Discover one of New Zealand’s seldom explored regions on this 14-day self-drive holiday following the Pacific Coast Highway around the East Cape of North Island. The East Cape reveals a rugged volcanic coastline home to secluded hidden bays and nearby islands and is an area rich in Maori heritage which has not yet been commercialised.
On this road trip you’ll have to chance to uncover one of New Zealand’s most authentic and genuine regions and travel mostly away from the main tourist routes without missing key regional highlights. Stay on the Coromandel with rainforest-clad gorges and pohutukawa-fringed beaches, before travelling onto the geo-thermal heartland of Rotorua.
Wake early in Gisborne and be one of the first in the world to see the sun rise and spend your time here discovering New Zealand’s early history. The first Maori waka (canoes) to arrive on the East Cape reportedly landed at Titirangi Hill in Gisborne, and Captain Cook became the first European to set foot on New Zealand soil at nearby Kaiti Bay, the significance of these two events is well covered at the Tairawhiti Museum.
This region has also set the scene in many a movie including ‘Prince Caspian – The Chronicles of Narnia’ at the stunning Coromandel Cove and ‘The Whale Rider’ a touching and uplifting story providing audiences with a taste of Maori culture but also demonstrating that there is far more to New Zealand than just some of the finest scenery in the world.
Enjoy time in Napier, one of New Zealand’s magnificent wine-producing regions and a city renowned for its Art Deco architecture, before travelling to the capital city of Wellington where your journey will end.
Itinerary
Fly to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city centre for an overnight stay.
Collect your rental vehicle and enjoy a leisurely drive to Whitianga, located on the verdant Coromandel Peninsula, renowned for its glorious beaches including Cathedral Cove to the south of Mercury Bay. This bay was named by Captain James Cook after he landed on the shores in 1769 to observe a Transit of Mercury.
Spend time relaxing or set off to explore this beautiful coastal area. You might like to enjoy an early morning stroll along to Lonely Bay or visit one of the many nearby beaches. In the afternoon enjoy a 2-hour boat tour exploring 12kms of rugged volcanic coastline, nearby islands and stunning beaches including Cooks Beach, Hahei and the wonderful Cathedral Cove where ‘The Chronicles of Narnia & Prince Caspian’ was filmed. Observe an abundance of marine and bird life and witness towering pinnacles, giant blowholes and sea caves.
Optional Experiences
Hahei Explorer at Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
Kiwi Dundee Nature & Coast Adventure, Coromandel
Drive south either following the coast road via Tauranga or inland via the intriguing towns of Paeroa and Te Aroha, towards the active geo-thermal heartland of Rotorua.
You have a full day free to explore New Zealand’s best known geothermal area, with its geysers, volcanoes, lakes and Maori culture. This evening you may like to enjoy a traditional Maori feast or ‘hangi’ (at additional cost).
Optional Experiences
Mitai Maori Hangi and Concert, Rotorua
Te Po Indigenous Evening at Te Puia, Rotorua
Whirinaki Forest Full Day Guided Walk, Rotorua
Make your way east to the laid-back coastal town of Whakatane, located in the Bay of Plenty for two nights.
Take a boat trip over to Moutohora Island Sanctuary for encounters with some of New Zealand’s endemic wildlife including tuatara and rare birds such as saddlebacks and red-crowned parakeets. Return to Whakatane for the night.
Make your way to historic Gisborne via State Highway 2. Captain Cook first set foot on New Zealand soil here in 1769 and you might like to visit The Cook Landing Site memorial which offers sensational views out across Poverty Bay.
Alternatively you may like to drive the longer, scenic route following State Highway 35 along the coast via the East Cape (approximately 6 hours). This region boasts some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the North Island, as well as a wealth of Maori culture, with intricately carved Marae dotting the landscape and a chance to meet the locals along the way.
Spend the day at leisure exploring the area. Key sites include New Zealand’s longest pier at Tolaga Bay and the Maori settlement of Whangara where the film Whale Rider was shot.
Journey south to the magnificent wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. The city of Napier is renowned for its Art Deco architecture and it is well worth enjoying a guided tour of the city during your stay.
Spend the day at leisure to explore this delightful region and its pristine beaches, superb wineries, Maori heritage and arts and crafts.
Travel through sheep farming country to the capital city of Wellington for a two-night stay at.
This vibrant capital city has a wealth of activities on offer, from food and walking tours to culture and heritage and wildlife adventures. A visit to New Zealand’s National Museum, Te Papa, is highly recommended.
Return your rental vehicle at the airport depot and depart.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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10 breakfasts
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Car rental throughout
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Private airport transfer on arrival
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Mercury Bay boat tour (2 hours)
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Moutohora Island Sanctuary Tour
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £2444 Excluding Flights
13 Nights
Year Round
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Lauren
Water Festival in Laos
Fiordland penguins encountered
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.