Full Day Auckland

Distinguished by former volcanic activity, Auckland’s landscape is made up of cones, lakes, lagoons, depressions and islands. Take in the city’s incredible scenery at Viaduct Basin, a marina home to hundreds of yachts and many nautical events including the high profile America’s Cup; at the volcanic peak, One Tree Hill, a memorial place of social importance; or at the cinder cone, Mt Eden. 

Piercing the skyline and intrinsic to Auckland’s identity are the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the Sky Tower, an imposing 328m structure which is the tallest of its kind in the southern hemisphere; jump off it if you dare (‘Sky Jump’!) or simply take the elevator up to the ‘deck’ on the 62nd floor. Scrumptious sea-food buffet is available on the 58th floor (Observation restaurant) and seats should be booked in advance.

A less arduous but equally beautiful walk is through the restored and trendy Victorian-era suburbs – the views from Ponsonby are spectacular; whilst in Parnell are: the Gothic Revival Cathedral of St Mary, the Kinder House complete with a resident ghost and the quaint Ewelme Cottage built in 1863 by the fantastically named Reverend Vicesimus Lush!

Cutting through an old volcanic valley floor runs Auckland’s commercial yet classy Queen Street where great shopping can be followed by fine dining. Halfway down is the inner city hub, Aotea Square (Old Town Hall, Aotea Centre Cultural Complex), and nearby is the Auckland Art Gallery where some of New Zealand’s best works are displayed – some dating back to the time of Captain Cook. Art appreciation continues at The Heritage Gallery and New Gallery, whilst New Zealand’s history is recorded at the Auckland War Memorial Musuem (the Maori and South Pacific collection of art and treasures is of national significance), Museum of Transport and Technology and the New Zealand National Maritime Museum.

Upmarket shopping continues on Ponsonby Road, High Street, Karangahape Road and Newmarket. If your style is less boutique, more bargain, then try the fleamarkets at Otara and Avondale. 
Entertainment of outstanding quality is never far away – superlative dining, night-clubs, theatre, cinema and opera venues are dotted around the city. Families with children are also well catered for: Howick Historical Village is a living museum on a mid C19th compound, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, Auckland Zoo and Rainbow’s End – New Zealand’s largest theme park. Proud of its pretty parks and gardens, Auckland offers us great choices: Albert park, the Auckland Domain (winter gardens, tropical plant house) and Cornwall Park. 

And of course, there are the wonderlands of nature, picture-perfect swimming and surfing beaches are plentiful and local – the popular Mission Bay, Devonport, Piha and KareKare which was made famous in the opening scenes of the New Zealand film, ‘The Piano’.

Full Day Rotorua

Famed for its geothermal activity, Rotorua is utterly unique – peer into an active volcano and watch the belly of the earth bubble and roar as it leeches sulphurous steam trying to find its way out through thermal pools and geysers. Steeped in Maori history and culture, and picturesque to boot, Rotorua offers a profusion of opportunities for the long or short-term visitor.

The thermal activity in Rotorua is fascinating – as is the local constant companion, the smell of sulphur! There are many geysers to view although the Pohutu Geyser in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley at Te Puia is arguably Rotorua’s favourite geyser known for its 30 metre high steam spurts! Whakarewarewa Thermal Village is where the rich Maori history and culture of the region is detailed through song, dance and storytelling.

However there is more to Rotorua than hiss and steam. A visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing a few of the 16 magnificent lakes in this region – such as Lake Rotorua, Lake Tarawera or the beautiful Green (Rotokakahi) and Blue (Tikitapu) Lakes – perhaps even catch a trout for dinner? Popular water sports are kayaking, jet boating, water skiing, fishing (note that Green Lake is closed to public) and white water rafting (especially at the Kaituna River). 
Nearby Mount Tarawera is known for its devastating volcanic eruption of 1886 which, in destroying three whole villages, also buried The Pink and White Terraces, a geological phenomenon considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. 
Opportunities for families – attractions and actions – abound. For the adrenaline junkies why not try hurtling downhill in a plastic bubble, racing through space, body flying or bungy jumping 43 metres! But worry not, there’s always horse riding, orienteering and walks through the lovely Whakarewarewa (Redwood) Forest.

Activities

Travel to Tongariro National Park

Taupo to Tongariro National Park 
Driving distance: 133 km / 83 miles
Driving: Approx 1h56m 

You’ll follow the eastern edge of Lake Taupo to reach Turangi. The drive is very scenic and there are many picnic opportunities along the way. Where streams run into the lake, you’ll often see trout fisherman trying their luck.

The town of Turangi is the trout fishing capital of New Zealand. There are famous fishing spots in almost every direction, including ‘The Delta’, ‘The Hole’, ‘Little Big O’ and ‘Tailrace’ (believed to contain the world’s fattest trout). The nearby hot springs of Tokaanu are another attraction, or you can try rafting the Tongariro River. The walks and skifields of the Tongariro National Park are also close by. 

Your drive to National Park Village follows the edge of the Tongariro National Park. The road to the historic Grand Chateau hotel and Whakapapa skifield turns off to the left. The chateau makes an excellent refreshment stop.

National Park Village is well positioned for those who want to explore the Tongariro National Park. The volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro can be seen from here. The park was gifted to the New Zealand people in 1887 by the Ngati Tuwaretoa tribe and is now a World Heritage area. The Tongariro Crossing is regarded as one of the best one-day walks in the world.

Travel to Wellington

Tongariro National Park to Wellington 
Driving distance: 293 km / 182 miles 
Driving: Approx 4h14m 

Heading south from Tongariro National Park on SH4 past the Makatote viaduct and then SH49, there’s a picnic opportunity in the Karioi State Forest before Waiouru which is in the heart of army territory – if the military is of interest, the museum is worth a visit. 

Heading south through broken country past Taihape there is now a choice of directions. SH54, SH3 to SH2 travels south through a gorge, past antique-filled Woodville, Masterton and Victorian Greytown – a great place to take refreshment break and browse haute couture made by New  Zealand’s top fashion designer, Trelise Cooper – before the route leads to Wellington, 1 & ½ hours away. 

Alternatively, SH1 southbound reveals some unusual gems at Foxton such as the full-sized windmill in the main street or its wonderful Flax stripping museum. The glorious Kapiti Coast has many lovely beaches en route for a quick splash or snack, there are potteries at Te Horo and Waikanae, a superb lookout over Kapiti Island’s rare bird sanctuary; and two great vintage museums: the Southward (Motor) museum at Paraparaumu and the Tramway museum at Paekakariki. SH1 becomes more urban as it finally leads to the country’s capital.

Depart Wellington

Drop your rental car off at the airport and catch your domestic flight to connect with you international flight.