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12 Day Sightseeing Tour – North Island
(Auckland return, via Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Bay of Island) Relax on our white sandy beaches, walk through dense rainforest , experience the immense power of an active volcano and enjoy remote farm lodges, away from the main tourist streams.
All tours are private, depart daily, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Please contact us at info@arohatours.co.nz or 0064-21-890611 for more information about our luxury New Zealand tours.
Day 1: Auckland (city tour)
You will be met on arrival at Auckland International Airport by your Aroha NZ Tours Representative, and transferred to your accommodation in our luxurious vehicle. (Early flight). Your 10 Day Tour starts with a relaxing sightseeing tour of Auckland, a chance to explore the CBD and outer area’s of the city, taking in the spectacular harbor views of the Waitemata from Auckland’s illustrious waterfront, and through some of the most expensive real estate in NZ. You will also have the opportunity to visit one of Auckland’s most prestigious shopping areas “Parnell Historical Village”, from Parnell, your tour continues on to the summit of Mt Eden one of 48 dormant volcanoes situated in and around Auckland. From the summit of Mt Eden you can take in a stunning 360 degree view of Auckland city and the surrounding harbours. From Mt Eden, your tour continues out to the magnificent west coast, famous in New Zealand for its unique black sand coastline, and native bush surroundings one of Auckland’s many regional parks. On your return back to your accommodation we will give you the opportunity at your request to stop off and enjoy a taste of celebrated New Zealand wines that are grown and produced throughout the area. Accommodation: Auckland City
Day 2: Auckland-Coromandel Peninsula (White Sand beaches)
Your tour this day takes you to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. First, we pass through the historic gold mining town of Thames. From Thames, your drive takes you out along the beautiful winding coastline of the western side of the peninsula to Tapu. We take you further to the top of beautiful Coromandel Peninsula and the same named township. There you can take you on a 1 hour train ride on a world-class narrow-gouge mountain railway. Fabulous golden and white sand beaches with magnificent coastal scenery, a rugged forest cloaked interior waiting to be explored, are just some of the natural attractions that have people returning to The Coromandel time after time. On arrival in Hahei you will have the opportunity to explore the picturesque Hahei Beach with its white beaches and stunning shoreline to Cathedral Cove and its marine reserve. A fantastic view from the lookout point will give you spectacular photo opportunities and a fabulous view of the coastline. Accommodation: East Coast Coromandel Peninsula
Day 3: Coromandel-Bay of Plenty/Rotorua (Maori show and village, geothermal areas)
As you depart the stunning Coromandel Peninsula your tour will take you through the eastern North Island region of the Bay of Plenty, This is an area with a consistent mild climate which makes the region ideal for farming. The Bay of Plenty is also famous for its (kiwi) fruit crops and award winning vineyards. Your'll arrive in the geothermal capital of NZ, Rotorua, around midday. We will stop for a visit to the world-renowned NZ Maori Arts and Crafts and Geothermal centre located in the Maori village known as 'Whakarewarewa'. Here you will see the world famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest geyser as such in New Zealand. Enjoy watching a 45-minute Maori cultural performance displayed in a Marae (traditional Maori meeting house) where you can enjoy the beautiful songs, music, dance and culture of the Maori. Following on from this you take another journey through a world of unique thermal formations at Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. View the fascinating 'Champagne Pool” and experience the panorama of the vividly colorful hot and cold pools, steaming fumaroles and hot boiling mud pools. Your evening programme allows you to relax in the Polynesian Thermal Spa Pools. Accommodation: Lake Rotorua
Day 4: Bay of Plenty-Hawkes Bay/Napier (art deco city and wine area)
Departing from Rotorua, you pass through the rugged mountains, forests, and lakes traveling through the one of the largest North Island National Parks “Te Urewera” en-route to the Hawkes Bay. Most of this unique and stunning rainforest area is still inaccessible. Arriving in the coastal settlement of Waiora, we'll make a brief stop before continuing on along the coastal East Cape to the twin-city of Napier. Napier today is known for the inner city’s Art Deco Architecture, which was created after a devastating earthquake in 1931. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring a region that hosts some of the finest wine growing areas in the world. No doubt you will be tempted to sample just some of the world-renowned New Zealand wine brands exported from the Hawkes Bay each year. Accommodation: Hawkes Bay
Day 5: Hawkes Bay/Napier-Wellington (city tour)
Departing Hawkes Bay, your tour takes you through the Norwegian and Danish settlements of Norsewood and Dannevirke into the rural regions of the Manawatu, before encroaching on New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Spend the afternoon strolling around the many shops and galleries the city has to offer. Visit the “Te Papa History Museum”, the largest natural history museum in the country. Another suggested visit is to the “Embassy Theatre” which hosted the world premier of the third Lord Of The Rings trilogy 'The Return of the King'. Climb aboard the famous Wellington Cable Car which takes you up the steep terraced divide to the luxuriant Botanic Gardens which allows you an overall 360 degree view of Wellington city. A must for all visitors is a visit to New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings, where you can take a 1-hour tour of the hub of New Zealand’s political arena. As you depart the beautiful government grounds, be prepared to stop and watch the buzz around “The Beehive”. Accommodation: Hotel in Wellington City
