Coromandel Discovery

AUCKLAND – COROMANDEL – ROTORUA (3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS)

Discover the Coromandel Peninsula, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural destinations, with its semi-tropical rain forest, spectacular coastline and rich local culture. Plenty of film is required for this magical tour!

DAY 1: AUCKLAND - COROMANDEL PENINSULA.
Escape the city to the spectacular Coromandel Peninsula in the luxury of an air-conditioned mini coach with your friendly Kiwi guide. Tour through picturesque countryside, stopping regularly for photos and short walks during the day. Discover the beautiful seabird coast, home to thousands of migratory & shore birds. You will visit the fascinating old gold mine town of Thames with its buildings and churches dating from the 1800's. After a delightful lunch, travel over steep volcanic mountains clad in dense rainforest, to visit a giant Kauri standing majestically amongst the world’s largest ferns and semi tropical rainforest. Take a walk beside the Pacific Ocean on the eastern coast of the Peninsula with its many offshore islands. Later drive to the quiet coastal town where your accommodation for the next two nights is located.

DAY 2: COROMANDEL PENINSULA COASTAL TOUR
Today is a delightful sample of this region’s rich heritage and scenic beauty. Enjoy an easy walk along time-worn paths of an old town to visit an 19th Century gold cave, now home to sparkling glow worms.  Learn about the fascinating history of this area and the flora & fauna to be found within its magnificent forests. Be prepared for fun and entertainment at this time of the day! Visit stunning coastal scenery with white sand beaches, magnificent cliffs, old Maori Pa sites and offshore islands. Possible visit to the famous “Hot Water Beach” [tide permitting]. See your guide’s natural "treasures" including gold, crystals, petrified wood, Kauri gum and other minerals found on the Peninsula.

DAY 3:  COROMANDEL - BAY OF PLENTY – ROTORUA
This day is an ever-changing panorama of forests, mountains, beaches and islands. Drive through the Coromandel to the Bay of Plenty, home to plantations of kiwi fruit, citrus, avocados, flowers and deer farms to name but a few. Stop at New Zealand’s "mural town", Katikati, with its open-air art featuring the history of the area.  Continue south to a private working orchard, growing kiwi fruit, avocados and export flowers.
After lunch, travel on to Rotorua, the thermal city built in the crater of a huge volcano. Your guide will give you an overview of this fascinating region before arriving at your accommodation.

Notes:
• Itinerary available in reverse. Auckland-Auckland options also available.
• These tours are designed to suit any age and fitness as well as a large range of interests.
• Suitable gear for all tours: Casual clothes - warm jacket - rain coat - boots or good walking shoes, day pack, camera and plenty of film.
• Tour Includes: All guiding, accommodation, breakfasts, lunches, entrance fees, NZ Goods & Services Tax [GST, 12.5%).
• Tour Excludes: Evening meals and alcoholic drinks, refreshments or taxis, Auckland or Rotorua accommodation (before or after tour).
These prices are subject to changes in accommodation prices, GST & road user charges beyond our control.