Description

Your Deal

‘Book with Flexibility

Book with confidence with our flexible holiday options, knowing that if things change, you’ll have room to move without the fear of fees! See the inclusions below for more details on flexible bookings.

Inclusions

10 day Britz Discovery OR Explorer 4 Berth Motorhome hire, picking up & dropping off Auckland.

Shower & Toilet.

Unlimited kilometres.

Linen & bedding equipment.

Tablet with GPS.

Standard insurance with excess (NZ$7,500).

Kitchen equipment.

FLEXIBLE FREE changes & cancellations up to 7 days prior to travel.

Reduce your liability to NIL by adding a Britz Inclusive Pack from an extra $58NZD per vehicle per day.

NZ Road User Charge Recovery Fee of $8NZD per 100 kilometres is payable on diesel vehicles upon vehicle return^.

In Rotorua, why not add the Skyline Gondola + 4 Luge rides from an extra $250 per family.

In Matamata, why not add the Hobbiton Movie Set tour from an extra $165 per family.

In Waitomo, why not add the Waitomo Caves Glowworm tour from an extra $104 per family.

Your Accommodation/Itinerary

Day 1 – 2 Auckland

Welcome to Auckland. With an irresistible combination of magnificent natural scenery and a vibrant, yet laid-back, city lifestyle, Auckland is a place of exciting contrasts and endless adventures. Not only is Auckland a great city, but a whole region waiting to be explored. See Auckland from the water on a harbour cruise, or from the sky on a scenic flight, or get a 360-degree birds-eye view of the city from Auckland Sky Tower, standing high as 220m at the Sky Deck. Auckland city has a plethora of exciting restaurants and bars to experience, from the waterside precincts at Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour, to the eclectic Britomart and the inner suburbs of Ponsonby Central and Parnell Road. Head to Parnell’s French Style Farmers Markets every Saturday and Sunday morning to sample local gourmet treats.

Suggest 2 nights in Auckland.

Day 3 Auckland to Waitomo (200km)

Make an early start today allowing time to stop into the city of Hamilton on your way to Waitomo. Visit the Hamilton Gardens; a must-see experience, with its themed gardens from around the world. As you travel south of Hamilton is Waitomo, home to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves with awe-inspiring glowworm displays and subterranean adventures. Stare in wonder at the thousands of illuminating glow worms above as you glide gently through the Glowworm Grotto. If you are feeling adventurous you may like to try your hand at black-water rafting on the Black Labyrinth Tour as you travel through the mysterious Ruakuri Cave on a rubber tube.

Suggest 1 night in Waitomo.

Day 4 – 5 Waitomo to Taupo (149km)

At the centre of Taupo is a vast sparkling lake lying in an ancient volcanic caldera. Taupo’s trout-filled rivers offer magnificent fly-fishing, and its ancient forests, alive with birdsong, are crossed with magical walks and bike trails. Marvel at the spectacular Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction. You can see it from the sidelines, or jump in a jetboat and glide past cliffs and trees at an incredibly dizzying 80km/h with 360-degree spins, leaving your heart pumping with adrenaline. For a more sedate experience, cruise to the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay on a scenic cruise and learn about the Maori mythology and volcanic history of the area. Explore the geothermal phenomena of nearby Mt Ruapehu in the UNESCO world heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, defined by 3 volcanoes towering over an otherworldly, tussock-covered plateau. During the winter months, Mt Ruapehu transforms into a winter wonderland and a haven for skiers and snowboarders with its dual ski fields of Turoa and Whakapapa.

Suggest 2 nights in Taupo.

Day 6 – 7 Taupo to Rotorua (80km)

As you make your way to Rotorua, be sure to stop at Orakei Korako Cave and Geothermal Park, a short drive from Taupo, to see the natural volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs and mud pools. Set among the lush nature, surrounded by pristine lakes and towering forests, Rotorua is known as the ‘Spa of the Southern Seas’ and for its vibrant Maori heritage. The mild weather makes it easy to visit Rotorua any time of the year, whether to enjoy water sports or bathe in the healing waters of the plentiful hot springs. Soak away in the Geothermal waters at the Polynesian Spa, a world-leading, natural mineral bathing and luxury spa retreat, or lather up in a mud bath at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa, to revitalise mind, body and soul. Visit Te Puia where you can see the Southern Hemisphere’s largest geyser, Pohutu Geyser, where you can also enjoy a steambox lunch, as well as a number of Maori Cultural experiences and tours of the Geothermal Valley. Discover what Manaakitanga means, and experience authentic Maori culture. From being fully immersed in cultural performances, to pulling a traditional hangi straight out of the steaming ground, or taking a tour of a living Maori village, there is something to suit everyone.

Head to Redwoods Treewalk, an attraction where you wander along a 650m walkway consisting of a series of 27 suspension bridges between 119-year-old redwood trees to get a unique birds-eye perspective of the majestic forest. At night the forest lights up with lanterns and feature lights that illuminate the forest. Travel through native and stunning scenery at Kaituna River, where you can whitewater raft the 7m Tutea Falls, the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, or simply navigate your way through the river at eye level.

Travel to the top of Mt Ngongotaha by gondola to Skyline Rotorua for an unforgettable gravity adventure, from thrilling luge rides, ziplining and mountain biking, to tranquil gondola rides, nature trails, stargazing and dining. For a plethora of dining options, visit Eat Street, a purpose built dining and entertainment district, and one of the coolest hot spots in the city, and finish off your evening with a after-dinner drink at Ponsonby Rd Lounge bar.

Suggest 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 8 Rotorua to Mt Maunganui (73km)

Head to the coast towards the friendly towns of the Bay of Plenty, stretching over 125-kilometre of coastline. In the Bay of Plenty, bush-clad islands, stunning waterfalls, unique wildlife and white-sand beaches are just waiting to be discovered.

Make your way up to the summit of Mauao (Mt Maunganui) for the best views across the coastline, then relax your muscles at the hot pools at Mt Maunganui, one of 8 hot pools found in the region. Take a cruise from Tauranga to see the Bay of Plenty’s precious wildlife in their natural habitats, where you may encounter whales, orca, dolphins and little blue penguins, or paddle a sea kayak through a canyon of sparkling glow worms for a truly magical experience. The region is renowned for its bounty of local produce and craft beer. Try delicious kiwifruit, honey, berries and avocados in restaurants or from roadside stalls, and stop for a pint or two at one of the many local breweries around the region.

Suggest 1 night in Mt Maunganui or Tauranga

Day 9 Mt Maunganui to Matamata (57km)

Make your way inland to the small town of Matamata to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, a significant location used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Enjoy a tour to discover the real Middle-earth at the set featuring hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, Mill, bridge and gardens.

Suggest 1 night in Matamata.

Day 10 Matamata to Auckland (160km)

Make your way back to Auckland today for your flight home, or extend to stay a little longer.