New Zealand, Land of the Long White Cloud, is a country of stunning beauty. Our North Island family adventure begins in the waterside city of Auckland, with a tour of Rangitoto Volcanic Island, and a visit to the Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. We try our hands at gold panning on our way to the Coromandel Peninsula with its 400kms of coastline, white sandy beaches, and native rainforest. We stop off at Hot Water Beach as we head to Rotorua, with its fascinating geothermal activity, and activities galore. We visit the Hell’s Gate Reserve to see the steaming fumeroles and boiling mud pools, encounter the native kiwi bird at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and ride the gondola and luge. At Waitomo Caves, not only will you see stalactites and stalagmites, but also the starry wonderland of the Glow – worms. We spend a night with a host family in Waikato farming country, before returning to Auckland at the end of our journey.

Auckland - Rangitoto Island Volcanic Explorer, Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World.  After time for breakfast, we transfer to the ferry terminal at Devonport for the half day Rangitoto Island Volcanic Explorer. The island of Rangitoto, situated in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, is a 30-minute cruise from Downtown Auckland via Devonport. This dormant volcano is possibly the most recognisable icon of the Auckland region and a ‘must do’ day out for locals and visitors alike. Take the tractor-drawn “train” around the island and near the summit – a wooden walkway takes you to the summit for the spectacular views. Your guide will give a full commentary about the volcano’s geological history and the current flora and fauna.

Today we also included is a half-day private tour of the city’s premier sights including Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World. We visit Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World and discover Scott's Hut 1911 - a copy of the original built and used by Captain Robert Falcon Scott. Then board the Snow Cats to see a colony of penguins play in real snow and ice and watch them swimming in their own pool. Travel on the moving walkway in the unique underwater tunnel to experience a scuba diver's view of hundreds of different fish 'up close' in their own environment, seeing giant stingrays, moray eels, and sharks. We also enjoy the waterfront drive to Mission Bay, quaint Parnell Village, The Auckland Domain and Wintergardens, maybe even stopping for a great New Zealand ice cream!

Coromandel - Free day. Today, Coromandel town is known for the numerous artists and craftsmen, among whom is potter Barry Brickell, who has transformed his pottery clay carrying train into a scenic railway through regenerating bush at Driving Creek. The 1 hour return trip on this railway in innovatively designed trains includes viaducts (including the unique, double decker), 2 spirals, 3 reverses, tunnels and a magnificent view from the ridge-top terminus. Here a talk is given about local history, ecology and activities including the potteries. The train passes through a native Kauri Forest replanting project. The final reverse section of the line was completed in June 1995 after 20 years of heavy construction and costs making the present length of the main line 2.5 km. From the ridge-top terminus, great views of the Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel town and the rugged hills to the east can be enjoyed.

Nearby to the hotel are safe beaches, opportunities for fishing trips, a Water Garden, 4-WD Argo tours, bush walks, working stamper batteries (check for days of operation locally), and a mini-put golf for entertainment. There are several recommended cafes for eating out, and the local oysters, scallops, mussels and fresh and smoked fish of course a must to try.  

Rotorua.  A local sightseeing tour today includes a visit to Hells Gate Geothermal Reserve. Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve is set in 50 acres with a large variety of geothermal features. Walk past steaming fumeroles and pools of boiling MUD so violent they are unnerving. Follow the footsteps of Warriors of old through the swirling clouds of steam, past the pool where the Maori Princess “Hurutini” lost her life, see the violent geothermal activity of the Inferno and the Kakahi Falls, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.

We also include the Rainbow Springs & Kiwi Encounter. Rainbow Springs Nature Park is an area of great natural beauty and many exciting attractions! Here's a taste of what you can discover in this magical setting - The Rainbow Spring; Rainbow Trout; prehistoric reptile – the tuatara; native birds such as the kea, kaka, weka and kiwi; underwater viewing pool; giant moa display; deer and pig; blue trout. Rainbow Springs is also the home of Kiwi Encounter. Kiwi Encounter is a working nursery and hatchery where Kiwi are raised as part of Operation Nest Egg. Eggs are brought to us from the wild and when they have hatched, and the Kiwi are large enough to protect themselves from predators, they are released back into the wild. Take a tour of Kiwi Encounter, you’ll learn much about kiwi, its unique and endearing characteristics, its origins, its habitat and how it lives.

