FOURTEEN-DAY EXPERIENCE IN

THE BAY OF PLENTY

These tours operate for the following months.

November December February March

Come with us behind the facade tourist usually see, meet local people in their surrounds, folk we know you will love.

 For maps go to  www.backpack-newzealand.com/mapofnewzealand.html

You or your travel agent will have arranged your arrival in Auckland, and contacted us with those arrangements. We can provide flexible airport pickups as well as book extra accommodation for up to two days prior to tour start. Airport transfers will be complimentary but accommodation/meals etc. during this time will incur an extra cost.

DAY 1
            Kia ora , the warmest welcome to the land of the long white cloud, Aotearoa, New Zealand. Your arrival to Auckland the City of sails may leave you feeling a little frazzled from your journey but you will find your accommodation www.skycity.co.nz will be a perfect haven to rest and freshen up before an evening at the 328-meter Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. We will take you to the top for breathtaking views of the city. Then enjoy an evening of succulent food and entertainment.

DAY 2
            A latish breakfast, enabling you to recover from your trip. A short tour of the city before embarking on our harbour cruise aboard the vessel 360 Discovery.  www.360discovery.co.nz Close up views of super yachts, Navel base, Harbour Bridge, and the natural splendor of forest clad Rangitoto volcano. Two and a half hour journey to the aptly named, Bay Of Plenty. The region is one of countries premiere holiday destinations surrounded by over 100kms of glittering white sand as far as the eye can see, crystal clear, rolling surf beaches, beautiful harbours and an unbeatable lifestyle. Relax, unwind and take in the beauty of the surroundings, as this is your home for the next three nights. Check in to your beach side accommodation at Mount Maunganui. Indulge in your evening meal overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean.  www.oceanside.co.nz    

DAY 3
            Breakfast.
Beach lifestyle dictates that from here on everything is at a leisurely pace. So after a cooked breakfast we will get orientated with the Mount and Tauranga. www.bayofplenty.com   Your host will give you a tour and introduction to some of the activities available to you while here. Activities are varied and many suiting everybody to there abilities and interests. Your host will endeavor to make any of your desires possible. Your accommodation is located within a very short distance of the main shopping center, with its many bars, cafés, theatre, and services. Enjoy, I know you will have a fabulous time before sitting down to another fantastic evening meal. Perhaps a meander along the beach by moonlight, or a soak in the healing salt-water pools located nears your accommodation. 

DAY 4
            Breakfast.
After breakfast a fishing charter has been arranged that will hopefully give you that ultimate fishing story to take home with you.

 www.orsum-charters.co.nz These waters are renowned for the multitude of fish and species such as tuna, marlin, and billfish. Reefs, crystal clear waters, and a variety of small Islands make this a picturesque setting for an exhilarating day. For those of you that may not feel up to this adventure, an alternative activity can be arranged if (Prior notice is given when booking your tour.)
After a day fishing. Back to your accommodation to freshen up before discovering another restaurant. Remember your in the Bay Of Plenty so enjoy your evening your host will assist you if you wish to make plans for the evening.

DAY 5
            Breakfast.
Today our destination, .the absolutely awe inspiring East Cape. Unpopulated, majestic, steeped in Maori history. We will follow the coastline thru Matata, Whakatane, www.whakatane.com Ohope, Ohiwa, and Opotiki www.opotiki.co.nz  before reaching our destination. This is Whale rider country, small settlements, where people’s hearts are as big as mountains. When they open them to you it is forever. We can enjoy some traditional fish and chips along the way. Your accommodation this evening will be in a semi remote part of New Zealand. You wont find many foreigners that have visited this secret jewel. Another scrumptious meal, where you can reflect on a day that will be instilled in your memory forever. 

DAY 6
            Breakfast. Check out.
A chance to take some photos, read a book, sun bathe, or just relaxes. Indulge in a BBQ lunch cooked by your host before heading to the MOTU River for an exciting jet boat ride experience. www.motujet.co.nz We start heading back along the coast to Whakatane where we will check in and spend the night after another delectable dinner. 

DAY 7
            Breakfast. Check out.
Today we take the opportunity of a lifetime to interact with some of the largest groups of dolphins ever seen. www.whalesanddolphinwatch.co.nz . If you feel capable and willing you can choose to swim with these most majestic mammals. This experience could change your life. Other attractions: whales, seals, penguins and ocean bird life. We will be cruising in the clear blue subtropical waters of the Bay of Plenty. On your return we travel an hour heading towards Rotorua, stopping at Lake Okataina and checking in to Okataina Lodge. www.okatainalodge.co.nz  You will think you have found Paradise as you feast on this evening’s dinner in such an unspoiled lake environment. 

