ITINERARY:

Day 1 : Auckland to Paihia
We head north from Auckland to Paihia with stops on the way at Goat Island marine reserve, Native bird recovery centre and to see giant kauri trees. We stay 100 metres from the main beach at a lodge in the middle of Paihia for both nights. You may choose to go to the optional cultural show tonight or simply visit the town (D).

Day 2 : Day in Paihia with optional activities
Today you can choose a day of exploring the Paihia area. There are great nearby beaches, or you can walk to the historic Waitangi Treaty grounds. For those more adventurous, you will have the option of an adventure bus trip to the top of NZ visiting Cape Reinga, you arrive back late afternoon to the comfort of your lodge (No meals).

Day 3 : Paihia to Auckland
In the morning there is time to relax or visit Russell and/or the Treaty Grounds. In the afternoon we have a boat trip, which travels through the Bay of Islands taking in many of the 144 islands, and offers the chance to see dolphins and whales. We depart at 4.30pm to arrive back at Auckland around 8.00pm (No meals).

Day 4 : Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)
We head south through the ‘Waikato’ before crossing over a small mountain range and dropping down into the ‘Coromandel region’. We head to our remote beach area to hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove, explore Stingray Bay and have a chance to bathe in the natural hot pools of Hot Water Beach (tide dependent). We stay in our exclusive campsite at the beach and enjoy a BBQ. Quad share cabins only (D).

Day 5 : Hahei to Rotorua
Travelling along the stunning Coromandel Coast and passing through many idyllic beach towns, we stop for some great walks along the way. We then head to our unique Maori cultural stop at “Uncle Boys”. We enjoy a hangi meal and a concert with the local Maori, have a chance to learn the Haka for men and the Poi for women. This is a truly different experience and a great photo opportunity. From here we make the small trip to Rotorua to our accommodation for the evening (B, D).

Day 6 : Rotorua to Waitomo
This morning we explore the Rotorua area, visiting stunning lakes, geothermal areas, and hiking through Redwood forest as well as a number of adventure activities. Then we take the back road to New Zealand’s premier caving destination where you get a chance to take in the local farming culture and countryside. We do a walk where you can see the famous glowworms and give you options to do some amazing caving activities (D).

Day 7 : Waitomo to National Park
An early start this morning as we head further south to the Central Plateau and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. Today you get a chance to hike the Tongariro Crossing or for those less active there will be shorter walks and a visit to the Volcanic Centre. Tonight’s accommodation is at our exclusive lodge ‘The Park’ (B, D).

Day 8 : National Park to Wellington
Following the great day we have had in National Park we head to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. We have the afternoon to explore “Te Papa”, NZ’s national museum and strongly recommend the walk along Oriental Parade’ and/or up Mt Victoria to get the best view of the city. We stay in central Wellington accommodation tonight (B).

Day 9 : Wellington to Auckland
We will head back to Auckland via Lake Taupo. Today is a long day’s driving through picturesque New Zealand scenery, broken up with a short walk in the Taupo region (B).


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