From beautiful cities with fantastic shopping and dining to secluded sandy beaches, rainforest, volcanoes and a geo-thermal wonderland; New Zealand's North Island has it all. Scenic Highlights Tours
All tours are private, depart daily, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Please contact us at info@arohatours.co.nz or 0064-21-890611 for more information about our luxury New Zealand tours. Our Vehicles Travel Guide Profiles
Day 1: Auckland arrival (Wine tour Waiheke Island)
You will be met on arrival at Auckland International Airport by your Aroha NZ Tours Representative, and transferred to your accommodation in our luxurious vehicle. Before midday we take you to Waiheke Island in Auckland Harbour. The Island is renowned for its diversions from city life. Island life means beaches, golf, horseback riding, arts and crafts shops, bars, cafés, restaurants, world-renowned vineyards and olive-groves. Take a feryy across and take in the spectacular harbour views of the Waitemata from Auckland’s illustrious waterfront, and through some of the most expensive real estate in NZ. On Waiheke we have organised a private wine-tour to the Island 's most respected vineyards. A “small is beautiful” philosophy” yields low quantities of extremely high quality fruit, which is made into internationally award-winning wines. With tastings at our best boutique wineries, the secrets of Waiheke's stunning world-wide success in fine red wines will be revealed to the interested visitor. You'll come away with a deep appreciation of the vintner’s art and an understanding of the territory, the weather and the tides of tradition which make up this art. You'll learn which are the vintages to look out for and be able to purchase the best for your cellar direct from the vineyards. A typical day tour would include a visit to 3 vineyards followed with lunch at a fourth vineyard. On return to Auckland Visduct Harbour take the time to visit the nearby Basins and its many lively bars and enjoy a gormet meal and one of the local restuarants. .Accommodation: Auckland City
Day 2: Auckland-Coromandel Peninsula (Coastal beauty and white Sand beaches, Kauri Trees and Watergardens) driving distance 3h
Your personal guide will collect you in the morning from the inner city hotel. Your tour takes you to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula this day. We'll pass through the historic gold mining town of Thames. From Thames, your drive takes you out along the beautiful winding coastline of the western side of the peninsula to Tapu. From Tapu your journey takes you into the hills of the Coromandel Ranges, stopping of to visit the Rapaura Water Gardens where we follow the narrow and winding scenic road alongside the Maharikau Stream. Here we'll take a short walk to the magnificent stand of New Zealand native Kauri trees. From here, your tour will continue on to the beautiful and equally stunning east coast of the peninsula to Hahei. On arrival you will have the opportunity to explore the picturesque Hahei Beach where we will take you on a 1-hour trek along the white sandy shoreline to Cathedral Cove and its marine reserve. A fantastic view from the lookout point will give you spectacular photo opportunities and a fabulous view of the coastline. Accommodation: East Coast Coromandel Peninsula
Day 3: Coromandel-Bay of Plenty/Rotorua (Maori culture and show, Hot Pools) driving distance 3h
As you depart the Coromandel Peninsula your tour will take you through the eastern North Island region of the Bay of Plenty, an area with a consistent mild climate which is ideal for farming. The Bay of Plenty is also famous for its (kiwi) fruit crops and vineyards. Your tour arrives in the geothermal capital of Rotorua around midday. We are stopping off for a visit to the world-renowned “NZ Maori Arts and Crafts” and “Geothermal” center located in the village known as 'Whakarewarewa'. Here you will see the world famous Pohuto Geyser, the largest geyser as such in New Zealand. Enjoy a 45-minute Maori cultural performance displayed in a traditional Maori meeting house (Marea) where you can enjoy the beautiful songs, music, dance and culture of the Maori. Your evening programme allows you to relax in the Polynesian Thermal Spa Pools. Highly recommended (Optional and extra charge): In the afternoon we can arrange a helicopter flight and landing on an active volcano; “White Island" is situated 50 kilometres offshore. This active island volcano constantly emits a cloud of steam and periodically erupts expelling volcanic ash several thousand metres into the atmosphere. The main vent is below sea level and protected by crater walls. You can walk right inside its main crater just above sea level with a minimum of physical effort and without undue risk. This allows you a firsthand experience at nature's immense power as gas and steam burst up from far below the earth's crust. (Very weather dependant). Accommodation: Rotorua
