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PROPOSED ITINERARY

BROWN AND KEENE – NORTH ISLAND

FEBRUARY/SEPTEMBER

DAY 1:  ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Upon arrival at Auckland International Airport you will be met by a representative of Southern Crossings who will hand over your New Zealand documentation and assist with the uplift of your rental vehicle.

Uplift your full size automatic rental vehicle including daily insurance, unlimited mileage and accident excess reduction.

Auckland - ‘City of Sails’ is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world. Set on the shores of the Waitemata, Maori name for ‘sparkling waters’, the city boasts marine reserves, golden swimming beaches and black sand surf. As New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland has a diverse ethnic mix providing a myriad of cultural experiences, reflected in the Pacific atmosphere and cuisine.

Should time permit we suggest the following optional activities during your leisure time:

• Auckland Museum and Maori Challenge Performance, the surrounding Domain and nearby Winter Garden

• Auckland Art Gallery and The New Gallery

• Visit the Maritime Museum and enjoy dining out at the many restaurants, cafes and bars at the Viaduct Basin

• A trip to the top of the Sky tower for magnificent views of Auckland and the Waitemata Harbour

• Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World

• Auckland Harbour Bridge climb or bungy jump

• Shopping in quaint and historic Parnell

• Sail the Waitemata Harbour aboard past America’s Cup yachts NZL40 or NZL41

• Cruise to Devonport - a charming historic seaside village with fine art and craft boutiques

• Cruise to Waiheke Island – a favourite for local holiday makers with its vineyards, olive groves and sandy beaches

ACCOMMODATION FOR ONE NIGHT IN A ONE BEDROOM SUITE ON A ROOM ONLY BASIS AT:

SEBEL SUITES

AUCKLAND   

DAY 2:  AUCKLAND TO BAY OF ISLANDS

Today drive north to the Bay of Islands (approximately 3 hours 30 minutes drive).

Bay of Islands – a myriad of 144 islands in the clear waters of the glistening Pacific Ocean.  This collection of islands showcases endless marine wildlife and natural beauty with the local townships steeped in colonial history.

ACCOMMODATION FOR THREE NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE/TWIN ROOM INCLUDING DINNER AND BREAKFAST AT:

TIO BAY LODGE

RUSSELL

BAY OF ISLANDS

DAY 3:  BAY OF ISLANDS

This morning enjoy a half day cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands to the famed ‘Hole in the Rock’. On a Fullers' luxury high speed catamaran you will pass through big game fishing waters before making an exciting passage through the famous Hole in the Rock. An informative commentary highlights Maori legend, historical features plus the flora and fauna of the area. Dolphins, seals, whales and a variety of bird life are often encountered.

After your cruise you'll have the opportunity of stopping off on beautiful Urupukapuka Island. If you wish, stay for the day at no extra cost - enjoy the coastal walks and magnificent beaches. Browse through the Maori Arts and Crafts centre or relax in the café, before returning on the afternoon sailing.

DAY 4:  BAY OF ISLANDS

We suggest the following optional activities during your leisure time:

• Explore romantic historic Russell

• Visit the Waitangi Treaty House where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the New Zealand Maori and the British Crown

• Golf at Waitangi Links by the sea

• Scenic flight or day excursion to Cape Reinga – the northernmost tip of New Zealand

• Private boat charter

• Swim with the dolphins

• Kemp Mission House (one of New Zealand’s oldest buildings – 1822) and the Stone Store at Kerikeri

• Game fishing (seasonal)

• Kiteboarding

• Coastal Kayak

DAY 5:  BAY OF ISLANDS TO ROTORUA

Today drive to Kerikeri Airport (approximately 45 minutes drive) and return your rental vehicle prior to your onward flight.

Fly Kerikeri to Rotorua (cost not included).

Upon arrival at Rotorua Airport uplift your full size automatic rental vehicle including daily insurance, unlimited mileage and accident excess reduction.

Rotorua – heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture.  Surrounded by steaming lakes, bubbling hot pools and bursting geysers, Rotorua is host to some of the worlds most incredible earth forces, capturing all that is precious and unique – feel its spirit ~ Mannakitanga.

