The REAL Eastland Tour 6 days from $NZ1195.00pp*

Day 1:
Depart Auckland 8.30am. Travel by Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach on the first leg of our REAL Eastland Tour. Heading South we soon cross the Bombay Hills into the Waikato Valley. Following New Zealand's longest river we pass by the Huntly Power Station, a little further, Ngaruawahia the home of the Maori King. We then pass Hamilton, NZ's largest inland city. Lunch at Taupo, the Great Lake, before heading east to our overnight stop in Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand.
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Day 2:
Depart 9.00am. Travel slightly South bypassing Hastings we join Gannet Safaris for an overland (no walking) trip to see the largest mainland Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers. Return to Napier for lunch (own expense). From here, we follow the very scenic route via Wairoa to Gisborne. Brief orientation tour before arriving at our hotel.
(2 nights) (B,D)

Day 3:
Around the Gisborne region today. We visit "Eastwoodhill", the National Arboretum. Here we see the largest collection of imported trees in the country. A boxed lunch, tea & coffee is included. The afternoon is free in Gisborne for more sights, perhaps the excellent Gisborne Museum, or just to put your feet up.
Dinner in hotel.
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Day 4:
Depart 9.00am. From here we travel, perhaps, the most remote highway in the North Island. Beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery at every turn. Tolaga Bay, New Zealand's longest wharf. Tokamaru Bay, St. Marys Church at Tikitiki then on to Ruatoria, where we enjoy a light lunch (included). Onto Te Araroa where we find NZ's largest Pohutukawa tree. From here around the coast (road conditions permitting) to East Cape. A stair climb brings us to the East Cape Lighthouse. Backtracking now, we head over the hill to Hicks Bay, our overnight stop.
(B,L,D)

Day 5:
Depart 9.00am. We continue around the top of Eastland, passing even more spectacular beaches, historic churches, beautiful Marae. Morning tea at Te Kaha (own expense) then onto Ohope Beach and Whakatane for lunch (again own expense). From here, we travel inland to Rotorua, the North Islands tourist capital. Tonight we enjoy "Mitai", a Maori cultural experience and Hangi feast (included).
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Day 6:
Free morning to explore Rotorua's many attractions.

Depart 12.30pm. We cross the Kaimai / Mamaku range travelling via Matamata (Hobbiton) back to Auckland. Arrival approx 4.30pm.
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