NORTHERN ODYSSEY

9 days Auckland to Wellington

PRICE INCLUDES:

» 8 nights’ accommodation in the style of your choice

» 8 days car rental including full insurance and unlimited kms

» Entry to the Secret Spot Hot Tubs

» Entry to Te Puia Rotorua

» Hukafalls Jet boat trip Taupo

» Art Deco walking tour Napier

» Zealandia day entry

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Auckland

On arrival at Auckland, collect your car hire and make your way to your chosen accommodation. The rest of today is at leisure to explore the gateway city to New Zealand’s North Island. A visit to Sky Tower is highly recommended.

Hotel: Heritage Hotel Auckland

B&B: The Great Ponsonby Arthotel

Day 2 – Tauranga & Bay of Plenty

This morning, head south from Auckland through the rural farmland of the Waikato region to the Bay of Plenty. This beachside area boast exceptional wineries, kiwifruit orchards and kms of white sandy beaches.

Hotel: Trinity Wharf

B&B: Trinity Wharf

Day 3 – To Rotorua

Today venture inland to Rotoura. Home of geysers and mud pools, see raw geothermal activity alongside the stunning lakes and dormant volcano of Mt Tawawera. Soak in your own cedar hot tub of fresh forest spring water, in the spectacular Whakarewarewa Forest at the Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Hotel: Rydges Rotorua (2 nights)

B&B: Koura Lodge (2 nights)

Day 4 – Rotorua at leisure

Discover the delights of Rotorua. Today you can explore Rotorua starting at Te Puia, home of the famous Pohutu Geyser, bubbling mud pools, kiwi bird house and the New Zealand Maori arts and crafts institute. There you’ll discover the rich layers of Maori culture, from the land, to the people and the stories. This afternoon you might want to ride the gondola up Mt Ngongotahu for the stunning view over Lake Rotorua or venture into the Redwood forest for a canopy treewalk like no other.

Day 5 – Taupo to Naiper

First stop today is the mighty Huka Falls where you will experience a thrilling jetboat ride aboard the world famous Hukafalls jet. Take time to wander around the popular lakeside town of Taupo before venturing eastwards over the scenic Kaweka ranges and descending into the Art-Deco city of Naiper.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania (2 nights)

B&B: Breckenridge Lodge Napier (2 nights)

Day 6 – Discover Naiper

Commence the day with a locally guided walk that will bring the fascinating architecture alive. At leisure to discover the Hawke’s Bay, you can explore the countryside and city pathways on your late model, mountain bike (or e-bike if preferred), enjoy a game of golf, visit the largest mainland gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, visit local wineries or take in the city sights.

Day 7 – Naiper to Wellington

Travel through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region on your way to the nation’s capital, Wellington. On arrival, visit Zealandia, a wildlife refuge in a forested valley just minutes from the city centre. It is a safe haven for some of New Zealand’s most endangered and iconic native animals including the tuatara, little spotted kiwi, hihi and the giant weta.

Hotel: Rydges Wellington (2 nights)

Boutique: The Bolton (2 nights)

Day 8 – Wellington at leisure

Enjoy a day to explore this harbourside city. Visit Te Papa National Museum, the Cable car, Space Place Observatory, the botanic gardens or shop it up in Lambton Quay. Tonight dining out in Courtney Place is highly recommended.

Day 9 – Depart Wellington

This morning you’ve got time for some last-minute sightseeing or shopping before returning your rental car and continuing on to your next destination.

Per person Twin Share from High B&B - UKNZB239DNOBB $3,093 Hotel - UKNZB239DNOH $1,920