AUCKLAND - WHITIANGA
AUCKLAND - THAMES (114 km, 1hour 40mins)
THAMES - WHITIANGA (85km, 1hour 5mins)
Follow the Pacific Coast Highway to the Coromandel. With rolling hills on one side and rugged coastline on the other, driving up the Peninsula is a spectacular journey. On the west coast there is a never-ending parade of beaches, coves and inlets lined with pohutukawa trees - a red-flowering native of New Zealand.
Stop in Thames for a mid-morning break before driving up the western side of the Peninsula, through secluded bays and coastal settlements to Coromandel Township.
Stop in Coromandel town for some small-town atmosphere. The Coromandel was visited in 1820 by the HMS Coromandel ship, which called into the harbour for kauri spars. Coming from the Madras coast of India, the HMS Coromandel became the driving force behind the Coromandel Peninsula and township's name. The discovery of gold at Driving Creek in 1852 sparked an economic boom during that period and as you wander the streets you will notice that a lot of history dating from that time is still evident in the Town today; old buildings, artifacts and atmosphere.
Some activities and attractions in the area are:

• Driving Creek Railway: take a ride on New Zealand's only narrow-gauge mountain railway. This attraction is the most popular in Coromandel town and it is recommended that you book a few days in advance. www.drivingcreekrailways.co.nz
• Coromandel School of Mines Museum: learn about the gold mining history of the area and enjoy mineralogical displays.
• Craft trail: pick up a guide from the Coromandel Information Centre - it includes a 'how to find' list of workshops, shops and galleries where you can enjoy the company of over 24 craftspeople working in their studios
• Waiau Falls (11 km east of Coromandel): enjoy a five-minute walk from 309 Road, which ends at the foot of the Falls. The 309 kauri trees (one kilometer further east) make up the finest easily accessible stand of kauri on the Peninsula
• Waiau Waterworks (also on 309 Road): this whimsical garden features playthings all worked by water

Take State Highway 25 to Whitianga. Whitianga is a great beach holiday spot and the relatively sheltered waters of the bay are great for all water sports. In the evening you could either indulge in a feast of seafood at one of Whitianga's restaurants or, stop by the local mussel farms and turn up your BBQ.
For more information on The Coromandel visit www.thecoromandel.com

WHITIANGA
Spend the day in the Whitianga area enjoying good coffee and beautiful surroundings.
Activities and attractions include:

• Whitianga Wharf, the centre of the town's boating and fishing activity. From there, take the passenger ferry to Ferry Landing and Flaxmill Bay. There are several short walks in the area, all of which lead to somewhere special
• Another option from Ferry Landing is to take a shuttle bus to Cooks Beach, Hahei Beach, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Hot Water Beach is one of the region's most fascinating places. For two hours either side of low tide, you can take your shovel and dig in the sand for hot spring water. Or, join someone else's spa pool...
• At Cathedral Cove, activity options include kayaking and snorkeling - both of which are recommended. We suggest Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking (http://www.seakayaktours.co.nz/)

Other options in this area include:

• Spend a few hours making a Maori bone carving under expert tutelage
• Visit working artists and their studios
• Scenic boat cruises: take a trip from Whitianga and venture around Mercury Bay's surrounding coastline. Check www.thecoromandel.com for operator details
• Cathedral Cove snorkel trail: located within a marine reserve. A glass bottom boat experience is available from Whitianga and which has snorkelling gear onboard if that's your thing. www.glassbottomboatwhitianga.co.nz
• Fishing: anywhere with anyone. Charters are available but can be costly
• Sea kayaking: from Hahei Beach and only boat operator allowed to land at Cathedral Cove www.seakayaktours.co.nz
• Beaches: good swimming beaches can be found all along the east coast of the Coromandel.

