North Island Self Drive - 6 days

Explore an island wildlife sanctuary then journey south from the cosmopolitan city of Auckland, checking for migratory waders at Firth of Thames before exploring of the thermal region of Rotorua. View active volcanoes in the Tongariro World Heritage park. Savour the lush vegetation and sample the horticultural delights that abound in this islands warmer climate.

Day 1:  Tiritiri Matangi Island
Travel by ferry across the Hauraki Gulf to this unique Conservation Island, where many of New Zealand’s rare and endangered birds now live, free from predators which forced them to extinction on the mainland. Return to Auckland for the night.

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua
Visit the Waitakere Forest Park on the outskirts of Auckland city then drive south to Miranda on the Firth of Thames where the extensive intertidal zone supports a large number of trans-equatorial and local wading birds.  Travel onto Rotorua where you can enjoy a special cultural evening.

Day 3: Rotorua to Tongariro National Park
Head off to the Western Taupo Forest for the dawn chorus which may include among others the very rare North Island kokako.  Discover beautiful Lake Taupo at your leisure before travelling onto the Tongariro World Heritage Park, New Zealand’s first National Park.

Day 4: Tongariro to Napier
Explore the National Park this morning. There are a number of short walks close to your accommodation that lead into the heart of volcanic wonderland. This afternoon drive to Napier along the very scenic Taupo to Napier Highway.  Napier is the art –deco capital of New Zealand.

Day 5: Napier and environs
Today visit the Australian Gannet colony and sanctuary at Cape Kidnappers then explore some of the vineyards and taste the wines for which the region is renowned. Spend  tonight in a special farmstay where your hosts will introduce you to farming lifestyle.

Day 6: Wairarapa to Wellington
This morning enroute to Wellington visit the Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre which is an institute for studying the breeding and feeding habits of rare and endangered native birds. On arrival in Wellington  visit  Te Papa our National Museum.