DAY 8
            Breakfast.
Legends tell of the Patupaiarehe, the fairy people who dwelt here in ancient times. Of all the scenic reserves in the Rotorua district, Lake Okataina must surely rank as one of the loveliest. Described by George Bernard Shaw as “the best opportunity to get close to Hades and yet be able to return”. To get here you pass thru virgin forest along a road that is like a green tunnel overhung with tree ferns and mossy banks. The drive is climaxed by a sudden arrival of the lake itself, which on a fine day presents a never to be forgotten sight. The sparkling waters the green backdrop of the forest clad hills dropping down to the waters edge and sandy beaches, all create a scene of unparalleled beauty. This morning consume yourself in Paradise.

This afternoon we visit Rotorua. www.rotoruaNZ.com From the moment you enter Rotorua you know you are somewhere like nowhere else. Lazy drifts of steam are emitted from cracks and crevices. This is nature’s spa of the Pacific. Spiritual home of the Maori. This afternoon you can discover Rotorua onboard an authentic 1942 World War II amphibious landing craft. This is a great introduction to Rotorua, its history and its people, whilst allowing you to view some spectacular scenery. A meander thru Rotorua central shopping area, before returning to your lakeside accommodation for the evening meal.

DAY 9
            Breakfast.
Today we enter Hells Gate.  www.hellsgate.co.nz
This is a 50-acre thermal reserve. You will understand how playwright, George Bernard Shaw looked in awe at the “hell like” landscape and gave the Reserve its famous name. Walk past steaming fumaroles and pools of boiling mud so violent they are unnerving. You will see remarkable formations and colours, cascading hot water and unearthly vistas.

We continue our tour thru to Lake Taupo www.laketaupoNZ.com stopping at the Huka falls a major waterfall on the mighty Waikato River.
It is here, that if you want to face fear head on, you can take the plunge Bungy jumping off a platform, 47 metres above the Waikato River. This is an experience you will not forget. If this challenge is something you may prefer to watch others take part in, then you may like to experience of an exciting jet boat ride, surfing the world famous Fuljames Rapids. Dinner this evening will be a spontaneous affair prior to our arrival back at Lake Okataina.

DAY 10
            Breakfast. Check out.
This morning we check in to our Rotorua accommodation before visiting the Agradome, an experience of farm life in New Zealand. You will be given a sheep shearing demonstration, and attend a sheep auction. An opportunity to hand milk a cow on stage, feed lambs, and watch a dog trial.
We visit the descendents of the Maori known as Tuhourangi/ Ngati Waiao  in the village where their people have lived for 300 years. www.whakarewarewa.com  Your guide will unveil legends and stories that are engraved in the carvings that adorn the walls of their sacred houses. This is the living village of Whakarewarewa. Tonight you can feast and discover Rotorua by night.

DAY 11
            Breakfast.
Today is a free day to shop, rest, or maybe let us organize one of the many activities available in Rotorua. Remember we shall endeavor to make all your desires possible, and we are here for you. Enjoy your meal at your leisure at your hotel. 

DAY 12
            Breakfast.
Destination Waitomo. www.waitomo.com  Only the strangely sculptured limestone outcrops on the surface of the land give travelers a clue that this region is different from any other. A mystical world of caves and softly lit glowworms abide below the green and forested hills. We discover a labyrinth of ancient limestone caverns and formations. It is as if you have been transported to the mystical world of Lord Of The Rings.

We visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park. New Zealand’s original walks through aviary and see native birds in a natural forest habitat. This evening we journey back in time to pre-European lifestyle experiencing customs and traditions while ambling down the pathways of the rediscovered village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths, legends and spiritual stories. www.maoiriculture.com. Enjoy the night’s festivities, a time of sharing and feasting to a banquet of succulent foods cooked traditionally on hot rocks in an earthen oven. Then take time to browse throughout the largest after hour’s tribal marketplace to view woodcarving, weaving, arts and crafts, and much more.

DAY 13
            Breakfast. Check out.
A last opportunity for some shopping, before we head back to Auckland. A leisurely evening in Auckland City. Our last evening to break bread together and make ready for tomorrows departure.

DAY 14
            Breakfast.
And a sad farewell as we see you to the airport.

Group Size
We limit our groups to five, plus driver. Per vehicle.

Tour package includes
Accommodation, Breakfasts, All Evening Meals, Arranged Land Transport, Specified Attractions, Specified Sightseeing, a helping hand, a smiling face and a shoulder to lean on whenever you need it.

Tour package does not include
Drinks, Lunches, morning/afternoon teas, personal and sundry costs, laundry/dry-cleaning, personal care, medical costs, taxis, personal transport or trips, attractions arranged but not specified in cost.

