A new land, still in the flux of creation, New Zealand's North Island offers a great blend of culture and awesome natural beauty. We see active volcanoes & turbulent rivers but also take time to learn of Maori legends and bathe in thermal springs as we journey through this magnificent land.

Waitomo & Rotorua
From Auckland we travel through lush countryside to Waitomo, famous for its countless caves, before continuing on to volcanic Rotorua, where we can bathe in thermal springs and marvel at the boiling mud-pools, which are commonplace here. We'll visit Pohutu, a geyser which erupts over 18 metres!

Volcanoes & Hawkes Bay
Exploring the volcanic zone around Taupo, we travel through this turbulent region visiting the Craters of The Moon and the spectacular Huka Falls. After then crossing the Kaimanawas, we relax in the Art-Deco surroundings of Napier.

Across the Strait
After time spent in the capital, Wellington, we cross to the South Island where we base ourselves in a lodge accessible only by water-taxi & enjoy the pristine beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound with the option to walk part of the popular Queen Charlotte track. Travelling by train to the coastal town of Kaikoura we have the chance to go whale watching to see the resident sperm whales before heading inland to the spa town of Hanmer Springs. Finally we drive to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Auckland; orientation tour. 2 In Auckland; visit the wineries of the Hauraki Gulf island of Waiheke. 3 Drive Waitomo; optional cave visit. 4 Drive Rotorua; visit geysers. 5 In Rotorua; free. 6 Drive to Taupo via the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve. 7 Drive to Napier; Cape Kidnappers visit. 8 Art-Deco tour of Napier; bus to Wellington. 9 Free day for sightseeing in Wellington. 10 Ferry to Picton; water taxi into Queen Charlotte Sound. 11 In Queen Charlotte Sound; optional walk. 12 Water taxi to Picton; train to Kaikoura. 13Optional whale watching; drive to Hanmer Springs. 14 Drive Christchurch. 15 End Christchurch.

Accommodation: 12nts hotel/motel, 2nts lodge; 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Ferry/Water taxi/On foot/Train.
Comment: The highlights of the North Island plus five days on the South Island.
Group: Approx. 14 to 22.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver.
Trip Reference: DNN