7Days Northern Highlights Tour

Price on application

Wellington – Rotorua – Bay of Islands – Auckland

Explore the North Island's major visitor cities. Arrrive in Wellington a vibrant capital Wellington and drive towards Rotorua. Then continue north for a night in picturesque Martinborough. Take in the amazing scenery of the central North island to Auckland. This is a great value tour with plenty of time to explore the regions at your own pace.

Itinerary

Day 1

Wellington

Arrive by flight and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure

 

Day 2

Wellington – Taupo – Rotorua (B)

Today leave the city behind and travel through rolling farmland as we enter the Tongariro National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to the popular lakeside resort of Taupo, Stop to view the mighty Huka Falls before reaching Rotorua, centre of Maori culture and famous for its geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming craters.

 

Day 3

Rotorua (B/D)

Today, visit Te Puia, home to Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Centre. Witness all of nature’s thermal wonders including silica terraces and the famous Pohutu Geyser. Afternoon is at leisure to explore the city at your own. This evening visit Tamaki Village for of fun and culture. You will experience a traditionally prepared Maori Hangi (feast) followed by a cultural performance featuring Maori songs, chants and dance including the stirring haka.

Day 4

Rotorua – Matamata – Auckland – Paihia (B)

Today cross the Mamaku Ranges into the Waikato region. At Matamata, a guide will escort your group on a Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tour.

 

Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings. Your guide will escort you through the ten acre site while recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films can be seen and you will experience how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.

 

Later, travel across the Auckland Harbour Bridge and drive north to Paihia in the Bay of Islands.

Day 5

Paihia (B)

A free day to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Islands

 

Day 6

Paihia – Auckland (B)

Today, proceed to visit Kauri Museum in Matakohe, learn about the Kauri tree and the fascinating story of the pioneering days through the use of Kauri timber and Kauri gum, as well as viewing the collection of antique Kauri furniture and restored machinery.

Upon arrival into Auckland, take a brief city tour before arriving at your accommodation.

This afternoon, you will go for a three-hour panoramic tour of Auckland city, you Travel through the city centre, including Auckland's famous Queen Street, Karangahape Road with its chequered past and eclectic vibe and fashionable Ponsonby. Cross over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, enjoying views of the Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline, and visit the Viaduct Harbour and the revitalised Silo Park waterfront precinct. See historic buildings around the University of Auckland before continuing over Grafton Bridge to the Auckland Domain.

Day 7

Auckland (B)

Today, at an appointed time, you will be collected from your Hotel and transferred to Auckland International Airport for your onward flight

Private program - can start any day of the week and can be modified or operated in reverse

Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.

Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.

Prices quoted are valid from 01 October 2019 - 30 September 2020. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.