STUCK for ideas? Tourism New Zealand has put together a collection of itineraries showcasing some of New Zealand’s best.
Pacific Coast Highway: seven days
Day one: Explore the beaches and bays on the way to the old gold mining town of Coromandel.
Day two: On your way south, stop by Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach — where you can dig your own natural spa.
Day three: The harbour city of Tauranga offers waterfront dining and live music. At Whakatane, visit NZ’s most active volcano.
Day four-five: Embark on a beautiful drive around East Cape to the Gisborne. In Gisborne, experience Maori culture and sample the chardonnay.
Day six: Take the inland route to Waikaremoana to visit Hackfalls Arboratum, or the coastal route to stop by Morere Hot Springs.
Day seven: Relax and unwind in the fertile wine-growing region of Hawke’s Bay.
Volcanic Loop Highway: six-seven days
Day one: Get to know the “City of Sails” and take in the vistas by climbing the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Day two: Make your way south to Hamilton and visit Hamilton Zoo, home to New Zealand’s largest free-flight aviary.
Day three: Journey to Pureora Forest Park and hire a bike. The full Timber Trail route from Pureora to Ongarue crosses 35 bridges.
Day four: Take a Forgotten World Adventure tour or visit the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’, a stunning stone bridge with a strange history.
Day five: Traverse the stark volcanic terrain between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe on the challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Day six: Explore Lake Taupo by kayak and take a thrilling jet boat ride to Huka Falls.
Day seven: Take in the countryside on the journey back to Auckland.
Perched high above Lake Taupo, The Lakeview House offers beautiful, spacious and comfortable accommodation, ideal for discerning clients, who want to experience a home stay with locals, without giving up large hotel-style rooms.
The five-bedroom residence offers spacious living and dining area, a full chef’s kitchen and scullery, outdoor entertaining area with open fire, and landscaped grounds.
Hosts Jane and Andrew are warm, accommodating and helpful and are available to assist guests settle in or to make any recommendations and arrangements. The whole house can be booked, or areas of the home can be separated to make two-bedroom or three-bedroom self-contained apartments.
