Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland

Auckland is the largest city in the country, and has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. It is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate major bodies of water. Auckland is popularly known as the "City of Sails" because the harbour is often dotted with hundreds of yachts, in fact over 135,000 are registered in the city. Many national treasures are displayed at the Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland War Memorial Museum, the National Maritime Museum, or the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT). Exotic creatures can be observed at the Auckland Zoo and Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World.

Hotel to International/Domestic Airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

A guided climb of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Learn about the history of Auckland, the construction of the bridge as well as volcanic and cultural aspects of the region. 1 1/2 Hour return trip from check-in to return, including bungy viewing, exploring the 'Nippon clippon' lanes, inside Pier 3 and the scenic views from the upper span of the bridge overarch.

Centrally located in Auckland, this property is near Queen Street Shopping District, Sky Tower, and Auckland City Hall. Additional nearby points of interest include Auckland War Memorial Museum. Guestrooms have premium bedding, air conditioning, and slippers; rooms also include refrigerators, separate bathtubs and showers, and bathrobes. At Stamford Plaza Auckland recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. The property also provides a business center, a concierge desk, and a porter/bellhop.

Overnight at Stamford Plaza .

Day 2 Auckland

After being picked up from your hotel, travel west to the Arataki Centre, doorway to the Waitakere Ranges and from its sweeping decks take in the breathtaking panoramic views extending from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the area’s history and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings that stand guard there. Continue further west with our knowledgeable and highly experienced guides to the wild and rugged West Coast where you get to experience the power of nature. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. Unwind by a beautiful cascading waterfall. A short journey brings you to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand’s giant tree ferns and hear native birds. Visit a magnificent specimen of New Zealand’s famous Kauri trees.

You will have two hours sailing in a real America's Cup yacht on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Try your hand at the wheel, or grinding, help to hoist the sails, and enjoy the peace of being on the water, under sail.

Overnight at Stamford Plaza .

Day 3 Rotorua

Rotorua is a city on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island. It is also home to botanical gardens and interesting historic architecture. Known as a spa town and major tourist resort since the 1800s, many of its buildings hint at this history, particularly Government Gardens at the eastern end of the town. Another of Rotorua's attractions is the mountain biking. Whakarewarewa (also known as the "Redwoods") Forest has been described as 'the Disneyland of mountain biking' and has some of the best mountain bike trails in New Zealand.

Enjoy a day trip from Auckland to Rotorua through lush rolling farm landscape to the mystical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. After lunch (own expense) enjoy a guided tour through the galleries and lofty chambers of the Caves. Your tour culminates with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - lit up by thousands of tiny living lights. View the unique Waitomo glowworms, as expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves historical and geological significance. Enjoy the limestone shafts, stunning Cathedral cavern and then take a unique boat ride through the glowworm grotto.

The seething power of inner earth comes to the surface in Rotorua. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Maori people. Rotorua farmstays provide the opportunity to participate in a genuine Kiwi farming experience. Rotorua farmstay accommodation may include farm tours and fun farm animal activities depending on the farm on which you are staying.

Overnight at Farmstay.

Day 4 Rotorua

The unique geothermal muds and waters of Rotorua are renowned for their curative and invigorating properties—and this is particularly so at “Hells Gate” - Rotorua’s most active thermal park. Hells Gate Geothermal Park is set in 50 acres with a large variety of thermal features. Walk past steaming fumeroles and hot pools of boiling mud so violent they are unnerving. Wai Ora Spa Facility is where visitors can experience the unique geothermal mud and sulphurous waters in privacy as well as in a totally unique environment. There are three private mud baths in the Wai Ora (“Healthy Waters”) Spa Facility – one family and two three-person baths each containing in excess of 70-100kgs of the finest geothermal muds in both suspended and solid form.

Collected from your hotel and transferred to Te Puia Thermal Park. Join a 90 minute guided Tour of Te Puia and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where History is carved and woven into meeting houses, canoes, weapons and jewellery. You will also experience the wonders of the thermal area by stepping into an ancient valley where geysers, mud pools and boiling waters still play after 40,000 years. Following your tour enjoy the Te Po is Te Puia’s evening cultural dining experience. It is a feast of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Maori kai (indigenous food). Feel the spirit of Te Puia at night and experience our heritage - a living legacy of people, culture and place. Return to your hotel by a Te Puia.

Escape to The Regent of Rotorua, Rotorua’s newest designer 5 star Boutique Hotel & Spa offering stylish luxury accommodation, restaurant, wine & cocktail bar, all with a touch of glamour. An oasis of understated hip contemporary elegance and comfort amidst the exciting attractions and experiences Rotorua has to offer. Step out of the calm of your gorgeous room or suite and stroll to the vibrant restaurant zone or lakefront area….or simply stay in, relax and savour the hotel's luxury facilities.

Overnight at Regent of Rotorua.

Day 5 Rotorua

Make your way to theTongariro National Park ; a region well-recognised for its natural and cultural significance, being awarded the prestigious Dual Heritage Status for its outstanding volcanic terrain and extensive Maori history. While experiencing this unique region, you will have the opportunity to join a professional outdoor guide in hiking the Mt. Ruapehu Crater Lake climb, an amazing 10km adventure traversing through a mix of active volcanic and glacial terrain. At the top of Mt. Ruapehu Crater you will be able to enjoy beautiful views of the geothermal waters in Crater Lake and spectacular sights of the surrounding region before returning to our point of origin, approximately 7 hours hiking in total. Please note that Mt. Ruapehu is an active volcano at higher elevations, and this hike may be subject to Volcanic and Snow warnings. There is option for a shorter hike, riding the Whakapapa Chairlifts to Knoll Ridge, and then completing the remaining 7kms in approximately 5 hours hiking time. Both hikes will require a reasonable level of fitness. If snow or volcanic warnings should prevent this hike from being accessible, we will have the choice of many other beautiful tracks to choose from in this stunning region.

Overnight at Regent of Rotorua.
    
Day 6 Rotorua

The perfect day for families and adventurer's when in Rotorua. This includes 2-3 hours of superb Mountain biking, and extreme Kaituna Waterfall Rafting, a delicious lunch in a local bakery/cafe and a beautiful Kayak on Lake Rotoiti to thermal hot pools only accessible by boat. Your day includes return transport from Rotorua, GT Bike hire, Necessary Rafting and Kayaking Equipment, Lunch, Forest Concession fees and Hot Pool entry. This is a full day.

Overnight at Regent of Rotorua.

Day 7 Rotorua

Enjoy a private airport transfer to your accommodation or v.v. with vehicle and driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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