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Day 1 Auckland - Whitianga

Drive south to the lush farmland of the Waikato. Hug the Firth of Thames coastline before crossing the bush clad peaks of the Coromandel Peninsula to Whitianga and its expansive golden beaches. The afternoon will be free. Local activities available include: fishing, swimming with Dolphins, beach and bush walks, craft trials or just relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches.

Overnight Spindrift B & B

Day 2 Whitianga - Rotorua

Spend time exploring the famous Hot Water Beach before farewelling the Coromandel. Travel back to the main highway and on to Waihi, home of the Martha Gold Mine. Follow the coastline through the Kiwi Fruit producing regions to reach Tauranga. Pass Te Puke's giant kiwi fruit and cross the Ohau Channel, between Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti, to arrive in Rotorua.

Overnight Aroden Homestay 2 nights

Day 3 Rotorua

Today is free to discover this spectacular wonderland. Included sightseeing comprises of entrance fees to the Agrodome, Paradise Valley Nature Park and Whakawerawera geo-thermal reserve. You may also consider participating in a marae ( meeting ground ) based Maori Concert or a Lake cruise. The more adventurous may opt for a Mt. Tarawera 4WD excursion or a whitewater rafting trip. Rotorua boasts an extensive range of both natural and man-made attractions and cultural experiences.

Day 4 Rotorua - Taupo - Napier

Travel south through Kaiangoroa, one of the largest man-made forests. View New Zealand's geothermal power stations and Huka Falls before arriving in Taupo. Leaving Lake Taupo traverse the rugged Kaimanawa Ranges to reach the Hawkes Bay and Napier - famous for its Art Deco buildings built after the destructive 1931 earthquake. Hawkes Bay is also well known for high quality vineyards and orchards.

Overnight Maison Bernaise B & B

Day 5 Napier - Wellington

The morning suggested sights may include: Napier's Art Deco buildings, local wineries, Bluff Hill and the marine parade attractions. Departing Napier travel across the Takapau Plains before reaching the southern Hawkes Bay town of Dannevirke, originally settled by Scandinavians. Continue on to Mount Bruce home of the National Wildlife Centre with its collection in rare New Zealand birds. Drive through Masterton the administrative centre of the Wairarapa District. Pass through the market gardens of Greytown and traverse the rugged Rimutaka Ranges to arrive Wellington.

Overnight Harbourview Homestay 2 nights

Day 6 Wellington

Today's must see sights include the Cable Car, Te Papa - Museum of New Zealand, Mount Victoria, The Beehive and Parliament Buildings and the city's wild south coast. No visit to Wellington is complete without a visit to Courtney Place renowned as New Zealand's leading dining and entertainment district with its scores of cafes, restaurants and theatre.

Day 7 Wellington - Mt. Ruapehu

Head north through the Kapiti Coast with its famous Kapiti Island bird sanctuary. Pass the imposing Tararua Ranges and over the Manawatu River as you climb to the Volcanic Plateau. The 9000 ft. volcanic Mt. Ruapehu will be viewable as you approach the Military town of Wairoru. Skirt the southern slopes of the mountain to arrive Ohakune.

Overnight Log Lodge Home Stay

Day 8 Mt. Ruapehu - Waitomo Caves - Auckland

Spend time this morning discovering the unique sights of the Tongaririo National Park. Later today depart for Auckland. Travel through the hilly King Country district, site of the 19th Century New Zealand wars. Arriving at Waitomo Caves visit the famous glow worm grotto with its canopy of fairy lights (included). Depart Waitomo and continue over the Waikato countryside to Hamilton before retracing your route to Auckland - the City of Sails.