New Zealand Bus Tour: North Island Highlights
Northland
Photographer: Rob Suisted
(www.naturespic.com)
DAY 1 - Arrive Auckland
Arrive in the sparkling city of Auckland - New Zealand's City of Sails. You are met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation. If time permits we suggest a sailing cruise on the Waitemata Harbour or a visit to the Auckland Museum to see the world's finest display of Māori artefacts.
Stay: Auckland (1 night)
DAY 2 - Auckland – Bay of Islands
Travel northwards by sightseeing coach through lush farmland to New Zealand's northern most regions. On arrival in Paihia you visit the Waitangi Treaty House, where the historic Waitangi Treaty was signed in 1840 between the Māori chiefs and the British Empire.
Stay: Paihia, Bay of Islands (2 nights)
DAY 3 - Bay of Islands
Today is a free day to explore this beautiful region. A visit to Cape Reinga and cruises of the bays that include 'swimming with the dolphins' options are also highlights of this region. Or you may simply choose to relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.
DAY 4 - Bay of Islands – Auckland
Depart aboard a Fullers' catamaran for your Cape Brett "Hole in the Rock" cruise. Journey out past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before continuing on to Motukokako Island, and the famous Hole in the Rock. Cruise through the rock and on to the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave. On your return journey, a stop will be made at Otehei Bay, where you will have the chance to take a leisurely walk or a swim in the sea. Later this afternoon travel from the Bay of Islands back to Auckland.
Waitomo, Waikato
Photographer: Absolute Adventure
(www.absoluteadventure.co.nz)
DAY 5 - Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Leave the big city behind and journey by sightseeing coach alongside the Waikato River - lifeblood to the fertile farmlands on the plain. At Waitomo follow your guide past amazing limestone formations before taking your place on the small boat and gliding silently into the glow worm grotto. Cross the Waikato River and continue to Rotorua - New Zealand's thermal wonderland and centre of Māori culture.
Stay: Rotorua (2 nights)
Photographer: Tourism Rotorua
(marketing@tourism.rdc.govt.nz)
DAY 6 - Rotorua
This morning enjoy a 'Hop on, Hop off' Sightseeing tour where we have included visits to a nature reserve. You will have the opportunity to view many native species of flora and fauna including living examples of New Zealand's national emblem - the Kiwi bird. Visit Te Puia and see a range of geothermal features from sputtering mud pools, mysterious hot springs, remarkable silica formations and spouting geysers at one of the thermal reserves. And lastly enjoy the amusing and informative show at the Agrodome. This afternoon you may wish to fish for trophy trout or just relax and soak in a thermal spa. Tonight journey to a local Marae for a Māori Hangi (feast, food cooked in the ground) and cultural concert.
DAY 7 - Rotorua – Auckland
Retrace your steps to Auckland by coach where your tour ends.
Stay: Auckland (1 night)
DAY 8 - Depart Auckland
A departure transfer is provided to Auckland International Airport.
North Island Highlights Holiday Package Prices
01 May 2015 - 30 September 2015 - Tour prices start from NZ$1,470.00 per person share twin
01 October 2015 - 30 April 2016 - Tour prices start from NZ$1,594.00 per person share twin
- Prices based on budget accommodation and two persons travelling together
- Prices based on seat on coach transport
- Costs do not include international or domestic airfares
Popular (mid range) and superior accommodation options available on request.
Tour Highlights:
- Cape Brett Cruise in Bay of Islands
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
- Rotorua Sightseeing including three attractions
- Hangi feast and cultural performance in Rotorua
Booking Code: AKL-B
Other New Zealand Bus Tour Packages
[Snapshot of New Zealand] [North Island Highlights] [Scenic Spectacular] [Classic New Zealand] [Fiords and Whales] [Nature Encounter]
