North Island - Top Half (11 nights)
Auckland (2) - Waipoua (1) - Bay of Islands (2) - Matakana (1) - Coromandel Peninsula (2) - Rotorua (2) - Taupo (1) - Waitomo Caves en route to Auckland
Auckland (2) - Waipoua (1) - Bay of Islands (2) - Matakana (1) - Coromandel Peninsula (2) - Rotorua (2) - Taupo (1) - Waitomo Caves en route to Auckland
AUCKLAND :
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and sits at between two harbours. Geographically blessed the city is surrounded by wonderful beaches, native forrests and a series of volcanic cones.
With a warm temperate climate, outdoor activities are enjoyable most of the year round. Culturally diverse the city offers an array of colourful festivals and concerts over the summer months, and has a thriving arts scence to explore.
About Auckland
Recommended Sightseeing: Waiheke Island Food & Wine Tour | Waiheke Island Sights & Artisan Tour |
America's Cup Sailing | City & Beaches Tour | Sea Plane Flight Seeing | Auckland Harbour Cruise | Sky Tower
Recommended Accommodation 5* Hotels - Sofitel | Hilton | Sky City Grand
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and sits at between two harbours. Geographically blessed the city is surrounded by wonderful beaches, native forrests and a series of volcanic cones.
With a warm temperate climate, outdoor activities are enjoyable most of the year round. Culturally diverse the city offers an array of colourful festivals and concerts over the summer months, and has a thriving arts scence to explore.
About Auckland
- Walking, hiking and biking options are in close proximity and cater for all levels of experience
- Visit vastly different coast lines in a day from the wild black sand beaches on the West Coast then on to the gentle white sand beaches on the East Coast
- Known as the 'City Of Sails' there are opportunities to get out on the harbour and try your hand at sailing an America's Cup yacht
- Thanks to a culturally diverse population dinning options are endless offering the best from all cultures in both a casual or fine dinning setting.
- Waiheke Island is a 35 min ferry ride from the city and offers wonderful beaches, great wineries and eateries plus a relaxed laid back atmosphere loved by all who visit
Recommended Sightseeing: Waiheke Island Food & Wine Tour | Waiheke Island Sights & Artisan Tour |
America's Cup Sailing | City & Beaches Tour | Sea Plane Flight Seeing | Auckland Harbour Cruise | Sky Tower
Recommended Accommodation 5* Hotels - Sofitel | Hilton | Sky City Grand
WAIPOUA:
Todays departure from Auckland takes you north to Waipoua Forrest and the Kauri Coast. The drive north heads along the less travelled west coast and around the Kaipara Harbour. Along the journey you'll have time to stop and visit the Kauri Museum in Matakohe.
The Kauri Museum gives an insight into what life was like for our early pioneering settlers and shows through the galleries the demise of the mighty Kauri tree, through the development of pioneering life.
About Waipoua
Distance from Auckland to Waipoua - 240 kms / (3.5hrs)
Recommended Sightseeing: Waipoua Forest
Recommended Accommodation Superior 4* - Waipoua Lodge
Todays departure from Auckland takes you north to Waipoua Forrest and the Kauri Coast. The drive north heads along the less travelled west coast and around the Kaipara Harbour. Along the journey you'll have time to stop and visit the Kauri Museum in Matakohe.
The Kauri Museum gives an insight into what life was like for our early pioneering settlers and shows through the galleries the demise of the mighty Kauri tree, through the development of pioneering life.
About Waipoua
- Of all New Zealand’s kauri forests, Waipoua Forest is the most famous
- Waipoua Forest is the largest remaining native forest in Northland and home to many rare birds
- Tane Mahuta is the country's largest Kauri tree at approximately 2,000 years old
- Nearly 18 metres to the first branch and 4.4 metres in diameter Tane Mahuta truly is the 'Lord of the Forest'
Distance from Auckland to Waipoua - 240 kms / (3.5hrs)
Recommended Sightseeing: Waipoua Forest
Recommended Accommodation Superior 4* - Waipoua Lodge
BAY OF ISLANDS :
As you drive on from Waipoua towards the Bay of Islands, you'll continue north and visit the historic townships of Opononi and Omapere. A white sand beach stretches all the way to Opononi Wharf, where you can catch a water taxi to the giant sand dunes on the other side of the harbour.
