Itinerary

Day One    Arrive Auckland
On arrival at Auckland airport you will be met and transferred to your accommodation
Accommodation: 3 Nights
The Hilton (Dlx Waterview) (5 Star)
Mollies Hotel (Premier Villa Suite)

Auckland HiltonAuckland is New Zealand’s largest city and is noted for its sparkling harbour that provides recreation for many sailors thus giving the city the nautical name of ‘City of Sails’. The climate is warm and the city provides many attractions for the international visitor.

Day Two    Auckland & the West Coast
This morning you will join a small group wilderness excursion to visit the wild and rugged West Coast. You’ll get to experience the power of nature including black sand beaches, waterfalls and lush rainforest including specimens of New Zealand’s famous Kauri trees.

In the evening you will sail Auckland Harbour for a dinner cruise. This  cruise offers magnificent views of the Harbour Bridge, shoreline suburbs, the yacht marina and many bays.

Day Three  Auckland Sightseeing
Today you enjoy another small group tour to explore the attractions of Auckland including Parnell Village, the eastern Bays region.  You’ll stop for a sumptuous fish and chips lunch at the famous Fish Pot café at Mission Bay

Day Four    Auckland/Pauanui
Collect your full size rental car this morning and commence your drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, a popular holiday destination for New Zealanders. The drive will take you through rolling countryside and native bush clad terrain to Pauanui, nestled on the shores of the Tairua Harbour.
Accommodation: 2 nights
Grand Mercure Puka Park (Bush Chalet)
includes continental breakfast daily

Day Five    Pauanui
This morning you will enjoy a half-day guided walking tour of the Coromandel’s native bush and surroundings with a local specialist guide. See the flora and fauna of the semi-tropical rainforest with giant ferns, kauri trees and crystal clear streams and visit old historic gold mining caves.

Day Six      Pauanui/Tauranga
Continue your drive today around the bays to Tauranga. The afternoon is free before you join a tour of Lake McLaren that includes a paddle into the night to view the magic of the enchanting glow worm canyon.
Accommodation: 2 nights
Hotel on Devonport (Suite)

Day Seven  Tauranga
Today is full of exciting activities we have arranged for you. Firstly you will enjoy a cruise with Butlers Cruises with the opportunity of swimming with dolphins and snorkelling.
In the afternoon you will board your helicopter for a flight to view White Island, an active volcano located out to sea off the shore of the Bay of Plenty.

Day Eight   Tauranga/Gisborne
Today’s drive takes you through ‘real New Zealand’ countryside dotted with country dwellings and farms. Cross over the Raukamara Range and drive through two forest parks before arriving in Gisborne.
Accommodation:  Opou-a House (including breakfast)

Day Nine    Gisborne/Napier
Continue on down the East Coast to the city of Napier – the ‘art deco’ capital of New Zealand. The city survived a massive earthquake in 1931 and it was decided to rebuild many of the city dwellings in the art deco style. These buildings have been lovingly restored attracting annual festivals and events. The area is also famous for its many excellent wineries that produce some of New Zealand’s best vintages.
Accommodation:  Te Pania Hotel
The County Hotel (B&B)

Day Ten     Napier/Wellington
Pass through Havelock North and Hastings as you travel south and cross over the Rimutaka Ranges before arriving in New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. The landscape is dotted with wineries, many of which are open for visitors.
Accommodation: 3 Nights
The Bolton (1 Bdrm Suite)
298 Oriental Parade (B&B)

Day Eleven Wellington
Today you will be the guest of Flat Earth Tours to experience the myths and legends of the Wellington Harbour and early Maori settlements,  and a guided tour of the Museum of New Zealand, Te papa Tongarwea.

Day Twelve Wellington
Sample some of the best food New Zealand has to offer as you stroll to many of Wellington’s best food outlets, such as chocolate and coffee shops and fruit and vegetable markets, with Zest Food Tours as your hosts.

Day Thirteen       Depart Wellington
Return you rental car to Wellington Airport where your tour ends.

More information from Springboard Vacations:

• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips