Cruisy Costal Tour - 9 days
This is a 9 day road trip of the North Island area including Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Huka Falls.
Arrive Auckland International Airport- Depart Auckland International Airport
Dates: 27th January - 4th February 2012
Come with us for this unique experience to dicover the true New Zealand. Meet local people in this mystical land of Maori culture, and pristine majestic beauty. From the time you arrive in New Zealand you will be taking part in an adventurous journey of discovery. You will be comforted knowing that everything you ever wished for in a holiday experience is about to come true. Because we will do everything we can to make it so.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Auckland
We will greet you at the airport and get you settled into your Hotel. We have accommodation located in the city centre where you can relax and sleep or if you are feeling up to it we will give you a small tour of Auckland.
Day 2 - Auckland
Auckland has more boats per capita than any other city in the world. Today's activities will be initiated with a harbour cruise. You will find that you are never far from our beautiful ocean during your stay here in New Zealand. We will also Visit the Auckland museum which has a brilliant collection of cultural history and art and gives a great insight to New Zealand's historical past. We will be ascending the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand's own "Sky Tower". Adjacent to the Sky tower is the Sky City Casino for any wishing to try their luck. Here we will also be indulging in a delectable dinner in the upper part of the Sky Tower Restaurant.
Day 3 - Coromandel "New Zealands Playground"
Breakfast at your leisure, but we do need to be on the road by 9.00 am. Before we head to the cruisy coastal atmosphere we will take you to Kelly Tarlton's Under Water World where you can get up close and personal with some of New Zealand's marine life. We then leave Auckland city life behind Auckland behind as we head East along our beautiful the Coromandel Coast.
With more than 400 kilometers of spectacular coastline you are sure to find the beach of your dreams. The rugged volcanic hills are cloaked in native rain forest and the Coromandel is a place where bush and beach are both easily accessible. In the same day, you can experience the blue dazzle of the Pacific Ocean and calming greenness of the kauri forests. This evening we will stay in Coromandel township and enjoy an evening meal at one of Coromandel's quaint restaurants.
Day 4 & 5 - Tauranga
From here we head to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty. This region is one of country's premier holiday destinations. Surrounded by over 100kms of glittering white sand, crystal clear waters, rolling surf beaches, beautiful harbours and an unbeatable lifestyle. Here you can relax, unwind and take in the beauty of the Bay. If you would like to have a little kayak in pilot bay while we are here, we can organise that. There is also blokarting available for those who would like to try it. Go for a walk around Mt Maunganui and take in this beautiful beach location. There is also the opportunity to swim with dolphins if ability levels permit.
In the evening I will be putting on a good ole KIWI BBQ for dinner which will be done beach side. Tuck into your steak, sausage and salad while breathing in that ocean air once again. Soak up those rays and make the most of the beach. The reason the Mount is so great and why everyone loves to live there is because of the lifestyle. You can wake up early and go for a walk along the board walk along the ocean's edge and after work in the evening watch the sun go down with the waves.
After dinner you have the hot salt water pools located directly across the road from your accommodation for you to relax and unwind.
You have stunning beach side accommodation for the 2 nights you are here.
Day 6 and 7 - Rotorua "Thermal city of culture"
Today we follow the coastline before heading inland to Rotorua visiting some of the regions majestic lakes on our way. From the moment you enter Rotorua you know you are somewhere like nowhere else. Lazy drifts of steam are emitted from cracks and crevices. This is nature's spa of the Pacific. Spiritual home of the Maori. We visit Te Puia and observe the wonders of nature, you will get up close to a geysers and boiling mud pools. After this we will be checking in to our accommodation.
Tonight is a must; we take part in a Tamaki cultural experience. We go back through time to before the Pakeha (European) arrived. We attend a Maori Concert and you have the opportunity to feast on a traditional Maori Hangi (Traditional Maori meal).
The following day you have options available to you depending on what you prefer. The Agrodome where you can get up close and personal with some of New Zealand's kiwi icons. Here you can also have the chance to indulge in some of New Zealand's more adventurous activities such as jet boating, zorbing, gondola rides and luging. Or you could take the time to look around the streets, soak in the hot pools or make your way around the gardens all in the center of town.
