hillsides give the city a true diversity and a fitting mix for a capital with a rich history. The executive offices of Parliament are one of the more well known landmarks in the city and the nickname "The Beehive" is very apt. Government Buildings opposite the beehive is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Restored to its 1876 glory it's now open to the public.
Wellington is also home to a selection of great museums such as Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum (not to be missed), The National Library and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea.
For some great views of the city and the harbour take the Cable Car from Lambton Quay up into the hills of Kelburn, 130 metres above the city. The ride terminates in the botanic gardens, a 26 hectare park with rose, fern, succulents, exotic trees and native forest displays.
Another great vantage point is Mt. Victoria. If you're felling energetic take a stroll along the waterfront cafes of oriental bay and walk to the top of the hill. Great views across to the Hutt Valley can be enjoyed. The cannon on the summit dates back to 1877.
Wellington has excellent shopping, theatre, cafes and restaurants and being only 2 kilometres wide the majority can easily be explored on foot. The capital's proximity to the sea, the mountains of the Rimutakas and Tararuas, the rolling countryside and wine regions of the Wairarapa provide a myriad of opportunities for adventure or relaxation.
Just around 1 1/2 hours drive east is the town of Martinborough. This boutique wine growing area is a popular destination to enjoy some tasting tours or a relaxing lunch. The Cape Palliser Coastline is also one of New Zealand's most rugged regions and is a haven for wildlife.
A great way to see the city sights is on a Flat Earth half day sightseeing tour or a Lord of the Rings tour.

Day 17

Explore more of Wellington before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.