Exploring New Plymouth to Raglan
A classic New Zealand roadie
.jpg)
A timeless North Island Journey
Initially clinging to the coast and following the North Taranaki Bight before turning inland at Mokau to avoid Mt Messenger and heading into King Country. Following the Waipa River through Otorohanga to Te Awamutu and the prosperous rolling dairy country of the Waikato, it makes its way into Hamilton itself where it morphs into SH23 out to Raglan back on the west coast.
So, we’re going to spend a number of days wandering this area with plenty of reminders of classic New Zealand.
Is this tour for me?
Duration
Dates
Suitable for
Departing from*
What’s included?
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Home - New Plymouth
Home (Friday 18th September)
This is a joint tour with our friends at Bay Tours so we have the morning at home before we meet the group at Carolines Boatshed for Lunch.
New Plymouth
We’ll have a brief stop in Hawera then on to New Plymouth and the lovely Devon Hotel, our base for the next couple of nights.
Settle in for dinner and get acquainted with our fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Devon Hotel
New Plymouth
New Plymouth (Saturday 19th September)
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you have an opportunity to explore the city at leisure with destinations such as Puke Ariki Museum, the amazing Len Lye Gallery or the City Shopping Centre mall.
Then, after lunch at the Rainforest Eatery, it’s off to the magnificent Pukeiti Garden, in the shadow of Taranaki/Mt Egmont, for a guided tour. Taranaki must be amongst the best regions in the country for gardens and Pukeiti is one of their finest. We also visit Shedou Palms this afternoon.
Dinner is onsite again at the hotel.
Accommodation: Devon Hotel
New Plymouth - Te Awamutu
New Plymouth (Sunday 20th September)
After another great breakfast, We start heading north following the coast and visit a number of landmarks as we go.
Te Rewa Rewa (whalebone)
First a brief stop at the astonishing Te Rewa Rewa (whalebone) Bridge and then morning tea at The Three Sisters & Elephant Rock and also a stop at the amazing Mangapohue Natural Bridge before arriving for a late lunch at The Huhu Cafe in Waitomo. After lunch we continue on SH3 through to Te Awamutu. We spend the night in ‘Rose Town’ and head out for a fabulous meal.
Te Awamutu
We spend the night in ‘Rose Town’ and head out for a fabulous meal.
Accommodation: Albert Park Motor Lodge
Te Awamutu - Hamilton
Te Awamutu (Monday 21st September)
This morning after breakfast, we initially head further inland to stunning Sanctuary Mountain at Mangatautari for a guided tour around this bird, animal and plant reserve before we can resist the call of the coast no longer and turn west to the historic settlement of Kawhia and the beautiful inlet it overlooks.
Kawhia’s Hot Water Beach
We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and a jaunt to Kawhia’s Hot Water Beach for a paddle and brief soak. From here it’s up through Pirongia Forest Park and Ngahinapouri to Hamilton and our hotel, the wonderful Novotel Tainui right on the Waikato River.
Hamilton - Raglan
Hamilton (Tuesday 22nd September)
Breakfast is onsite at the hotel again then we hop on the bus for a day trip to Raglan that will be the focus today.
A cruise on the tranquil Raglan Harbour is followed by a fish & chips lunch at The Wharf Kitchen and time in the afternoon to wander around this remarkable little town before we head back to Hamilton.
What a day!
Accommodation: Novotel Tainui
Hamilton
Hamilton (Wednesday 23rd September)
After breakfast we visit perhaps the best kept world-class secret in New Zealand - Hamilton Gardens.
This remarkable public space is home to numerous ‘Themed’ gardens featuring stylised forms of gardens from around the world. We’ll be treated to a guided tour of all the themed spaces at this most impressive venue, which is bound to amaze and entertain.
After morning tea here, we have a couple of surprises in store for the afternoon.
Our final group dinner tonight will be a special one.
Accommodation: Novotel Tainui
Hamilton - Taupo - Home
Hamilton (Thursday 24th September)
After breakfast, we head home today, stopping for an early lunch at the Taupō Golf Club before being back home mid afternoon.
The Taranaki, King Country and Waikato regions are choc-full of hidden gems we’ll be discovering on this tour.
Join us to gain a greater appreciation of one of the North Islands least travelled highways.
Photos from the road
Check out what we got up to last time
Optional extras
Optional extras
Meet your tour guide
Jason Granville
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
Reserve your spot
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you collect me from my door?
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
How about travel insurance?
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
How active are your tours?
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
I have some dietary requirements?
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
What kind of accommodation do we stay in?
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
Still have questions?
Get in touch with our friendly staff
What our customers say
Other tours you might enjoy
MacKenzie Country & Maniototo
Join us for a 7 day tour, in spring, exploring these most fascinating of southern districts.
Join our waitlist
Add yourself to the waitlist to receive information prior to public release.
This will not guarantee your booking, but will ensure you receive information as early as possible
.jpg)
Molesworth & Rainbow stations
Join us on this magical adventure into our most iconic stations.
Join our waitlist
Add yourself to the waitlist to receive information prior to public release.
This will not guarantee your booking, but will ensure you receive information as early as possible
Northern Explorer
Northland blends history, cultural heritage and stunning coastline. On this expedition of New Zealand's northern reaches, we experience it all!
Join our waitlist
Add yourself to the waitlist to receive information prior to public release.
This will not guarantee your booking, but will ensure you receive information as early as possible
The Neil Diamond Musical
The news is out. The hugely successful and long awaited A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is coming down under.
Join our waitlist
Add yourself to the waitlist to receive information prior to public release.
This will not guarantee your booking, but will ensure you receive information as early as possible
.jpg)
Rarotonga Island Escape
Rarotonga offers you a journey of discovery - an ancient culture and rich history, warm embracing people, delicious local cuisine, endless activities and some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever see.
Join our waitlist
Add yourself to the waitlist to receive information prior to public release.
This will not guarantee your booking, but will ensure you receive information as early as possible
Japan The Golden Circle
Vibrant culture, delectable food, breathtaking landscape and so much more!
Join our waitlist
Add yourself to the waitlist to receive information prior to public release.
This will not guarantee your booking, but will ensure you receive information as early as possible
