14 Day North Island Soren Larsen Tour New Zealand Tours & Holiday Packages New Zealand Travel Reservations New Zealand Self Drive Tours

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HOW TO PLAN AND BOOK THIS NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY

Within this detailed itinerary you will find lists of accommodation and activity operators in each New Zealand area.
Beside each of these operators names is either a nightly price indication or a brief description about their operation. For more information and to make a booking with each individual operator, simply click the operators name which is an active link to their web page. On their web page you can read more about their establishment and are able to make enquiries and bookings directly with them.
If you would like a customised quote for this itinerary CLICK HERE

14 Day North Island Tour including the Tall Ship Soren Larsen
Auckland - Bay of Islands - Coromandel - Rotorua - Central Plateau OR Lake Taupo - Waikato - Auckland

Click map to enlarge

Day 1 - Auckland/Bay of Islands

Board the Tall Ship Soren Larsen for a day cruise up to the Bay of Islands. Collect your rental car upon arrival and head to your Tutukaka or Bay of Islands accommodation.

For rental car options we recommend:

Pegasus Rentals - Vehicle support and depots nationwide.
Airlink Rental Cars - A wide range of cars, vans and 4WD's.

Day 2 & 3 - Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands Accommodation

Paihia Accommodation Group, Paihia - A selection of quality accommodation
Beresford House Bed & Breakfast, Russell (*from NZ$120 B&B)
Titore Lodge Luxury Acccommodation, Russell (*from NZ$295 B&B + extras)
Swallows Nest Luxury Lodge, Paihia (*from NZ$200)
Villa Italia Luxury Bed & Breakfast, Kerikeri (*from NZ$120 B&B)
The Opua House Luxury Beachfront Accommodation, Opua (*from NZ$800)
Palm Grove Cottages, Kerikeri (*from NZ$145)
Beachfront Estate - Wairoro Park, Russell (*from NZ$110)
Crows Nest Holiday Villas, Opua (*from NZ$280)
Te Pa Helios Luxury B&B and Self-Catering Accommodation, Tapeka Point (*from NZ$240B&B)
Sublime Apartments, Paihia (*from NZ$109)
Pipi Patch Lodge, Paihia (*from NZ$23)
Nautilus Resort, Paihia (*from NZ$110)
Blue Pacific Quality Apartments, Paihia (* POA)
Eagles Nest 5 Star Retreat, Russell (*from NZ$1800 B&B)

Bay of Islands Activities

Go Birdz - Campervan, rental car and scooter hire in the Bay of Islands
Kotuku Adventure Tours - Guided tours to Cape Reinga, 90 Mile Beach and the Far North from the Bay of Islands.
Russell Booking & Information Centre - For FREE BOOKINGS and advice on all your tours, activities, cruises and accommodation in the Bay of Islands
Paihia Dive HQ - Experts at taking divers to the Bay of Islands and Rainbow Warrior safely but with a sense of adventure.
Dive HQ Bay of Islands - Enjoy the wonders of the underwater diving shipwrecks and viewing stunning underwater scenery.
Adventure Company - Horseback riding, ATV quad bike tours and off road Go-Kart trails for family holiday adventures in the scenic Bay of Islands.
Waka Taia-Mai Tours - Experience the spirituality of a Maori canoe journey in the Bay of Islands and be part of an unforgettable cultural experience. Tours to Ngawha Mineral Hot Springs also available.
Skydive Bay of Islands - Experience the thrill of a tandem skydive in the scenic Bay of Islands, Northland's adventure playground.
Sail NZ - Operating in Auckland and the Bay of Islands offering unique sailing adventures, including the America's Cup Sailing Experience.
Dolphin Discoveries - Dolphin swimming & watching and Eco Tours in the Bay of Islands
Tall Ship Soren Larsen - Adventure sail training cruises in the tropical islands of the South Pacific and New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Islands.

