ECNI – Southern – Coast to Piste
Waikato – Taupo – Ruapehu – Hawke’s Bay – Tairāwhiti-Gisborne
This is a sample itinerary – please contact us if you have a multi-regional itinerary in mind to top or tail your TRENZ visit to NZ. Email: info@explorecentralnorthislandnz.com
| Start: Auckland (Or Hamilton) See: Waikato Stay: Waikato | Day One: Head out of Auckland early today and head south on the Thermal Explorer Highway. Take a tour of the stunning Hamilton Gardens and see why it won the global award– International Garden of the Year. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the picturesque Red Barn and savour some of the dishes created from the finest locally-sourced ingredients. After lunch, drive a short distance to Hidden Lake Hotel for afternoon tea and a site visit. Before heading to Hobbiton, check into your accommodation at Henley Hotel and take a moment to relax and refresh. Experience the evening to visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and see this award-winning attraction in action. Stay in comfort at Henley Hotel, Cambridge More Info: www.waikatonz.com |
| Start: Waikato See: Waikato / Taupo Stay: Taupo | Day Two: After breakfast journey to the village of Waitomo and choose your caving experience: Waitomo Caves – Glowworm Caves and Ruakuri Caves ORWaitomo Caves – Black Water Rafting Continue south to Taupo This afternoon get your blood pumping and choose between a ‘water touch’ Bungy Jump or Cliffhanger Extreme Swing. Late afternoon enjoy a Private Lake Cruise to the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings and Trout Fishing with Chris Jolly Outdoors. This evening dine and stay in style with one of our signature Taupo accommodations. More Info: www.lovetaupo.com |
| Start: Taupo See: Taupo/Ruapehu Stay: Ruapehu | Day Three: The fun continues this morning with the choice between: 15,000 foot skydive, or a Scenic Helicopter flight and Huka Lodge Site Visit (Numbers limited), followed by a Hukafalls Jet adventure. After lunch at Huka Prawn Park, transfer to the township of Taumarunui. This afternoon – a fun rail experience with a difference – join Forgotten World Adventures Rail Cart tour or join a Jet Boat on the stunning Whanganui River. Perhpas enjoy a Sunset guided walk in National Park with Adrift Outdoors. At the base of the mountain Dinner and stay at Powderhorn Ohakune. More Info: www.visitruapehu.com |
| Start: Ruapehu See: Ruapehu Stay: Hawke’s Bay | Day Four: After breakfast this morning we go up the mountain to the Whakapapa Ski Area Mt Ruapehu where the joys of this alpine environment can be experienced – even without skis! – Take a ride on the brand new Sky Waka gondola, and enjoy a short volcanic walk. Refresh and relax as you partake in High Tea at charming Chateau Tongariro Hotel. Head this afternoon to Hawke’s Bay – blow the cobwebs away with an afternoon cycle, or get in touch with nature and your art-side by visiting 2 top Napier attractions. Aft Activity Option: Napier City Bike Hire and ToursAft Activity Option: MTG and National Aquarium. This evening enjoy a taylor-made Odyssey Progressive Dinner – Take a scenic drive through a number of vineyards as you learn about the region and its wines. Enjoy a full interactive wine tasting alongside gourmet food for dinner. A wonderful evening. Stay at Craggy Range. More Info: www.visitruapehu.com www.hawkesbaynz.co.nz |
| Start: Hawke’s Bay See: Hawke’s Bay Stay: Tairāwhiti-Gisborne | Day Five: After breakfast this morning get your ‘touring gear on’ and see the Art Deco capital of the world in timeless class with a Vintage Car Art Deco Tour. Discover the eco magic of Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony – join our experienced guides and visit the largest mainland gannet colony in the world on this awesome Eco experience with Gannet Beach Adventures. This afternoon drive the stunning Pacific Coast Highway North to the region of The First Light – Tairāwhiti-Gisborne. Stay: Gisborne More Info: www.hawkesbaynz.co.nz |
| Start: Tairāwhiti-Gisborne See: Tairāwhiti-Gisborne Stay: Tairāwhiti-Gisborne | Day Six: Cycle along railway lines on purpose-built railbikes to visit areas unseen or sail away the day on a traditional Maori waka (canoe) while learning traditional navigation stories. Delight your taste buds with fresh local seasonal produce served at multiple restaurants in the region or relax in the vines exploring local wines. Stay with beachfront views, or have a glamping adventure with your own private lake. More info: www.tairawhitigisborne.co.nz |
| Start: Tairāwhiti-Gisborne See: Tairāwhiti-Gisborne Stay: Christchurch | Day Seven: Begin your morning as the first to see the sun, before venturing out to meet the friendly stingrays and other reef dwelling creatures. Christchurch flights – departures available all day, via Auckland or Wellington. Optional additional night in Tairāwhiti Gisborne at own cost. More info: www.tairawhitigisborne.co.nz |
| Notes: | Flights to Christchurch are at agents arrangements. Participating operators and experiences are subject to availability. Rental vehicle is at agents arrangements and cost. Available to TRENZ buyer delegates only |