DISCOVER THE NORTH
9
days
Highlights:
This tour will take you to places of interest from the tip of the winterless North to the bottom of the stunning South. You will visit Northland - Auckland - The Coromandel - Rotorua - Taupo
Price includes:
This all inclusive price........
The Tour:
Day 1: Fly to Auckland
CTT Holidays will meet & greet you on arrival at Auckland International Airport (flights not included)
You will be transferred to your nominated hotel in Auckland.
Accommodation options:
Quest Auckland-Studio Apartment. Situated in the heart of Auckland's central business district close to Aotea Centre Conference and Exhibition Centre, Auckland's Town Hall as well as nearby restaurants and shopping precincts.
Qualmark Rating: 4.5-Star
Scenic Auckland Hotel-Superior Queen Single. Situated on the corner of Queen and Airedale Streets, the hotel's superb location that puts some of Auckland's best attractions at your doorstep.
Qualmark Rating: 4-Star
Day 2: Tour the Auckland or the Waikato Region
You can choose one of the following tours
Auckland Tour
You will enjoy a Full-day tour of Auckland. Begin your day with a tour of Auckland's scenic city highlights, followed by an afternoon tasting world-class wines amid the beautiful surroundings of Waiheke Island.
Included in the tour
Harbour Bridge - Auckland Domain - Parnell Village - Waiheke Island - Wine tasting tour
Departure Point-To be advised at the time of booking.
The winery portion of this tour is only available for passengers aged 18 years and over.
Waikato Tour
You will enjoy a Full-day tour across the Waikato region. Visit Waitomo Caves, Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set, where parts of The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. Take a boat ride to the glow-worm grotto to see thousands of glow-worms twinkling in the darkness. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch and admire the stunning pastoral scenery.
Included in the tour
Entry to Glowworm Caves -Entry to Hobbiton Movie Set - Morning snack -Picnic lunch - Transport by luxury coach
Departure Point-Tour departs from your hotel reception.
Day 3: Discover the winterless Northland
Travel Auckland to Paihia (3hrs 14 minutes 232 kms)
Accommodation Options
Eagles Nest- Luxury Villa. Located in Russell Bay of Islands. This multi-award winning New Zealand luxury hotel & retreat is set within a 75-acre estate atop its own private ridgeline offering spectacular views of the Bay of Islands, Fabulous resident chefs, a superb wine cellar and fresh locally sourced foods. Spa therapists are available for exquisite in-villa treatments
Qualmark Rating: 5-Star
Blue Pacific Quality Apartments-1 Bedroom Luxury Apartment. Nestled in an unrivalled setting with breath-taking sea views. Relax in an environment never to be forgotten just minutes from Paihia township.
Qualmark Rating: 4.5-Star
Northland Tours
There are several activity options Northland Region
Option 1
A Full day Tour-Fullers Great Sights- Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region, rich in Māori culture and tradition, on a full-day return tour from Paihi.
Included in the tour
Entry onto Ninety Mile Beach - sand-boarding - entry onto Cape Reinga - New Zealand's northernmost point - Historic commentary in Maori and english - Fish & Chips picnic lunch
Option 2
A Half Day Tour-Fullers Great Sights-Bay of Islands Cruise-Set off on a half-day Bay of Islands cruise in search of dolphins and other marine life. Enjoy the views from our catamaran Dolphin Seeker as we journey right to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula, to the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island. Drive along the sand on Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Feel the sand between your toes as you help your driver guide dig for shellfish (conditions permitting).
Your off-road journey continues up Te Paki Stream, stopping at the massive sand dunes where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand-boarding. Clambering up and surfing down the dunes (if you dare!) is sure to get your heart pumping. Visit the Puketi Kauri Forest and get up close to ancient and majestic giant kauri trees and native bush.
