(Click a region for more details) |
CDAR 1.8 litre automatic sedan or liftback, 5 door, power steering, central locking, front wheel drive (Mitsubishi Lancer or similar).
FDAR 3 litre automatic sedan, 4 door, power steering, central locking, front wheel drive (Mitsubishi 380 or similar).
Other car types are available. Please call for further details.
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| Outline Itinerary [1/3] >> |
| Day 1: |
Auckland-Tiritiri Matangi-Auckland
Visit the nature reserve of Tiritiri Matangi Island, out in the Hauraki Gulf. This native bird sanctuary is home to the takahe, bellbird and kokako, among many other endemic species. Tuataras, the most ancient of all living reptiles, have also been reintroduced to the island. Overnight in Auckland. |
| Day 2: |
Auckland-Rotorua (241 km)
Drive to the Waitakere Ranges and follow the Arataki Nature Trail to view giant kauri trees. Head south to Miranda on the Firth of Thames where the inter-tidal zone attracts many trans-equatorial and local wading birds. Continue to your accommodation in Rotorua. |
| Day 3: |
Rotorua-Tongariro National Park (180 km)
Keen birdwatchers can opt for an early morning walk in Western Taupo Forest, where the dawn chorus of the very rare Kokako may be heard. Explore Lake Taupo then travel south to Tongariro National Park for an overnight stay. |
| Day 4: |
Tongariro National Park-Napier (240 km)
Explore the striking volcanic landscapes of the park on a choice of short walks before continuing along the scenic highway to Napier, New Zealand’s Art Deco capital for an overnight stay. |
| Day 5: |
Napier-Wairarapa (230 km)
Join a morning overland safari to the Gannet Sanctuary at Cape Kidnappers and explore some of the vineyards for which the area is renowned. Later make your way south and spend the night on a farm. |
| Day 6: |
Wairarapa-Wellington (103 km)
Visit the Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre, a research institute for studying the breeding and feeding habits of rare and endangered native birds. Continue to Wellington for an overnight stay and visit the national museum, Te Papa. |
| Day 7: |
Wellington-Cook Strait-Kaikoura (157 km)
Drop off your vehicle at Wellington’s ferry terminal and board the InterIslander Ferry for the scenic cruise across the Cook Strait. On arrival in Picton, collect your second rental vehicle and follow the coast road to Kaikoura for one night. |
| Day 8: |
Kaikoura-Hanmer Springs (160 km)
Join a morning whale watch to see sperm whales, which congregate in the deep water just offshore. You may also spot dusky dolphins and other marine species. Drive into the mountains to Hanmer Springs, where you can relax in a thermal pool or take one of several nature walks in the area. Overnight. |
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| © Tourism New Zealand |
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Northland