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14 Day New Zealand Tui Tour

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Description

The Tui 14 Day Tour is designed to immerse you in the unique Taonga (treasure) New Zealand has to offer. From the very special Tane Mahuta (giant Kauri tree) in the North to the rugged Kaikoura coastline in the South where whales and seals frolic, you will learn about our history and the special gifts of language, food, culture and spirituality bought here by our Maori ancestors.

You will literally be guided by our youth to plant a native kauri, in the Kauri forest, so leaving your mark on our landscape for perpituity. 

With visits to the Hokianga (significant Maori place of spirituality), Waitangi (signing of the Treaty) Paihia, Cape Brett (Hole in the Rock), swimming with dolphins, glowworm caves, hot pool beaches, the beautiful Coromandel (place of historical gold mining) and spending time with hosts who will regale you with stories of the very famous lost Pink and White terraces, you will emerge with a real sense of how New Zealand’s rich history has been formed.

You will enjoy every minute of this truly distinctive journey through our past, while basking in a vantage point of well being and comfort, from which to soak up the atmosphere and scenery.

Inclusions

All transport by comfortable, air conditioned coach (maximum of 18 travellers).

  • Services of your knowledgeable MoaTrek driver/guide.
  • Quality accommodation chosen for a “sense of place”.
  • All airport transfers pre and post tour.
  • All breakfasts(B).
  • Two special lunches(L) – Rapaura Water Garden, Coromandel Peninsula; Pounamu Lodge, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua.
  • One special dinner(D) – Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Hokianga.
  • Learn about Northland’s history at the Kauri Museum, Matakohe.
  • Walk with Maori guides to Tane Mahuta the giant Kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest and hear their stories and legends.
  • Take a launch ride across the Hokianga Harbour to explore the sand dunes.
  • Catch the ferry across the Hokianga from Rawene to Kohukohu.
  • Explore the Stone Store in Kerikeri.
  • Take a dolphin cruise out to the Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands, with the chance to swim with the dolphins.
  • Hear about New Zealand history at the Waitangi Treaty House.
  • Explore the Kawiti caves and their glowworm inhabitants.
  • Visit the Native Bird Recovery Centre in Whangarei.
  • Learn about living Maori culture with a private tour of Ohinemutu Village.
  • Cruise across Lake Rotoiti on the 16 metre luxury yacht “Tiua”. Soak in the lake edge mineral hot pools, only accessible by boat.
  • Visit Rotorua Museum for evocative exhibitions and films of earlier times.
  • Cross the lake to a thermal wonderland at Orakei Korako.
  • Wine taste in the Hawkes Bay premier wine region.
  • At Puhaka Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre you’ll see kiwi, tuatara and other unique wildlife.
  • Explore with a private guide on an Art Deco Tour of Napier.
  • Cruise on the Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait and up Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton.
  • Wine taste in the Marlborough premier wine region.
  • Cruise out in search of seabirds on the “Albatross Encounter” off the Kaikoura Coast.
  • Stroll along Russell’s historic waterfront.
  • Travel the dramatic coastal highway from Thames to Coromandel township.
  • Stroll beautiful Coromandel beaches – Whitianga, Hot Water Beach, Hahei.
  • Discover the bush fringed lakes of Rotoiti and Tarawera.
  • Enjoy all the highlights of Rotorua and the surrounding geothermal region.
  • See the powerful Huka Falls and the Wairakei geothermal power station.
  • At Lake Taupo there are expansive views across to the active volcanoes.
  • See the sights of Wellington, the capital city.
  • On the Kaikoura Coast encounter seals.
Experiences not included in your tour price 

Enjoy a range of optional activities from jet boat riding to kayaking and scenic flights.

Other Information

Duration

  • 13 Nights/14 Days
  • Auckland – Omapere on the Hokianga Harbour – Paihia in the Bay of Islands – Auckland – Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula – Rotorua – Napier – Wellington – Kaikoura – Christchurch

Departure

  • Please click on the Prices and Dates tab

Arrive in Auckland - Auckland - Matakohe - Waipoua Forest - Omapere, Hokianga (B, D) - Omapere - Bay of Islands (B) - Cruise the Bay of Islands - Dolphin Swim - tour Russell township (B) - Bay of Islands - Auckland (B) - Auckland - Thames Coast Highway - Coromandel Peninsula - Whitianga (B, L) - Whitianga - Rotorua (B) - Rotorua sightseeing (B, L ) - Rotorua - Napier (B) - Napier - Wellington (B) - Wellington - Cook Strait - Picton - Blenheim - Kaikoura (B) - Explore the Kaikoura coast (B) - Kaikoura - Christchurch (B) - Depart Christchurch (B)

DAY1

Arrive in Auckland

On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your waterside hotel in central Auckland. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the “City of Sails”. Your hotel is close to the central city shopping district.The cafes and restaurants on Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter, Princes Wharf and the Britomart Precinct are all within easy walking distance.