Next stop the Skyline Skyrides Return Gondola & 5 Luge Rides. Conveniently located just minutes from Rotorua's town centre, on the side of Mount Ngongotaha, Skyline Skyrides "gondola" carries you to 487 meters above sea level to a fun park environment, providing panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake Rotorua and the surrounding area. The Luge is a fun ride for all ages. A World 'First' proudly designed and built in Rotorua, the Luge is a fun filled gravity ride on a 3 wheel cart. The unique braking and steering system provides the rider full control and allows them to travel as fast or slow as they wish. Three separate concrete sealed tracks wind down through the redwood trees. A scenic track with viewing bays at great locations for taking photographs allows a leisurely trip down whilst enjoying the panorama. Fun for all ages with children under 6 being able to be carried in tandem. Riders return to the top of the Luge on a specially designed chairlift.

Also included is the Agrodome Show & Farm Tour Combo. The New Zealand Agrodome gives international visitors to New Zealand a real hands-on, live experience of farming and a total interaction with sheep, goats, cattle, deer and baby lambs. There are various optionals: The Adventure & Fun products at Agrodome include Agrojet, Swoop, Freefall Xtreme, Bungy & Zorbing.

Rotorua - Waitomo Glow-worm Caves- Waikato Farm Stay.  Today we cross the forest-covered Mamaku Hills and descend into the Waikato district at Tirau. The road then follows the Waikato River towards Cambridge. This area is also noted for thorough-bred horse breeding and racing, as is evidenced by the well-groomed and fenced fields, stables and substantial houses. We cross the rolling verdant pastures of the Waikato to Kihikihi and Otorohanga. The landscape becomes more rugged as you enter the King Country.

Waitomo Caves is a complex of three limestone caves — Waitomo, Ruakuri and Aranui - where stalactites, stalagmites and sculptures have formed as a result of water dripping from the roof of the cave. Your guided tour will take you through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery. The climax of your guided tour is the manually powered boat trip on the underground stream in the Glow-worm Grotto - a journey into a 'starry wonderland'.

After the Glow-worm caves, we drive to a central point in the countryside where you meet your farm stay hosts, and travel with them with just overnight luggage on country roads into typical Waikato farming country for a night with a typical “Kiwi” couple or family. Farm hosting is staying with friendly New Zealanders in the comfort of their homes. It is about meeting people who are genuinely interested in sharing their country, their life style and themselves with overseas and local visitors. The activities available and interests of your hosts are many and varied. The choice is yours to become involved or simply to relax!  (D)

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more.

This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. 

You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Kumuka trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. 

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com.

Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

We recommend an average of NZ$50-75 per day. This of course depends on your own spending habits, the number of optional excursions you wish to take and the amount of additional snacks, souvenirs and drinks you wish to buy along the way. Be aware that some towns and cities are more expensive than others. Similarly there will be some days when you may spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

We advise that you carry a mixture of cash, credit/debit cards and travellers cheques with you on your trip. We suggest that you record your travellers cheque numbers and keep these records separate from your cheques. American Express and Thomas Cook Travellers Cheques are most widely accepted.

Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere in Australia. They can also be used to obtain money from ATMs. You should make sure you know your PIN number. ATM cards can be used widely in Australia. Again, you will need your PIN. Your bank will provide you with more details. 

We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels and campsites there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.

Personal Effects:

Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen

For the children: A notebook to record the trip is a great idea - younger children can use it to stick postcards in and draw pictures of what they have seen, while older children will enjoy keeping a diary of everything they have got up to. A cheap digital camera will pay dividends, and you may want to invest in a portable DVD player. Travel games are a good idea for any longer journeys, or free time.

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

UK OFFICE

40 Earls Court Road, London W8 6EJ
Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664
Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com

AUSTRALIAN OFFICE

Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au