TOUR COSTS Twin/Double per person COROMANDEL EXPLORER TOUR NZD$4,400 Single Supplement NZD Tour Departs: 13 April 2021 $1,250 Tour Length: 8 Days The Coromandel, renowned for its pristine beaches, misty forests and laid-back vibe, is one of New Zealand's most popular holiday destinations. With a mountainous interior cloaked in native rainforest and more than 400 kilometres of dazzling white sand beaches, it is rustic, unspoiled and relaxed. The Coromandel Peninsula and islands are perhaps one of the earliest sites of occupation by Māori. Place names commemorate great navigators, including Kupe, who according to legend sailed here first, from Polynesia, and Hei, sailing master on the waka Te Arawa. Captain Cook made historic landfall here in 1769, to observe the transit of Mercury. From 1735 the great Kauri forests were milled, and the logging boom in the late 19th century saw the forests decimated. Now the Coromandel Forest Park covers about 73,000 hectares of the peninsula. Join us on this comprehensive tour for what will be a wonderful adventure, in comfort! TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: ❖ 2-nights total in Auckland, staying at the Viaduct, including a Welcome & Farewell Dinner ❖ 2-nights Coromandel, including Driving Creek Railway & Kauri Forest Experience and Northern Coromandel day tour ❖ 2-nights Whitianga, including visits to Cooks Beach, Mercury Bay, Hot Water Beach plus a Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve Glass Bottom Boat tour and evening stargazing experience ❖ 1-night Pauanui, including in-depth bee-keeping experience ❖ Visit the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre and enjoy a scenic walk in Karangahake Gorge DAY TO DAY ITINERARY: Tuesday 13 April Arrive Auckland (D) Meet the group today in Auckland. Tonight, we enjoy a welcome dinner together. Wednesday 14 April Auckland – Coromandel (B.L.D) Today we travel by coach to head to the small township of Coromandel on the Coromandel Peninsula. En route, we stop at the Rapaura Watergardens for lunch and a stroll through the gardens - Rapaura is an example of man in harmony with nature. Abundant native bush and ferns, birds (Tuis, Fantails, Silver Eyes and Wood Pigeons), meandering walks over bridges and streams and a bush walk to a cascading waterfall. There are seasonal displays of native and exotic flowers. Irises and Bog plants in spring, Azaleas and Rhododendrons followed by Orchids, Begonias, Hydrangeas and Water Lilies from November to April. All interspersed with garden art. Continuing on to Coromandel, we head up to the world-famous Driving Creek Railway and Potteries, a unique single gauge mountain railway through a replanted native forest up to a superb viewing tower. After a short Scenic drive up the 309 Road, the story of Coromandel will continue to unfold. With a rich history of extensive logging and booming gold mining, Coromandel has undergone some radical changes which will be highlighted as you encounter the majesty of one of the few remaining groves of giant Kauri, and hear the story of this great forest. At the conclusion of the tour, we check into our accommodation for the next two nights. There is time to rest and relax prior to meeting for dinner this evening. Thursday 15 April Coromandel (B.L) A spectacular day today as we tour the beautiful and rugged western coastline of the Northern Coromandel. Hear the stories of the legendary Tama Te Kapua, the local Maori settlement of the area and the unique ecology surrounding Mount Moehau. The journey through the ancient Pohutukawa forest fringing the road is simply spectacular – getting better around every bend. A packed picnic lunch will be enjoyed at the top of the peninsula, with views over to Great Barrier Island. There is also an optional 3km clifftop/beach walk for keen walkers (mostly moderate grade with some steps and downhill, so reasonable fitness required). Others can enjoy a stroll along Port Jackson Beach or simply sit back and enjoy the tranquility and views. We return to our accommodation late afternoon and the rest of the day is at leisure. Friday 16 April Coromandel – Whitianga (B.L.D) After breakfast, we journey over the Coromandel ranges to the beautiful Eastern Coastline. We drive through the picturesque Kuaotunu Village and enjoy discovering the magical Matapaua Bay at road’s end before enjoying a stroll along Otama Beach, a spectacular remote silica sand beach looking over to the Great Mercury Islands. We have lunch at Luke’s Kitchen, a rustic seaside restaurant with an art gallery adjacent before making our way to The Lost Spring where those that wish can soak in the wonderful thermal pools set amongst a fully landscaped tropical paradise garden before we check into our hotel later this afternoon where there is time to relax prior to dinner and our evening activity. This evening, we