Day 4 - Auckland/North Auckland

Auckland Accommodation Options:

Auckland Districts

Portage Peninsula Hotel, Avondale (*POA)
Braemar on Parliament Street, Auckland CBD (*from NZ$205 B&B)
Breakfast on the Beach Luxury Waterfront Accommodation, Waiheke Island (*from NZ$400 B&B)
Kohimarama Retreat Executive Holiday Home, Kohimarama (*POA)
Delamore Lodge, Waiheke Island (*from NZ$894 B&B + extras)
Abaco on Jervios Spa Accommodation, Ponsonby (*from NZ$120)
Ellerslie International Motor Inn, Ellerslie (*from NZ$120)
Airport Gateway Hotel, Auckland Airport (*from NZ$99)
Calico Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Kumeu, West Auckland (*from NZ$140 B&B)
Park Lane Motor Inn, Takapuna Beach, North Shore (*from NZ$145)
Parklane Motor Lodge, Greenlane, Central Auckland (*from NZ$115)
Owhanake Bay Estate, Waiheke Island (*from NZ$295 B&B)
Umoya Lodge, Miranda, South of Auckland (*from NZ$550 B&B)
Base Auckland Backpackers, Auckland City (*from NZ$25pp)
Elliott Street Apartments Hotel, Auckland City (*from NZ$149)
Scholar Apartments, Auckland City (*from NZ$65. Long stay rates available)
Kiwi International Hotel Group, Auckland City & Auckland Airport (*from NZ$49-NZ$150)
Takapuna Motor Lodge, Takapuna, North Shore (*from *NZ$125)
Emerald Inn, Takapuna Beach, North Shore (*from NZ$165)
Devonwood Cottage, Waimuku, West Auckland (*from NZ$160)
The Boat Shed Boutique Seaside Hotel , Waiheke Island (*from NZ$520 B&B & on-island transfers)
Quest Newmarket, Central Auckland (*from NZ$135)
Quest on Mount, Auckland City (*from NZ$135)
Quest on Eden, Auckland City (*from NZ$125)
Base ACB (Auckland Central Backpackers), Auckland City (*from NZ$23)
City Central Hotel, Auckland City (*from NZ$89)
Lincoln Green Motor Hotel, Henderson, West Auckland (*from NZ$105)
Spencer on Byron Hotel, Takapuna Beach, North Shore (*from NZ$197).

Hibiscus Coast & Rodney District, North Auckland (inc Orewa, Silverdale, Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Matakana Coast, Wellsford & Warkworth)

Ngapeka House, Pakiri Beach, North Auckland (*POA)
Takatu Boutique Luxury Lodge & Vineyard, Matakana (*from NZ$540 B&B)
Wilson House Bed & Breakfast, Warkworth (*from NZ$110 B&B)
Snells Beach Motel, Snells Beach, Warkworth (*from NZ$90)
Gifford Lodge, Matakana (*from NZ$290 B&B)
Matakana House Motel, Matakana (*from NZ$100)
Walton Park Motor Lodge, Warkworth (*from NZ$105)
Orewa Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, Orewa Beach, Hibiscus Coast (*from NZ$15pp to NZ$65pp)
Mineral Park Motel, Parakai, North Auckland (*from NZ$110)
The Ambers Bed & Breakfast, Silverdale, Hibiscus Coast (*from NZ$120 B&B)
Hibiscus Palms Motel, Orewa Beach, Hibiscus Coast (*from NZ$78)
The Nautilus Luxury Apartments, Orewa Beach, Hibiscus Coast (*from NZ$130)
Leigh Fishing Lodge, Leigh, Matakana Coast (*from NZ$35pp/pn)
Waimana Point Luxury Accommodation, Warkworth, North Auckland (*from NZ$450)
The Shanty Self-Catering Beachfront Apartment, Warkworth, North Auckland (*from NZ$295)
Panorama View Bed & Breakfast and Self-Contained Apartment, Tindalls Bay, Whangaparaoa Peninsula (*POA)
Castle Court Motel, Wellsford, North Auckland (*from NZ$80)
The Salty Dog Inn Luxury Accommodation, Snells Beach, Warkworth (*from NZ$105)

Auckland Activity Options:

