Days 6 to 8 - The Best of New Zealand North Island Tour

Days 1-3 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-11 | 12-14

Day 6 - Bay of Islands to Auckland

Today drive south via Whangarei, and the coastal route of Waipu, Langs Beach and Mangawhai, continue on via Wellsford and Warkworth to Auckland (approx 4 hrs).

Auckland – fondly called the ‘City of Sails’, nestled around the shores of two expansive harbours it is one of the world’s most exciting waterside cities. The sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour is the city’s playground – here the coastline is peppered with sandy beaches and dotted with numerous islands. West of Auckland there are extensive walking trails amongst native ferns and tall Kauri trees and the rugged, windswept beaches of Karekare, Piha and Muriwai.

Accommodation (2 nights) in a double/twin room including breakfast at:
Sebel Suites, Auckland

Day 7- Auckland

We recommend the following activities during your stay in Auckland:

• Visit the Auckland Museum which houses the largest collection of Polynesian artefacts in the world
• Visit the Maritime Museum on Princes Wharf
• Visit the Sky Tower for stunning views of the city and harbour
• Visit Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Centre
• Take a wine tour on nearby Waiheke Island
• Visit the West Coast Beaches of Piha and Karekare and take a walk through the rain forest in the Waitakere Ranges
• Sail aboard an America’s Cup yacht on Auckland harbour

Day 8 - Auckland To The Coromandel Peninsula

This morning drive south over the Bombay Hills and on to Kopu. Travel over the mountain range, deeply cut through rugged country following an old horse trail of the gold-rush days to Tairua and the magnificent Coromandel Peninsula (approx 2.5 hrs).

Its coastline, framed with the native Pohutukawa trees on the western side and white sandy beaches on the eastern, with a backdrop of a rugged, forest-clad mountain range running along the peninsula’s spine. The Coromandel is one of those special places, breathtaking and unforgettable.

Accommodation (2 nights) in a double/twin room including breakfast at:
Poets Corner Lodge, Waihi

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Accommodation

Sebel Suites, Auckland

The Sebel Suites Auckland combines suite-style accommodation with personalized hotel services, providing both flexibility and value.

Conveniently situated at Viaduct Harbour, Auckland's central business district and the city's finest shopping, restaurants, cafes and recreation activities are all within easy walking distance of the hotel. Guests will appreciate the freedom of the spacious studios and suites, the individual balconies with marina or city views and The Sebel's Suites Auckland's convenient location.

Poets Corner Lodge, Waihi

Poets Corner Lodge, six kilometres from the historical gold mining town of Waihi, is located high on a ridge, giving expansive coastal views to the Pacific Ocean. This contemporary lodge is ideally set up for single-party group bookings and as a base for exploring the Coromandel, Rotorua and Bay of Plenty.

Four ensuite bedrooms are set around a central courtyard leading to a comfortable lounge and fully equipped kitchen where gourmet breakfasts are served. Dinners may be self-catered, shared with the hosts (by arrangement) or taken at a local restaurant.

The spa pool, positioned for expansive rural and coastal views, is recommended for day or night. John and Marg live adjacent to the Lodge and are always available to ensure their guests have an enjoyable stay.