There is also the option of visiting Paradise Valley Springs. At Paradise Valley Springs, visitors can interact with a variety of wildlife that is found wild around New Zealand. Animals such as Deer, Pigs and Wallabies may be hand fed. See Rainbow and Brown Trout in our crystal-clear pools and wild in the Ngongotaha Stream that winds through our park. Get up close to friendly farm animals in the lively streamside farm walk Alpacas, Goats, a Miniature Horse and Sheep to name a few. View native New Zealand birds, waterfowl on our wetlands and walk-through with our native alpine parrots the Kea. Taste pure spring water straight from our natural spring, or purchase some of our own bottled 'Paradise Pure' to take away with you. Experience our elevated rainforest treetops walkway, hidden six metres high amongst bush and huge native trees.
Day 8 - Huka Falls
This morning you will take you out to see the Huka Falls. The Huka Falls are one of New Zealand's most spectacular sights. The sheer volume of beautiful bright clear water that gushed through the narrow gap, makes up for the modest size of these falls. Over 200,000 litres per second roar over the 3 metre falls with a force that is truly impressive. For those who are keen to try New Zealand's famous Jet Boat experience, this will be the place to do it and it is an experience not to be missed.
On this drive you will also be seeing The Waikato River which is NZ's longest and the North Island's largest river. It flows out of Lake Taupo (our largest lake) and runs north almost as far as Auckland. We will arrive at lake Taupo where the view from Taupo town across the lake to the volcanoes is fantastic. Here we will have lunch and a look around the town before heading back to Rotorua.
Day 9 - Auckland
Today we drive back up North to Auckland for your flight and say farewell or see you again in Paradise.
Nine Day Tour Cost
$6,800 NZ based on twin share accommodation. Single accommodation will incur additional $ 1000.00.
This price includes all accommodation, transport, guide, breakfasts and dinners.
Flight arrangements
You or your travel agent will have arranged your arrival in Auckland, and contacted us with those arrangements. We can provide flexible airport pick-ups as well as book extra accommodation for up to two days prior to the start of the tour.
Tour package does not include
Drinks, morning/afternoon teas and lunches. Personal and sundry costs. Laundry/dry-cleaning. Personal Care, Medical costs. Taxis, personal transport or trips, Attractions arranged but not specified in cost.
Attractions Included
Auckland Harbour Cruise, Skytower, Huka Falls, Auckland Museum, Kelly Tarlton's Under Water World, Tamaki Maori Concert and Hangi, Sky Tower Observatory restaurant, kayaking and Mount Hot Pools.
(Some activities are weather dependent and ability dependent and refunds will not be given if cancelled)
Attractions arranged but not included
Huka Jet Boat, Blokarting, Agrodome, Zorb, Gondola, Paradise Valley Springs
Accommodation
We use high standard resort and hotel accommodation all with fully accessible facilities. We can assure you, we are there to help. You will manage just fine.
Meals
There are a wide variety of meals provided with the itinerary, some in top hotels and restaurants. Some with a much more local flavour from Fish and Chips on newspaper in Mt Maunganui to a meal in a rotating observatory overlooking Auckland city. Breakfasts are also varied from full cooked breakfast in our resort hotels to continental in some of the smaller places. We are able to arrange for any special needs. Vegetarian, etc. Lunches are in cafe's depending on where we are.
NOTE
Airport transfers, airfares and meals for additional days booked outside of standard tour are not included in this price.
The itinerary is at a real easy pace. Late check outs, help with your baggage, absolutely stress free, with several days suitable as rest days.
Our Vehicle is a Nissan Elgrand Luxury air-conditioned mini bus; or Mitsubishi bus wheelchair users in some cases may have to transfer to normal seating by way of hydraulic lifting chair. Approximate driving time total is mentioned in itinerary, this does not include rest time and stops. We do our best to schedule stops at least every two hours driving.