Auckland

Coast to Coast Tours - Experience the culture and nature of West Auckland, visit wineries, Muriwai Beach gannets, taste NZ honey plus more.
Auckland's Dolphin & Whale Safari - The only Auckland operator permitted to show dolphin's & whales in their natural environment.
Gulfwind Sailing Academy & Charters - Personalised, practical and hands-on sailing charters and certified courses in the waters surrounding Auckland, "City of Sails".
Supa Travel Express - Door to door airport shuttle transfers Tauranga - Auckland - Hamilton - Rotorua. Charter/personalised tours. Sports clubs, weddings, corporate functions.
Tamaki Hikoi - Maori Guided Walk of Auckland - Guides from the Ngati Whatua tribe re-tell ancient and sacred stories on the Tamaki Hikoi - a walking tour through Auckland.
Luxury Airport Shuttles & Tours - Door to door shuttle service in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and surrounding areas, Whakatane & and Rotorua. Tours also available.
Tall Ship Soren Larsen - Adventure sail training cruises in the tropical islands of the South Pacific and New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Islands.
Skydive Auckland - Situated 40 minutes south of Auckland, enabling both first time and experienced skydivers to enjoy the 'ultimate high' in a safe, yet fun-filled environment.
Sail NZ - Operating in Auckland and the Bay of Islands offering unique sailing adventures, including the America's Cup Sailing Experience.

Hibiscus Coast & Rodney District, North Auckland (inc Orewa, Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Matakana Coast, Wellford & Warkworth)

Matakana Country Park, Matakana - Surrounded by lush valleys in one of the most beautiful areas of the North Island, the Park hosts a wide range of activities for adults and families.
Warkworth Taxi & Mini Bus Charters, Warkworth - Customised tours and charters for individuals and groups. Airport shuttle between Auckland Airport & Warkworth.
SheepWorld Farm & Nature Park, Warkworth - Experience natural New Zealand at this beautiful farm and nature park. Informative & fun - whatever your age, whatever the weather.
Reubens Water Taxis & Excursions, Warkworth - Sandspit to Kawau Island servicing all jetties, Bays and close Islands. Approximately a 15 minute trip from Sandspit. Kawau Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, picnics, diving and fishing excursions.
Goat Island Dive, Leigh, Matakana Coast - Explore New Zealand's famous coastal aquarium Goat Island. Goat Island Dive offer a variety of scuba diving, snorkelling and/or kayaking options in a safe and protected environment
Glass Bottom Boat, Leigh, Matakana Coast - Regular trips at the world renowned Goat Island Marine Reserve, Leigh, 90km's north of Auckland.
Leigh Fishing Lodge & Charters, Leigh, Matakana Coast - Fishing & diving charters available, as well as luxury chalet accommodation in the beautiful town of Leigh.
Slipray Fishing Charters, Ti Point, Leigh, Matakana Coast - 50ft power catamaran specifically designed for line fishing & diving charters, available for overnight and day trips.
Pakiri Beach Horse Rides, Pakiri Beach (near Wellsford), North Auckland - Horse trekking along breathtaking Pakiri Beach with guides with a local history who will share tales of their ancestors.

Day 5 & 6 - Coromandel Peninsula

Sea Breeze Tourist Park, Whenuakite (*from NZ$21 per person)

Te Mata Lodge, Thames (*rfom NZ$50)

Coromandel Activities

Dive HQ Whitianga - Dive the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. From shore, from dive kayak and from boat, there is diving to suit the beginner through to the advanced.
Beach Bush & Heritage Walks - personalised daily guided tours that include everything you’re looking for in the Waihi/Karangahake area
Aotearoa Tours - Personalised tours around the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula
Coromandel Town Activities - Mussel Barge Snapper Safaris, Strongman Coachlines Ltd, Driving Creek Railway, Coromandel Goldfield Centre & Stamper Battery.
Mercury Bay Seafaris - Glass Bottom Boat trips. Enjoy Cathedral Cove, marine wildlife and stunning coastal scenery.
Go Kiwi Shuttles, Transfers & Tours - Providing personal friendly travel in small modern coaches servicing Auckland & Airports, Rotorua, Tauranga, Hamilton & Waitomo to & from THE COROMANDEL PENINSUA.

Day 7, 8 & 9 - Rotorua

Rotorua Accommodation options:

Aywon Motel (*POA)
Princes Gate Hotel (*POA)
Nicara Lakeside Lodge (*from NZ$450 B&B)
Nicara Lakeside Cottage (*from NZ$250)
The Grand Hotel Rotorua (*from NZ$65)
Rotorua Hideaway Lodge (*from NZ$65)
Accolades Boutique Hotel (*from NZ$395 B&B)
Golden Glow Motel (*from NZ$85)
Emerald Spa Resort (*from NZ$140)
Base Rotorua Backpackers (*from NZ$21pp)
Alpin Motel (*from NZ$95)
Four Canoes Hotel (*from NZ$75)
Aywon Motel (*POA)
Capri Court Motor Inn (*from NZ$99)
Lake Rotoiti Lodge (*POA)
Tuscany Villas Motor Inn (*from NZ$125)
The Lodge at 199, 5 Star Accommodation, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua (*from NZ$595 B&B)
Base Hot Rock (*from NZ$21)
Waiteti Lakeside Lodge (*from NZ$195 B&B)
Ashleigh Court Motel, Rotorua (*from NZ$110)