Included in the tour
Dolphin and whale viewing - Cruise around the Bay of Islands - The Hole in the Rock - Urapukapuka Island stopover Swim with the dolphins (1 May to 8 October only)
Option 3
Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Arrive at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and enjoy a guided tour of the historic place where in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori and the British Crown. Explore the original Treaty House, one of New Zealand's oldest and most visited historic homes and the Te Whare Runanga, a fully carved Maori meeting house, which is representative of all Iwi (regional tribes) in New Zealand. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer a truly unique insight into New Zealand's early history.
Day 4: Explore the coastline of Coromandel
Travel Paihia to Whitianga (5.5 hrs 417 kms)
Whitianga Accommodation Options
Admiralty Lodge- One Bedroom Ground Floor Unit. Settle in and enjoy spectacular views across beautiful Mercury Bay and Buffalo Beach while you relax in the comfort of your spacious and very well appointed apartment. See the wonderful sunrise from the comfort of your apartment as it comes up over the bay each day then watch in the evening as the moonbeam shimmers off the sparkling waters illuminating the beach and surrounding cliffs.
Qualmark Rating: 5 Star
Beachside Resort Motel-Oceans View Spa. Nestled on the western shore of the beautiful Mercury Bay and only a stone’s throw from the golden sands of Buffalo Beach, in the heart of popular Whitianga, you will find the relaxed luxury of the Coromandel. This One bedroom apartment with ocean view, ensuite bathroom with spa bath.
Qualmark Rating: Not current rating
Day 5: More of Coromandel
Activity options in Coromandel
Donut Island Kayak Tour- Whangamata is home to one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal attractions. For a long time Whenuakura, (commonly referred to as Donut Island), was a local secret. This has changed in recent years as this pacific treasure is quickly becoming a ‘must do’ New Zealand adventure. Guardians of the islands and Whangamata locals encourage you to treat the islands with respect to preserve their future.
The Lost Springs- Forget the real world for a day and come relax, rejuvenate and let yourself be pampered in style. Discover a special paradise of therapeutic natural thermal spring pools with poolside service. Enjoy delicious Pacifica cuisine at our onsite Restaurant, and pamper yourself with massage therapies & beauty treatments at The Lost Spring Day Spa.
Whiti Farm Park- Spend the day meandering through over eight acres of mature park like surroundings and a short bush walk. Meet, hand feed, cuddle and interact with over 40 species of friendly farmyard and exotic animals, birds and reptiles, in a fun, safe and clean environment. Farm machinery, a train, a fire engine and old fashioned games are dotted around to inspire, intrigue and educate.
Hot Water Beach-This is a very popular attraction, plan your visit two hours either side of low-tide. Fnd hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural springs. Often rated as one of the world's most renowned beaches - this is one experience that should be on your bucket list. A truly unique Kiwi experience that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime!
Cathedral Cove- Accessible only on foot, boat or kayak, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” sites on The Coromandel. Cathedral Cove is located at Hahei, just 10-minutes drive from the famous Hot Water Beach. Foot access to the Cathedral Cove car park is at the western end of Hahei Beach.
Day 6: Discover Rotorua
Travel Whitianga to Rotorua (3 hrs 17 mins 230 kms)
Rotorua Accommodation Options
Rydges Rotorua- King Spa One Bedroom Suite. Located in a park like setting on the edge of Rotorua's Arawa Racecourse, Rydges Rotorua boasts panoramic views across the city to Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island. The hotel is central to many of Rotorua's famous attractions and activities. It is also within easy walking distance of the Central Business District
Qualmark Rating: 4-Star
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua-Superior Room. Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions. Relax and unwind in our beautifully heated pool or enjoy the privacy of one of our blissful hot spa pools.
Qualmark Rating: 4-Star
Day 7: Discover Rotorua
Activity options Rotorua
Tamaki Maori Village. Journey to an authentic Maori village nestled in Rotorua forest and be formally welcomed into the sacred grounds, where amidst crackling village fires you will discover Maori art forms, ancient rituals and Maori traditions then enjoy a 3-course meal with your Maori hosts. Free Transport from most accommodation.