For more information on Whitianga and surrounding areas visit www.whitianga.co.nz

WHITIANGA - TAURANGA
(189 km, 2hour 20mins)
Depart Whitianga for Tauranga along the Pacific Coast Highway, passing through the coastal townships of Tairua and Whangamata. Be sure to take in Whangamata's 'Ocean Beach' - mile after mile of white sandy beach, complemented by the azure blue waters of the Pacific. Further south is Waihi, a historic goldmining town and one in which there is still a working mine sourcing both gold and silver.
Stop in Katikati to view the view the unique wall murals for which Katikati is renowned.
Arrive in the Bay of Plenty early afternoon and spend the rest of the day exploring the growing city of Tauranga. This region seems to have it all - a mild, sunny climate, some of the country's most popular beaches and an abundance of orchards - especially kiwifruit, avocado and citrus. The uniqueness of the Bay of Plenty centers around a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
The clear pristine waters of the Bay of Plenty offer the ultimate marine encounter, the opportunity to swim with, or just observe, dolphins in their natural environment. Other oceanic based activities include diving, game fishing, underwater photography and surfing to name a few.
In the evening, venture down to the waterfront to enjoy the sunset over the boat harbour and relax at one of the many restaurants in this friendly city.
In the afternoon visitors can choose from the following activities:

• Enjoy some beach activities at Mt Maunganui
• Indulge in a soak at Mt Maunganui hot salt water pools
• Take a commentated tour through an orchard at Kiwi 360
• Experience a range of adventure activities at Longridge Park (near Te Puke): jet boating, and 4WD touring

People with extra days to spare can choose from the following attractions and activities:

• Hikes and walking: experience bush hikes in the Kaimai Ranges, walk around the base of Mt Maunganui or hike 1.5 km to its volcanic cone summit
• Fishing charters: a variety of operators cater for fishing, scuba diving, crayfishing and spear fishing, while the marlin waters of Mayor Island await game-fishing enthusiasts
• Dolphin encounters: experience the thrill of observing or swimming with playful dolphins
• Island cruise: take a tour to Matakana Island
• White Island: from Whakatane visit this active marine volcano either by boat or by helicopter

Overnight in Tauranga.
For more information on the Bay of Plenty region visit www.bayofplentynz.com

TAURANGA - GISBORNE
(298km, 4hour 15mins or 482km, 6hour 55mins)
There are two ways to get to Gisborne from Tauranga. The first is the Pacific Coast Highway from Tauranga around the East Cape to Gisborne. If you choose to do this it is recommended that you extend this itinerary by one day and overnight in the East Cape area. The second is the inland road from Whakatane to Gisborne.
OPTION ONE
TAURANGA - HICKS BAY (302km, 4hour 20mins)
Depart Tauranga on State Highway 2 for Whakatane. Stop at expansive Ohope Beach for a break and then continue to Hicks Bay on the East Cape. The journey of about three hours takes in azure-coloured bays and beaches and New Zealand's native pohutukawa trees abound. Break the journey at Whanarua Bay, one of the prettiest bays on the coast, for a swim, a picnic or a bush walk.
Find accommodation in the area. Suggestions include Hicks Bay or Lottin Point - camping and motorhome facilities are available.
Activities and attractions in the area include:

• Hicks Bay: this remote bay offers superb scenery, bush walks and views of giant puriri trees (natives of New Zealand). While here visit the old wharf and the magnificent Waihirere Falls (access is available through a farmer's paddock). Hicks Bay is a great spot for camping with a wide open beach and beautiful scenery
• East Cape Lighthouse: gaze out from the most easterly point of mainland New Zealand. Detour from Te Araroa and allow one hour driving time plus 40 minutes to get to the lighthouse
• New Zealand's most Easterly point: to get there visitors must take an unsealed road from the tiny town of Te Araroa. At the point a historic East Cape lighthouse stands 154 metres above sea level and is accessed by a walking track of some 700 steps - worth it for the views at the top.
• Tikitiki Church: visit one of the most ornate Maori churches (St Mary's) in New Zealand

DAY TWO
HICKS BAY - GISBORNE (180km, 2hour 35mins)
Journey to Gisborne, stopping at numerous points of interest on the way including:

• Young Nicks Head: picturesque white cliffs named after Nicholas Young, Captain Cook's cabin boy who made the first sighting of New Zealand aboard the Endeavor.
• Mount Hikurangi: first to greet each new day. At 1,754 metres high, Mount Hikurangi is the first point on mainland New Zealand to see the sunrise each day. Climbing treks are by permission only from the tribal authority. There is an excellent alpine hut on the higher reaches of the mountain, allowing climbers stay the night and wake early to see the sunrise.

