Itineraries

Whakatane

Follow the Pacific Highway to Whakatane and Whakaari (White Island). Geothermal steam vents fill the air and the ground is covered with vivid sulphur yellows and whites. The warm water make this an ideal place to relax or dive and snorkel with the dolphins. The East Cape has magnificent scenery and views all the way of the Pacific Ocean to Gisborne. Maori culture is strongly evident and it's a region rich in history. Visit Tauranga and Mt Manganui, the major landmark of the Tauranga region. Climb one of the tracks to the summit of for great views of the ocean and city.

Auckland

On your journey to Auckland, stop off for a surf at Raglan, Hamilton. The left-hand surf-break on black sand and glow worm caves are natural features of the region. Hamilton city is young, passionate and energetic.

Auckland is the City of Sails. Home of the Americas cup and some of the most exciting sailing racing you will ever see. New Zealand's largest city is vibrant, multi-cultural and is set between two harbours. The Sky Tower, Kelly Tarltons Underwater World and much more waits in this never sleeping city. A short drive across the Harbour Bridge or a 10-minute ferry ride away from Auckland City is North shore. Explore boutique shops and markets, dine at award winning cafes or stroll through beautiful parks. Manukau City is one of the most multicultural population centres in the country. Discover and appealing blend of urban and rural spaces.

From Auckland journey north and travel the Twin Coast Discovery Highway. The Tasman Sea is on the West side, The Pacific Ocean on the East. This circular touring route from Auckland encompasses many different trails. The Heritage Trail, Food and Wine Trail, Golf Trail and Art Trail or discover your own unique trail.

Northland and the Bay of Islands has a climate that is sub-tropical and is ideal for touring and exploring. This region is a game fishing mecca and suitable for all skill levels. The Tutukaka coast is one of the world's top ten dives with spectacular reefs adorned by soft coral, pinnacles and tunnels provide a unique marine habitat.

Te Urewa National Park

Te Urewa National Park is breathtakingly beautiful and will take you to Rotorua. A city renowned for both its' geothermal activity, geysers, bubbling mud pools and high quality cultural experiences. Performances and activities make it easy to taste and experience Maori culture. Abseil the caves at Waitomo and explore a lost world. Rotorua is a rich blend of European and Maori cultures and an adventurers' playground.

Rotorua Scenic Drive

This trip is for those wanting to experience the natural beauties of Rotorua.  It is free and should be a relaxing, easy drive.

Firstly stop and visit what Rotorua is most famous for , the geothermal activity.  Kuirau park can be approached from Ranolf street, where it is easy to get back on the road into town.  A great place to take the kids, where they can play in the paddle pool or in the playground, but also interesting for adults.  A stroll around the bubbling mud pools and sulphuric lakes ends with a relaxing geothermal foot bath.  Access to the park and facilities within it are free, grab a coffee from the mobile coffee store to sip on your way around.

From Ranolf Street entrance, it is easy to get back into town, simply turn left out of the carpark, and right at your next roundabout.  You will come accross Tutanekai Street, if you follow this down to your left there is a fantastic cafe/restaurant hub which occassionally hosts 'Eat Street' alfresco dining.  Browse this street for somewhere to enjoy lunch.  If you carry on towards the Rotorua lakefront there is a cafe to the left and a small stand near the middle where you can buy hot chips.

Our next stop is the Redwoods and Whakarewarewa Forest on Longmile Road (off Tarawera Road).  This forest of Californian Redwoods has provided Rotorua with its renowned mountain biking tracks, however a stroll through the woods can be breathtaking.  This forest was initiated in 1898 by the New Zealand Government to determine the best species for commercrial harvesting.  Access to the forest is free, and there is a small gift shop nestled close to the carpark that also sells drinks and ice-creams.

Turn right out of Longmile Road and carry on until you reach one of the most secluded and beautiful lakes, the Blue Lake or Lake Tikitapu.  The lake is fed by a spring so is crystal clear water, and is surrounded by native bush.  There is a walk around the lake (allow 30 minutes), begining at the right of the beach, however relaxing on the beach may be preferred.  This is a popular spot in the summer, with locals bringing their boats and jetskis out for a play.  Access to and around this lake is also free, however please do not leave any valuables in the car.

