Taranaki Tales

Tour 202      BUBBLE BUSTER TOUR - TARANAKI TALES

Maximum 8 passengers in 12 seat mini bus

2024: 4 days/3 nights. January 29

We can pick up anywhere in central and south Auckland en route including Hamilton, Otorohanga etc.. Drop off anywhere between Taumaranui and Auckland on Friday.

Day 1. Monday. AUCKLAND - WAITOMO - NEW PLYMOUTH   (D)   

Depart Auckland 9am and pickup at any central city or southern address address. Visit the Rangiriri battle site and information centre and catch up on some history from the first of the Waikato land wars in 1863. Continue to the Waitomo area. Visit the Marakopa Falls and there is time if anyone wants to visit the Waitomo Glowworm, or Ruakuri, or Aranui caves - admission extra. Continue south to New Plymouth for a short tour of introduction. Accommodation for 3 nights at a 4 star hotel in New Plymouth. Dinner included tonight.

Day 2. Tuesday.                  NEW PLYMOUTH.                 (B) 

This morning visit the amazing Tawhiti Museum including the Traders and Whalers exhibition for about 4 hours. This afternoon visit Dawson Falls on Mt Taranaki and travel the "Surf Highway" visiting Cape Egmont. Return to New Plymouth.  

Day 3. Wednesday.    NEW PLYMOUTH     (B)

 Tour  New Plymouth this morning including the Len Lye Centre, Pukekura Park, and the Waterfront walk. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure. Optional cruise on Chaddys Charters lifeboat around the islands - extra expense and weather permitting.

Day 4. Thursday   NEW PLYMOUTH - FORGOTTEN HIGHWAY - RAIL CART TOUR - AUCKLAND            (BL)

Drive  the "Forgotten World Highway" from Stratford to Whangamomona (declared a Republic in 1989)  and visit the pub (own expense). Continue to Tokirima and board your 40km rail cart tour  incluidng 10 tunnels including the lines longest - 1.5km. Stop at the historical villages Matiere and Ohura and visit the Lavendar farm. We return to Auckland.early evening.