Northern Escape Artists Tour
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2010 and Beyond.
It seems that most visitors to New Zealand's shores land in Auckland and depart our largest city in all haste, for locations South. BIG MISTAKE ! The Far North offers the warmest climate, pristine beaches in remote areas and forests that boast the largest and oldest native trees in the country. It is also the site of the birthplace of European civilization in New Zealand and of spiritual significance to the indigenous Maori people.
Next tour: October 3rd to 10th, 2010
Price: Single: $4175 Twin share/double: $3445 per person
ITINERARY: ( Includes full breakfast daily and minimum 3 Dinners.)
October 3rd - You are met on arrival at Auckland Airport and transferred to the Spencer on Byron Hotel on Auckland's North Shore, for the start of your tour. Daniel Reeve joins us this evening when we meet as a group for dinner at the hotel. (Included in cost.)
October 4th - This morning we travel north to the Bay of Islands, with stops along the way in scenic areas of significance. This afternoon we explore the grounds around the Waitangi Treaty House with expansive views of the Bay of Islands.
Accommodation: The Copthorne Waitangi Hotel.
October 5th - Today we board our vessel "Ipiripiri" for our overnight cruise in the Bay of Islands. (Dinner and Breakfast included.) There are several opportunities for sketching and painting during this time - very calm and leisurely, with an on-shore walk or kayaking excursion available on an outer island during the cruise and a group session with Daniel in the evening while at anchor in a quiet bay.
October 6th - We disembark at around 10-30 a.m. at Opua Wharf and drive north, via Kerikeri to Mangonui - our scenic lunch stop. Great opprtunities for art work in this stunning area, followed up by a workshop session with Daniel this evening.
Accommodation: Taipa Resort .
October 7th - Take your sketching pad today and enjoy a Day Tour to the top of New Zealand - Cape Reinga. See the famous lighthouse, the Tasman Sea shaking hands with the Pacific Ocean and the Pohutukawa tree where Maori people believe that at life's end, their spirits leap off on their journey to 'Hawaiiki' , the homeland of their ancestors. Also enjoy a barbecue lunch in the beautiful sheltered Tapotupotu Bay.
A group session with Daniel this evening - or an early night if you need it.
Accommodation: Taipa Resort, Taipa.
October 8th - We travel south through the centre of the island, catch the vehicular ferry from Kohukohu to Rawene and drive across to Omapere on the west coast.
Time to enjoy the beachfront setting and white sandhills across the harbour.
This evening Maori Guides will take us into the Waipoua Forest to see the 2000 year old Kauri Tree "Tane Mahuta" - Lord of ther Forest - and we will experience the sights and sounds of the forest - the flora and fauna - kiwis calling / silver ferns by moonlight /. and much more - a special experience.
Accommodation: The Opononi Hotel.
October 9th - Today we drive through the forest on our return journey to Auckland. We make a stop at the Matakohe Kauri Museum to soak up some more of the history of the north. This will be our lunch stop, (with souvenir shopping for those who want it).
In our hotel this evening we meet for our final dinner (Included in cost.)
Time for a final session and 'closure' with Daniel Reeve.
Accommodation: The Spencer on Byron Hotel, Auckland.
October 10th - Today after breakfast, we go our separate ways - refreshed and upskilled !!
( NB: You may wish to add a LOTR tour, or part thereof, to your NZ stay .
Red Carpet Tours' LOTR North Island Tour starts on 11th October.)