Explore the North Island on our 10 Day Northern Heritage tour incorporating the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Art Deco Napier, Wellington, the Marlborough wine region and finishing in Christchurch. Be treated to a Maori cultural performance in Rotorua and a scenic Interislander ferry cruise between the North and South Islands before sampling some local Marlborough wine varieties to top off your tour experience.

TOUR CODE DKYY

Basic Tour price from NZ$2150 per person share twin  May 2010 - Sept 2010
Basic Tour price from NZ$2295 per person share twin  Oct 2010 - April 2011
Basic Tour price from NZ$2210 per person share twin  May 2011- Sept 2011

Add on 9 breakfast nz$180
Add on 7 dinners nz$240
Single supplement add on nz$725

Departure dates for 2010
7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, Sept;        5,12, 19, 26, Oct;      
9, 16, 23, 30, Nov;      7, 14, 21, 28 Dec

Departure dates for 2011
4, 11, 16, 18, 25, 30, Jan;        1, 6, 8, 15, 20, 22, 27, Feb;   
1, 8, 13, 15, 22, 29, March;     10, 12, 17, 19, 26, April; 
3, 10, 24, May;     28, June;     19, July;    9, 23, Aug;
6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, Sept    

Day 1
Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Our representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your hotel. 
Pavillions Hotel  Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 2
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland's distinctive Harbour Bridge to drive north along the Hibiscus Coast, through Kawakawa to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Here we meet our local Maori guide, a descendant of the original settlers to the region, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. A self guided tour thorugh the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay crossing the areas world renowned game fishing grounds to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and famous "Hole in the Rock". Return through the inner islands with their beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine life.
Tanoa Hotel Paihia (2 nights)

Day 3
Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available, your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. A full day Tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach is extremely popular or alternatively, visit historic Russell, New Zealand’s first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum.

Day 4
Bay of Islands - Rotorua
South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station, Auckland and its majestic harbour soon comes into view and a tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the central city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)

Day 5
Rotorua
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration. See pools of rainbow and brown trout at Rainbow Springs Park and even native birds including the Kiwi. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments. Time for optional activities this afternoon before a Maori hangi (meal) with selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).

Day 6
Rotorua - Napier
Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Skirt some of the world’s largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity, view the Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm and pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, claimed to be the world's art deco capital. A city tour will encompass the Marine Parade and foreshore area plus many of the city's art deco buildings. A visit to Hawkes Bay Museum is included.
Tennyson Hotel (1 night)

Day 7
Napier - Wellington
Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings, to Dannevirke and Woodville for an early afternoon arrival in the Capital city Wellington. A city tour includes the summit of Mount Victoria for views over the city and Harbour. See the Houses of Parliament and distinctive “Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, the central city area and Oriental Bay. Also explore the city yourself. Don’t miss Te Papa, the “Museum of New Zealand” or take a ride on the famous Cable Car.
Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)

Day 8
Wellington - Picton - Blenheim
Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with spectacular views of the City left behind. Sail across Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, bush clad hillsides remote bays and isolated holiday homes. In Picton, you are welcomed by your South Island Coach Captain. Explore Picton then drive to Blenheim for an afternoon's sightseeing that will highlight the district's many scenic attractions and some of its world renowned wines. A visit will be made to Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea.
Heartland Hotel Marlborough (1 night)

Day 9
Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch
Past Lake Grassmere then follow the coastline to Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching. Then over the Hundalee Ranges and onto the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch, included is a visit to the International Antarctic Centre before a city tour highlighting a strong English influence. See the parklands and River Avon before boarding the Tourist Tram for a circuit of the city centre which showcases all the main points of interest.
Pavilions Hotel (1 night)

Day 10
Christchurch - Home 
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport to join your flight home.

Meals are optional to include in your tour package and about 95% of travellers choose to include these as they represent exceptional value. All meals start on day 2 of the tour itinerary and conclude after breakfast on the final tour day.

Highlights Include
· Sightseeing tours of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
· Subtropical Bay of Islands
· Thermal Wonderland of Rotorua
· Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
· Authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
· Volcanic and Geothermal Region of the North Island
· Auckland's Skytower
· Scenic cruise Wellington-Picton
· Montana Winery visit with tasting and afternoon tea
· Spectacular Kaikoura Coast
· Cape Brett Launch Cruise
· Guided Tour of Waitangi Treaty House and grounds
· Parry Kauri Reserve
· Agrodome
· Rainbow Springs and Kiwi House
· Te Puia Thermal Reserve
· Skyline Gondola and Luge ride (Rotorua)
· International Antarctic Centre
· Christchurch Sightseeing Tram