Day 4: Rotorua-Taupo (geothermal areas, Jet boat to Huka Falls, dinner/cruise Lake Taupo) driving distance 1h
Depart Rotorua for an easy drive to Taupo via the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland area, and experience the geothermal wonderland of lakes, craters, mineral silica terraces, walk amongst the geothermal activity, view the pristine beauty of the Champagne Pool and observe the violent Boiling Mud Pools. There is an array of amazing colours to admire in this strange natural landscape. Following your geothermal wonderland tour, it is on to Taupo, stopping off for some adventure with the Huka Jet. Cruise along the mighty Waikato river to the base of the Huka Falls before returning back to view these magnificent falls from dry land. A short drive will bring you to the shores of Lake Taupo which is one of the most famous trout-fishing lakes in the world. For dinner we have organised a boat cruise on Lake Taupo, where you can just relax and reflect on the day’s adventure or catch one of the many rainbow trout for your evening meal. The vessel is 60 foot long and the fish will be caught by downriggers. Average size of trout is 4 pounds and the flesh looks like Salomon, as they feet on the bottom sweet water crayfish. Accommodation: Lake Taupo
Day 5: Taupo-Waitomo (Glow-worm caves, Farm-stay) driving distance 2,5h
After breakfast we leave Taupo and travel back south through the lush green rural farm land of the Waikato region. The rich and fertile pastoral land of the Waikato is one of New Zealand’s major dairy producing and horse breeding areas, and host to incalculable stands of exotic timber. One of the major attractions of the Waikato/King Country region are the famous Waitomo Caves (translation: 'where the water disappears into a hole in the ground'). The caves are perhaps one of the finest natural attractions in the country, with their vast unique caverns and eerie stalactite and stalagmite formations home to the thousands and thousands of glow-worms forming magnificent constellations. Enjoy the evening in the only 5Star farm-stay in the country and enjoy a home cooked meal with your friendly host. Accommodation: Waitomo Caves
Day 6: Waitomo -Auckland driving distance 3h
Relax in your surroundings in the morning. We make our way back through the city of Hamilton, the farming, industrial, financial and educational centre of the Waikato region. On the way we stop in Cambridge, which is charmingly reminiscent of an English 'Home Counties' town. Cambridge has an abundance of cherished old trees, historic settler churches and even a village green. It is also the Equestrian and horse-breeding center of New Zealand. Polo is a popular local sport. The town is well known for its antiques and craft shops. Our last day ends back in Auckland. Accommodation: Auckland City
Prices:
We are specialized in custom made tours for the desiring traveller. Each tour package will be tailored to your specific needs. Individual choices of accommodation style and the amount of activities you anticipate in will reflect on the general overall cost of the tour. Please make an enquiry.
Accommodation:
We use quality accommodations which are handpicked and have great hosts and are located in beautiful locations. All rooms are modern with private on suites or bathrooms! If you decide on 5 Star travel that we will offer you the best boutique lodging that New Zealand has to offer.
Dining:
We have decided not to include lunches and most dinners in the package (Exceptions’: Wilderness and Farm-stays and superior Lodges are inclusive private dinners), as we believe that each individual has different needs and tastes and that New Zealand had great restaurants in each area, that are within reach. It also allows you to choose places to your own budget. Your guide will advise you in each area about your best options. Special dietary needs can be catered for.
Activities:
We pride ourselves on a wide range of activities in your tour package. We chosen those that we feel will enhance your New Zealand experiences. You can participate in as many or as few as you like. If you are unable to participate in any activity or there are weather restrictions, alternatives will be provided where possible. Please check our activity list on 'Links' site
Transport:
All our vehicles are comfortable, luxury sedans (max 4 people) or luxury vans (max 8 people).
Support:
You will receive detailed pre-trip information. Including passport and visa requirements, packing tips and general travel information for New Zealand!
We have professional office staff to help you plan every aspect of your trip inside of New Zealand.