18 Day Pacific Escapade

Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
On arrival at Auckland airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your city hotel. The 'City of Sails' is New Zealand's largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences.

Day 2 - Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula
This morning you meet your Tour Host and travel south to the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches that separate the Pacific Ocean from the Hauraki Gulf. It is a place where many kiwis choose to escape the hustle & hype of city life. At the quaint township of Coromandel, we ride the Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony.

Day 3 - Coromandel, Rotorua
Today you travel along the Bay of Plenty coastline to Tauranga & Mt Maunganui. Then, head inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua, an area that has enchanted visitors from around the world for more than 160 years. On arrival, enjoy a twilight cruise across Lake Rotoiti to the natural mineral springs of Manupirua Pools before enjoying a lakeside BBQ dinner at your resort.

Day 4 - Lake Tarawera Cruise & Te Wairoa Buried Village
The days highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera at the base of a gigantic dormant volcano. Your skipper will explain the early Maori and volcanic history of the area and talk about the 1886 eruption. You'll also have the opportunity to soak in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach and experience some of the country's best trout fishing before enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch. This afternoon, visit the Blue & Green Lakes and then wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa.

Day 5 - Lake Taupo, Napier
This morning, visit Wai-O-Tapu, a wonderland of geothermal activity. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the reserve's unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. Stop at the mighty Huka Falls & Wairakei Geothermal project, then wander around the popular lakeside resort of Taupo. Continue on to Napier, one of the world's finest Art Deco cities. Your local guide will bring this fascinating architecture to life on your walk around the town this afternoon.

Day 6 - Leisure Day
Widely regarded as the 'Tuscany of the South Pacific', the region boasts some of New Zealand's best and oldest wineries. You can enjoy a guided wine trail & taste some of the great wines produced locally, visit the world's largest mainland Gannet Colony, play a challenging round of golf at Cape Kidnappers, take to the skies on an early balloon ride over vineyards, olive groves & orchards or simply relax & enjoy your surroundings.

Day 7 - Wairarapa, Mt Bruce & Wellington
Travel through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region to Pukaha Mount Bruce, New Zealand's National Wildlife Centre. In this beautiful setting of native forest you will see the finest collection of New Zealand native birds to be found anywhere. Later, continue on to Wellington, the nation's capital, where you enjoy a brief sightseeing and orientation tour before checking into your accommodation.

Day 8 - Picton & the Marlborough Sounds
There is free time this morning to enjoy the delights of Wellington and a visit to Te Papa Museum is recommended. Later travel across Cook Strait, the stretch of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The journey across Cook Strait has a dramatic beauty all of its own. On arrival in Picton, join your water taxi transfer to your accommodation.