Bay of Islands & Rotorua
Highlights
Some of the highlights included are:
- Cruise in the Bay of Islands
- Visit Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto
- Experience Maori Culture at Te Puia
- Visit Waitangi Treaty Reserve
- Cruise in the Bay of Islands
Holiday Type
- Y
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- N
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What's included
- International flights
- Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- Maori Hangi and Cultural Concert
- 6 breakfasts; 2 dinners
- 6 hotel nights
Need to know
- Tour departs daily between 01 April - 30 September
Your route
Itinerary
Welcome to Auckland – Bay of Islands
Welcome to Auckland – Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland by coach for the Bay of Islands. On arrival in Paihia board the Dolphin Seeker, a purpose-built catamaran, and meet your experienced local skipper for a cruise through the beautiful clear waters. Keep a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life as you get up close to the action. Enjoy the views as you cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic ‘Hole in the Rock’. You’ll be holding your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space. Take in the unique sights of Grand Cathedral Cave before heading back into the inner islands of the Bay.
Bay of Islands ‘Free Time’
Bay of Islands ‘Free Time’
The day is at leisure for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Perhaps take a coach trip to Cape Reinga, the northern-most point of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach or a day of sailing or even a guided sea-kayaking trip. Tonight, you can choose to dine at one of the local cafés or restaurants on the waterfront.
Bay of Islands – Auckland
Bay of Islands – Auckland
Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve, where New Zealand’s founding document the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. You’ll have time on your own to learn about New Zealand’s early Maori and European history and take in highlights such as the Maori War Canoe (Waka) and Meeting House (Marae). Later, you can spend time in a local café or perhaps take a ferry to Russell, the first capital of New Zealand. This afternoon enjoy the lush green farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.
Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Enjoy a morning snack as you drive past Rangiriri, the location of an historic Maori Land Wars site. On arrival in the small town of Waitomo, tour with a local guide through the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves with their amazing stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations. Finish with a silent boat ride through the Glow Worm Grotto – a subterranean cavern lit by thousands of tiny glow worms. Later, travel on to Rotorua, the cultural centre of New Zealand.
Rotorua Sightseeing
Rotorua Sightseeing
Enjoy a sightseeing tour around three of Rotorua’s iconic visitor attractions. Experience Te Puia, a place of Maori culture and a thermal wonderland of impressive geysers and boiling mud pools. Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park, which showcases native flora and fauna. You may even spot a kiwi! Then enjoy a demonstration of New Zealand’s agricultural industry with a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials at the Agrodome Sheep Show. Tonight enjoy a unique Maori Hangi dinner and concert on a local Marae.
Rotorua – Auckland Farewell
Rotorua – Auckland Farewell
Spend the morning of day 6 doing whatever you fancy. Later, travel through forests and lush Waikato farmland on your way to Auckland. Your short break concludes on the morning of day 7, after breakfast. You’ll be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).