Koromiko Tour

Haere mai – welcome! Arrive in Auckland where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure exploring the ‘City of Sails’.

Travel north via Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge to visit Reed Memorial Park. Here, walk along an elevated canopy walkway through a remnant of the original kauri forests – some kauri trees are known to be at least 500 years old. Take in the picturesque Whangārei Falls, formed more than 2 million years ago, before continuing to the Bay of Islands – a stunning region of 144 subtropical islands scattered through warm shallow waters and bays abundant in natural wonders and marine life. Regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is rich in both Māori culture and early European history. You are welcomed to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn the story of Waitangi, including the signing of the 1840 treaty between Māori tribes and British settlers; the magnificent meeting house; the interactive and contemporary museum; and the war canoe (waka). Next, take a ferry to the seaside village of Russell, spending the next two nights at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

Head south through rural towns and past delightful beaches before arriving in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, to enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘City of Sails’ including panoramic views from Bastion Point; trendy Parnell Village; the lovely bays of the waterfront drive; and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area. We also enjoy a guided tour of the Auckland Museum, which gives an excellent introduction to the artistic legacy and cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific.

Travel across the fertile Hauraki Plains to Thames, then head up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. This coastal drive is quite spectacular, and on a clear day, keep an eye out for the SkyTower which can be seen across the Firth of Thames. Ride the nearby Driving Creek Railway, climbing 120 metres on a narrow-gauge line to the ‘EyeFull’ Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and back over the Hauraki Gulf. Next, drive east across the Peninsula through beautiful scenery to reach the resort of Whitianga on Mercury Bay.

White cliffs, golden beaches, inviting turquoise waters, and green forests are the colours of the Coromandel, with scarlet highlights courtesy of the flowers of Pohutukawa trees in summer, making this one of our favourite regions. Rightly famous is Hot Water Beach, where warm springs bubble up through the sand, and when the tide is right you can dig out your very own ‘spa’ pool for a wallow in the warm waters. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic walk to Cathedral Cove, where you’ll spend time soaking up the beauty of one of New Zealand’s most photogenic beaches before returning the same way. Next, your driver will take you to Cooks Beach – named after Captain James Cook who sailed on the HMS Endeavour into Mercury Bay in 1769. Famous for its long golden sandy beach, it is now a popular retreat for Kiwis during summer months.

From Cooks Beach you can choose to catch the short ferry ride back to Whitianga and walk to your accommodation or travel back with your driver.

Taking the Pacific Coast Highway through the beachside towns of Waihī and Mount Maunganui in the beautiful Bay of Plenty before turning inland to visit a well-formed bushwalk with scenic lookouts over Okere Falls. From there, we continue on to Rotorua, the epicentre of New Zealand’s geothermal activity and Māori heritage. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without a stop at Te Puia, where we explore its active geothermal sites, experience the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, and learn about Kiwi conservation projects. At Te Puia it’s part of their culture to welcome, guide, entertain, and treat you like part of the family and you are treated to a private guide throughout your time here.

Visit the powerful Huka Falls then view the vast Lake Taupō – more inland sea than lake, though its fresh waters teem with trout. Across the lake stands the mighty volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe, and Tongariro, within the Tongariro National Park. Then continue on to Napier to view one of the world’s most complete examples of Art Deco architecture, second (arguably) only to Miami Beach. This joyful seaside town had a tragic birth, being virtually levelled by fierce fires that followed the devastating 1931 earthquake. Napier was rebuilt in the most up-to-date style of the time, which today is referred to as Art Deco. This afternoon our local guide brings history and architecture alive with entertaining stories as we discover Napier on foot. Today’s journey has brought us to the North Island’s wine country, so this evening’s treat is dinner at New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate, where you enjoy dinner in the restored seminary buildings with sweeping views of Napier.

Travel through the vineyards and orchards of Hawke’s Bay and the bush-clad ranges of the Wairarapa into New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Pause along the journey in historic Greytown for lunch and a brief look around its cafés, boutiques and Victorian colonial architecture. On arrival, view New Zealand’s magnificent Parliament Buildings including the iconic ‘Beehive’ building. From the Kelburn lookout take the Wellington Cable Car down into the central city precinct before visiting Te Papa – one of the most exciting museums in the world, featuring New Zealand insights; the shaping of its land, the spirit of its diverse peoples, its unique wildlife, landscapes and its distinctive popular culture.

Haere rā – farewell from New Zealand. After breakfast you are transferred to the Wellington Airport for your return home, taking with you your fond memories of your time in New Zealand. Alternatively, should you wish to extend your stay, we can assist you with additional travel arrangements.