1 - Arrive Auckland

Welcome to New Zealand! Kirra Holidays will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.

Accommodation at the Rydges Hotel, Auckland

2 - Auckland/Bay of Islands

Cross Auckland's distinctive Harbour Bridge for the drive north along the scenic Hibiscus Coast with its numerous beaches on through Kawakawa and Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands. You will be met by a local Maori guide who will travel with you to the famous Waitangi Treaty House and Grounds, providing you with a detailed history and commentary on the area and of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Once at the Treaty House and Grounds, you are free to explore at your own pace. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay crossing the areas world renowned game fishing grounds made famous by Zane Grey, to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and spectacular "Hole in the Rock". Return through the inner islands with their beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine life.

Accommodation at the Tanoa Hotel, Paihia

Optional Extra: Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise Option

3 - Bay of Islands

A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. A full day Tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New Zealand's first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum.

Accommodation at the Tanoa Hotel, Paihia

4 - Bay of Islands/Rotorua

South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and its majestic harbour soon comes into view. A city tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.

Accommodation at the Sudima Hotel, Lake Rotorua

5 - Rotorua

A sightseeing tour encompasses the cultural and scenic highlights of the area. Visit the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand's various sheep breeds and a sheep shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park and see pools of rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over city, lake and mountains and for those wanting just a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments - enjoy the thrill. At the completion of the tour (mid afternoon) there you will have time for shopping, a relaxing dip in a thermal pool. This evening you will enjoy a Maori hangi (meal) which will include a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka.

Accommodation at the Sudima Hotel, Lake Rotorua

6 - Rotorua/Taupo/Napier

This morning visit Te Puia for the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and famous Pohutu Geyser. After departure from Rotorua we skirt large man made pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity and on to view the mighty Huka Falls where the full force of the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm.

Pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand and world famous for its trout fishing. Continue across the Central Plateau noted for its intensive forestry development to the Hawkes Bay region and the city of Napier claimed to be the art deco capital of the world. First stop is at the Hawkes Bay Museum, learn about the devastating 1931 earthquake that destroyed so much of the city and led to the distinctive Art-Deco building style for which Napier is now so famous. Follow our abbreviated Art Deco Tour around the inner city area to see close up many of its unique buildings and don't forget a walk along the foreshore to enjoy the spectacular ocean views - highly recommended.

Accommodation at the Tennyson Hotel Napier

7 - Napier/Masterton

Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings and across the Wairarapa Region, famous for the boutique wine and food industry. Also home for the next 4 nights for Wings Over Wairarapa.

Accommodation at the Copthorne Resort Solway Park Masterton

8 - Wings Over Wairarapa (Practice Day)

This morning visit Greytown with Zest Food Tours to experience the secrets of this fantastic region and taste some of the local culinary delights. Return to Masterton to being your Wings over Wairarapa event. This afternoon see the aerial action as they practice for the main flying days. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon into the early evening in the Gold Pass enclosure.

Accommodation at the Copthorne Resort Solway Park Masterton

9 - Wings Over Wairarapa

Wings Over Wairarapa air show begins today. Flying begins at 10.45am and is non stop throughout the day. Spitfires, Gyrocopters, Biplanes, triplanes and RNZAF. The day also includes a food and wine festival, live music, lunchtime entertainment, trade sites, military vehicles, movie props and much more.

Accommodation at the Copthorne Resort Solway Park Masterton

10 - Wings Over Wairarapa

Today is the second full day of Wings Over Wairarapa. Flying begins at 10.45am and is non stop throughout the day. Spitfires, Gyrocopters, Biplanes, triplanes and RNZAF. The day also includes a food and wine festival, live music, lunchtime entertainment, trade sites, military vehicles, movie props and much more.

Accommodation at the Copthorne Resort Solway Park Masterton

11 - Masterton/Wellington

This morning travel through the Wairarapa region through to the Rimutaka Forest Park before an late morning arrival in New Zealand's Capital City, Wellington. An extensive city tour will include the summit of Mount Victoria for spectacular views over the city and its magnificent Harbour. See the Houses of Parliament dominated by the distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, the central city and business area and Oriental Bay. There is ample opportunity to also explore the city yourselves and if you wish take a ride on the famous Cable Car, but be sure not to miss Te Papa, the "Museum of New Zealand".

Accommodation at the Bay Plaza Hotel, Wellington

12 - Wellington/Home

Today it is goodbye to all your new found friends. You will be transferred to Wellington Airport in ample time to join your flight.