Northern Explorer Tour

Day 1

Arrive in Auckland

Today you’ll arrive in Auckland and be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: Rydges Auckland Hotel

Day 2-3

Bay of Islands

After breakfast on day two you’ll head north to one of the North Island’s truly beautiful destinations – the Bay of Islands. On the way you’ll stop off in the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve, famous for its iconic Kauri trees. Here you’ll take a walk in the forest and learn about the trees. Afterwards you’ll continue on to the Bay of Islands where you’ll visit the place where the Waitangi Treaty was signed between the Maori and the British government.

On day three you’ll have leisure time to explore the area. You could choose to relax on one of the lovely beaches, explore the scenery from a walking track or visit a local town to sample a restaurant.

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands (Two breakfasts and one dinner included)

Day 4

Bay of Islands/Auckland

Today you’ll cruise to Lake Brett where you’ll be treated to views of some of New Zealand’s most impressive wildlife including dolphins, seals, penguins and even whales. You’ll then continue on to the see the Hole in the Rock, a famous sandstone arch. You’ll then return to Auckland by coach for a relaxed dinner

Overnight: Rydges Auckland Hotel (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 5

Waitomo/Rotorua

Today you’ll visit the wonderful glow-worm caves of Waitomo where you’ll see thousands of these tiny creatures lighting up a space underground with a local tour guide – a truly magical sight. You’ll then continue on to the famous geothermal area of Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s most popular destinations. Here you’ll learn about the fascinating Maori culture before heading to the wonderful Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley to see the hot springs and mud pools. In the evening enjoy a Maori Hangi Feast with performances of song and dance with the locals.

Overnight: Rydges Rotorua (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 6

Rotorua

Today you’ll take a cruise on Lake Rotorua before continuing onwards to one of New Zealand’s favourite attractions: the Agrodome. Here you’ll see sheep shearing demonstrations, dog trials and animal nurseries as well as learning about the practices of modern farming. Later on you can opt to take a helicopter flight above New Zealand’s only active White Island volcano (own expense).

Overnight: Rydges Rotorua (Breakfast included)

Day 7

Taupo/Wellington

On day seven you’ll depart Rotorua and visit Lake Taupo and the powerful Huka Falls – some truly jaw-dropping scenery. You’ll then head south to Tongariro National Park and cross into the capital of New Zealand, Wellington. Here you can do some sightseeing.

Overnight: Travelodge Wellington (Breakfast included)

Day 8

Wellington

After breakfast you’ll be transferred from your hotel to the airport.

(Breakfast included)