Relaxing New Zealand Journey – North Island Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland! On arrival, you will be transferred to the ferry terminal for your ride across to Waiheke Island. Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on this blissful island, a haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and small wineries. Waiheke Island is to Auckland as the Hamptons are to New York – the former being on a much smaller scale. Home to beautiful beaches and holiday homes, Waiheke Island produces outstanding, award winning wines.
 
Accommodation: Waiheke Island - 2 Nights

Waiheke Island is a place of lazy days and peaceful holidays, vineyards, olive groves and beautiful beaches.The Island is a national taonga (treasure) with many special places. Home to historic sites, wildlife and diverse habitats, the island is an important part of New Zealand’s landscape. 
  
You have the option to tour the wineries and join a guided tour to experience some of Waiheke’s fabulous wineries. Enjoy tastings of award-winning wines and relax over a scrumptious vineyard lunch. Alternatively, stroll the sands and wander along the white sand at Oneroa and Onetangi beaches – two of the island’s best beaches – and take a dip in the sheltered waters. There are also lots of activities for adventure seekers on Waiheke – try archery and laser clay pigeon shooting, hire a scooter, take a scenic flight or zoom across the tree tops on a flying fox zipline. Or if art is more your thing discover Art for Art’s sake. Check out Waiheke’s fantastic arts scene, from local galleries and studios to an inspiring sculpture park. Look out for regular art events too.

The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf. An impressive, heavily forested mountain range runs right up the middle of this peninsula - it’s bordered on each side by miles of spectacular coastline.

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and travel to the idyllic seaside village of Hahei, (HA-hey) is a small settlement situated on the eastern side of the Peninsula.  Yes, there are a couple of restaurants, cafes and fish and chippy, but essentially this is a secret hideaway where Kiwi families take their holidays – it's all about the beach, where the waves are generally safe for children and the wide beach is ideal for a game of volleyball or to throw a Frisbee. The bay also provided a location for the filming of the fantasy feature, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Approximate Distance: 189 km | 117 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins
 
Accommodation: Hahei - 3 Nights

A Day at the Beach - Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Cove simply has everything you could possibly want from a beach – sparkling clear blue water, world class snorkelling, clean white sand, deserted islands you can see from the beach, The massive naturally formed "Cathedral" archway carved out by the sea and wind over thousands of years and other really interesting rock formations; including one that acts as a great jumping platform. There has been no development at all so the beach has remained as it was thousands of years ago. There are native trees and bush behind the beach with a fresh water waterfall to cool you down and provide shelter on a sizzling hot summer’s day.
 
Getting There: Only accessible by foot, boat or kayak. There is a spectacular 2.5 km (1.6 miles) coastal walk which takes you through to Cathedral Cove, past quintessential Coromandel scenery of pohutukawa trees and white sandy beaches.

The Coromandel is a renowned outdoor haven where rugged terrain meets idyllic coastline. These natural features provide inspiration for the creative works and unique attractions hidden around every corner. The laid back culture, locally known as ‘Coromandel time’, encourages a relaxed atmosphere that is better understood once experienced. Have a relaxing day to choose to do as much or as little as you wish. You have the option to take a guided sea kayaking tour or walk one of the many beautiful walking tracks in the area.

Hot Water Beach
Fancy a soak, then head to the beautiful Hot Water Beach, you will find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids, and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural hot springs - this is one experience that should be on your New Zealand bucket list and a truly unique Kiwi experience.

Undoubtedly Taupō's most magical approach is from the north. Emerging from the roar and steam of Wairakei's geothermal power installations, the road crests a bill to unfold the distant huddled  mountain  peaks of Tongariro, Ruapehu and the smoking volcano, Ngauruhoe. Lake Taupō - a flooded volcanic crater of immense proportions opens out in broad panorama. On the way into Taupo make sure you stop to look over at the mighty rage of water that is Huka Falls. Once in Taupō there are a variety of activities to choose from. You can go sailing across the lake or kayak to see the unique Maori rock carvings, go for a round of Golf at Wairakei or see the stunning geothermal colours and mud pools on display at Wai-o-Tapu geothermal wonderland.

Approximate Distance: 280 kms | 173 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Taupo - 1 Night

Sunny, scenic Hawke’s Bay, the region brims with colourful natural attractions. Famous for its vineyards, the area produces some of the world's top red wines. A combination of the staggering yields from these fertile soils and high sunshine hours make the Hawke’s Bay the country's second largest grape producer. As you would expect, touring the vineyards here is a terrific pleasure - the estates are immaculate, the wines superb and the gourmet dining experiences exceptional.

Approximate Distance: 145 kms | 90 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

The Pacific Ocean provides a stunning backdrop to Hawke’s Bay, framed to the south by the dramatic Cape Kidnappers and the Tukituki hills. From natural disaster was born a celebration of early twentieth-century architecture - Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical buildings pepper Napier, Hastings and the region’s small towns. Explore celebrated vineyards, the supreme Cape Kidnappers golf course, architecture, bird-life and Maori culture.

Some activities and sightseeing options available:

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We know you will enjoy our Relaxing New Zealand Journey and our promise to you is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.