Rotorua Skyline Gondola- There are several different combos. You can ride a luge, lunch and gondola, sky swing, zipline combo or do it all. Conveniently located just minutes from Rotorua's City centre, high on the side of Mount Ngongotaha, the Gondola will carry you to 487 metres above sea level to a stunning environment providing panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake Rotorua and the surrounding area.
Polynesian Spa- Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua lies Polynesian Spa a geothermal bathing and soul soothing retreat, where you can experience wellness sourced from Rotorua’s very own backyard. Renowned for its healing waters and decadent therapies. Discover why people have flocked to these waters since the 1800s.
Day 8: The mighty Taupo region
Travel Rotorua to Taupo (1 hr 5 mins 81 kms)
Taupo Accommodation Options
The Pillars Retreat- The Pillars Suite. A stunning Mediterranean style country manor set in 3 acres of formal gardens surrounded by mountain & rural views, located a few minutes from lake Taupo township. The Pillars Suite is our largest ensuite room with, Californian King or twin beds. It has a large ensuite bathroom with bath, standalone shower, separate toilet and dressing room area. From the full-length balcony, you can take in the 180-degree panorama over the gardens, swimming pool, tennis court and beyond to sunsets over Lake Taupo. Delicious farm-to-table breakfasts included in the tariff.
Qualmark Rating: 5-Star
Belle vue Boutique Lodge-Suite. This magnificent French Colonial Lodge is nestled in the private location of Mapara Road, Acacia Bay, Taupo with beautiful views over the Lake. All Guest rooms are upstairs, with veranda and french doors, 5-minute walk to lake, restaurant and shops and a 5-minute drive to Taupo Central. European Continental Breakfast Included and Complimentary Cheese board on arrival.
Qualmark Rating: 5-Star
Discover Taupo
Activity options Taupo
Maori Cultural Experience -Your journey begins into the unique and mysterious world of the Maori people. You are welcomed unlike anything you have ever experienced before, primal and disturbing, obviously designed to induce fear and question the intentions of (your people) the approaching visitors. Then you make your way to the Whare Kai (dining room) where a meal that has been cooked in a traditional ground oven (Hangi), awaits you. And when you think you have seen and experienced something special, the evening is brought is to a dramatic climax with a spectacular performance of Song, Dance and Haka, a unique and emotional experience that will not easily be forgotten. This experience is intense, powerful and emotional and will leave you with lasting memories of a culture that is alive and growing.
The Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings- Hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary artworks. Towering 14-metres above the deep water of Lake Taupo, the carvings have become one of the North Island’s biggest tourist attractions. View the Maori Rock Carvings yourself by taking a relaxing sailing cruise.
Taupo Thermal Hot Pools- If you’re looking for peace and quiet, head to Wairakei Terraces Hot Pools to take advantage of their adults-only natural thermal springs. Their pools vary in temperature and are positioned below the silica terraces and waterfall to take full advantage of the Taupo geothermal water flow that is drawn to the earth’s surface from 1500 metres underground. The beautiful surroundings and native birdsong make Wairakei Terraces the perfect spot for a night of relaxation.
Huka Falls- Located just a few minutes’ drive north of Taupo, this thundering 11-metre high waterfall is the most visited and photographed natural attraction in New Zealand. The sheer volume of water flowing over the falls amounts to 220,000 litres per second - enough to fill one Olympic sized swimming pool in 11 seconds!
Cost- Free
Day 9: Back to Auckland
Travel Taupo to Auckland (3 hrs 19 mins 263 kms)
Transfer back Auckland in preparation for your flight back home
Accommodation Options Auckland Airport
Sudima Hotels Auckland Airport-Superior Room. Just two kilometres from Auckland International Airport. We offer an array of modern hotel facilities and services for your enjoyment and comfort. Our indoor heated swimming pool is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens - somewhere you can 'kick back' and relax.
Qualmark Rating: 4.5 Star
Day 10: Fly out Auckland International Airport home
Set departures
CONDITIONS:
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All prices listed above are in NZ$ and are subject to change without notice.
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All tours are pre-booked departures, by pre-booking with CTT Holidays you will benefit significant savings.