Day 6: Wellington – Taihape (Framstay)
Your tour returns you north tour via the West Coast of the North Island to the Waikanae region. This area has adopted the name “Gold Coast”, as here you can enjoy locally made gourmet cheeses, visit orchards and walk the beautiful sandy beaches. We drive deep into farming country to the remote Mokai Valley, where the picturesque Rangitikei River meats the rugged Ruahine Ranges. Nor far from your accommodation, we take you to the edges of the crystal clear waters of the Rangitikei River set amongst the beautiful native flora and fauna, which provides a stunning backdrop that, can be variably appreciated. Your accommodation host provides a typical New Zealand farm. He will be happy to show you around the farm where you will experience an upfront encounter with the many farm animals on the property. Accommodation: Mokai Valley
Day 7: Taihape-(National Park) Taupo (volcanoes, lakes)
This day of your tour takes you through what is regarded as the Volcanic Loop to view New Zealand's most accessible active volcano, magnificent Mt. Ruapehu. Take a short walk around the pristine native forest of Tongariro National Park and experience the desolate landscape just some of the legendary middle earth film sites for the movie “Lord of the Rings”. Experience a walk with you over lava stones fields that lead you almost to the top of the volcano. The magnificent views across the valleys to snow-capped peaks will create the perfect setting for a great photo opportunity. We continue north to the township of Taupo where you can stop off for lunch alongside the spectacular foreshore of Lake Taupo, Australasia’s largest lake. The area is regarded as one of the best trout fishing spots in the world, and is also well known for hunting excursions and extreme adventure activities. Accommodation: Lake Taupo
Day 8: Taupo-Waitomo Caves (glow-worms)
Departing from Taupo, your journey takes you north through the lush green rural farm land of the Waikato region. The rich and fertile pastoral land of the Waikato is one of New Zealand’s major dairy producing and horse breeding areas, and host to incalculable stands of exotic timber. One of the major attractions of the Waikato/King Country region is the famous Waitomo Caves (translation: 'where the water disappears into a hole in the ground'). The caves are perhaps one of the finest natural attractions in the country, with their vast unique caverns and eerie stalactite and stalagmite formations home to the thousands and thousands of glow-worms forming magnificent constellations. On arrival in Waitomo a 45 minute guided tour of the caves is available for you to experience. (Other options are 'cave tubing' and abseiling, or rappelling and waterfall climbs – highly recommended and arranged on request). Accommodation: Waitomo
Day 9: Waitomo Caves–Bay of Islands
Your tour departs the rugged west coast coastline for the beautiful Bay of Islands passing through Auckland. Your first major destination point Paihia, the first the first European settlement in New Zealand. We take you on a walk along the spectacular Paihia waterfront and Waitangi beach to the historic Waitangi Treaty grounds, the location of the signing of the peace treaty between the Maori and the British Crown in 1840. From Waitangi you board the ferry to Russell, a small romantic township rich with colonial history. Take time out for lunch in one of Russell’s many historic buildings and enjoy glorious views out over the idyllic wharf. Spend the afternoon strolling the beach, and shops for local arts and crafts. Settle into your accommodation for the evening, and enjoy a leisurely dinner in the Russell town-ship. Accommodation: Bay of Islands
Day 10: Bay of Islands (Hole in the rock)
In the morning, we take you on a 1,5 hour fast boat cruise around the many islands that make up the Bay of Islands, passing through the famous “Hole in the Rock” at Cape Brett, a fascinating natural geological attraction. Dolphin watching tours can also be arranged. We can take you to the furthest Point North to Kaip Reianga and visit on the way some natural beautiful and remote beaches. Take a look at 90 mile beach or walk through some of the old settlements in the area. Relax in the afternoon and enjoy the last evening with us. Accommodation: Bay of Islands
Day 11: Bay of Islands–Waipoura Forest (Tane Mahuta, Kiwi birds)
On our first day we drive North of Auckland. 'Step into our World' and let your local guides take you on a memorable journey through nature's stages of evolution, whilst providing a mythological and interactive interpretation of life in the forest. Meet our ancestors; the mighty Te Matua Ngahere ('The Father of the Forest') estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old, his mighty girth is over 5 metres (15ft) in diameter. 'The Four Sisters' are a graceful collection of kauri trees that have grown close together in sibling harmony and finally, Tane Mahuta ('The Lord of the Forest') who stands an impressive 51 metres (150ft) tall. Join a tour for an intimate encounter to learn how these trees are inter-twined with the lives of local Maori and the important role they play in the eco-system that is the Waipoua Forest. In the evening experience the wander of the New Zealand predator free bush by night. Trounson Park is administered by the Department of Conservation who constantly work to eradicate pests to ensure the survival of the very rare Kiwi bird. You will enjoy a leisurely guided walk through the forest with a guide whose knowledge of our local flora, fauna and kiwi is thorough and interesting. Accommodation: Waipoua Forest
Day 12: Waipoura Forest - Auckland departure
We take you back to Auckland.
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