Northern Discovery Tour 2024
Explore the top of the North Island in an action-packed 8 days including a boat cruise & snorkel in the spectacular Bay of Islands and discover Maori Culture in the Bay of Plenty!
All inclusive tour price
Expert tour manager
5 star Transport
Your Trip Includes:
What you'll get:
- Airport transfer - we pick you up and drop you off at the airport
- 5 star bus - travel in luxury air conditioned coach with seat belts, TV and phone/tablet connections and professional driver
- 7 nights multi-share accommodation in Holiday Parks and Youth Hostels
- Healthy and tasty meals - 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners. Plus tour snacks!
- Kiwi tour manager - lots of fun and specially trained
- Two additional tour assistants
- Special NZET group games & spot prizes!
Highlights:
- Auckland’s Sky Tower
- Boat cruise to Poor Knights Islands for snorkelling & kayaking
- Famous Kawakawa toilets
- Ruapekapeka Pa
- Soak in thermal hot pools
- Te Puia Maori Cultural Centre
- Boiling mud pools and geysers
- Maori Village and cultural experience
- Traditional Maori Hangi meal
- Gondola & luge rides
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Waka Ama
- Tour of Hobbiton movie set
DAY 1 AUCKLAND
Kia ora and welcome to ‘Te Ika-a-Maui’ New Zealand’s North Island!
We kick off our tour in Auckland where we meet our fellow travelling buddies, friendly tour manager and tour assistants and head out for a tour around Auckland City before visiting the iconic Sky Tower.
This evening we have our first group dinner to discuss the exciting days ahead!
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Includes: Meet your Crew | Sky Tower | First Group Dinner | Discuss the exciting days ahead
DAY 2 AUCKLAND TO PAIHIA
This morning we depart Auckland and travel to the diving beach resort, Tutukaka. Here we join ‘A Perfect Day Ocean Cruise’ where we cruise the Poor Knights Islands.
We explore the wonders of the deep sea - snorkelling through caves, kayaking, swimming, sea mammal-spotting and learning snippets of fascinating history and island facts.
We then travel further north to Paihia for a kiwi favourite – Fish and Chips on the beach!
Includes: Breakfast | Ocean Cruise | Lunch | Snorkel | Kayak | Fish and Chips on the Beach
DAY 3 PAIHIA
Today is a FREE DAY to choose an optional activity at Special NZET Prices!
You might take the fun bus to the top of the North Island - Cape Reinga and drive along 90 Mile Beach and go ‘Sand Boarding’
Or alternatively, you could try sky diving or parasailing, visit the Treaty of Waitangi Grounds, explore the area or enjoy a relaxing day at the beach
Includes: Breakfast | FREE DAY for optional activities
DAY 4 PAIHIA - ROTORUA
Today we make our way south, stopping at the famous Kawakawa toilets by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
We also visit the Ruapekapeka Pa Site – where the last major battle between British Forces and local Maori was fought.
After checking in to our accommodation and enjoying dinner we head to the Polynesian Spa for a relaxing soak in the thermal hot pools.
Includes: Breakfast | Kawakawa toilets | Ruapekapeka Pa | Dinner | Thermal Hot Pools
DAY 5 ROTORUA
Our first stop in Rotorua this morning is Te Puia - a magnificent geothermal wonderland featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush. We also visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre to view these endangered birds and learn how the sanctuary is working to protect them.
This afternoon it is free time to take advantage of the awesome optional activities available – you might like to try white water rafting or zorbing or go for a tour on the amphibious WWII landing craft, plus more!
Tonight, we visit Maori Village of Mitai. Discover Maori art forms, ancient stories, rituals and songs and enjoy a cultural performance and traditional Maori Hangi.
Includes: Breakfast | Te Puia | Maori Village | Traditional Maori Hangi |
DAY 6 ROTORUA - TAURANGA
First thing this morning we head to Skyline Gondola for spectacular views of the area followed by some thrilling luge rides down.
We then head to Velocity Valley for some awesome optional activities like bungy, swoop swing and more, before making our way to Tauranga.
Includes: Breakfast | Gondola and Luge | Velocity Valley |
DAY 7 TAURANGA
Today you will learn to use a Stand-Up Paddle Board and learn to paddle in a Waka Ama (outrigger canoe. Following this we enjoy a cultural guided walk of Mauao where you will learn of the inspirational Legend of Mauao and the local wildlife and environment.
This afternoon is free for you to explore Mount Maunganui and relax on the beach
Tonight we enjoy our last night together and celebrate our tour with a fun farewell and awards presentation
Includes: Breakfast | Stand Up Paddle Board | Waka Ama | Guided walk of Mauao | Free Time | Farewell Dinner
DAY 8 TAURANGA TO AUCKLAND TO HOME
Haere Ra …
The fun doesn’t stop just yet though….. On our way back to Auckland we stop in at Middle Earth and take a tour of the movie set from The Hobbit & Lord of The Rings to see hobbit holes, the famous Party Tree and Bag End
We then continue to Auckland Airport for your departure with your amazing new friends and ‘Ferntastic memories’.
Includes: Breakfast | Hobbiton | Depart for Home
We are happy to book your flights to and from tour and will always try to find the best priced flights available.
The cost of these flights are NOT included in the tour price and are an additional cost along with the $20.00 booking fee.
*Please note, at our discretion, the itinerary is subject to change in the case of unforeseen circumstances.