Day 01 – Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! A Kirra Tours representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 3 and a half stars - Mercure Windsor Hotel – Auckland
Day 02 – Auckland / Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland and drive north to Paihia where our local Maori guide will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to Waitangi for a self guided tour. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and famous “Hole in the Rock”, located at the very northern tip of Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 2 Nights – Tanoa Hotel – Paihia
Day 03 – Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available, your Coach Captain will happily assist with arranging activities for you. Why not try a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point and enjoy a drive along Ninety Mile Beach. Enjoy amazing views and see where the Tasman Sea collides with the Pacific Ocean. Or you can choose to
explore historic Russell, New Zealand’s first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum. (B)
Overnight accommodation: 4 stars - Tanoa Hotel – Paihia
Day 04 – Bay of Islands / Rotorua
Head South to Auckland, then cross the Bombay Hills and travel through Waikato and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to the thermal city of Rotorua, known as the centre of Maori culture in New Zealand. (B)
Did you know?
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city with a population of over 1.3 million people – home to one third of New Zealanders. It is the world’s largest Polynesian city. It is known as the ‘City of Sails’ and has more boats per head of population than any other city in the world. It is also the only city in the world built on an active volcano field.
Overnight accommodation: 2 Nights – 4 stars - Kingsgate – Rotorua
Day 05 – Rotorua
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome, one of New Zealand’s most loved tourist attractions, and home to the multi award winning Sheep Show. There will be some free time this afternoon for you to either explore this thermal city or take advantage of the many optional activities available. A great option is to sit back and relax in a picturesque, tranquil setting overlooking Lake Rotorua at Polynesian Spas. Visitors can enjoy a wonderful fusion of relaxing hot spring pool bathing, sumptuous spa and massage therapies and picturesque lake views. This evening enjoy a Maori Cultural Performance and traditional Maori hangi (meal). (B,H)
Overnight accommodation: 4 star Kingsgate – Rotorua
Day 06 – Rotorua / Wellington
This morning we depart the thermal city and drive past the world’s largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity. Stop to view the powerful Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through the narrow chasm and pause at Lake Taupo. Continue south to the capital city Wellington where you will take a tour of the city before having an opportunity to explore the city yourself. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 2 Nights – 3 and a half star - Hotel Ibis – Wellington
Day 07 – Wellington
Today is at your leisure, your Coach Captain will be able to recommend to you many optional activities. We recommend that you explore Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, set in a breathtaking location on Wellington’s beautiful waterfront. Ensure you make a stop at Cuba Street, a haven for coffee lovers. It also boasts the finest bars and restaurants in New Zealand and is home to the two most recent winners of the prestigious Cuisine New Zealand Restaurant of the Year supreme award. Tonight’s dinner is at your leisure. (B)
Don’t miss the museum of New Zealand, Te Papa
Located on the Wellington waterfront, Te Papa is an amazing collection of national treasures and stories. Explore a carved Marae, walk through living native bush and be shaken in the Earthquake house. Spanning 5 floors, there is plenty to see and do hence why this museum has attracted over 17 million visitors since it opened in 1998.
Overnight accommodation: 3 and a half star- Hotel Ibis – Wellington
Day 08 – Wellington / Home
Today is goodbye to all your newfound friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Wellington International Airport to join your flight home. (B)
