Many travelers choose to spend an extra day or two in New Zealand immediately before or after their tour to more fully explore the gateway cities. Without exception this proves to be a most positive addition to any itinerary. Each city offers its own unique attractions such as museums, galleries, markets, tours and shopping precincts.
'''Day 2: Bay of Islands''' This is a day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your coach captain will happily assist with details. A full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach are suggested or explore historic Russell, New Zealand_fs first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum.
'''Day 3: Bay of Islands / Auckland''' This morning, a launch cruise will take you across the bay and some of its world-acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous "Hole in the Rock", cruising amongst picturesque islands with pristine sandy beaches and sparkling clear water. Returning to Paihia, board your coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth, passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland city and harbour come into view with a late afternoon arrival.
'''Day 4: Auckland At Leisure''' Explore the city, the Viaduct Basin, museum, the Waitakere Ranges including one of NZ's top surf beaches Piha Beach, or visit Waiheke Island. Enjoy New Zealand's largest and most cosmopolitan city.
'''Day 5: Auckland / Whangamata''' Go on a tour of Auckland, all the way to the summit of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_Tower Sky Tower] at 328 metres. It's the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. Then experience the downtown city area and waterfront drive and the thrill of sailing aboard a 12 m. yacht on Auckland Harbour. Visit the Maritime Museum and finally drive to the Coromandel Peninsula.
'''Day 6: Coromandel Peninsula''' A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures is in store. Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads to Puketui, which is an 1890_fs gold mining town, and visit a gold mine studded with glowworms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, take a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach.
'''Day 7: Whangamata / Rotorua''' Today it's on to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand's various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a luge ride. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maori Maori] songs, chants and the stirring haka.
'''Day 8: Rotorua / Turangi''' Visit [http://www.whakarewarewa.com Whakarewarewa], the Maori Arts and Crafts Center and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Pass massive pine forests, see the Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka Falls and finally reach Taupo, New Zealand_fs largest lake. Skirt its shores to Turangi with time for trout fishing, many picturesque walks or white water rafting.
'''Day 9: Turangi / Wellington''' Cross the National Park with its volcanic peaks to Bulls and Levin, then go along the Kapiti coast to the capital city, Wellington. A tour includes Mt Victoria, the Houses of Parliament, Wellington Cathedral and Oriental Bay with time to explore the city and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_of_New_Zealand_Te_Papa_Tongarewa Te Papa], the Museum of New Zealand, or an optional ride on the famous cable car.