As you cross from the west to east coasts you soon arrive at the 'winterless north' Bay of Islands. Time to head to the beach for a swim of find a shady spot to enjoy a cold beer.
About the Bay Of Islands
Distance from Waipoua to the Bay Of Islands (Paihia) - 130 kms / (2hrs 10)
Recommended Sightseeing: Waitangi Treaty Grounds | Sailing Day Tour | Cruise to Hole in the Rock |
Scenic Flight Cape Reinga half day tour fly in / out | Quad Bike Tour - 90 Mile Beach | Cultural Waka (canoe) Tour
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges - Kauri Cliffs Lodge | Eagles Nest | Helena Bay Lodge
Recommended Accommodation 5* Hotel/Suites - Paihia Beach Resort | Waterfront Suites Pahia
As you drive on from Waipoua towards the Bay of Islands, you'll continue north and visit the historic townships of Opononi and Omapere. A white sand beach stretches all the way to Opononi Wharf, where you can catch a water taxi to the giant sand dunes on the other side of the harbour.
As you cross from the west to east coasts you soon arrive at the 'winterless north' Bay of Islands. Time to head to the beach for a swim of find a shady spot to enjoy a cold beer.
About the Bay Of Islands
- Made up of 144 islands and a handful of small historic towns there are many ways to explore this area by land, sea or air
- Historically significant and known as the 'birth place of the nation' The tiny village of Russell was the first sea port, and first European settlement. Original street names and layout still remain from its beginnings in 1843
- Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where our founding document was signed on 6th February 1840 by many of the North Island Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown
- Fishing, kayaking and sailing opportunities abound from short cruises to full day fishing trips
- Visit Cape Reinga at the very top of the island and witness the rare and powerful sight of two bodies of water coming together - the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea
Distance from Waipoua to the Bay Of Islands (Paihia) - 130 kms / (2hrs 10)
Recommended Sightseeing: Waitangi Treaty Grounds | Sailing Day Tour | Cruise to Hole in the Rock |
Scenic Flight Cape Reinga half day tour fly in / out | Quad Bike Tour - 90 Mile Beach | Cultural Waka (canoe) Tour
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges - Kauri Cliffs Lodge | Eagles Nest | Helena Bay Lodge
Recommended Accommodation 5* Hotel/Suites - Paihia Beach Resort | Waterfront Suites Pahia
MATAKANA :
Driving south from the Bay of Islands down the picturesque east coast, you'll come to the quaint country village of Matakana. Surrounded by rolling countryside the village square has everything you need for a short stay - boutique shops to browse, lovely riverside eateries and wine bars, a boutique cinema and lots of ambience!
If you happen to arrive at Matakana on a Saturday you'll be be in time for the lovely farmers market, a taste sensation of local produce and entertainment.
About Matakana
Distance Bay of Islands to Matakana - 170 kms / (2hrs 30)
Recommended Sightseeing: Brick Bay Sculpture Trail | Kawau Island Mail Run Cruise
Recommended Accommodation 5* Boutique - Takatu Lodge
Driving south from the Bay of Islands down the picturesque east coast, you'll come to the quaint country village of Matakana. Surrounded by rolling countryside the village square has everything you need for a short stay - boutique shops to browse, lovely riverside eateries and wine bars, a boutique cinema and lots of ambience!
If you happen to arrive at Matakana on a Saturday you'll be be in time for the lovely farmers market, a taste sensation of local produce and entertainment.
About Matakana
- Visit Brick Bay Sculpture Park where you can enjoy a bite to eat and a glass of wine at the end of your walk through of the park
- Take a short boat ride to historic Kawau Island, or if time permits join the mail run boat trip to see the hidden bays where locals live on this island paradise.
Distance Bay of Islands to Matakana - 170 kms / (2hrs 30)
Recommended Sightseeing: Brick Bay Sculpture Trail | Kawau Island Mail Run Cruise
Recommended Accommodation 5* Boutique - Takatu Lodge
COROMANDEL :
Renowned for its natural beauty, green pastures, magical rainforests and pristine golden beaches, The Coromandel Peninsula is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to escape for a day or two during your road trip.
