Winterless North Explorer
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Day 1 – Auckland’s best sights
You will be welcomed to New Zealand by one of our friendly guides. Sights on your private city tour today could include a visit to one of Auckland’s inner city beaches, Mission Bay where it is possible to see stunning Pohutukawa trees. The trip could also take in sights such as Mt Eden, a stunning viewpoint and one of Auckland’s most famous volcanic craters, and perhaps a gander at one of The Road Trip’s favourite look out spots that boasts great views of both Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island. This afternoon you can take a trip to the top of the Auckland Skytower and view the City of Sails from above (optional – extra cost).
Day 2 – Auckland – Paihia – 280km (3.5 hours)
Today you will head over ‘The Harbour Bridge’ and say goodbye to New Zealand’s largest city to be greeted by Northland ‘The Winterless North’, famous for its gigantic kauri trees, Maori culture and its stunning beaches. En route you could visit the Kauri Museum to learn all about New Zealand’s most ancient tree and how its significance has developed over time (optional – extra cost). You will then visit Whangarei, the capital of the Northland region where you can view the stunning Whangarei Falls, known as the most photographed waterfall in New Zealand due to its ease of access, picturesque bush surrounds and guaranteed 365 day of the year flowing cascade. From here you head north to Paihia, the hotspot of the well-known ‘Bay of Islands’ where you will spend the next 2 nights.
Day 3 – Paihia, Bay of Islands
Today you have a full day to enjoy the beautiful Bay of Islands and there are many possibilities. Options include: fishing, golf, swimming with dolphins, a day trip to Cape Reinga (the furthest northern point in NZ) or simply lazing the day away on gorgeous Paihia beach. The choice is yours (all activities optional – extra cost).
Day 4 – Paihia – Auckland via Waipoua Forest – 320km (5 hours)
This morning you will visit one of New Zealand’s most iconic sites in history, The Waitangi Treaty Grounds (included activity). It was here in 1840 that the treaty of Waitangi was officially signed by the native Maori and the British Crown. Waitangi is also home to a supersized Waka (Maori war canoe). It is thought that giant Waka were used by the Maori to navigate their way to New Zealand from the Pacific Islands, using stars for navigation. From here you will head to Waipoua Forest, home to New Zealand’s most impressive kauri forest and Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s oldest tree at around 2000 years old! Heading South to Auckland down the west coast through Dargaville, you arrive in the’ City of Sails’ in the evening.
Day 5 – Departure Day
Today you will be transferred to your onward travel.
“New Zealand was our honeymoon destination and The Road Trip made it awesomely Memorable.”
Michael and Rachel Haber – Lebanon, May 2017