Thursday 5th February. This morning we depart home and travel towards Whakatāne, making scenic stops along the way, including Karangahape Gorge and Waihi. A highlight is our lunch at the Omokoroa Boat Club, where we dine over the water with views of Matakana Island and Mt Maunganui. In the afternoon, we continue on to Whakatāne, pausing to admire the stunning vistas across to White Island before checking into our accommodation. Later, we’ll gather for a welcome drink and dinner at a local restaurant.

Lunch, Dinner

Friday 6th February. This morning we set off on the unique Awakeri Rail Experience, travelling along a piece of New Zealand’s rich rail history in self-driven rail carts. From the comfort of these open-air vehicles, we journey at a leisurely pace through stunning countryside, crossing four bridges, winding through cuttings, and passing beautiful bush scenes alive with native birdlife. Along the way, we pause to enjoy a hot cuppa and biscuits, feed friendly farm animals, and take a short guided bush walk to learn more about the local environment. This combination of history, nature, and fun makes for a truly memorable adventure.

We then return to Whakatāne for lunch before continuing to the Te Kaha Beach Resort, where every room boasts breathtaking ocean views. Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim or simply relax and soak in the coastal beauty.

Breakfast, Dinner

Saturday 7th February. This morning we farewell Te Kaha and continue our journey along the spectacular East Cape coastline. The drive is one of New Zealand’s most scenic, with sweeping ocean vistas, rugged headlands, and stretches of coastline lined with magnificent, centuries-old pōhutukawa trees – the iconic “coastal giants” that make this region so memorable. 

Our destination is Tolaga Bay Wharf, New Zealand’s longest at 660 metres, where we enjoy a special lunch with locals. 

In the afternoon, we stop at Tatapouri for a truly unique encounter – feeding wild stingrays in the shallows. Guided by local experts, we step into the clear water where friendly stingrays and other marine life glide gracefully around us, offering an unforgettable hands-on experience. 

Later, we arrive in Gisborne, our base for the next three nights, ready to relax and explore more of this vibrant region.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Anchors away as we head out to sea on M.V. Takitimu! We’ll experience a relaxing 90 minute cruise on NZ’s oldest pilot vessel. We then visit the Tairawhiti Museum and enjoy their collection of exhibits, history, and decorative arts exhibitions.

In the late afternoon we visit a historical homestead for an afternoon by the pool while our hosts share with us some beautifully produced local wines and a homecooked meal for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monday 9th February. Today, we explore the magnificent Eastwoodhill Arboretum, a true national treasure. Established in 1910, it spans 131 acres and holds the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere temperate-climate trees in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 4,000 different trees, shrubs, and climbers – including 170 rare and endangered species, it’s a place of both beauty and conservation. We’ll enjoy a guided drive through the Arboretum, ensuring everyone can appreciate its splendour.

Afterwards, we indulge in a relaxed lunch at a Matawhero Vineyard, featuring shared platters and a well deserved glass of wine, surrounded by the vines.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Tuesday 10th February. This morning we pack our bags and check out before heading inland. Our first stop is the Wairoa Museum, showcasing the region’s heritage. We then continue to the breathtaking Lake Waikaremoana, the “gateway to Te Urewera,” a rainforest-clad, mountainous area and home of the Tūhoe people. A local guide will share stories and traditions, adding depth to this remarkable landscape. 

Later, we travel on to Rotorua, check into our accommodation, and enjoy a relaxed in house dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Wednesday 11th February. This morning we cap off our journey with a truly unique adventure—the thrill of riding in New Zealand’s only genuine operating WWII landing craft, the Rotorua Duck. From the comfort of this remarkable vehicle, we tour three of Rotorua’s most beautiful lakes, making unforgettable “splashdowns” onto two of them! Once back in the city, we enjoy a quick lunch together before beginning our journey home. 

As we say our final farewells, the team at Seemore Tours hopes you’ve loved a holiday where you see more, do more, and have more fun!

Breakfast.