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This morning we make a start heading through Auckland (the city of sails) and onto the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, where we stop at he well known Matakohe Kauri Museum. It is now time for lunch and to discover some of the local history through this wonderful museum. fter lunch we carry on through the grandeur of the Waipoua Forest to Tane Mahuta the oldest and largest surviving native Kauri tree in New Zealand. We then follow the western coastline along to Omapere where we will be staying tonight on the edge of the beautiful Hokianga Harbour. |
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Today we have a short ride ahead of us this morning as we head east to the magnificent Bay of Islands, it is here this afternoon that you will have the opportunity to maybe take a cruise through these wonderful Islands, swim with the dolphins or explore the ground of Waitangi, the birth place of this wonderful nation.
Heading south along the eastern seaboard we make our way through Auckland and onto the Pacific Coast Highway for a splendid day of riding along this spectacular coastal highway to the seaside town of Tairua, on the Coromandel Peninsula.
An amazing ride through the winding roads of beautiful Mercury Bay and onto the Bay of Plenty as we reach Rotorua our destination tonight. After dinner why not sit back and relax in one of the many spa pools that surround this wonderful region. |
This morning we visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve where you can take a fully guided tour through this geothermal wonderland with the Pohutu Geyser and experience first hand New Zealand’s Maori Culture. From here we make our way through to the Bay of Plenty and the city of Tauranga where we will be stopping for a well deserved lunch break. After lunch it is time to head East along the enchanting Pacific Coast Highway before reaching Te Kaha our destination for tonight staying in the local hotel.
Today we have a great ride in front of us as we head east along the rugged coastline of the Pacific Coast Highway to the East Cape, a place where the local Maori culture is still revered.
After enjoying lunch in the small community of Te Araroa we again continue our journey this time heading south to Gisborne one of the main cities along the Eastern Seaboard for our overnight stop. It is here that cabin boy Nicholas Young was the first crewman on board Captain James Cook’s ship the Endeavour to sight New Zealand in 1769. Young Nick’s Head, the striking headland protecting the southern opening of Poverty Bay bears his name.
This morning we leave for the beautiful Hawkes Bay, this region is well known for its fine Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties.
It is here that we will be stopping for a well deserved lunch break in Napier. The region was razed to the ground by a powerful earthquake in1931 and has since rebuilt itself to be known as the Art Deco capital of New Zealand.
Having enjoyed a wonderful lunch overlooking Hawkes Bay it is now time to time to make our way south to across the Takapau plains and over the Rimutaka Hill as we make our way to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.
Today is yours to enjoy what this diverse city has to offer from Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand through to many galleries and cafes or even take a trip on the cable car to get some panoramic views of this wonderful city.
Continuing North today through the Central Plateau and onto our accommodation for the night at the Grand Chateau Hotel which is situated at the base of Mt Ruapehu, the North Islands premier ski location.
Our final day and we head West through the rugged inland King Country before reaching Waitomo, where you can have the opportunity to discover the famous Waitomo Cave and experience the wonder as thousands of Glow Worms light up this magical place. It is now time to make our way through New Zealand's largest dairy and sheep farming province as we ride north along the banks of the mighty Waikato River.
Arriving back in Auckland it is now time to gather your gear together and reflect on the wonderful time that has been had by all. Now we must say our goodbyes and start planning your next tour with Harley Tours New Zealand. |