Laid back locals make you feel welcome and are only too willing to share their knowledge as to where you might like to go for a day of quiet relaxation as the busy summer season takes hold.
About the Coromandel Peninsula
Distance Matakana to Whitianga (Coromandel) 257 kms / (3 hrs 20)
Recommended Sightseeing: Hot Water Beach | Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour | Driving Creek Railway
Recommended Accommodation Superior 4* - 970 Lonely Bay Lodge | Colleith Lodge
Renowned for its natural beauty, green pastures, magical rainforests and pristine golden beaches, The Coromandel Peninsula is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to escape for a day or two during your road trip.
Laid back locals make you feel welcome and are only too willing to share their knowledge as to where you might like to go for a day of quiet relaxation as the busy summer season takes hold.
About the Coromandel Peninsula
- Visit New Chum Beach - consistently voted as one of the world's top beaches only accessible by foot or private boat
- Experience Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, which covers 9 square kilometres and is New Zealand’s sixth marine reserve.
- Have a hot bath at Hot Water Beach! within two hours either side of low tide you can dig your own natural spa in the sand as the hot water bubbles up through the golden sand
- Kayaking, snorkeling relaxing at any number of golden beaches is the perfect place to unwind and do nothing much for a day or two
Distance Matakana to Whitianga (Coromandel) 257 kms / (3 hrs 20)
Recommended Sightseeing: Hot Water Beach | Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour | Driving Creek Railway
Recommended Accommodation Superior 4* - 970 Lonely Bay Lodge | Colleith Lodge
ROTORUA :
The first thing you'll notice as you arrive into Rotorua is the strong smell of sulpha that permeates the air! Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is renowned for its fascinating Maori culture, hot springs, boiling mud pools, spouting geysers, warm geothermal springs and native forests.
Rotorua is an area rich in Maori history and is home to the Te Arawa people who settled here some 600 years ago. Today they offer you the opportunity to experience authentic traditional Maori culture in it's many forms from a 'Kapa Haka' concert to watching local craftsmen carving and weaving just as their ancestors have done for hundreds of years.
About Rotorua
Recommended Sightseeing: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Reserve | Mitai Maori Village Cultural Evening Hangi |
Te Puia Thermal and Maori Cultural Centre | Waimangu Volcanic Valley walk and Boat Cruise |
Rotorua Canopy Tours | Redwoods Treewalk | Wingspan Falconry | Volcanic Air Tour White Island
Distance from Whitianga to Rotoura - 231 kms / (3hrs 10)
Recommended Accommodation Superior 4* Hotel - Lodge The Black Swan
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges - Treetops Lodge | Solitaire Lodge
The first thing you'll notice as you arrive into Rotorua is the strong smell of sulpha that permeates the air! Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is renowned for its fascinating Maori culture, hot springs, boiling mud pools, spouting geysers, warm geothermal springs and native forests.
Rotorua is an area rich in Maori history and is home to the Te Arawa people who settled here some 600 years ago. Today they offer you the opportunity to experience authentic traditional Maori culture in it's many forms from a 'Kapa Haka' concert to watching local craftsmen carving and weaving just as their ancestors have done for hundreds of years.
About Rotorua
- Visit the geothermal wonders that have captivated tourists for hundreds of years. Watch the giant geysers erupt and bubbling mud pools blip away as you pass by
- Spend an entertaining evening at a traditional 'Hangi' (underground bbq cooked with hot rocks) and 'Kapa Haka' show, which is the traditional chants, choral singing and skillful use of 'Poi' and sticks. No night out at these shows is complete with out a 'Haka' or war dance to complete your cultural experience.
- Soak in a naturally heated outdoor hot pool, smother yourself with the healing mud before washing off and feeling like you've just stepped out of a very expensive spa!
