Day 01 – Arrive Wellington
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 star - Hotel Ibis – Wellington
Day 02 – Wellington / Taupo / Rotorua
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island and on a clear day, the South Island. Cross rolling farmland to the central North Island National Park, dominated by the volcanic Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Stop at Huka Falls, the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand, before continuing on your journey to reach Rotorua. Tonight’s dinner is at your leisure. (B)
Overnight accommodation: 2 Nights – 4 star - Kingsgate – Rotorua
Day 03 – Rotorua
Begin your day in Rotorua with a visit to the Agrodome to see New Zealand’s various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration, then this afternoon you have free time for optional activities. This evening enjoy a traditional Maori hangi (meal), followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group). (B,H)
Overnight accommodation: Kingsgate – 4 star - Rotorua
Day 04 – Rotorua / Waitomo / Hamilton
Pass through the Waikato region enroute to Waitomo where a guide will escort you underground to the limestone caverns and magnificent glow worm grotto. This afternoon you have the opportunity to explore Hamilton at your leisure. Why not take a stroll through Hamilton Gardens or try your luck at the local casino. Your Coach Captain will happily assist in arranging optional activities this afternoon. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 3 and a half star - Hotel Ibis – Hamilton Tainui
Day 05 – Hamilton / Bay of Islands
Departing Hamilton, you travel alongside the Waikato River before crossing the Bombay Hills to reach Auckland. Travel north to the Matakohe Kauri Museum. Learn about the Kauri tree and the history of the regions early settlement. Continue to Paihia where we meet our local Maori guide who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to New Zealand’s birthplace, Waitangi. Enjoy a self guided tour through the famous Treaty House where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 2 Nights – 4 star - Tanoa Hotel – Paihia
Day 06 – Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available in this magnificent region. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. Why not try a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach. Or choose to explore historic Russell, New Zealand’s first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum. (B)
Did you know?
The Bay of Islands was how Captain Cook described the area two centuries ago, and the simplicity of his name masks the diversity of its charms. Considered the cradle of Polynesian and European settlement in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is rich in history and natural beauty.
Considered the finest Maritime Park in New Zealand with its 140 islands, secluded bays, an abundance of marine life and spectacular scenery, the Bay of Islands is an ideal place to use as a base for expeditions to other Northland destinations including Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the mighty Pacific Ocean.
Overnight accommodation: 4 star - Tanoa Hotel – Paihia
Day 07 – Bay of Islands / Auckland
A launch cruise will take you across the Bay to Cape Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock”. Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth to Auckland where you will embark on a brief city tour before you arrive at your accommodation. This afternoon is at your leisure. We recommend you visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for superb city and harbour views, the downtown area and Waterfront Drive. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 3 and a half star - Mercure Windsor Hotel – Auckland
Day 08 – Auckland / Home
It is time to farewell your travelling companions. You will be transferred to Auckland International Airport to join your flight home. (B)