Overnight in Gisborne. This is the main centre of the East Coast region and there is a range of accommodation to choose from. Dine at a local restaurant and sample the locally produced Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
OPTION TWO
TAURANGA - GISBORNE VIA SH2 (298km, 4hour 15mins)
Take State Highway 30 to Whakatane and then turn inland and take State Highway 2 to Gisborne. This road is known as the Waioeka Scenic Highway, a magnificent drive that winds through native forest. The Waioeka Scenic Reserve is a great environment for fishing, river swimming and rafting.
Blue waters, white sands, lush forested hills, big surf and sheltered coves, sun, wine, seafood and a blend of history and culture aptly describes the Eastland region. Mt Hikurangi, which is the first mainland place in the world to see the sun, is steeped in Maori history. As Captain Cook sailed around the point of land now named Young Nicks Head in 1769, he landed at Kaiti Beach, Gisborne, where he was the first European to set foot on New Zealand. Today, this region attracts holidaymakers and surfers from all over the world.
On arrival into Gisborne, activities and attractions include:
Local history

• Captain Cook's Landing Site National Reserve, Kaiti Beach
• Tairawhiti Museum and Arts Centre: see a fine collection of European and Maori artifacts and an extensive photographic collection
• Heritage Trails: enjoy a city or district trail to key places of historical significance
• East Coast Museum of Technology: wander through a fine collection of lovingly restored machinery

Sightseeing

• Te Poho O Rawiri Marae: visitors can be guided through the marae by appointment only and at the discretion of the local iwi. Koha (a gift) is appropriate
• Titirangi Domain, Kaiti Hill: take in views over the Gisborne area with the picturesque white cliffs of Young Nicks Head in the background
• Eastwoodhill Arboretum in Ngatapa: view the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees and shrubs in the Southern Hemisphere
• Hackfall's Arboretum: enjoy one of the largest private collections of oak, maple and poplar trees in New Zealand

Gisborne is well known for its Chardonnay wines, so spend time in the afternoon tasting some award-winning wines from the region.
Visitors able to stay additional days in the Gisborne region can choose from the following attractions and activities:

• Charter fishing: experience the great sea fishing of which the East Coast boasts
• Trout fishing: qualified trout guides are available to take visitors to magical spots in outlying rivers
• Horse trekking: spend the day on farmland trails and along beaches
• Surfing: visitors can ask a local surf guide to take them to where the waves are
• Hunting: deer and pig hunting is available on private stations

For more information on the Gisborne region visit www.gisbornenz.com

GISBORNE - NAPIER
(215km, 3hour 5mins)
Continue the journey on the Pacific Coast Highway touring route (State Highway 2) to Napier. Stop en-route at Mahia Peninsula scenic reserve and beach - a great spot for fishing, surfing, swimming and diving.
The Hawke's Bay region is known for its wine, food and fabulous scenery. Many of the vineyards offer visitors a wine tasting and indoor/outdoor dining experience. Napier and Hastings, the two main towns in the region, have a high concentration of Art Deco and Spanish Mission architecture. Following a major earthquake in 1931, the towns were rebuilt in these unique styles.
Afternoon activities and attractions include:

• Art Deco tours: enjoy a tour of this unique city with a trained guide from the Art Deco Trust
• Art Deco shopping: visit the Art Deco Shop for gifts related to the Art Deco style, a treasure trove of books about early 20th century design, and everything that a visitor could want to know about Art Deco Napier
• Hawke's Bay Museum: see the 1931 Earthquake Exhibition and Nga Tukemata, an exhibition that celebrates the history and ancestral treasures of the Ngati Kahungunu people of the East Coast
• Self-guided or guided wine touring: check www.hawkesbaynz.com for guided tour operator details.
• Pernel Fruitworld: see over 12,000 fruit trees in the heart of an extensive orchard district surrounding Hastings
• Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony: take a tour to this accessible mainland gannet colony

Overnight in Napier. Dining options could include visiting one of the many vineyards offering evening meals.
Visitors able to stay additional days in Hawke's Bay can choose from the following attractions and activities:

• Wine Country Food Trail: For food lovers wanting to taste all things fresh follow the popular Wine Country Food Trail which takes in many gourmet delights. Each food trail destination is well marked at the gate or entranceway, with a corresponding number on the food trail map.
• Maori cultural tours: join Long Island Tours for a few hours, a whole day or longer, for a trip into the countryside and the culture of the area. Overnight marae stays are an option
• Cycle tour: take a leisurely ride through the vineyard area with a company catering specifically for wine enthusiasts
• Waimarama or Ocean Beach: enjoy a day out at the beach with a picnic or portable BBQ

For more information on the Hawke's Bay area visit www.hawkesbaynz.com

NAPIER - TAUPO
(143km, 2hour 5mins)
Taupo is the main centre of the region and Lake Taupo is one of the North Island's most popular holiday destinations, both in summer and in winter.
Getting out on Lake Taupo and the surrounding rivers could include:

• Hire a boat or take a scheduled cruise on Lake Taupo. 
• Bungy jump over the Waikato River. www.taupobungy.co.nz
• Get a bird's eye view over the area, including Mt Ruapehu, on a scenic flight
• Charter a boat to catch the elusive rainbow or brown trout on Lake Taupo, or go fly fishing with a local guide up one of the many rivers in the area
• Watch as over 200,000 litres/44,000 gallons of water fall over the cliff face of Huka Falls every second, or take a jet boat ride to the base of the Falls. www.hukajet.com

Visiting areas of geothermal interest

• Craters of the Moon: walk around an active thermal area with mud pools, craters and steam in the Wairakei Tourist Park
• Wairakei Geothermal Visitor Centre: see displays and audio-visuals of the Wairakei and Ohaaki geothermal power schemes, and visit the Volcanic Activity Centre for displays and audio-visual presentations of the Taupo volcanic zone
• Thermal baths: a number of hot pool complexes have been developed for visitors, to take advantage of the natural hot water
• Taupo Hot Springs Spa: Private mineral pools, larger public pools and spa treatments. The evenings are a particularly good time to visit as the complex is located in a grotto and the steam from the pools creates a special ambiance. www.taupohotsprings.com  
• A.C Baths at Taupo Event Centre:  A.C. stands for "Armed Constabulary" who used the mineral springs back in the 18th century. Since then they have undergone many alterations and improvements and are a historical feature of Taupo
• Prawn Park hatchery: tour the geothermal hatchery then head to the restaurant for a meal of prawns

Overnight in Taupo or, Turangi if you decide to do the Tongariro Crossing (http://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/)
For more information the Taupo region visit www.laketauponz.com

TAUPO - ROTORUA
(80km, 1hour 10mins)
There is a wide range of activities and attractions in the Rotorua region for the visitor. These include:
Geothermal attractions:

• Waimangu Volcanic Valley: Created on June 10, 1886 following the eruption of Mt Tarawera, Waimangu is the only hydrothermal system formed within historic times as the result of a volcanic eruption.  View the amazing geothermal activity and ecologically important botany as you wander through the park www.waimangu.co.nz
• Te Puia: A guided tour of Te Puia complex includes a visit to the geothermal park.  Here you can view the famous Pohutu geyser.  www.nzmaori.co.nz
• Hell's Gate Thermal Reserve: Located on the Rotorua-Whakatane Highway, it is well-known for its violent geothermal activity and is Rotorua's most active geothermal reserve. www.hellsgate.co.nz
• Whakarewarewa: Amidst hot thermal springs, bubbling mud and steaming vents lies a living Maori village where meals are cooked in steaming hot pools. www.whakarewarewa.com
• Wai-O-tapu Thermal Wonderland: The brilliant colours of the ‘Champagne Pool' are a feature of this thermal park. Located half-way between Taupo and Rotorua. www.geyserland.co.nz
• Mt Tarawera: Now a dormant volcano, visitors can experience this once active mountain either on foot, by four-wheel drive, scenic flight or a combination of all. www.mt-tarawera.co.nz

Flight seeing

• Flight seeing: gain a different perspective of Rotorua - from the air. Choose an excursion to White Island, an active volcano or, over the majestic crater of Mt Tarawera, Waimangu Thermal Valley and the beautiful lakes of Rotorua