For great views of the city catch the lift to the top of the Sky Tower or take a five minute taxi ride to the Auckland War Memorial Museum where there is an outstanding collection of Maori and Polynesian cultural exhibits

DAY2

Auckland - Matakohe - Waipoua Forest - Omapere, Hokianga (B, D)

We depart Auckland for Muriwai Beach on the West Coast where a short walk takes us to close up views of a gannet colony nesting on the cliffs. We continue north to the Matakohe Kauri Museum, dedicated to the mighty kauri tree.

North of Dargaville we enter the primeval forest of Waipoua. We accompany Footprints Waipoua, a group of young Maori dedicated to preserving the traditions and culture of Ngapuhi, the northern Maori tribe, to visit Tane Mahuta, the God of the forest, and gain a deeper understanding of this unique forest. This evening we dine at our hotel on the harbour edge.

DAY3

Omapere - Bay of Islands (B)

This morning we cruise across the Hokianga Harbour to explore the sand dunes and, if you are feeling adventurous, ride a body board down the dunes.

Later we catch the vehicular ferry from Rawene to Kohukohu on the northern side of the harbour.

We drive over to Kerikeri, the fastest growing town in the North, known for citrus orchards, arts and crafts before heading for Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. The sparkling blue waters of this maritime park are dotted with islands – paradise for beach lovers and sailors.

DAY4

Cruise the Bay of Islands - Dolphin Swim - tour Russell township (B)

Cruise out from Paihia to a martime park of 144 islands on a catamaran purpose built for dolphin viewing and swimming (gear provided) or alternatively cruise out to the Hole in the Rock. Disembark at Russell, the first capital of New Zealand and a town with a rollicking past. It was known as the “hell hole of the South Pacific” in the 19th century when it was a favourite haunt of whalers and sealers.

Stroll the Russell waterfront and the colonial buildings then rejoin the coach to drive to Long Bay for the great views before catching the vehicular ferry to Opua and driving back to Paihia and Waitangi.

 
DAY5

Bay of Islands - Auckland (B)

We visit Waitangi Treaty House where local Maori signed the treaty with Queen Victoria’s representatives in 1840, a significant event in New Zealand’s history.

In the Waiomio Valley the Kawiti family guides us through their Kawiti Glowworm Caves just as they have done for many generations.

At the Native Bird Recovery Centre we meet the quirky talking tuis and see kiwis close up before heading south over the Harbour Bridge into Auckland. Enjoy this vibrant city from your waterside hotel located in the heart of the entertainment precinct in the Viaduct Basin. 

DAY6

Auckland - Thames Coast Highway - Coromandel Peninsula - Whitianga (B, L)

Drive south over the Bombay Hills and east across the Hauraki Plains to the jagged ranges of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Touring New Zealand’s picture-perfect Coromandel Peninsula, we enjoy a special lunch at Rapaura Watergardens and walk through native bush to a waterfall and lily ponds.

Further north at Coromandel the town’s gold mining past is visible in the restored wooden buildings lining the main street. Crossing the ranges we visit the stunning east coast beaches of Matarangi and Kuaotunu before staying the night in Whitianga on Mercury Bay.

DAY7

Whitianga - Rotorua (B)

We start the day with a visit to Hahei Beach and nearby Hot Water Beach where natural thermal hot springs bubble up through the sand. Depending on tide times you can dig your very own hot pool. Alternatively, take a glass bottom boat cruise (optional) to view Cathedral Cove, a sublime beach of white sands and limestone outcrops. Meet up with your coach at Cook’s Landing.

We continue south to Whangamata, Waihi and on to Rotorua. At Ohinemutu village beside Lake Rotorua we meet Shaloh Mitchell and receive a personal introduction to Maori culture.

DAY8

Rotorua sightseeing (B, L )

The first highlight of our small group tour of New Zealand is a cruise on Lake Rotoiti aboard a 53ft catamaran exploring secluded coves with the chance to take the helm, swim in the lake or soak in hot pools reached only by water.

Back ashore we relax over an exclusive lunch at Pounamu Lodge with our hosts David and Karen. Karen has stories to tell of her ancestor Guide Sophia who lead visitors to safety when Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886.

Later we visit Rotorua’s exceptional museum, the safe keeping place of many cultural treasures.

