Northern Circle
AUCKLAND | WAITOMO | ROTORUA | NAPIER | WELLINGTON
Visit Auckland, once voted the world’s most liveable city, geothermal Rotorua and Art Deco Napier before heading to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Rotorua & Waitomo
- Auckland, the City of Sails
- Discover Wellington, New Zealand’s capital
This tour is also available as a 7 or 8 tour and as a independent or self drive tour.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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 cave’s 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 today’s 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 Zealand’s 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 Zealand’s 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 Zealand’s capital city. Nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, New Zealand’s capital city is renowned for its arts, heritage, culture and native beauty and sits between rolling hills and stunning coastline. Relax at Oriental Bay, Wellington’s golden-sand inner-city beach and delve into the many museums, art galleries and theatre shows that make up the city’s pulsing cultural scene. If you’re 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 you’ll 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.