Rotorua Activity options:

Tribal Lights Cultural Theatre - Enjoy a traditional NZ dinner and unforgettable experiences where the theatre brings tribal and historical stories of Rotorua to life.
The Great Kiwi Lumberjack Show - A unique 45 minute lumberjack show in a rainproof venue, fun for all ages. Also onsite farm walks. Suitable for conferences & functions.
New Zealand Caterpillar Experience - View vintage Caterpillar® earthmovers and machinery and enjoy an insight into how New Zealand's land was changed by man and Caterpillar® machinery from the mid 19th century through to today.
Off Road NZ - Your one stop adventure centre - U Drive 4WD, Sprint Cars, Monster 4X4 thrillride, calybird shooting, golf, archery.
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools and the Pukeko in a Ponga Tree BYO Cafe - Bathing and Dining with a difference.
Agroventures, Rotorua - Adventure activities in one location - Rotorua Bungy, Rotorua Swoop, Agrojet, Freefall Xtreme, Shweeb.
Kaitiaki Adventures, Rotorua - White water sledging and white water rafting adventure tours on many Rotorua rivers including Kaituna, Rangitaiti & Wairoa.
Rotorua 5 Star Travel Ltd - The only dedicated tourism company specialising in combined sightseeing of attractions based in Rotorua.
Hot Spotz Luxury Shuttle - Day tours to all destinations, airport pick-ups, charters for weddings, special occasions and corporate functions.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Walk through craters and take a boat cruise on the volcanic crater Lake Rotomahana to view amazing geothermal activity.
Wet n Wild Rafting - Specialising in white water rafting day trips on the Kaituna, Rangitaiki, Lower Rangitaiki and Wairoa rivers, and in multi-day rafting expeditions, that include a range of overnight to five day expeditions on the Motu and Upper and Lower Mohaka Rivers.
Rainbow Springs Nature Park & Kiwi Encounter - View NZ wildlife and the native Kiwi bird in a native bush setting
Hells Gate & Wai Ora Spa - New Zealand's only mud bath spa complex
Mitai Maori Experience - A close up and personal Maori cultural experience
NZONE Skydiving - Experience the thrill and excitement of a parachute jump above Rotorua
Pure Dirt Bike Tours - Half, full days and multi day dirt biking tours through unique forest areas which are closed to the public.
The Buried Village - New Zealand's 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption, Excavation, History and Gallery Museum
Planet Bike - Mountain bike hire, tours and adventure combos in the scenic Whakarewarewa Forest.
Helipro - Offering a selection of exciting and innovative scenic flight and charter options by helicopter in Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty.
Agrojet - New Zealand's Fastest jetboating experience! Experience G-Forces not unlike Formula ONE Race Cars!
Volcanic Air Safaris - Scenic air tours by float plane or helicopter, providing the opportunity to overview the spectacular natural features of Rotorua
Walking Legends Guided Walks - Day tours and 3 & 4 day guided walking tours through Te Urewera National Park & the Lake Waikaremoana Track.
The Landing - Lake Tarawera - Casual lakeside dining with Mt Tarawera as a backdrop, plus a base for boat cruises and many lake activities.
Mountain Action - 4x4 quad bike tours and horse riding through breathtaking native bush along the slopes of Mt Ngongotaha.
Adventure Kayaking - offering quality wilderness excursions on Rotorua’s most spectacular scenic lakes.
Realm of Tane - Taking you on an extraordinary journey through Maori culture, mythology and our story of creation.
Supa Travel Express - Door to door airport shuttle transfers Tauranga - Auckland - Hamilton - Rotorua. Charter/personalised tours. Sports clubs, weddings, corporate functions.
Tamaki Maori Village - The cultural experience the world is talking about. Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions.
Action New Zealand - All weather action attraction plus many team building activities.
Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park - Located between Taupo & Rotorua. Often described as the most interesting and picturesque geothermal area in NZ.
New Zealand Riverjet - New Zealand's premier, and ONLY thermal eco safari! Conveniently sited between Taupo & Rotorua.
Luxury Airport Shuttles & Tours - Door to door shuttle service in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and surrounding areas, Whakatane & and Rotorua. Tours also available.
Whakarewarewa Volcanic Valley - New Zealand's premier Maori culture and geothermal visitor experience
Longridge Fun Park - Excitement, action & laughter with adventure jet boating, U-Drive four wheel drives, Zespri kiwifruit and farm tours, and conference team building activities.
Rotoiti Tours - World of Maori - Share the warmth, the emotion, the spirituality that is Maori
Agrodome Farm Park - - The unique Rotorua experience! Sheep show and dog trial demonstrations, organic farm tours.
Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts Institute - New Zealand's premier Maori culture and geothermal visitor experience
Rotorua Duck Tours - A sightseeing adventure onboard a WWII amphibious vehicle able to travel on land and water!
Rotorua Museum - discover the essence of Rotorua; its people, culture and volcanic landscape
Kawarau Jet - An endless range of jetboating combo's and adventures

