Eastern North Island Itinerary

Day 1

• Arrive in Thames. Make a trip to the Kauaeranga Valley, which offers a variety of walks and hikes. Head back to Thames for lunch at historic Brian Boru Hotel.
• Drive to Tapu (30 minutes) and visit Rapaura Watergardens for a wander and afternoon tea.
• Continue to Coromandel (1 hour) and call at the unique Driving Creek Pottery and Railway for a tour before cutting across the peninsula on the 309 Road. Visit the Waiau Falls (11 kilometres east of Coromandel) - just a five-minute walk from the road.
• A kilometre further on call at the impressive 309 kauris.
• Dine and stay overnight at Whitianga (40 minutes further on).

Day 2

• Visit two of the region's must-see attractions, Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove, with the Hahei Explorer, which offers trips to the Hahei Marine Reserve with views of Cathedral Cove and the coastline.
• Return to Whitianga for lunch.
• Pick up the Mercury Bay craft trail brochure and visit local artisans at work.
• Drive to Whangamata (1 hour 15 minutes), calling at any of the numerous beaches en route.
• Dine and stay overnight in Whangamata.

Day 3

• Drive to Katikati and stop to observe the artworks that have seen it dubbed 'Mural Town'.
• Continue to Tauranga and take an afternoon tour to swim with the dolphins.
• Take a late afternoon/evening climb up Mount Maunganui (90 minutes) before returning to dine and stay overnight at either Tauranga or Mount Maunganui.

Day 4

• Head inland and call at Te Puke's Kiwifruit Country, which provides insights into the kiwifruit industry. It is next door to the Te Puke Vintage Auto Barn, which has 70 classic and vintage vehicles on display.
• Continue to Whakatane (1 hour) and take a cruise or scenic flight over the active volcano of White Island.
• Dine at Whakatane and drive to Awakeri Springs (30 minutes) for a relaxing soak in a natural thermal setting.
• Stay overnight in Whakatane.

Day 5

• Fly to Gisborne
• Go whitewater rafting or jetboating on the Motu or Mohaka Rivers with Motu River Jet, Motu River Expeditions or Wet n Wild Rafting.
• Return to dine and stay overnight in Gisborne.

Day 6

• Explore such regional attractions as Mount Hikurangi (climbing treks require permission from Ngati Porou Maori), the Eastwoodhill Arboretum and Gardens, Cook's Landing Historic Reserve and Morere Hot Springs.

• Dine and stay overnight in Gisborne.

Day 7

• Fly to Napier.
• Spend the morning walking around the city's attractions, such as Marine Parade and Hawke's Bay Museum. Marineland is also well worth a visit. Take a self-guided tour of the city's art deco architecture - pamphlets are available at the Visitor Centre.
• In the afternoon take a wine tour and visit some of the region's fine wineries.
• Dine at one of the wineries and stay overnight in Napier.

Day 8

• Take a tour to the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.
  Return to Hastings for lunch.
• Explore the city's attractions, which include art deco architecture and the Hawke's Bay Exhibition Centre.
• Return to Napier (30 minutes) to stay overnight or fly on to your next destination.

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