Itinerary

DAY 1

• Pickup from Auckland, Rotorua or Tauranga accommodation approx. 8.30 am by Aotearoa tour Driver/Guide.
• Travel along the Seabird Coast to Miranda Shorebird Centre, home to many migratory birds.
• Continue on to Thames and along the picturesque coast road to Rapaura Water Gardens, a wonderful combination of waterfalls, ponds and gardens.
• In historic Coromandel town ride aboard the narrow gauge train at Driving Creek Rail and hear about the reforestation programme in place here.
• Walk the easy track to see the majestic 309 Rd Kauri.
• Continue on to Whitianga and stay the next two nights at Aotearoa Lodge, 70 Racecourse Road, Whitianga. A quiet rural location, close to beach and town, self-service continental breakfast, restaurant dinner voucher, inviting guest lounge, welcoming hospitality.

DAY 2

• Depart accommodation at 9.00 am for two half day tours. These tours are arranged according to when low tide is and may incorporate crossing on the Whitianga Ferry to Ferry Landing. The unique Hot Water Beach is best visited during low tide.
• Eastern Beaches - Travel through Coroglen, formerly known as Gumtown in the kauri gum and timber heydays and the farm lands of Whenuakite.
• At Hot Water Beach, paddle your feet or soak in natural hot water pools dug in the sands beside the ocean (pending low tide times).
• See spectacular scenery of Te Whanganui A Hei Marine Reserve, Hahei from Cathedral Cove Lookout and of Cook’s Beach and Greater Mercury Bay from Shakespeare Cliff.
• Continue with the Northern Beaches Tour.
• Travel past the Ke Te Ra Matiti Marae at Wharekaho visited by Cook and Banks in 1769. Hear the fascinating history of the early gold mining era around Kuaotunu.
• Great views of the Mercury Islands. Walk along the pristine beach at Otama Beach Reserve and appreciate the wide expanse of the sheltered bay at Opito.
• See the developing holiday resort settlement of Matarangi.
• Return to Aotearoa Lodge.
  

DAY 3

• Free morning to enjoy own activity option at own expense -fishing, golf, horse riding, cycle hire, museum visit, shopping, bone carving, beach combing.
• Enjoy an afternoon aboard Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises and explore sea caves and Island. View Fish via underwater cam and 32” TV. Check out Cathedral Cove from aboard. Go and explore one of New Zealand’s larges sea caves “The Orua Cave” (Included in tour price)
  

DAY 4

• Visit the Bone Carving and Gallery and Museum in Whitianga
• Relax at The Lost Spring Thermal Pools and day spa (own expense)
  

DAY 5

• Depart Whitianga around lunchtime for journey to Rotorua via Tairua, Paeroa and Matamata. Enjoy the views of Pauanui from Mt Paku.
• Enjoy the hospitality and cultural exchange with a delicious traditional Hangi meal and Maori Concert in the evening. (Included in tour price)
• Staying in accommodation in Rotorua
  

DAY 6

• Depart approx. 8.30am.
• Visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Maori Art & Craft Institute. (Included in tour pricing)
• Visit Lake Rotorua for a leisure walk around the lake.
• Staying in accommodation in Rotorua
  

DAY 7

• Open day to check out: Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park, Polynesian Spa Hot Mineral Bathing and Spa Therapies.
• Skyline sky gondola rides (Own expense)
• Depart afternoon for Taupo accommodation arriving late afternoon
  

DAY 8

• Depart approx 8.30am
• Visit Huka Falls and
• Ride the most thrilling Hukafalls Jet Ride (Own expense)
• Walk around Taupo Lake or free afternoon for shopping
• Staying in Taupo accommodation
  

DAY 9

• Depart approx 8.30am
• Journey to Waitomo Glow-worm Caves 120 year of cultural and natural history
• Boat ride - marvel at the mother Natures light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glow-worm Grotto. (Included in tour price)
• Staying in Waitomo Town.
  

DAY 10

• Depart Waitomo approx 9 am
• Travel back to Auckland stopping at all the sights on the way for lots of photo’s
• Arrive Auckland late afternoon.
• Staying in Auckland over night
  

Hoho Rock at Cathedral Cove  


Baycarving -unique New Zealand souvenirs


Bushwalk - Coromandel



Pohutu Geyser - Whakarewarewa