Anchorage Resort Motel (*from NZ$110)
Karaka Tree Motel (*from NZ$120)
Silver Fern Lodge - Motel & Superior Backpackers (*from NZ$24pp)
Great Lake Holiday Park (*from NZ$58)
Hazeldene Lodge (*from NZ$195 B&B)
Wharewaka Lodge (*from NZ350 B&B)

Rock' n Ropes - Choose from a selection of unbelieveably high rope course activites and adventure packages suitable for all ages and abilities.

Taupo Horse Treks - Leisurely guided horse treks through the tranquil Wairakei Forest, with views over the Craters of the Moon and the Waikato River. Suitable for all ages.

Taupo Air Services - Stunning Flight Seeing Adventures around the beautiful volcanic landscape of the North Island.

Kiwi River Safaris - Dedicated to showing you an excellent day on the river, offering whitewater rafting, scenic rafting and kayaking trips.

Wairakei Terraces - Maori Cultural Experience. Enjoy a leisurely one hour guided or self governed tour of the Wairakei Terraces Walkway and an evening of Maori Culture.

Volcanic Activity Centre - Experience the power of the planet - an educational centre dedicated to the Taupo Volcanic Zone with fun activities for all ages.

Rapids Jet - Jet boat the rapids. Experience the thrill of jetboating the biggest rapids for commercial Jet Boating in New Zealand

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools and the Pukeko in a Ponga Tree BYO Cafe - Bathing and Dining with a difference.

Skydive Taupo - Skydive thousands of feet above Taupo’s volcanic crater in New Zealand. FREE limousine transfers available.

Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park - Located between Taupo & Rotorua. Often described as the most interesting and picturesque geothermal area in NZ.

New Zealand Riverjet - New Zealand's premier, and ONLY thermal eco safari! Conveniently sited between Taupo & Rotorua.

Limo 2 U Limousine Services - Stretched Limousines, Sedans and Luxury mini Coaches specialising around the Taupo/Bay of Plenty area for tours & charters.

Chris Jolly Outdoors - For a complete range of fishing and outdoor activites

Luxury Airport Shuttles & Tours - Door to door shuttle service in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and surrounding areas, Whakatane & and Rotorua. Tours also available.

This area is ideally located for visitors to do the Tongariro Trek and for skiing the Whakapapa & Turoa skifields.

Woodlyn Park, Otorohanga A Unique Stage Show, An Adrenalin Rush and Accommodation all in one fabulous place.

Luxury Airport Shuttles & Tours - Door to door shuttle service in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and surrounding areas, Whakatane & and Rotorua. Tours also available.

Kiwi Balloon Company - Scenic hot air balloon flights over the Waikato region.

Supa Travel Express - Door to door airport shuttle transfers Tauranga - Auckland - Hamilton - Rotorua. Charter/personalised tours. Sports clubs, weddings, corporate functions.

Adventure Waikato -For adventure and leisure activitites, accommodation and conferencing. Perfect for corporate team building, family groups

Day 14 - Auckland

Take a scenic and leisurely drive back to Auckland staying overnight in one of the above accommodation options.