An escape to the land of the Maori

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ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND

Also called the “City of Sails”, Auckland is, with 1.5 million inhabitants the largest city in New Zealand. The quality of life is incomparable, the city is very extensive and enjoys a long cultural and sports heritage. 48 volcanic cones are scattered in the agglomeration and there are also about 50 islets scattered in the bay. It is also the only city in the world to be bordered by two distinct oceans.

• Arrival at Auckland International Airport.
• Transfer by private car to your hotel.
• Free afternoon in Auckland to rest or enjoy the city.

Suggestions:

• The colonial villages of Parnell, Ponsonby and Devonport.
• The Auckland Museum for an introduction to Maori and Polynesian culture and natural history of New Zealand.
• Mount Eden, extinct volcano offering beautiful views of the city.
• Cruise on Auckland Bay.
• Discover the island of Waiheke and its famous vineyards.
• Visit the spectacular “Sky Tower”, the largest tower in the Southern Hemisphere.

AUCKLAND – ROTORUA 234 KM – 3H15

Rotorua is undoubtedly one of the most touristic areas of the North Island. Located in the heart of one of the most active volcanic zones of the planet, it is known for its thermal activities, its lake, and its numerous tourist attractions but also for its smell of very strong sulphur. Rotorua is also the heart of the Maori culture as reflected by the many cultural shows, craft shops and traditional villages.

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Take the Car, a rental in unlimited mileage at the rental agency in the city centre.
• En route to Rotorua.

DAY 3

ROTORUA

• Breakfast at your accommodation.
• Free day to explore the attractions of the area.
• In the evening, Maori Cultural Performance and Hangi Dinner (typical feast with stewed cooking on hot stones) in Tamaki Village (Included).

Suggestions:

• Discover the old Rotorua and the Maori district of Ohinemutu, stroll along the lake of Rotorua.
• A stroll through the Government Gardens, where the Rotorua Museum is located.
• Visit of the reserve of Te Puia, its geysers, and the institute of arts and crafts Maori.
• Discover the Village of Whakarewarewa, and walk through the very interesting thermal reserve with its fumaroles and boiling mud.
• Relaxation in Polynesian baths.
• Rainbow Springs and The Kiwi Encounter to learn more about the fauna and flora of the country.
• Flight over the area by seaplane or helicopter to realize the geothermal and volcanic activity of the area.

ROTORUA – NAPIER 223 KM – 3H15

The area of “Hawkes Bay” is known in New Zealand and abroad for its vineyards and wines. Napier, the main city, is famous for being rebuilt in the Art Deco style after the earthquake of 1930. Its sunny Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect destination for outdoor activities. Local products are of high quality: green olives, orchards, vineyards and seafood. The area of Hawkes Bay prides itself on having the largest colony in the world of gannets.

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Head towards south to Lake Taupo, a charming little town on the shores of the largest lake in the country.
• En route, visit the geothermal reserve of Wai-O-Tapu (Included), with its geysers and bubbling springs and acid lakes in pastel colors. Do not miss the eruption of the geyser Lady Knox at 10:15.
• Continue to Napier and the Hawke’s Bay area.

NAPIER

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Free day in the Hawkes Bay area.

Suggestions:

• Visit the Art Deco city centre of Napier.
• Visit numerous art galleries and vineyards.
• Take an excursion to see the colony of Fous at Cape Kidnapper.
• Tour of the vineyards by bike.

DAY 6

NAPIER – WELLINGTON 316 KM – 4H45

Capital of New Zealand, Wellington is built as an amphitheatre facing the huge bay overlooking the Cook Strait and the South Island. It is also the cultural capital of the country. Do not miss the Te Papa Museum, walk the streets in search of old Victorian buildings or take the cable car to the botanical garden that overlooks the city.

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• En route to Wellington, passing through the Wairarapa and Greytown wine region, the first settlement settled by settlers in the 19^th

Suggestions:

• Visit the national museum Te Papa, the very pretty church “Old St Paul Cathedral” decorated with woodwork and buildings of the Parliament of New Zealand.
• Stroll through the old quarter of Thorndon to admirably preserved colonial buildings.
• “Shop till you drop” or shopping at heart tells you in the excellent downtown stores, alternative style in Cuba Mall, connected to Willis Street or more conventional in Lambton Quay.
• Make the tour of trendy bars and quality restaurants at Courtenay Place and Cuba Street.

DAY 7

WELLINGTON – TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK 330 KM – 5H

Tongariro is the oldest national park in the country and consists of three active volcanoes. The last eruption (hydrothermal, followed by a lahar) of Mt Ruapehu took place in 2007. The plateau also presents a lunar landscape of lava flows, rocky desert, peaceful lakes and beech forests.

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Depart to Wellington to the coast of Kapiti and the farming area of Manawatu before heading for the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.

Fun Fact:

The region of the volcanoes of the Tongariro Plateau was made known worldwide by the films of the Lord of the Rings which were filmed there (Mt Ngauruhoe was the “Mountain of Fate”.

DAY 8

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK – AUCKLAND 340 KM – 5H

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• At your convenience, return to Auckland.
• En route, we advise you to make a stop in Waitomo to visit the limestone caves: a set of cellars and tunnels which follow the underground river and whose vaults are illuminated by thousands of glowworms (not included).
• Arrival in Auckland in the afternoon, check-in at the hotel.

DAY 9

AUCKLAND AND DEPARTURE

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Go to the airport to return your car and take your flight home.

This is the end of your unforgettable stay in New Zealand.