join our stargazing tour – a special highlight! We have the opportunity to explore the marvels of the southern NZ night sky at their dark sky site which is free from light pollution. The Observatory features Coromandel Peninsula's largest telescope in a solar powered 3.5m rotating dome. (Note: This activity is weather dependent). Saturday 17 April Whitianga (B.L) This morning we join a descendent of the local iwi to discover the rich history of early Maori and European settlement in Whitianga. Stand on the shores of Wharekaho and hear the story of the first powhiri between the Ngati Hei and Captain Cook on his first landing in NZ. A truly remarkable encounter. In the afternoon, we make the short stroll along the waterfront at Mercury Bay to board the water taxi. We visit Cooks Beach and the surrounding areas to complete the story of Captain Cooks time at Mercury Bay. Our final stop for the day is Hot Water Beach where we check out the stunning natural hot springs that come up onto the beach and can only be accessed at low tide – grab a spade and dig your own thermal pool, or simply stroll along the beach and admire the stunning views. Returning to our accommodation, the rest of the day is at leisure. Sunday 18 April Whitianga – Pauanui (B.D) This morning we explore the Cathedral Cove Coastline, Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve and the spectacular sea caves. Te Whanganui-A-Hei became a marine reserve in 1992 and is New Zealand’s sixth marine reserve, the first for the Coromandel. With no recreational or commercial fishing allowed inside the reserve, marine plants and animals are free to return to their natural balance. Marine reserves have been hugely successful in restoring marine ecosystems, including fish stocks, in other parts of New Zealand. The reserve covers nine square kilometres and is administered by the Department of Conservation in partnership with the Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve Committee. We join a glass bottom boat cruise where we can watch the marine life through the glass panels – or for the more adventurous, there is the opportunity to go snorkelling. We enjoy lunch at a local café (own account) before we visit Coromandel Pure Honey, a small boutique family owned business established in 2015. Here, we join an in-depth tour where we kit up in a full bee suit and learn hands on beekeeping alongside an experienced beekeeper! Learn about the full life cycle of bees and the role they play in their colonies and just how important they are to human survival. We see a queen bee up close, learn how she functions and her role inside the hive and to top it all off, we indulge in a range of Manuka Honey tasting assortments and delicious food on a deck with a breathtaking view, overlooking the ocean and the Coromandel Coast. We check into our hotel this afternoon and enjoy dinner together this evening. Monday 19 April Pauanui – Auckland (B.D) Departing Pauanui we continue our journey through to Tauranga. Enroute, we stop in Whangamata for morning tea. There is time to explore the town and enjoy a walk along the beach, if you wish. Travelling south, we reach Waihi where we visit the Gold Discovery Centre before driving through to Karangahake Gorge where you have the opportunity to do a short walk. Many Kiwi’s will have driven through the breathtaking Karangahake Gorge but few will have ventured into the walkways, old tunnels, and discovered the rich history hidden in the gorge. Not only is this one of the most stunning stretches of river in the country it was home to one of the busiest and most lucrative goldstrikes in the country. Continuing on, we arrive in Auckland in the afternoon where we check into our hotel with time to refresh and relax prior to our final dinner together this evening. Tuesday 20 April Auckland – Home (B) Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Transfers will be provided to the airport, for those that require them. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BOOKING CONDITIONS: Deposit of NZD$1,000.00 per person is due upon confirmation of the booking. Final payment date: Thursday 25 February 2021 COSTS INCLUDE: COSTS EXCLUDE: Superior accommodation throughout Any meals and sightseeing tours not specifically mentioned Meals as indicated in the itinerary Travel Insurance (assistance and advice will be offered) First-Class air-conditioned coach transportation for all touring Items of a personal nature such as laundry, room service etc Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary Baggage handling of one suitcase per person Gratuities and tips to local guides, coach drivers and cruise staff Fully escorted by a Maher Tours Leader (subject to minimum numbers) *Flights are additional – the best available airfare will be quoted at the time of reservation to combine with this land package.