Wednesday 21 March     Auckland to Tauranga                D
Departing from Auckland at approximately 9.30am we travel over the Bombay Hills and onto Ngatea where we visit the Ngatea Water Gardens. From Ngatea we travel through the Karangahake Gorge to Waihi for lunch (own expense).
Our first night on the Pacific Coast Highway is in Tauranga.
Hotel Armitage, Tauranga                               1 night

Thursday 22 March         Tauranga to Hicks Bay               B/L/D
Today we travel through the Kiwifruit country of Te Puke, Whakatane and Opotiki, then follow the beautiful coastline with it's stunning golden beaches, bays and coves. Enjoy a picnic lunch, take a walk along the beach and cool down with a dip in the clear waters. Mid afternoon we arrive at Hicks Bay known for its crayfish, glow worm grotto and meeting house – one of the finest on the Cape.
Hicks Bay Motel Lodge                                     1 night

Friday 23 March     Hicks Bay to Gisborne                B/L/D
This morning we drive out to the lighthouse. The East Cape Lighthouse stands on the most easterly point of New Zealand. For those feeling fit there is a 20 minute walk and some 700 steps to the base of the lighthouse. From the East Cape we retrace our tracks to the Pacific Coast Highway and continue down to Tolaga Bay. It is here that you will find New Zealand’s longest wharf - 660metres.
Emerald Hotel, Gisborne                                                2 nights

Saturday 24 March       Gisborne Sightseeing                  B/D
This morning is free to explore the central Gisborne area. There are a number of monuments associated with Captain Cook and include a statue of Young Nick, the first of Cook’s crew to sight New Zealand. This afternoon we visit Eastwoodhill Arboretum with over 4,000 varieties of trees, shrubs and climbers. The trees will be starting to change colour and will sure to delight everyone.

Sunday 25 March     Gisborne to Napier                     B/L/D
From Gisborne today we continue our journey down the Pacific Coast Highway passing through the small townships dotted along the route including Wairoa. Driving into Napier, the Art Deco Capital, we take a brief orientation tour before arriving at our hotel and unpacking for our 3 night stay. The hotel is situated on Marine Parade adjacent to the National Aquarium of New Zealand and just a few minutes walk to the city centre.
Nautilus Hotel, Napier                                         3 nights

Monday 26 March      Napier Sightseeing                      B/D
Today there are many sightseeing highlights including a tour of the Classic Sheepskin Tannery and factory, a tour of Sileni Estate and Winery with wine tasting, and not to be missed when in Napier an Art Deco Guided Walk. The walk takes in the unique 1930’s architecture which arose after Napier’s fire and earthquake in February 1931.

Tuesday 27 March  Hawkes Bay Sightseeing           B/D
This morning is free for you to explore the Napier CBD, take walk along the boardwalk or browse the shops. This afternoon join the Gannet Beach Adventure at Cape Kidnappers. An adventure not to missed we are transported by tractor and comfortable cushioned trailer along the beach to Cape Kidnappers. Guides show us the fascinating geology, earthquake fault lines and fossils. On the return journey a stop is made at the Black Reef colony – the largest on the cape.

Wednesday 28 March    Napier to Auckland                     B
This morning we farewell Napier. Leaving the Pacific Coast Highway we join the Thermal Explorer Highway to Taupo. A visit to the Taupo Museum, permanent home of the gold medal winning Chelsea Flower Show “Garden of Wellbeing” is included.
We continue on through Tokoroa and Tirau arriving in Auckland around 6.30pm. On arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred to your home.
 

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner 

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