The North Island of New Zealand offers landscapes that are suprisingly different to the lake and mountain scenes so well known in the South Island.

Beginning in Auckland, the City of Sails, our route leads south to Rotorua, a literal hotbed of geothermal activity; the lunar landscape accentuated by richly coloured pools, steaming craters and erupting geysers. Continuing south we photograph the huge volcanoes of the Central Plateau, which rise high above the surrounding landscape.

Travelling along quiet rural roads we then head east to the fascinating Wairarapa coast before arriving at the end of the road and the nation's capital, Wellington.

2010 Tour dates: March 8 - 14
Group size: Maximum 8 participants. Small group fee applies when less than 5 guests travelling.

As we travel from Auckland, down through the centre of the North Island, the highlights of our 7-day adventure include:

Click here to view the route map for this tour.

Day one AUCKLAND
Arrive at Auckland and transfer to our accommodation. We allow time to freshen up after the flight before we drive to Muriwai Beach, on the west coast. This dramatic coastline is home to one of New Zealand's few mainland gannet colonies, and we are able to set up close enough to capture poignant images of these photogenic birds. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner together; a chance to get to know your travelling companions better and discuss with your guide the adventure ahead.
(D)

Day two AUCKLAND - ROTORUA
This morning we start our journey south driving through the rich pastures of the Hauraki Plains towards the geothermal centre of New Zealand. Our first stop in this area is Rotorua, and we spend the afternoon photographing around the lake district. This evening we are welcomed on to a marae (meeting house) where local Maori, the first migrants to New Zealand, introduce us to their culture and pre-European way of life.
(BD)

Day three ROTORUA - TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
We leave Rotorua early heading for one of the geothermal wonderlands close by. We then continue on along the shores of Lake Taupo to the volcanic plateau. The three volcanoes that dominate this stark landscape were used as the setting for Mordor in The Lord of the Rings films.
(B)

Day four TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
Today we explore the volcanoes more closely and take a hike that leads us to many photographic locations. We spend the day photographing this haunting environment.
(B)

Day five TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK - WAIRARAPA
We leave the mountains behind us this morning and drive through the rolling farmlands of the Manawatu. Rustic shearing sheds, quaint farm cottages and rich, green pastures provide us with classic New Zealand rural scenes to photograph. In the afternoon we head towards the east coast and spend the rest of the day photographing the spectacular rocky outcrops of this wild seascape.
(B)

Day six WAIRARAPA - WELLINGTON
We set up and wait for the dawn to illuminate the coastline, hopefully enjoying a colourful sunrise as reward for our early start. Later in the morning we depart for Wellington, the nation's capital. From the unusual Parliament Building, the Beehive, to the nostalgic boatsheds at Oriental Bay we find an interesting array of architecture in this vibrant city. As tonight is our last night we enjoy a special farewell dinner together; a great time to reflect on the roads travelled, the friendships made and, of course, the sensational photographs captured!
(BD)

Day seven WELLINGTON - DEPART
As you prepare for your flight home, or onward to another destination, there will be time for some last minute shopping, a visit to the national museum, or maybe just a relaxing coffee overlooking the waterfront. We say farewell, trusting that your experience with us will enrich your lives for many years to come.
(B)

Tour fee:
NZ$3490.00 per person twin share
NZ$585.00 single supplement

Deposit:
NZ$500.00 per person

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