Attractions Included
Sky tower, Kelly Tarlton's underwater world, Harbour cruise, Jet boat experience, dolphin charter, amphibious vehicle tour, Hells gate tour, Tamaki Maori Concert and Hangi, Whakarewarewa Thermal activity & Maori Cultural Center, Huka Falls, Waitomo caves, Kiwi House,

Accommodation
We use high standard resort and hotel accommodation in the larger centres. In some of the more rural areas we use the best there is with suitable access facilities. In some cases those paying a single supplement may be asked to share a two-bedroom unit. They will have their own bedroom but share common shower, toilet and lounge facilities. In some instances we may not have sufficient fully accessible accommodation. The most accessible will be allocated on need, we apologize in advance if occasionally you may have to improvise somewhat, and ask for your understanding on such matters. We can assure you, we are there to help. You will manage just fine. Circumstances can occasionally mean changing accommodation for a variety of reasons.

Meals
There are a wide variety of meals provided with the itinerary, some in top hotels and restaurants. Some with a much more local flavour.

The Itinerary
is at a real easy pace. Late check outs, help with your baggage, absolutely stress free, with several days suitable as rest days.

Our Vehicles <---Click Here
Include a Nissan Elgrand Luxury air-conditioned mini bus where wheelchair users in some cases may have to transfer to normal seating by way of hydraulic lifting chair. Alternatively a fully accessible Mitsubishi Rosa bus may be used.
Approximate driving time total is mentioned in itinerary, this does not include rest time and stops. We do our best to schedule stops at least every two hours driving.

An experienced Escort
will be along to assist in general terms. However, personal carers are not part of the package. We can provide personal care, this can save on airfares if you need to bring a caregiver along but would incur extra cost and need to be discussed with us personally before the tour starts. We can often arrange one attendant able to care for two or even three on tour, allowing them to split the cost. This is depending on individual needs. Some activities may not be suitable for the entire group.

Extra Costs
Tipping is not expected. There are no hidden tax costs indeed in some cases overseas visitors can get a tax refund on some products. Lunches and sundry expenses are not great, probably ten to twenty dollars (NZ) a day would be ample. Scenic flights and other attractions not included in price of tour can vary, we can give estimates if required. Any not wishing to take part in specific attractions can be discounted the appropriate amounts, provided that we are made aware prior to payment.  Ballpark, our dollar is just above half of an American Dollar and about a third of a pound.

Comments
More often than we can remember we have had elderly folk with other tour companies meet us along the way and say they just wish they had heard of us before they made their arrangements. We specialize in caring for people, late checkouts, plenty of rest time, adaptability rather than strict hard time tables. Our motto "Luvin' care with every fare". On tour we are there to help you. Come to us with any problems or for any advice, don't battle along on your own.

Contact
On tour we can be contacted on our cell phone 0274 627 621 while it is in coverage, a message can be left if not. All hotel contact numbers are included in case any friends or relatives at home want to keep in touch. Numbers are given as if ringing from inside NZ, overseas caller use NZ code 64 and drop the first zero.

Medical Backup
Our staff is experienced in managing and looking after people with various special medical, mobility and other needs. Even though we complain about our Health System here in NZ we do have a good network of doctors, medical centres, and hospitals. As long as we are aware of your needs we can plan ahead to make sure they are fully met. We are the only company in New Zealand offering this depth of service. New Zealand does have some kind of a reciprocal arrangement with the UK in health care delivery.

Insurance
ACC (Accident Compensation Commission) provides cover for accident while in NZ, your safety and wellbeing are our prime concern but we insist you take out personal travel insurance even before putting a deposit down in case for reasons beyond your control you are unable to make the trip.

Conditions
We have an application form that we like everyone to fill in; the reasons are explained on the form. We do our very best, we go much further than "the extra mile" your safety and enjoyment are our main concern, so we need to know of any special needs. If for any reason an attraction included in tour cost does not go ahead, that portion will be refunded. (This does not include someone deciding they don't want to do it once the tour has started)  Tour is subject to minimum numbers. 

Liability
Your Safety, wellbeing and enjoyment are our prime responsibility and concern. New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Commission covers your personal medical needs in the event of accident. If however something spoils your trip. Accident, departure from itinerary, bad weather, or whatever. We want you to be assured we have done our very best, in no way can we personally or our company accept liability for anything beyond our control, or the result of a decision we or any of our staff made at the time believing it would be for the best.  Our vehicles are all in very good order and well serviced, however the nature of our tours means we may not quickly be able to have a fully suitable replacement vehicle available. Should a breakdown necessitate a hold up or departure from itinerary, we would do our very best for you but once again could not be expected to make refund or be liable.  Before tour starts we need your assurance you understand, and accept these conditions.

TOUR COST

“ Between” $6,000 To $9,000 NZ Total package. Based on Twin Share

OR

$7,000  to  $10,000 NZ Single supplements.

FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED