Spend a day traveling through beautiful beaches and lush countryside to the extensive underground caves of Waitomo. Embark on a guided, open-boat tour to see how thousands of glow worms light up the surrounding limestone formations. Your adventure continues to the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can choose to hike around the picturesque Emerald Lake or still-active Red Crate.
Guests participating in this program should schedule flights arriving into Auckland.
Day 1- AUCKLAND
Upon arrival at the Auckland Airport a local Silversea representative greets and transfers you to the Hotel.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner is also on your own this evening.
Overnight at the Sofitel Hotel- Auckland
The standard check-in time at the hotel is 3:00 PM. If your flight arrives very early in the morning, please inquire about rates to guarantee your room for immediate occupancy upon arrival.
Day 2- AUCKLAND/ WAIHEKE ISLAND
After Breakfast take the ferry to Waiheke Island, where you will be greeted on the wharf by your guide for the day and continue with a drive along the scenic northern route, taking in spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf and beyond to the Coromandel Peninsula.
The tour continues with a visit to Rangihoua Estate where the first olive oil in the North Island was produced. Rangihoua's award-winning olive oils have won many accolades since the first pressings. Also taste their local Manuka honey and herb spread.
Lunch will be provided at a local vineyard before your day continues with some free time to walk on the white sand beaches or stop and do some shopping in the nearby village.
The remainder of the day, including dinner, is at your leisure.
Overnight at the Sofitel Hotel- Auckland
Day 3- AUCKLAND/ WAITOMO/ TONGARIRO
Following breakfast, enjoy a panoramic drive through Auckland and the surrounding countryside en route to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, known as one of New Zealand's best natural attractions. At the caves, embark on a guided, open-boat tour to see Mother Nature's light display as you cruise under thousands of tiny creatures that aluminate the surrounding limestone walls. Don't be fooled, the glowworms and their serene glow will make you think you are floating under the night sky.
Afterwards enjoy lunch at a private homestead before your tour continues to Tongariro National Park.
Your tour director will be available to help you plan your free time in Tongariro based on your mobility, hiking expertise, or other interests. Dinner this evening will be provided at the Tongariro Lodge.
Overnight at the Tongariro Lodge- Tongariro
Day 4- TONGARIRO
After breakfast at the lodge, spend your day exploring Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although Tongariro is known for the Crossing, an 8 to 10 hour trek for the advanced hiker, there are several other hiking options available like a combination walk near the picturesque Emerald Lake or the still-active Red Crater for the less demanding hiking experience. If hiking isn't your cup of tea, ask your tour director about the other activities offered at the lodge which include fly-fishing, all-weather tennis courts, spa pool, nearby hot mineral pools, and some of New Zealand's top eighteen hole golf courses.
Lunch is provided picnic style this afternoon. Enjoy the remainder of your day, whether relaxing inside the lodge or experiencing New Zealand's outdoor playground.
Overnight at the Tongariro Lodge- Tongariro
Day 5- TONGARIRO/ AUCKLAND
A full breakfast is served before your checkout.
Now it is time to head back to the City and we will make a stop at the Red Barn in Karapiro where we will have lunch.
This Barn was built around the turn of the century as a livery stable where stagecoaches could change horses for the journeys that today we take for granted. The Barn has been refurbished and is located on a 500acre working dairy farm. It overlooks the Kaimai Ranges, Mt Maungatautari, and the Hinuera Valley.
Following lunch, you will travel onto Auckland and the pier, where the staff and crew of the Ship are waiting to welcome you aboard.
For rates and availability please contact Silversea Cruises
Program Inclusions:
Luggage Information:
Luggage will remain with the guests throughout the duration of the program.
Visa Information:
Please check with your travel professional for details about a visa for New Zealand. It is the responsibility of the guest to obtain appropriate visa documents before your cruise.
Vaccinations:
Consult your physician for information regarding vaccinations or medications which may be appropriate for your state of health.
Accessibility:
This tour requires a decent amount of walking, some on uneven surfaces, and therefore is not recommended to guests in wheelchairs or that have mobility issues.
Minimum Participation:
All Land Programs require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not obtained, Silversea reserves the right to offer the program at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel a specific departure.
This description is a general overview of the highlights of this program. The local Silversea representative will do everything possible to insure that all of the sites described here are visited, though the tour sequence and specific sites mentioned is subject to change. Closure of some sites due to local or national holiday observances, flight schedules or other factors may affect the program, and the local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if necessary.
Please note: Gratuities to guides/drivers, meals and alcoholic drinks other than those noted in itinerary, and other personal expenses are not included in the price of this tour. This program is subject to a 100% penalty for any cancellation notices received 90 days or less prior to sailing.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing and are recommended to guests 18 years or age and older. This description is a general overview of this programme. Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays and weather, require. The programme described here is provided by independent contractors. Silversea acts solely as ticketing agent. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.