12 Day Northern Explorer

Auckland to Christchurch

Overview

DAY 1: Auckland (D)
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival you will be met and transferred* to your hotel.
Two Night Stay: Auckland

DAY 2: Auckland (B)
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day choose from - (1) Skytower tour; or (2) Kelly Tarlton’s; or (3) Auckland morning sightseeing tour; or (4) Waiheke Island Explorer tour; or (5) cruise on Auckland Harbour; or (6) Wilderness Experience; or (7) sail an America’s Cup yacht. (Must be pre-booked).

DAY 3: Auckland – Omapere (B,HD)
This morning head north, driving along the picturesque Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe where you will tour the fascinating Kauri Pioneer Museum. Learn about the history of the kauri tree before continuing to the Waipoua Forest. Continue to Omapere and your accommodation on the shores of Hokianga Harbor. Tonight enjoy your delicious dinner on the beach and be entertained by local Maori musicians.
Overnight Stay: Omapere

DAY 4: Omapere – Bay of Islands (B,HD)
Today visit the sub-tropical paradise of the Bay of Islands and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where in 1840 the founding document of New Zealand as a nation was signed. This afternoon cruise across the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous Hole in the Rock (weather permitting). Tonight enjoy your SCENIC FREECHOICE Dinner – choose from: (1) Sound and Light show; (2) Waitangi River dinner cruise or (3) Local Restaurant. 
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands

Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade to the Bay of Islands Lodge. Additional expense, must be pre-booked.

DAY 5: Bay of Islands (B)
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day choose from - (1) On the Edge sailing; or (2) Russell and Pompallier Tour; or (3) Cape Reinga; or (4) swim with the dolphins; or (5) 18 holes of golf; or (6) fishing in the bay; or (7) Perfect Day Cruise; or (8) Darryl’s Lunch Cruise.

DAY 6: Bay of Islands – Auckland (B,HD)
Today, travel to Whangarei and enjoy some free time to explore before returning to Auckland. Tonight enjoy your SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining – choose from: (1) Stylish Italian gourmet cuisine in Barolo Restaurant; or (2) A sumptuous buffet in the SBF Brasserie.
Overnight Stay: Auckland

DAY 7: Auckland – Rotorua (B,HL)
This morning travel to Mount Eden, then journey south to Matamata. Visit Longlands Homestead, a working farm, for a delicious home cooked roast lamb lunch. Afterwards, visit Whakarewarewa Village for a fascinating insight into life in a geothermal village. See the Pohutu Geyser, which shoots boiling water up to 30 meters into the air.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua

Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade to Hamurana Country Estate or Treetops Lodge & Estate. Additional expense, must be pre-booked.

DAY 8: Rotorua (B,HD)
SCENIC FREECHOICE – choose from: (1) Agrodome Sheep Shearing and Farm Dog Show; (2) An amphibious duck tour of Rotorua and the lakes; (3) Relax in the thermal pools at the Polynesian Day Spa; (4) Take a thrilling 4WD safari adventure; (5) Visit the Buried Village; (6) Explore Rotorua Museum; (7) Visit Rainbow Springs and see the rare Kiwi; or (8) Tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Craft Institute. SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining – choose from: (1) Tamaki Village Hangi and Cultural Show; (2) Experience Stonegrill cuisine in a local restaurant; or (3) A gourmet buffet dinner at The Atlas Café and Restaurant.

DAY 9: Rotorua – Napier (B,HD)
Travel through the Wairakei steam valley to see Huka Falls and visit Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier and enjoy some free time to explore this quaint Art Deco town. Late afternoon visit Craggy Range Winery and watch the winemakers in action. Enjoy a private wine tasting and delicious dinner in the Winery’s restaurant.
Overnight Stay: Napier

DAY 10: Napier – Wellington (B,D)
This morning travel to Wellington and on arrival tour Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum.
Overnight Stay: Wellington

DAY 11: Wellington – Christchurch (B,D)
Board the InterIslander ferry and cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Onboard Scenic Tours Guests have access to the Kaitaki Premier Plus luxury lounge with continuous hot and cold snacks, complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer and wine and internet access. Continue to Christchurch, including a short stop at the Kaikoura seal colony.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch

DAY 12: Christchurch – Tour Ends (B)
After breakfast transfer* to the airport for your homeward flight.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.