On arrival, we will be met by an English-speaking representative, who will assist to our private air-conditioned vehicle. We will depart the airport to our hotel to check-in.
(D only)
Accommodations - Sky City Hotel Auckland
This is a lovely hotel, where you can enjoy genuine Kiwi hospitality and modern spacious accommodations. It boasts spa facilities and is conveniently located near more than 20 restaurants and cafes, theaters, and the Sky City Casino.
We will enjoy a three-course dinner at the Orbit Restaurant after we arrive.
Day 2 - Morning - Auckland City Excurion
Enjoy a full cooked breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
This morning, we depart in our coach for a half-day sightseeing tour of Auckland city (approx. 3-Hrs).
Our tour includes: a return journey across Auckland's Harbour Bridge; drive along the scenic waterfront route of Tamaki Drive to Mission Bay, a seaside suburb; visit Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park at Bastion Point. Continue via the inner city suburb of Parnell, restored in the old colonial style, to Auckland Domain, a lovely public park that contains the Auckland Museum [photo at right].
Visit the Winter Gardens adjacent to the Museum. Admission to the Winter Gardens is free.
(B,L)
Day 2 - Afternoon - Taste of Waiheke
Afterwards, leave the museum and travel via the inner city for the drop-off at the Ferry Building.
Board Fullers Ferry to commence a Taste of Waiheke Tour. Enjoy a picturesque 40 minute cruise to Waiheke Island.
On arrival, we will be greeted by our tour driver and taken first to Stonyridge Vineyard [photo at left] for lunch plus a tour and tastings. We then depart to the Rangihoua Estate for olive tasting, followed by a stop at Wild on Waiheke, which offers optional beer tasting as well as wine. The tour concludes with tastings at the beautiful Mudbrick Vineyard. Tour concludes approximately 4 hours after commencement, back at Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island for our return ferry trip to Auckland city. We will make our own way back to the hotel which is just a short walk from Matiatia Wharf.
Day 3, Travel from Auckland to Matamata
Enjoy a full cooked breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
This morning, we depart Auckland in our private coach and travel to Matamata (approx. 200 km/2-Hrs).
On arrival, we will be met and taken on a guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set (approx. 1½-Hrs) to discover Middle Earth where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies were shot. During the tour, we will see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn and other structures and gardens built for the film.
Enjoy a Marque Festive lunch in the marquee next to The Green Dragon Inn.
We then re-join the coach and continue the journey to Rotorua.
This evening, a Tamaki Village vehicle will pick us up from the hotel for an evening Maori Cultural Performance of song s & dance followed by the traditional hangi/dinner. The evening draws to an end with songs and speeches.
Accommodations - Millennium Rotorua
Next to mystical Lake Rotorua and just a brief stroll from the city center, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an eco-friendly destination.
From here, experience Rotorua’s rich history, explore the thermal hot pools or the native bush, and even squeeze in a round of golf at Rotorua’s international golf course.
The 227 rooms and suites feature residential-style decor with views of Lake Rotorua or the native garden.
Day 4, Rotorua Tour
Enjoy a full cooked breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
This morning, we depart our hotel by private coach on a sightseeing tour of Rotorua (approx. 3 ½-Hrs).
Our morning visit includes: A guided tour of Te Puia Thermal Valley [photo at right] and a guided tour of Rainbow Springs Nature Park & Kiwi Enclosure.
Drive past the famous Rotorua Govenment House & Gardens.
Board the Rotorua Skyline gondola to enjoy the most spectacular views in Rotorua. Upon arrival at the summit, we make will our way to Cableway Restaurant to enjoy a buffet lunch.
After lunch, we re-join our coach for the return journey to Auckland (approx. 235 km/4-Hrs).
That evening we will enjoy a wonderful Pride of Auckland Dinner Cruise.
Our accommodations for the night are at the Sky City Hotel in Auckland.
(B,L)
Day 5, Depart for the U.S.
Enjoy a full cooked breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
Hotel check-out: 11:00am.
We depart in our private charter coach to be transferred to Auckland International Airport to board connecting flights to the U.S.
(B)
Pricing
$1,600 per person (double)
$2,080 (single)
Deposit: $500 per person
Contact
Questions?? Contact me.
Ruth Bridges
Aviva Travel Group
2314 S Route 59
# 146
Plainfield, IL 60586
Tel. No. 630-832-3553
