CLASSIC BAY OF ISLANDS

Day By Day Itinerary

DAY 1 - AUCKLAND

On arrival at Auckland Airport, the ‘City of Sails’. you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2 - AUCKLAND - BAY OF ISLANDS

At the beginning of the journey, drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland's North Shore. The motorway will quickly sweeps northward, until the suburban scenery gives way to peaceful farmland. Pass Hatfield's Beach before coming across Waiwera, which means hot water' in Maori. The hot springs are the main attraction in this small, seaside village. A drive through the Dome Forest leads into the rural service town of Wellsford and further north to Kaiwaka where there will be a refreshment break. Pass through series of small settlements on the way to Whangarei. From here the road to the Bay of Islands becomes quite twisty before reaching Paihia. The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's premier destinations with a stunning variety of scenery and activities including scenic cruises and big game fishing. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3 - HOLE IN THE ROCK CRUISE

Reach Paihia whart to board your vessel Dolphin Seeker, next to the Maritime Building on the waterfront OR at Russell Wharf on the waterfront to commence a half day 'Hole in the Rock' cruise with Island Stop Over. See some of the Bay of Islands' most scenic highlights on a four hour cruise around its sheltered waters. Set off from Paihia or Russell and enjoy the scenic views of secluded islands with their white sand beaches and native forest as you cruise past them. During your cruise you'll travel out along the Cape Brett Peninsula to the historic lighthouse at its end, and see the famous Hole in the Rock at Motukokako Island. According to Mâori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space... and if you get dripped on, consider yourself lucky! You'll also spend some time on the island of the day the best of the bunch will be picked for you to explore, depending on the conditions. Choose to relax on the beach or take a stroll and drink in the views of this breath taking region. Cruise concludes at approximately 12.50pm, back at Russell Wharf OR at 1.00pm, back at Paihia Wharf. Rest of the time free to explore the Bay of Island at your own. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 4 - BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND

check out and the day is free till evening. In evening Join your coach  to commence a  Paihia to Auckland coach tour  to get back to Auckland.  Your local driver guide will point out scenic highlights as you travel thourgh farmland and past native forests before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge and arriving into the city scene of Auckland by night. Tour concludes at approximately 8:10pm after commencement at central Auckland. Arrive Auckland and overnight at Hotel.

DAY 5 - CITY TOUR OF AUCKLAND

Join your coach to commence a half day tour introducing you to the sights of Auckland. Travel through the city centre, past iconic Karangahape Road and the stylish suburb of Ponsonby, and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, enjoying views of the Hauraki Gulf and city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour, home to America's Cup racing for many years, and the central city's main road Queen Street, before continuing to the Auckland Domain. Developed around an extinct volcano, the Domain features 75 hectares of open spaces, tropical gardens, duck ponds and public art, and is home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The tour continues to historic Parnell Village, where you can explore this boutique shopping area during an afternoon tea stop. Next, travel the stunning waterfront route of Tamaki Drive to Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, above Mission Bay. Named after one of New Zealand's greatest and most popular Prime Ministers, the park with its formal gardens and tranquil atmosphere offers a panoramic outlook over the picturesque Eastern Bays, Auckland city and the Waitemata Harbour. Tour concludes at approximately 12:30pm, at which time drop offs will commence. Rest of the time is free to explore Auckland at your own. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 6 - AUCKLAND - WAITOMO CAVES - ROTORUA

Board your coach to commence a day tour to Rotorua via Waitomo. Depart Auckland and travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Your experienced local driver guide will provide commentary and point out highlights along the way such as Rangiriri, where in 1863 a major battle was fought between colonial forces and those loyal to the Maori King. On arrival in the small town of Waitomo enjoy a guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a series of limestone caves formed over 30 million years ago. Learn all about stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations as you walk through the caverns and finish the tour with a silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms.Your journey to Rotorua continues, passing through the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade where trees arch over the road to form a tunnel of natural greenery. Tour concludes upon arrival in Rotorua  at which time drop offs will commence. Check in and the rest of time is free at your own. overnight at Hotel.

DAY 7 - ROTORUA

Join your coach to commence a Rotorua Sights half day morning tour. Experience Te Puia, a place of Maori culture and a thermal wonderland of impressive geysers and boiling mud pools before exploring Rainbow Springs Nature Park, which showcases native flora and fauna as well as the New Zealand Kiwi. Then see NZ's agricultural industry in action with a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials at The Agrodome. Rest of the day is free at your own. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 8 - DEPARTURE

Check out and time is free till your transfer to the  Rotorua airport for your onward flight.

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