Day 2: Whangamomona - Taumarunui
We call into Lauren’s Lavender Farm beside the Whanganui River then drive deep into the Forgotten World Highway to Whangamomona for lunch at the iconic hotel. Join the rail carts to travel the track through bush clad Tangarakau Gorge and on to Tokirima where your coach awaits to return to Taumarunui.
Day 3: Taumarunui - Whanganui
From Pipiriki we jet boat for an hour upstream in sublime scenery to the Mangapurua Landing. Depending on your level of fitness, either walk with your guide to The Bridge to Nowhere (1.4 km/40 minutes each way) or stay on the jet boat. Returning to Pipiriki we drive to Jerusalem and on to Whanganui and Aotea Motor Lodge.
Day 4: Whanganui - Taihape
Explore Whanganui this morning, checking out the glass artists and meeting local guides at the Regional Museum and Sarjeant Gallery. At St Paul’s Memorial Church, Putiki hear the history of the intricate Maori carvings and wall panels. Turning eastward, we drive to Taihape and stay at The Aspen Court Motel and dine out.
Day 5: Taihape - Napier
We cross the Central Plateau to explore the Inland Patea Heritage Trail along the “Gentle Annie” travelled by early Maori and stockmen. There are historic sites, expansive views, a suspension bridge across the Rangitikei River and the largest sheep stations in the North Island. Stay at Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier.
Day 6: Napier - Taupo
An Art Deco guide joins our coach to tour to the National Tobacco Company and Marewa, the suburb built in Art Deco style after the 1931 earthquake. With a nature guide take a threehour overland safari to the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. We drive to Taupo to stay at The Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels.
Day 7: Taupo - Auckland
Stroll along the lakefront walkway or check out Taupo's shops. We call into the Huka Falls and the Wairakei geothermal lookout then continue to Tamahere. We lunch with Stephen and Jeanette Williams at Moondance Manor set in stunning gardens beside the Waikato River and return to Auckland arriving in the late afternoon.
