View from Mt Paku over Tairua and Pauanui

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.
• Depart Whitianga around lunchtime for return to Auckland via Tairua. (Earlier departure if transferring to Rotorua or Tauranga).
• Views of Pauanui from Mt Paku.
• Return Auckland / Rotorua or Tauranga accommodation approx. 4.30pm.