An experienced Escort will be along to assist in general terms. However personal carers are not part of the package. We can provide personal care, this can save on airfares if you need to bring a caregiver along but would incur extra cost and need to be discussed with us personally before the tour starts. We can often arrange one attendant able to care for two or even three on tour, allowing them to split the cost. This is depending on individual needs. Some activities may not be suitable for the entire group.
Weather: Generally January and February are very stable and clear months weather wise. Our weather is generally good, but again we can't make any promises, bring some warm clothing just in case.
Extra Costs: Tipping is not expected. There are no hidden tax costs indeed in some cases overseas visitors can get a tax refund on some products. Lunches and sundry expenses are not great, probably ten to twenty dollars (NZ) a day would be ample. Scenic flights and other attractions not included in price of tour can vary, we can give estimates if required. Any not wishing to take part in specific attractions can be discounted the appropriate amounts, provided that we are made aware prior to payment. Ballpark, our dollar is just above half of an American Dollar and about a third of a pound.
Comments: More often than we can remember we have had elderly folk with other tour companies meet us along the way and say they just wish they had heard of us before they made their arrangements. We specialize in caring for people, late checkouts, plenty of rest time, adaptability rather than strict hard time tables. Our motto "Luvin' care with every fare". On tour we are there to help you. Come to us with any problems or for any advice, don't battle along on your own.
Contact: On tour we can be contacted on our cell phone 0274 627 621 while it is in coverage, a message can be left if not. All hotel contact numbers are included in case any friends or relatives at home want to keep in touch. Numbers are given as if ringing from inside NZ, overseas caller use NZ code 64 and drop the first zero.
Medical Backup: Our staff is experienced in managing and looking after people with various special medical, mobility and other needs. Even though we complain about our Health System here in NZ we do have a good network of doctors, medical centres, and hospitals. As long as we are aware of your needs we can plan ahead to make sure they are fully met. We are the only company in New Zealand offering this depth of service. New Zealand does have some kind of a reciprocal arrangement with the UK in health care delivery.
Insurance: ACC (Accident Compensation Commission) provides cover for accident while in NZ, your safety and wellbeing are our prime concern but we insist you take out personal travel insurance even before putting a deposit down in case for reasons beyond your control you are unable to make the trip.
Conditions: We have an application form that we like everyone to fill in; the reasons are explained on the form. We do our very best, we go much further than "the extra mile" your safety and enjoyment are our main concern, so we need to know of any special needs. If for any reason an attraction included in tour cost does not go ahead, that portion will be refunded. (This does not include someone deciding they don't want to do it once the tour has started) Tour is subject to minimum numbers.
Liability
Your Safety, well-being and enjoyment are our prime responsibility and concern. New Zealand's Accident Compensation Commission covers your personal medical needs in the event of accident. If however something spoils your trip. Accident, departure from itinerary, bad weather, or whatever. We want you to be assured we have done our very best, in no way can we personally or our company accept liability for anything beyond our control, or the result of a decision we or any of our staff made at the time believing it would be for the best. Our vehicles are all in very good order and well serviced, however the nature of our tours means we may not quickly be able to have a fully suitable replacement vehicle available. Should a breakdown necessitate a hold up or departure from itinerary, we would do our very best for you but once again could not be expected to make refund or be liable. Before tour starts we need your assurance you understand, and accept these conditions.
Booking
To secure a booking for the 9 Day Tour we require a non-refundable deposit of $500.00 NZD and a full payment of $10,800 60 days prior to the commencement of the tour.
Upon receiving your deposit we will make all the necessary reservations and post out your itinerary. Please also ensure you have read our terms and conditions attached to the itinerary.
Please ensure all clients fill in our application form and that these are returned to us prior to arrival.
We prefer payment in the form of Bank Draft or Telegraphic Transfer into our nominated account, and strongly urge travel insurance to be taken out before any money is paid.
Bank details are as follows:
Bank: National Bank
Branch: Tauranga
Account Name: Accessible New Zealand Ltd
Account Number: 060433 0425522 00
(Please allow for the transfer charge in your payment)
