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NORTH ISLAND 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS TOUR
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DAY 1 Pick up from Auckland Airport then Transfer to Accommodation
Stay in Auckland.
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DAY 2 Pick up from the accommodation at 8:30 am
This morning travel North along State Highway 1 through the city of Whangarei to Paihia. Paihia is the main township in the Bay of Islands. There you will board the Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise. This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, and for good reason. Your cruise from Paihia will take in the stunning views as you glide out through the islands, along the Rakaumangamnga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch. Next is Piercy Island/ Motukokako, known as "Hole in the Rock". You will then cruise back to Paihia and see dolphins on the way.
Transfer to Accommodation
Stay in Paihia.
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DAY 3 Breakfast at the hotel pickup from the accommodation 8:30am.
Take a short trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. You will get an informative guided tour with a local guide as well as a high energy Maori Cultural performance. Plus full access to New Zealand's most important historic site, featuring iconic buildings, breathtaking examples of Maori architecture, the world's largest ceremonial war canoe and the state of art Museum of Waitangi. In the afternoon ride the ferry to the historical township of Russel (Kororareka). The town's original street plan and names from 1843 are still intact and features some of New Zealand's oldest and most significant historic buildings. The township gained a reputation as a lawless and rowdy port with a nickname "Hell Hole of the Pacific". Afterwards we ride the ferry back to Paihia and travel back to Auckland. Transfer to Accommodation
Stay in Auckland
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DAY 4 Breakfast at the hotel Pick up from the accommodation at 8:00 am
We will leave Auckland and travel south, heading into the Mighty Waikato province as you will see a lot of farmland plus the biggest river in New Zealand the Waikato River. As we make our way to the Waitomo Caves to see the world famous Glowworm Cave. The glowworm is unique to New Zealand and you will see thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakeable luminescent light as your expert guide provide informative commentary on the caves historical and geological significance. After the tour we will have lunch (own expense) and travel to Rotorua. Once you have checked into your accommodation we will go for a swim at Polynesian Thermal Hot Spa, so you can enjoy the thermal water of Rotorua. Transfer to Accommodation
Stay in Rotorua.
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DAY 5 Breakfast at the hotel Pick up from the accommodation at 8:30 am.
Today is time to enjoy the snow at New Zealand's largest ski area at Whakapapa ski field on Mt. Ruapehu. We will drive around part of New Zealand largest lake, Lake Taupo which is a creator lake like Lake Rotorua. As we start driving up the base of Mt Ruapehu you will see a historical hotel called Chateau Tongariro Hotel built in 1929. After playing in the snow we will go back around lake Taupo and stop in the township of Taupo. There you can get some pictures of the snow capped mountains of Mt. Tongariro, Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Ruapehu across the lake. Next stop is Huka Falls. Huka Falls is a thundering 11 metre high waterfall and the most visited and photographed natural attraction in New Zealand.
Transfer to Accommodation
Stay in Rotorua.
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DAY 6 Breakfast at the hotel Pick up from the accommodation at 8:30 am.
At the Agrodome Farm Show you'll hear amazing facts and have a few laughs as you're introduced to 19 breeds of sheep. Then witness a live sheep shearing, hand milking a cow, feeding baby lambs and much more. At Rainbow Springs, explore nature. Set amongst the native trees and beautiful forests of Rotorua, you will see trout in the pools, native birds, tuatara, different lizards, kiwi bird and much more. Next you will ride a gondola to the top of Mount Ngongotaha and take in panoramic views. Enjoy lunch at the Skyline Rotorua Stratosfare Restaurant which is a buffet style lunch. After lunch you will enjoy the Rotorua City tour which includes the Redwoods Rotorua, Ohinemutu Village, Kuirau Park, different lakes, Government Gardens and much more.
Transfer to accommodation
Stay in Rotorua.
DAY 7 Breakfast at the hotel Pick up from the accommodation at 8:30 am.
This morning we will head out to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland which is a spectacular showcase of New Zealand's most colorful and unique geothermal elements sculpted by thousands of years of volcanic activity plus you will see Lady Knox Geyser. Once we get back into Rotorua you have some free time to do some shopping before you will get pick up from your accommodation by bus to be taken to Tamaki Maori Village for a night of entertainment and dinner. You will learn more about the Maori Culture and get to join in too. The Hangi (dinner), I know you will enjoy.
Transfer to accommodation
Stay in Rotorua.
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DAY 8 Breakfast at the hotel Pick up from the accommodation at 8:30 am.
On your way back up to Auckland we will call into Hobbiton Movie Set. At the Hobbiton Movie Set you will go on a two hour guided tour and learn all about the Hobbit Trilogy, plus if you have seen the movie you will feel like you are part of the movie. At the Green Dragon Tavern you can dress up as your favourite hobbit. Once we arrive in Auckland we will go to New Zealand's biggest shopping mall which is called Sylvia Park. There you can get your last minute shopping done. Next we will go to the Auckland International Airport.