Parks/walking Tracks

• Whakarewarewa Forest: visit the giant Californian redwood trees. With Rotorua becoming well known as a mountain bike mecca, one of the main activities in the Forest is mountain biking through a network of trails. Mountain bikes can be hired and guided trips are available. Other activities in the Forest include running, walking and horse riding

On the water

• Trout fishing: visitors are spoilt for choice, with 11 main lakes, a myriad of crystal-clear streams and four different species of trout to fish for. Charter a boat, skippered or self-drive or take on a fly-fishing guide
• Boat cruise: Select craft ranging from self-drive pontoons to a luxurious 15-metre/50-foot catamaran that cruises Lake Tarawera with Clearwater Charters
• Jet boating: try an adrenaline-injecting excursion on a local river
• White water kayaking

New Zealand Culture

• Farm show: a classic New Zealand experience to help understand a little of life on a New Zealand farm. www.agrodome.co.nz
• Zorbing: a cushioned giant inflated ball that is rolled 150 metres/ 492 feet down the side of a hill. A bucket of water is thrown in for a hydro zorbing experience www.zorb.co.nz

Maori culture
The people of Rotorua are famous for offering Māori interpretation of their exciting environment that has surrounded their homes since the nineteenth century. Opportunities to come face to face with Maori culture are numerous in Rotorua - in performances and in expertly conceived displays. 

• Whakarewarewa Thermal Village: a pre-European settlement that continues to be a centre of attraction for visitors. Here they can join a tour and experience Māori culture and traditions in an authentic geothermal living village. www.whakarewarewa.co.nz
• Tamaki Village: experience a reconstructed Pre-European Māori village - many traditions are still a significant part of the Māori world today. Entertainment starts right from the hotel pickup until visitors are dropped back again at the end of the evening. www.maoriculture.co.nz
• Te Puia: situated near the Whakarewarewa Village, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute offers tours of their Marae. On the tour a visit is made to Māori artists carving and weaving as they hand their knowledge down to younger generations. www.nzmaori.co.nz

If you can stay additional days in the Rotorua area, the following activities and attractions are suggested:

• Volcano tours: join a 4WD tour to the dormant volcano of Mt Tarawera. Take a guided walk in and around craters, and see spectacular views of surrounding lakes and mountains
• White water rafting: experience the most exciting river locations, including thrilling rapids on the Rangitaiki River and New Zealand's highest commercially rafted waterfall on the Kaituna River
• Mt Tarawera: hike to the top of this majestic volcano (a day trip). For the more adventurous, enjoy scree running down to the crater!

For more information on Rotorua visit www.rotoruanz.com

ROTORUA - WAITOMO - AUCKLAND
ROTORUA - WAITOMO (166km, 2hour 20 mins)
WAITOMO - AUCKLAND (200km, 2hour 50 mins)
In the morning travel across to Waitomo.  This area is where the renowned limestone caves, glowworms and underground adventure activities can be found.  Visitors can experience the caves either by way of a sedate walk and boat ride or by joining an adventurous caving trip.
Start at the Museum of Caves and view excellent exhibits on how caves are formed, the flora and fauna that live in them, the history of the caves and cave exploration www.waitomo-museum.co.nz. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Waitomo area.
Activities in the Waitomo area include:

• The Waitomo region is home to three caves that are open to the public: The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave. www.waitomocaves.co.nz
• Billy Black's Kiwi Culture Show: visitors gain an insight into New Zealand's pioneer farming heritage. www.woodlynpark.co.nz
• Cave tubing or blackwater rafting: www.blackwaterrafting.co.nz, www.waitomo.co.nz
• The Lost World Cave: Abseil 100 metres/ 328 feet down into the cave (accompanied by a guide). Time: 4 to 7 hours depending on tour option taken www.waitomo.co.nz
• Haggis Honking Holes: this four-hour cave trip includes professional abseiling instruction followed by a caving trip with four abseils, rock climbing, and traversing an underground river. www.waitomo.co.nz

For more information on Waitomo visit www.waitomo.org.nz
Either travel straight back to Auckland or detour to the beautiful surf village of Raglan. If you go to Raglan, stop off at Bridal Veil Falls and the naturally made bridge en-route.