OPTION ONE

ACCOMMODATION FOR THREE NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE/TWIN EXECUTIVE SUITE INCLUDING PRE-DINNER DRINKS, DINNER AND BREAKFAST AT:

SOLITAIRE LODGE

LAKE TARAWERA

ROTORUA

 

OPTION TWO

ACCOMMODATION FOR THREE NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE/TWIN ROOM INCLUDING BREAKFAST AT:

THE SPRINGS

ROTORUA

 

DAY 6:  ROTORUA

We suggest the following optional activities during your leisure time:

• Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Whakarewarewa

• Agrodome Farm Show

• Rainbow Springs Nature Park and Kiwi Encounter featuring unique flora and fauna and endangered and native species

• Rotorua Museum of Art and History

• Picnic at the scenic Green and Blue Lakes

• Polynesian Spa – Thermal Pools and Beauty Retreat

• Hell’s Gate (Tikitere) Thermal Reserve and Spa

• Buried Village of Te Wairoa

• Scenic helicopter flight over Mt Tarawera and White Island

• ‘Zorbing’ – downhill ride in a large inflatable ball

• Waiotapu Thermal Reserve (30 minutes south of Rotorua, enroute to Taupo)

• Drive to Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake and world’s trout fishing capital (45 minutes drive)

 DAY 7:  ROTORUA

Further day at leisure.

DAY 8:  ROTORUA TO HAWKE'S BAY

Today drive via Taupo to the Hawke’s Bay (approximately 3 hours drive). Enroute we suggest a visit to Wai-o-tapu Thermal Reserve - New Zealand's most colourful thermal area.

The Pacific Ocean provides a stunning backdrop to the Hawke’s Bay – renowned as one of New Zealand’s richest agricultural areas including viticulture. The long established wine-growing region has produced some of the finest wines of almost every variety.

OPTION ONE

ACCOMMODATION FOR THREE NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE/TWIN ROOM INCLUDING PRE-DINNER DRINKS, DINNER AND BREAKFAST AT:

GREENHILL - THE LODGE

HASTINGS

HAWKE'S BAY

 

OPTION TWO

ACCOMMODATION FOR THREE NIGHTS IN A DOUBLE/TWIN ROOM INCLUDING BREAKFAST AT:

COBDEN VILLA

NAPIER

HAWKE'S BAY

DAY 9:  HAWKE'S BAY

Depart for a half day guided morning tour of Hawke's Bay, including highlights such as food and wine, sightseeing, history, Maori Culture and artists and also spend time with some of the personalities of the Bay.

Taste wonderful wines, meet fascinating artists, explore stunning scenery, absorb History, experience a Powhiri (Maori welcome) on the top of historic Te Mata Peak (weather permitting) and finish with a platter lunch at a winery restaurant. (Return at approximately 1.15pm).

The afternoon is at leisure and we suggest the following optional activities:

• Walking tour of Napier, the Art Deco capital of the world

• Visit Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

• Hawke’s Bay Museum and Exhibition Centre

• Golf at the Cape Kidnappers course

• Visit the beach areas of Waimarama and Ocean Beach

DAY 10:  HAWKE'S BAY TO WELLINGTON

Today drive south to Wellington (approximately 4 hours drive). If time permits we suggest a stop en route at the Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre located between Eketahuna and Masterton. 

Wellington – Capital City and cultural centre of New Zealand.  Nestled between a dramatic harbour and bush clad hills, this thriving characteristic city is home to a feast of attractions including theatre, arts, parks and museums.

This afternoon we suggest the following optional activities during your leisure time:

• ‘Te Papa’ - Museum of New Zealand

• Mount Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour

• Historic house and birthplace of New Zealand’s renowned short story writer Katherine Mansfield

• Stroll along Oriental Parade for great views of the city 

• Ride Wellington’s Cable Car to the Botanical Gardens and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden

• Tour of the Parliament Buildings

• City Art Gallery

• Bond Store – Museum of Wellington City and Sea

ACCOMMODATION FOR ONE NIGHT IN A DOUBLE/TWIN CLUB ROOM INCLUDING CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AT:

THE DUXTON HOTEL

WELLINGTON

DAY 11:  DEPART WELLINGTON

Today drive to Wellington International Airport and return your rental vehicle prior to your onward flight.

Depart Wellington.

ARRANGEMENTS CONCLUDE

Pricing can fluctuate due to exchange rates at time of booking.

OPTION ONE

The cost per person is approximately US $4500 (total cost for two US $9000 and includes:

• Meet and greet upon arrival

• Full size automatic rental vehicle including daily insurance, unlimited mileage and accident excess reduction

• Accommodation and meals as specified

• Cape Brett ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise

• Half day small group tour in Hawke’s Bay including lunch

• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 12.5%

 OPTION TWO

The cost per person is approximately US $3000 (total cost for two US $6000) and includes:

• Meet and greet upon arrival

• Full size automatic rental vehicle inclrental vehicle including daily insurance, unlimited mileage and accident eeage and accident excess reduction

• Accommodation and meals as specified

• Cape Brett ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise

• Half day small group tour in Hawke’s Bay including lunch

• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax at 12.5%