Northern Circle

Overview

Visit Auckland, once voted the worlds most liveable city, geothermal Rotorua and Art Deco Napier before heading to Wellington, New Zealands capital city.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Auckland

On arrival at Auckland Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 – Auckland, Rotorua via Waitomo (370 km)

Self drive option:Make your way to the downtown car rental office to collect your vehicle.

Coach tour option:You will be collected directly from your hotel.

Travel south over the Bombay Hills and through the lush Waikato pasturelands. At Waitomo, tour the caves by boat, see a grotto illuminated by countless tiny glowworms suspended from the caves ceiling. Travel across the Waikato River and the Mamuku Hills to the famous geothermal centre of Rotorua for your overnight stay.

Day 3 – Rotorua

Sightseeing is todays highlight. Take a guided tour of Te Puia and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute; Rainbow Springs where you will see New Zealand native bird and animal wildlife. Next visit the Agrodome Leisure Park famous for its entertaining sheep, take a gondola cable car to the Skyline Skyride complex and visit the Polynesian Spa, New Zealands leading thermal bathing complex. (Self drive passengers have the flexibility to explore these and many other activities in and around Rotorua, a map and entrance vouchers for the attractions mentioned will be provided).

Day 4 – Rotorua & Napier (225 km)

From Rotorua enter the Kaingaroa State Forest one of the largest man-made forests in the world. Nearing the southern end of the thermal belt, head on to Taupo. From Taupo continue into the Kaimanawa Ranges, the road then descends into the fertile Hawkes Bay Province and the city of Napier. Spend this afternoon at leisure in Hawkes Bay – New Zealands Wine Country.

Day 5 – Napier & Wellington (320 km)

Head south today, climbing out of Hawkes Bay and into the rolling sheep and cattle farmland which characterises much of your journey today. The road converges on the rugged Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges before you get to Wellington.

Day 6 – Wellington

A free day to explore New Zealands capital city. Nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, New Zealands capital city is renowned for its arts, heritage, culture and native beauty and sits between rolling hills and stunning coastline. Relax at Oriental Bay, Wellingtons golden-sand inner-city beach and delve into the many museums, art galleries and theatre shows that make up the citys pulsing cultural scene. If youre into the outdoors, Wellington has action-packed adventure activities like mountain biking and sea-water kayaking, as well as beautiful walks around the harbour and surrounding hills. Perhaps ride the cable car up the hill to Kelburn for amazing views over the city, or on the waterfront itself youll find the Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa).

Day 7 – Wellington, Auckland & Departure

A transfer is included to the airport for your flight to Auckland (cost included). Self drive passengers will return their car to the rental depot at Wellington Airport. On arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

The seven day, one way option ends today in Wellington on checkout from your hotel.

Day 8 – Depart Auckland

Your tour ends with the check out from your hotel.