Day 1: Arrival in Auckland, Airport pick-up
Welcome to join the New Zealand North Island trip! Today our driver will pick you up from the airport according to your flight schedule and escort you to check into the hotel. The rest of the day is yours. You could have a good rest and later take a leisure walk around the neighborhoods. In the evening, meet your tour director and other group members at the hotel. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express, Auckland (3 stars)
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Day 2: Drive to Bay of Islands, Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds
After breakfast, we will travel north to the Bay of Islands, taking 4 hours. In the afternoon, visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the nation's most significant historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi, a document of great importance in framing political relations between New Zealand's government and Maori population was signed. There we can see the Treaty House, Carved Meeting House, and a traditional Maori war canoe, which is the biggest one in the world. Also you will have a vibrant glimpse of Maori culture through an engaging performance. After, send you to a local hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms
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Day 3: Free Day to Explore Bay of Islands
Enjoy your day free to explore the charming Bay of Islands. Regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand, Bay of Islands is known for golden beaches, rich wildlife dwelling the 144 islands including dolphins, whales, seals and a variety of birds, and an abundance of historical and cultural artifacts. You could travel to the Ninety Mile Beach, an 88-km long (54 miles) ribbon of sand bordered by dense and green forest. Cape Reinga at the end of the beach is the meeting point of Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. A sailing trip from Paihia Wharf to Russell is also a good way to explore the stunning bay. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms (3 stars)
Bay of Islands Lesure Time at Beach
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Day 4: Drive from Bay of Islands to Auckland via Whangarei
Enjoy your morning at leisure. Then we will drive back to Auckland and visit Whangarei on route. It is the northernmost city in New Zealand renowned for laid back Northland lifestyle and vibrant art communities. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express, Auckland (3 stars)
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Day 5: Tour around Auckland, Transfer to Rotorua
This morning we will start with the visit to Auckland War Memorial Museum, showcasing the public not only the nation's involvement in wars, but also its culture and nature. Then we will travel along the Waikato River, the country's longest river to Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Enjoy boating though the limestone caves and marvel at the galaxy of tiny living lights. After that, we will depart for the lakeside city of Rotorua. Upon arrival, we will take a boardwalk around the Lake Rotorua, the second largest lake in the country, featuring stunning lakefront views, striking green-blue water color, magnificent steam vents and boiling mud pools. In the evening, we will pay a visit to Tamaki Maori Village, appreciating an excellent Maori cultural performance while sampling the traditional Maori Hangi meal. Tonight, stay in a hotel in Rotorua. Meals: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Accommodation: Ibis Rotorua Hotel (3 stars)
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Rotorua located in the middle of the Taupo Volcanic Zone is also a geothermal wonderland with dramatic geysers, natural hot springs and bubbling mud pools. Today you will have a free day to explore the area on your own. You could visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park & The National Kiwi Hatchery, or go to the Te Puia to marvel at the skill and creativity of Maori and weavers. Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve is also a good choice where you could see Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. It can spurt up to 20 times per day and reach a height of up to 30 meters (100 feet). Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ibis Rotorua Hotel (3 stars)
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Day 7: Transfer from Rotorua to Wellington
Today we will travel to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Enjoy the diverse and mesmerizing natural landscapes along the way. After arrival, check into the hotel. Wellington is a mecca for foods, art, culture, heritage and natural beauty. You could spend rest of the day exploring the downtown on your own. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Travelodge Wellington (3 stars)
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Day 8: Farewell from Wellington, Airport see-off
Today our half day city tour will lead you to explore the very best Wellington offers. We'll start with a visit to Parliament Buildings with beautifully decorated interiors, historical exhibitions and an antique library. Then tour around Te Papa, the national museum and art gallery. Then we will explore a coffee house and learn about the city's coffee culture or take a stroll around the Lambton Quay, the heart of the central business district. Lunch is served at "Eat My Lunch", a famous catering enterprise who also engages in providing fresh and free meals to kids in need. The North Island package is about to end here. The driver will send you to the airport on time. It's an honor of us to serve you. Wish you a pleasant journey back home! Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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