- If the great outdoors is what you're after then Rotorua has it all, from epic bike trails, zip lining, treetop canopy walks, and options to get out on the crystal clear lakes that abound
- Take in a farm tour for an upclose look at how a typical New Zealand farm operates
- Helicopter out to White Island where you will land on this living steaming volcano
Recommended Sightseeing: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Reserve | Mitai Maori Village Cultural Evening Hangi |
Te Puia Thermal and Maori Cultural Centre | Waimangu Volcanic Valley walk and Boat Cruise |
Rotorua Canopy Tours | Redwoods Treewalk | Wingspan Falconry | Volcanic Air Tour White Island
Distance from Whitianga to Rotoura - 231 kms / (3hrs 10)
Recommended Accommodation Superior 4* Hotel - Lodge The Black Swan
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges - Treetops Lodge | Solitaire Lodge
LAKE TAUPO
The Great Lake Taupo region is 'Nature's Ultimate Playground’, centrally located in the middle of the North Island, it’s an adventure and sporting mecca and a nature-lover's paradise. The region is one of New Zealand's top tourist destinations with beautiful forests, volcanic mountains and the north islands largest lake Taupo.
Experience the raw beauty of the dual World Heritage area of Tongariro National Park on one of the many walks or simply relax in one of the region’s geothermal hot springs.
About Taupo
Distance from Rotorua to Taupo - 82 kms / (1hr)
Recommended Sightseeing: Huka Falls Jet Boat | Lake Cruise | Scenic Flight Lakes and
Mountains | Orakei Korako Geyserland
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodge - Huka Lodge | Kinloch Lodge
Recommended Accommodation 5* Hotel / Boutique - Hilton | The Point Villas
The Great Lake Taupo region is 'Nature's Ultimate Playground’, centrally located in the middle of the North Island, it’s an adventure and sporting mecca and a nature-lover's paradise. The region is one of New Zealand's top tourist destinations with beautiful forests, volcanic mountains and the north islands largest lake Taupo.
Experience the raw beauty of the dual World Heritage area of Tongariro National Park on one of the many walks or simply relax in one of the region’s geothermal hot springs.
About Taupo
- Visit the amazing Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second.
- Take a boat trip out on the mighty Lake Taupo where you can visit ancient Maori rock carvings and just enjoy the tranquility of the lake
- The Taupo area is home to the North Island's best fly fishing and anglers from aroud the world visit regularly to test their skill and reap the benefits of their catch
- Take a scenic flight over the lake and Central Plateau's magnificent mountain range, or out to White Island which is a living active volcano.
Distance from Rotorua to Taupo - 82 kms / (1hr)
Recommended Sightseeing: Huka Falls Jet Boat | Lake Cruise | Scenic Flight Lakes and
Mountains | Orakei Korako Geyserland
Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodge - Huka Lodge | Kinloch Lodge
Recommended Accommodation 5* Hotel / Boutique - Hilton | The Point Villas
WAITOMO CAVES - AUCKLAND
On your way back to Auckland today a must do stop enroute is a visit to the Waitomo Caves. The magical Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors to the Central North Island for more than 120 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and luminescent glowworms.
The caves are located beneath the rolling green countryside of the King Country, one of New Zealand’s prime farming regions. Visiting Waitomo Caves is an unforgettable experience – you’ll walk through majestic caverns, discover limestone shafts, marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a boat ride through a grotto lit by thousands of tiny native New Zealand glowworms.
Distance from Taupo to Waitomo - 151 kms / (1 hr 20mins)
At the end of your tour through the caves your onward journey back to Auckland will take approx. 2 hours.
Waitomo Caves
On your way back to Auckland today a must do stop enroute is a visit to the Waitomo Caves. The magical Waitomo Caves have been attracting visitors to the Central North Island for more than 120 years, thanks to their incredible limestone formations and luminescent glowworms.
The caves are located beneath the rolling green countryside of the King Country, one of New Zealand’s prime farming regions. Visiting Waitomo Caves is an unforgettable experience – you’ll walk through majestic caverns, discover limestone shafts, marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a boat ride through a grotto lit by thousands of tiny native New Zealand glowworms.
Distance from Taupo to Waitomo - 151 kms / (1 hr 20mins)
At the end of your tour through the caves your onward journey back to Auckland will take approx. 2 hours.
Waitomo Caves