Continua along Tarawera Road until you reach Lake Tarawera at the end.  Take your time on this road and enjoy the scenary on the way through.  Perhaps you may wish to stop off at the Buried Village, a historic local village now buried from the Tarawera explosion, learn about the pink and white terraces and the phantom war canoe.  Admission is $30 for an adult and $8 for a child, they are open 9:00am-5:00pm in the summer and 9:00am-4:30pm in the winter.

Once at Lake Tarawera you may lucky enough to enjoy one of its amazing sunsets.  The large mountain you see infront will be Mt Tarawera, this (now dormant) volcanoe erupted in 1886 destroying the local area, including the infamous pink and white terraces.  Today however it provides a stunning backdrop to Lake Tarawera.  The Landing Cafe is open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and is open until 5:30pm Wednesday and Sunday.

Rotorua Adventure Road Trip

This trip is advised for those wanting to get the heart pumping.  Rotorua is flourishing with adventure tourism, so don't let this opportunaty pass you by.

Make your way out of Rotorua, going north on SH5.  Just a short drive away is Agrodome Leisure Park (Rotorua's interpretation of a themepark), with rides like the Zorb, Freefall Extreme, Schweeb, Bungy and Agrojet you are sure to get good taste of adventure.  Take a deep breath and go for it, this place requires a bit of guts in return for a lot of fun.

Jump back on the road into Rotorua.  Just as you reach civilisation you will see Skyline Skyrides on your right, park up in here.  The Luge is renowned amongst Kiwi's as one of the "must do's" for Rotorua.  With difficulties ranging from a scenice trak right up to the advance with sharp corners and ramps to get you flying.  If you missed out on the swoop at Agroventures you just got a second chance here.  Grab something to eat at the buffet style cafe and enjoy the views of the city.

Make your way to Waipa State Mill Road (off SH5), and turn left at the first gravel road/drive way.  The Redwoods or Whakarewarewa forest is world famous for it's mountain biking and it hosts many international competitions, now its your turn.  Planet Bike usually have bikes available for hire in the carpark, alternatively you can bring your own or arrange to hire them from another supplier, access to the forest/tracks is free.  Maps are available from Planet Bike, and are a good idea, however you can also print one from the internet beforehand.  The tracks in the forest range in difficulty and length, if you haven't done this before take it easy, and follow any advice given.  Feel free to enquire about our vehicles at Pegasus Rotorua with tow bars & bike racks, vans and transits, we have something to cater for every bike enthusiast. Secure storage is available if required at no additional cost.

Head to the Rotorua Central Mall for a cheap dinner afterwards.

Rotorua Culture

Rotorua is full of different cultures that interact in ways never seen before.  If you want to get a glimpse into the local culture this is a trip for you.

Start your day off with a sheep show at the Agrodome, which is just north of Rotorua on SH5.  We will aim for the first show at 9:30am (if you miss this there is another at 11am).  Agriculture is one of New Zealand's main exports, and has only encouraged the image of sheep being so commonly associated to New Zealand.  The Agrodome is covered so is perfect for any weather type.  Here you can learn how to shear a sheep, milk a cow, even how to grow Kiwifruit.

Head back into Rotorua and find your next destination, Rainbow Springs (on your right just as your enter Rotorua).  Rainbow springs is a great way to see our local wildlife in their natural habitat.  With native species such as the Long Finned Eel, Tuatara and of course the Kiwi, alongside introduce species such as Trout, Wallabies and Rainbow Lorikeets.  Tickets are valid for 24 hours, so there is no extra charge to come back and visit the nocturnal enclosures.

Our next stop is the Rotorua Museum nestled within the Government Gardens.  This historic building is one of the architectural gems of Rotorua.  Explore Rotorua's history with a basement tour, interactive cinema and the Tarawera gallery.  You can also enjoy the views from the rooftop viewing platform.  Take a break and grab some lunch from the museum cafe overlooking the beautiful Government Gardens.

Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, and the modern rendition of the historic bath house (now museum), is the Polynesian Spa.  Take a relaxing dip into the healing mineral waters, or perhaps get the full treatment, with massages available while the kids play in the pool.  Prices start at just $13 per adult for the family spa, and from $80 for the spa treatment.

Our final destination is Tamaki Maori Village.  A tour bus will pick you up from a specified location and take you to a redeveloped Maori village where you can see what life was like for the Maori before colonisation began hundreds of years ago.  The tour includes a performance and a meal.  Times are 5:30, 6:30 or 7:30, with the 6:30 show omitted during winter.