DAY1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Pick up self drive rental vehicle on arrival at Auckland International Airport. Transfer by self drive rental car to your hotel in the “City of Sails”. The rest of the day is at leisure

DAY2: AUCKLAND - WAITOMO CAVES - ROTORUA

Depart Auckland this morning and travel south along the motorway to the Bombay Hills and descend into the lush, green, dairy farming region of the Waikato Province, following the Waikato River for part of the way and on to the world famous Waitomo Caves.

Take a guided tour through the Waitomo Glow worm caves and view staligtites, staligmites and thousands of tiny glow worms. Continue on to Rotorua via the prosperous town of Cambridge, well known for the many thoroughbred horse studs in the area which have produced some of the top race horses.

Climb over the bushclad Mamaku Ranges and arrive at the “Thermal Spa City” of Rotorua in the late afternoon on the shores of Lake Rotorua. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax of go for an Optional soak in the thermal waters of the Polynesian Spa. (Please note that the Optional activities mentioned above are not included in the tour costs.)

DAY 3: ROTORUA / TAUPO

Enjoy a self drive sightseeing tour of some of the highlights of Rotorua including a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and geysers and learn about Maori culture. Also visit the Paradise Valley Springs to see New Zealand trout, birds and wildlife before continuing on to the Agrodome where you will watch a New Zealand Farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and learn about the New Zealand sheep farming industry and the different breeds of sheep.

This afternoon drive to Taupo on the northern shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand and the same size as the island of the Republic of Singapore. This was the site of the largest eruption on the planet. The rest of the day is at leisure for exploring the local area and its many attractions on your own.

DAY 4: TAUPO - TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK - TAUPO

This morning enjoy a full day self drive excursion from Taupo to the Tongariro National Park situated at the southern end of Lake Taupo up on the Central Volcanic Plateau. Drive through the small townships of Turangi and National Park before entering the Tongariro National Park and visiting the National Park Headquarters adjacent to the Grand Chateau Tongariro Hotel.

Continue up to the “Top of the Bruce” and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view looking back over towards Lake Taupo in the north and across to Mount Egmont in the west. Optional ride on the chairlift if it is operating. Return to Taupo in the afternoon. This evening is at leisure to relax and for your own arrangements.

DAY 5: TAUPO - AUCKLAND

Depart Taupo for Auckland via Tokoroa and travel through the large man made exotic Kaiangaroa Pinus Radiata Forest in the central North Island. Continue on to Auckland traveling through the lush green dairy farming areas of the Waikato Province.

The Waikato River, 9 the longest river in New Zealand and passing through the prosperous town of Cambridge and Hamilton City before reaching the Bombay Hills and the start of the southern motorway into Auckland, the "City of Sails". Arrive back in Auckland in the late afternoon and check in to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or for some last minute shopping in the city centre for souvenirs of your holiday in New Zealand.

DAY6: DEPART AUCKLAND

Your arrangements conclude today with the drop off of your rental car prior to boarding your departure flight at Auckland International Airport. Bon Voyage! We trust that you have enjoyed your New Zealand holiday with Adventure Pacific.