See a giant kauri tree and ride a bush railway. A farm stay will give you the opportunity to meet some real "Kiwis". The first part of the tour finishes at the geothermal spa town of Rotorua with the opportunity to experience the local Maori culture.
The Volcanoes and Glow-worms tour covers a great diversity of scenery from farmland to lakes, forests and the magnificent volcanoes of Tongariro Natinoal Park. Stay on a sheep farm (meet some of New Zealand's 45 million sheep) and visit the world famous Waitomo Caves for a magical glow-worm display.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland. Lunch by one of Auckland's volcanic cones, then a little sightseeing in the City of Sails.
Day 2: Thames. Follow the Firth of Thames coast, past the Miranda Shore Bird sanctuary, to Thames and a comfortable lodge on the water's edge.
Day 3: Coromandel. Visit a working gold mining museum and have lunch at the Rapaura Water Gardens.
Day 4: Whitianga. Time to visit the craft shops and potteries, and take a ride on the quaint bush railway, then relax on the fabulous beach at Whitianga.
Day 5: Whangamata. Walk to Cathedral Cove and visit another magnificent beach at Hahei.
Day 6: Matamata. Through the Karangahake Gorge to the fertile Waikato Valley and a farmstay.
Day 7-8: Rotorua. We cycle over the Mamaku Plateau, followed by a great descent to the spa city of Rotorua. A rest day offers many options: geysers and bubbling mud pools, rafting, Mt Tarawera, fishing and lots more.
Day 9: Taupo. We now head for Lake Taupo of trout fishing fame, with a visit to the dramatic Huka Falls a must.
Day 10-11: Tongariro. The three volcanoes, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu are the dramatic features of Tongariro National Park. Here we relax in style and comfort at the Grand Chateau.
Day 12: Pio Pio. We wind our way down to King Country, known for sheep farms and limestone formations, for a second farm stay.
Day 13: Waitomo. Our hosts will show us a little of their lifestyle and then it is a short, easy ride to the old world charm of Waitomo Caves.
Day 14-15: Auckland. A visit to the world famous caves is a must, with the option of black water rafting for the more daring. We then take delightful quiet country roads to Te Awamutu to drive to Auckland.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- Waitomo glow-worm caves visit
- 14 breakfasts
- 8 lunches
- 10 dinners
- Fully supported tour by comfortable mini van with a seat for everyone
- Purpose built trailer to carry bikes
- Knowledgeable friendly local guide
- Accommodation in mostly 3-star resorts, hotels and motels. Some 4-star
- Accommodation. An emphasis on individual, friendly lodges where available
- Dinner most nights
- Cooked breakfasts every day
- Picnic or café lunches some days
- Pedaltours cycling jersey or T-shirt
- Wine with final dinner, and wine and cheese briefings every 2-3 days
- Daily Maps, with profiles, one per cyclist, plus South Island map
Drink bottles, two
Price Excludes:
- Alcohol other than specified
- Flights
- Sightseeing other than specified
Cycle hire is an additional charge.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
National Parks
Bicycle Touring
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