The start of this adventure begins with a morning tea stop in Thames and a guided tour through an operational 19th Century Stamper Battery and into one of the richest gold mines of the time. We continue through to Coromandel town and meet with a local to learn about Coromandel’s history before heading to the Anchor Inn for a 1-night stay and dinner.

Dinner

As we head out of town today our first stop is the Driving Creek Rail Tour. Climb aboard for this captivating journey inspired by Barry Brickell and his lifetime passion to bring art, conservation and engineering together to create the incredible journey to the Eyefull Tower. Lunch and our accommodation are in the seaside town of Whitianga. Enjoy some free time during the afternoon before dinner at a local restaurant. 

Breakfast, Dinner

We start our day with a 2-hour eco adventure on a glass bottom boat to Cathedral Cove. Enjoy spectacular scenery including a Marine Reserve, Sea Caves, Blow Holes and Rock formations. 

Back in Whitianga, we have a free afternoon. We recommend a visit to the Lost Springs Spa and Thermal pools. Surrounded by tropical and native bush in the heart of Whitianga with water drawn from 667 meters underground, the crystal-clear thermal water is just what the doctor ordered. Relax, have lunch in the beautiful café or be waited on in one of the many pools.

Breakfast, Dinner

After a slower start to the day, we pass through Waihi and Tauranga before our arrival at Whakatane for 1 night. Weather dependent, we’ll stop for some amazing views over White Island and after checking into our accommodation we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we take a 2.5 hour rail tour along a piece of New Zealand’s rich rail history – we experience the natural beauty and adventure from the comfort of a rail cart. We start off at a leisurely pace from Awakeri, experiencing 4 bridges, numerous cuttings and bush scenes along the track. We stop for a hot cuppa and biscuits before feeding the farm animals followed by a short guided bush walk. 

We enjoy lunch back at Whakatane before arriving at the Te Kaha Beach Hotel for a well-deserved quiet night and where every room has a stunning view of the ocean sunset. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at a local destination. 

Breakfast, Dinner

Farewell to Te Kaha this morning as we drive around more of the stunning East Cape to Tolaga Bay Wharf – NZ’s longest wharf at 660 meters. Here, we enjoy lunch at the home of local farmers Bruce and Nicki. They take us on a 1 hour farm tour of their intensive sheep and beef farm where they also grow sweet corn, maize and have a citrus orchard. Later, we arrive in Gisborne for a further 3 nights stay.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Anchors away as we head out to sea on M.V. Takitimu! We’ll experience a relaxing 90 minute cruise on NZ’s oldest pilot vessel. After lunch we visit the Tairawhiti Museum and enjoy their collection of exhibits, history, and decorative arts exhibitions. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant.

Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we explore Eastwoodhill Arboretum. Founded in 1910 it covers 131 acres and boasts the largest collection of trees in the Southern Hemisphere from the temperate climate zone of the Northern Hemisphere and includes 4,000 different trees, shrubs and climbers – including 170 species on the world endangered list. Don’t panic – we’ll be driven through this stunning Arboretum if you would prefer not to walk. Afterwards, we visit a local vineyard for lunch where we’ll enjoy a shared plattered lunch and a well-deserved glass of vino!

Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

All good things come to an end as we head back to Auckland with our cameras and hearts full of wonderful memories and new friends. And of course, it’s all been with Seemore Tours where you see more, eat more and have more fun! 

Breakfast