North Island Sampler

8 days / 5 nights

 

Included Highlights

	Airport transfer on arrival
	1 night Auckland
	5 day car rental
	2 nights Coromandel Peninsula
	2 nights Rotorua
	Maori Hangi and Concert
	1 dinner

 

Day 1 Fly USA to Auckland

Day 2 Cross the Dateline

Day 3 Arrive Auckland

Auckland, 'City of Sails', located between two stunning harbors, enjoys a mild year-round climate Auckland is the country's most visited region and largest urban area, offering exciting activities and great shopping.

The City lies across an 11km wide volcanic isthmus separating two harbors. The Waitemata to the east opens into the Hauraki Gulf, and to the Pacific Ocean. The Manukau Harbor to the west offers many estuaries and surf beaches and opens to the Tasman Sea. You will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

 

Day 4 Drive Auckland to Coromandel

Collect your rental vehicle from the city depot and commence your journey to the scenic Coromandel Peninsula. To the east of Auckland lies one of New Zealand's best kept vacation destination secrets, The Coromandel Peninsula.  Rustic and relaxed, beach and bush, the Coromandel lies to one side of the well beaten path of mainstream tourism. A spectacular coastline, and beaches beckon, the bush clad volcanic hills catch the eye, but it's the lifestyle of the region which most find to be irresistible.  A sense of relaxation and reflection permeates.

Day 5 At leisure, Coromandel

The arts and crafts community is vibrant, and contrasts with the solid Kiwi farmer, forester, and fisherman of the Peninsula and plains. Over 40% of the Peninsula is nowadays protected whether it is Forest Park or Marine Reserve. Dozens of walking tracks cover the hills and coast.  Many small tour operators use the area for activities from kauri forest treks to swimming with dolphins. From Auckland, take the Route 1 motorway south.  At Pokeno, take Route 2 to Route 25 east.  Allow for a two hour drive from Auckland.

Day 6 Drive Coromandel to Rotorua

At your leisure as you drive south toward the famous thermal wonderland of Rotorua – approximately a 2 hour drive.

Day 7 At leisure, Rotorua

Rotorua is a thermal fantasy-island where geysers of boiling water erupt in the air, mud bubbles in mysterious pools and steam wafts in eerie clouds from the surface of the lake. Some of your options for things to see today include the Waitapu Thermal area with its boiling mud pools and spouting geysers. Rainbow Springs is a major attraction where crystal clear pools are home to hundreds of giant rainbow trout.  You could also visit the Agrodome for various daily activities of a typical New Zealand farm such as sheep shearing and shepherding with sheep dogs.

Maori Hangi Dinner and Concert

Tonight is a spiritual experience you will never forget with Marae protocol, entertainment, Maori culture and feasting. En route to the Marae, the guide explains the protocol to take place. The group on board is prepared for the wero (challenge) and welcome to the Marae. Upon entering the exquisitely carved meeting house, you will hongi (greet - pressing of noses) with your host. The tradition means you are a friend and may consider yourself one of the family. Now sit back and enjoy the culture of the Maori people.  See the fierce Haka (wardance), twirling of poi balls, stick games and other entertainment.

From here we move to the Hangi pit to see the traditional Maori method of food preparation before heading into the dining room for a hangi (feast). After the feast, you are transferred back to your Rotorua accommodation by coach.

Day 8 Fly Auckland to USA

Drive back to Auckland today. Return your rental vehicle and board your departure flight to the USA.

Complete the short form below and you will be contacted by one of our destination specialists to book your Australian vacation.

 

*Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. Travel may be restricted to certain days of the week and be available from one or multiple US departure points. Add on fares are available from most US cities and surcharges may be applicable for travel on particular days of the week. All international airfare prices are inclusive of fuel surcharges; however, due to the volatility of fuel prices, international fares listed are subject to change without notice. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. US and Foreign Govt. taxes and fees vary depending on the itinerary selected and may range from $90 to $395 per person. Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 per person and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person, are not included. After ticketing changes may not be permissible in some circumstances, or a change fee may be applied. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note that some air segments may be served by an associated carrier and air routings listed may not be a non-stop service. Full payment for special deals may be required within a number of days of the reservation being made as nominated by your consultant at the time of booking (or 45 days prior to departure). Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Group inquiries are welcome however specials remain subject to hotel and airline capacity control and therefore may not be applicable for group travel. The best deal available for group travel will always be given in lieu of the offer indicated. Unless otherwise indicated all travel must be completed by March 31, 2008 if not before. CST #2012413-20

 

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