Auckland to Coromandel Cruise
Payment
20% at time of Booking, balance 30 days prior to tour date
Package Includes:
Door to Door transportLunch x 3 (L)
Breakfasts x 2 (B)
Dinners x 2 (D)
Tour highlights as listed
Highlights:
Door to Door Transport,
Accommodation x 2 nights
Breakfast x 2
Dinners x 2
Ferry Cruise from Auckland to Coromandel
Driving Creek Rail Tour
Enquire
The summer is fading into Autumn. So let’s make the most of the glorious sunshine before winter comes upon us.
On this short break away you will be treated to the beauty of Auckland City’s twinkling night lights. Venture across the majestic waters of the Hauraki Gulf, to be welcomed by golden beaches and tranquil native bush.
Although both places are incredibly beautiful in their own way, you will no doubt feel the significant contrast between the hustle and bustle of city life and the laid-back atmosphere of the Coromandel Peninsula.
After exploring what the Coromandel has to offer, we will return home feeling relaxed and re-energised.
We begin our escape by heading north to the “Big Smoke’ being Auckland City where we will check in to our downtown city accommodation – Nesuto Stadium Hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is for you do as you please.
For all the shoppers out there, you may like to take this opportunity to peruse the many local shops including the new Commercial Bay – a new and vibrant public precinct in the heart of Auckland City. Commercial Bay encompasses the preeminent waterfront axis from Quay Street, Queen Street, Lower Albert Street and Customs Street, resurrecting the location’s original name. It embraces the best of the area’s existing buildings and links them together creating a working population of 10,000 people. At the heart of Commercial Bay sits the stunning new 39 level PwC office tower that has transformed Auckland’s skyline.
At the base of the tower sits a three-level retail precinct unlike anything Auckland has seen before. The laneway design will redefine retail in Auckland, with global flagship brands, diverse food and beverage and the highest concentration of quality retailers in one central, easily accessible location.
Or perhaps a gentle stroll around the Viaduct Harbour is more to your liking – all of which is within walking distance from your accommodation.
After which, we will meet for drinks before dining inhouse at NOOK Restaurant & Bar.
Overnight at Nesuto Stadium Hotel (D)
This morning we enjoy a breakfast in the dining room before boarding the Fullers 360 Ferry departing at 8.45am from Downtown Auckland and cruise through the Hauraki Gulf to Hannaford’s Wharf Coromandel. The Hauraki Gulf is truly one of Auckland’s finest crowning jewels. The Gulf is studded with more than 50 islands and numerous beaches and is full of marine life including dolphins, whales, and orcas. Sit back and take in the breath-taking views as you savour the approx. 2-hour cruise across to Coromandel.
On arrival there will be a shuttle bus waiting to transport you into Coromandel town (about a 15min drive) with an expected arrival time of approx. 11am. Take this time to explore heritage buildings dating back to the discovery of gold in 1852. Refuel with local cuisine from one of many cafés and restaurants then head up to the world-famous Driving Creek Railway and Potteries, a unique single gauge mountain railway travelling through replanted native forest to a superb viewing tower.
With this must do under our belt we then make our way back to the Coromandel township where we will check in at our accommodation.
Time to refreshen up before dinner.
Overnight – Abby Court Motel (B & D)
After breathing in all this accessible beauty at a leisurely pace, it is not hard to see why people come to the stunning Coromandel Peninsula to relax, slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.
Sadly however, the time has come to say goodbye to this wee town with its unique character, soul and ambience reflecting both art and heritage.
We will now make our way home via Matarangi – a small costal town home to around 400 permanent residents although this popular summer spot sees this rise to over 7000 holidaymakers between late December – February.
Keeping with the coastal theme, we continue to the little township of Kuaotunu. This is a small coastal township at the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula on the mouth of the Kuaotunu River.
From here we meander our way inland a little and over to the picturesque township of Whitianga – another place where you can do a little or a lot – the pace of life can be as busy or as calm as you choose, where people smile and say hello when you walk down the street. No traffic lights, no peak hour traffic, no city hustle and bustle – just you and your imagination. This is also home to the magnificent V-shaped bay – called Mercury Bay.
Then on to Tairua – but not before we make a brief stop at the famous Coroglen Pub 😊
Continuing forth, we take this moment to absorb the lush scenery as we travel via Tairua – home to where the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and the Tairua River meet.
Next stop is Whangamata – located at the southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula and is where we will have our lunch opportunity and time to stretch the legs.
Famous for its unique combination of beach and rainforest and voted best beach in New Zealand by NZ Herald readers in 2018, Whangamata’ s amazing ocean beach provides some of the best surfing breaks, yet safest swimming in the country. Holidaymakers flock to the ocean beaches and saltwater estuaries of Whangamata to enjoy this popular aquatic playground, but there is so much more to this seaside town.
Coromandel Forest Park borders the town and provides many other outdoor experiences, including short walks, mountain bike trails and old gold mining sites. The town also has one of the best shopping centres in the region. Many of the houses are holiday homes – providing weekend refuge and the classic Kiwi beach Bach holiday. Whangamata is also home of the Beach Hop, a five-day celebration of ’50s and ’60s culture.
With our bellies satisfied we begin to farewell the Coromandel and commence the final leg of our journey via Waihi and through Katikati – known as ‘New Zealand’s Mural Town’, before returning home to where your adventure began, feeling well rested and cherished memories plentiful. (B)
If you have any questions please phone us on 07 572 4118
