(Click a region for more details) |
For 1-3 persons: a group CCAR (Toyota Corolla 1.8 litre 5 door with air conditioning, or similar).
For 4 persons: a group FCAR (Holden Commodore 3.8 litres, 4 door automatic with air conditioning, or similar).
Other car types are available. Please call for further details.
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| Auckland to Christchurch (14 days) |
| Witi Ihimaera’s novel ‘Whale Rider’ is the touching and ultimately uplifting story of tradition, Maori legend and a young girl’s quest to gain the understanding and acceptance of her grandfather. The recent film version provided audiences with a taste of Maori culture and demonstrated that there is far more to New Zealand than just some of the finest scenery in the world. |
This itinerary explores the Eastland region, steeped in over 1000 years of Maori heritage. It remains one of the country’s least visited areas, and also one of the most genuine, and those who do venture to this eastern-most point of New Zealand are rarely disappointed. Here you will find Maori settlements, churches and Maraes.You will also have the opportunity to talk with local people at a homestay, and visit Whangara, the setting for both the book and film.
The itinerary also features the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture at Rotorua, and the whale-watching capital, Kaikoura. These tie in nicely with the themes of the film and provide a contrast against the cosmopolitan cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the location where Whale Rider was filmed
- Experience the themes of the film: Maori culture & whales
- Explore the little-visited Eastland region
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| Note: driving distances are approximate and depend on your route. |
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Outline Itinerary
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Day 1: |
arrive Auckland |
Day 2: |
Auckland-Rotorua (234km) |
Day 3: |
exploring Rotorua |
Day 4: |
Rotorua-Whakatane (85km) |
Day 5: |
Whakatane |
Day 6: |
Whakatane-Te Kaha (130km) |
Day 7: |
Te Kaha-Gisborne (255km) |
Day 8: |
Gisborne |
Day 9: |
Gisborne-Napier (216km) |
Day 10: |
Napier-Wellington (334km) |
Day 11: |
Wellington |
Day 12: |
Wellington-Picton-Kaikoura (157km) |
Day 13: |
Kaikoura-Christchurch (183km) |
Day 14: |
Christchurch |
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| © Tourism Rotorua |
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Northland