Durty mud pools VS Clean white Gannets

Day 1 : Auckland

Exhausted or not, depending where do you arrive from… We have a good plan for you if you are not too excited to drive right away, I mean on the left, to your accommodation. Take our shuttle and get over gently from your jetlag.

Day 2 : Auckland

Auckland is a melting pot of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity brings an abundance of unique dining and shopping experiences. Auckland's temperate climate, easy access to the coast and variety of activities earn the city consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. Hooked on wildlife, beyond the wine-growing area of Kumeu and Huapai is the vast black sand beach of Muriwai, home to one of New Zealand's largest onshore gannet (sea bird) colonies.

Day 3 : Auckland - Rotorua (250km - 3h10)

Drive to Rotorua to experience Maori culture, geothermal forces, spa treatments, thrills and adventure, or any of the other natural assets such as 16 lakes, some of the world's best mountain biking trails, fantastic trout fishing and myriad forest walking.

Days : 4-5: Rotorua

Two days in Rotorua to discover the 2 most amazing sites of geothermic activity: Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu Valley. Why not diving in Waikiti Valley Thermal pools at the end of your day. We highly recommend those who would learn more about our endemic bird to go to the Kiwi Encounter.

Day 6 : Rotorua - Napier (220km - 2h45)

Drive east to Napier via Taupo. On your way, stop at Hidden Valley called Orakei Korako, it is off the beaten track and it is worth it or relax in a bath in hot natural water on SH5.

Day 7 : Napier

Napier, the city by the sea, is renowned for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, events such as the Brebner Print Art Deco Weekend in February, stately Norfolk pines, surrounding wineries, local fresh produce and national tourist attractions. On Cape Kidnapper is the second largest gannet colony of the country, it is a beautiful half-day excursion.

Day 8 : Napier - Martinborough (290km - 3h40)

From gannets to fur seals, from Hawke’s Bay to Martinborough wine region, drive south. On the main road you can stretch your legs at Mt Bruce Wildlife Center and see Kakas feeding and many other native birds.

Day 9 : Martinborough - Wellington (80km - 1h)

Depending how much you appreciated the wines, get up early and go to Cape Palliser and the Pinnacles Reserve before heading to the busy city for an entertaining evening.

Day 10 : Wellington

You can choose between visiting the capital or taking a guided tour on Kapiti Island, one of a few relatively accessible island nature reserves. It provides an opportunity for people to observe birds that are either very rare or absent from the mainland, and to see the recovery of vegetation after intensive modification during last century. Permits have to be booked far in advance.

Day 11 : Wellington - Auckland (1h flight)

Depending on the schedule of your international flight, you might have time left to visit at least the Te Papa National Museum before you drop off your car at the airport and fly back to Auckland.