DAY9

Rotorua - Napier (B)

Explore our favourite geothermal hideaway, Orakei Korako, crossing the lake to a wonderland of silica terraces, bubbling mud pools and an enchanting Aladdin’s Cave, Ruatapu. See the turbulent Huka Falls and from Taupo the three active volcanoes – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu are visible across the lake.

The road winds over the ranges to Napier. Renowned for its Art Deco architecture, Napier was rebuilt in this style after an earthquake in 1931. Wine taste at a premier vineyard in this acclaimed wine region before a guide joins our coach to take us on a tour of the Art Deco buildings and suburbs.

DAY10

Napier - Wellington (B)

This morning we drive to the country town of Havelock North and up Te Mata Peak for fantastic views of the region before heading south through Hawkes Bay’s pastoral landscape of orchards, farms and vineyards to the Wairarapa.

At Pukaha Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre see endangered birds such as kiwi, kaka, kokako and takahe and the tuatara, a “living fossil” reptile that lived at the time of the dinosaurs.

After touring New Zealand’s capital city Wellington, we head to your contemporary inner city hotel in the heart of the eclectic cafe scene.

DAY11

Wellington - Cook Strait - Picton - Blenheim - Kaikoura (B)

We catch the Interislander ferry to cruise for three hours across Cook Strait into Tory Channel and up beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. With our feet firmly planted on “Te Waka a Maui”, the South Island, we tour Marlborough’s premier wine and food region renowned for sauvignon blanc.

Leaving behind the dry hills of Marlborough we drive south to Kaikoura, a small hamlet beside the ocean and beneath the towering Kaikoura mountains. We stay right on the waterfront. Seafood, especially crayfish, is a specialty in this ocean side town.

DAY12

Explore the Kaikoura coast (B)

This morning cruise for two and a half hours out from Kaikoura on the “Albatross Encounter” for close up seabird viewing in the albatross capital of New Zealand, if not the world. There are up to 12 species of albatross plus penguins, gannets, skuas, shearwaters, petrels and terns using the waters off Kaikoura as their feeding ground.

Later back ashore relax on the coast with time for close encounters with the local marine life. Walk along to the seal colony or take an optional seal swim or optional whale watching cruise or flight. Your driver/guide has a day off today.

DAY13

Kaikoura - Christchurch (B)

The highway continues down the coast and winds inland over the Hunderlee Hills before dropping down to the Canterbury Plains. The fast growing wine district of Waipara is set on terraces above the river.

Christchurch is the departure point for aircraft flying to Antarctica. This afternoon MoaTrek has arranged a pass for you to visit the International AntarcticCentre to learn about life for the treaty partners on this frozen continent.  

Your tour finishes here and you are transferred to your accommodation in Christchurch on the edge of Hagley Park. 

DAY14

Depart Christchurch (B)

Time to say goodbye. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. You will be picked up from your hotel for transfer to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. 

If you have time before your transfer to the airport, catch up on last minute shopping for New Zealand classics such as merino clothing in the Duty Free Stores or visit the Re-Start Container shopping mall. 

Thank you for travelling with MoaTrek.

Ka kite ano – “See you again”.

Tour Prices 2015/2016

NZ $6,090
Single Supplement ( extra ) NZ$1,300

 

Departure Dates 2015/2016

Apr 6th 2015 - Apr 19th 2015 G
Oct 12th 2015 - Oct 24th 2015 G
Nov 2nd 2015 - Nov 15th 2015 G
Nov 9th 2015 - Nov 22nd 2015 G
Nov 16th 2015 - Nov 29th 2015 G
Nov 30th 2015 - Dec 13th 2015 G
Dec 14th 2015 - Dec 27th 2015 G
Jan 4th 2016 - Jan 17th 2016 G
Jan 11th 2016 - Jan 24th 2016 G
Jan 18th 2016 - Jan 31st 2016 G
Jan 25th 2016 - Feb 7th 2016 G
Feb 1st 2016 - Feb 14th 2016 G
Feb 8th 2016 - Feb 21st 2016 G
Feb 15th 2016 - Feb 28th 2016 G
Feb 22nd 2016 - Mar 6th 2016 G
Feb 29th 2016 - Mar 13th 2016 G
Mar 7th 2016 - Mar 20th 2016 G
Mar 14th 2016 - Mar 27th 2016 G
Mar 21st 2016 - Apr 3rd 2016 G
Apr 4th 2016 - Apr 17th 2016 G
Apr 11th 2016 - Apr 24th 2016 G

 

A: Available G: Guaranteed Departure  C: Closed

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