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Itinerary

INCLUSIONS

· 6 nights quality hotel accommodation

· 6 fully cooked breakfasts (B) & 2 dinners (D)

· Travel by luxury coach

· Services of a professional Coach Captain

· Hotel porterage

· Complimentary airport transfers by private

vehicle

HIGHLIGHTS

· Wellington, the nation’s capital

· Tongariro National Park

· Geothermal Rotorua

· Historic Bay of Islands

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

· Authentic Maori Village, Hangi & Cultural Performance· Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tour

ICONIC SIGHTSEEING

· Visit Huka Falls & Lake Taupo· Entry to Te Puia Thermal Reserve· Entry to Kauri Museum· Auckland City Tour

2016/17 GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES

DEPARTS FINISHES

THUR 13 OCT 2016 WED 19 OCT 2016

THUR 17 NOV 2016 WED 23 NOV 2016

THUR 15 DEC 2016 WED 21 DEC 2016

THUR 09 FEB 2017 WED 15 FEB 2017

THUR 02 MAR 2017 WED 08 MAR 2017

THUR 16 MAR 2017 WED 22 MAR 2017

THUR 30 MAR 2017 WED 05 APR 2017

THUR 13 APR 2017 WED 19 APR 2017

THUR 27 APR 2017 WED 03 MAY 2017

THUR 11 MAY 2017 WED 17 MAY 2017

Day 1 Arrive Wellington On arrival into Wellington, a Kirra Holidays representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Stay: Travelodge Wellington

Day 2 Taupo, Rotorua (B) Leaving the city behind, we travel through rolling farmland as we enter the Tongariro National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to the popular lakeside resort of Taupo, Stop to view the mighty Huka Falls before reaching Rotorua, centre of Maori culture and famous for its geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming craters.

Stay: Ibis Rotorua Hotel (2 nights)

Day 3 Rotorua Sightseeing (B,D) Visit Te Puia, home to Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Centre. Witness all of nature’s thermal wonders including silica terraces and the famous Pohutu Geyser. Free time this afternoon for optional activities before visiting Tamaki Village for an evening of fun and culture. You will experience a traditionally prepared Maori Hangi (feast) followed by a cultural performance featuring Maori songs, chants and dance including the stirring haka.

Day 4 Matamata, Paihia (B,D) Cross the Mamaku Ranges into the Waikato region. At Matamata, a guide will escort your group on a Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tour. Enjoy a visit to this famous set used in The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Later, travel across the Auckland Harbour Bridge and drive north to Paihia in the Bay of Islands.

Stay: Kingsgate Autolodge (2 nights)

Day 5 At leisure in the Bay of Islands (B) A free day to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with arranging optional activities for you. Why not try a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point. Alternatively, explore the village of Russell, New Zealand’s first settlement and visit its historic Church, Mission House and Museum or enjoy a cruise to Cape Brett Lighthouse & the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ … the choices are many .

Day 6 Matakohe, Auckland (B) At the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, learn about the Kauri tree and the fascinating story of the pioneering days through the use of Kauri timber and Kauri gum, as well as viewing the collection of antique Kauri furniture and restored machinery. Upon arrival into Auckland, take a brief city tour before arriving at your accommodation. This afternoon is at leisure to wander round the city, do some sightseeing or last minute shopping.

Stay: Scenic Auckland Hotel

Day 7 Depart Auckland (B) Sadly, it is time to bid farewell to new found friends. Your holiday ends today and you will be transferred to Auckland airport to connect with your onward flight.

Suggested arrival/departure point

Overnights2

Auckland

Bay of Islands

Rotorua

Wellington

Matamata

Lake Taupo

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