What's Included: Transport Wellington to Auckland - 2 nights
accommodation - View endangered native wildlife at Mt Bruce - View Lake Taupo and
Huka Falls - Beach resort of Mount Maunganui - Scenic Karangahake Gorge -
Historic goldmining town of Thames.
Day 1: Wellington - Napier
This morning we will pick you up from your arranged location before heading north to
Napier. We drive over the Rimutakas after leaving the capital. The first stop this
morning will be at Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre to see endangered wildlife such as
Kiwi and Tuatara. Continue on through the Wairarapa, passing a wind farm and the historic
Tui brewery in Mangatainoka. Arrive in Napier at lunchtime. This will allow you
enough time to visit some of the local wineries or journey out to Cape Kidnappers and see
the largest on-land gannet colony in the world. Take the time also to walk around
prominent art deco buildings in the central city and find out more about the earthquake,
which shattered the city in the 1930s and led to the reconstruction in the unique art deco
style.
Day 2: Napier - Mount Maunganui
Travel over the hills to Taupo, where you stop briefly at Huka Falls before continuing on
to Rotorua. Choose one of the sight seeing options to complete during your time here
the thermal area at Whakarewarewa, a great view overlooking the lake at Skyline
Gondola, an adrenaline rush at the Agrodome, or a culinary experience mixed with some
culture at the realm of Tane. After leaving Rotorua, it is a short drive further on
to Mount Maunganui, a pretty beachside town.
Day 3: Mount Maunganui - Auckland
Spend the morning either relaxing on the beach or taking the climb up Mount Maunganui
before driving back to Auckland, passing through native bush and unique small towns such
as Paeroa and the historic goldmining town of Thames.