Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland and have the afternoon and evening to explore the city on your own terms. The harbours are the real draw here, and you'll see why it's called the 'City of Sails' with all those boats dotting the water. Dinner is at The Grill where you'll meet the other people on your trip, so that's a good chance to get to know everyone before things really get going.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at The Grill)
Optional Activities
- Explore Auckland precincts at leisure
- View yachts on Manukau Harbour and Waitemata Harbour
Landmarks/POIs Manukau Harbour Waitemata Harbour - Day 2
Auckland
This morning includes a private after-hours tour of the America's Cup exhibition at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, so you'll get the place mostly to yourself. From there you'll head around the harbour to Mission Bay and Bastion Point for views across the water, and stop at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial. The rest of your afternoon is free to do whatever you'd like, though activities cost extra.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Exclusive after-hours guided tour of the Americas Cup exhibition at the New Zealand Maritime Museum
- Harbour sightseeing to Mission Bay and Bastion Point
- Visit Michael Joseph Savage Memorial
Optional Activities
- Behind-the-scenes All Blacks experience
- Cruise on Auckland Harbour
Landmarks/POIs New Zealand Maritime Museum Mission Bay Bastion Point Michael Joseph Savage Memorial - Day 3
Auckland to Rotorua
You'll leave Auckland early and head into farm country for a family-style lunch at a working dairy farm in the Red Barn, where you'll get to try making butter yourself. After that it's on to Rotorua. Once you arrive, there's a guided tour through Te Puia to see the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, then you'll explore the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve with its active geysers and hot springs.
- Meals
- Lunch (Family-style Be My Guest lunch in the Red Barn on a working dairy farm prepared by onsite chef), Breakfast
Included Activities
- Be My Guest: Lunch in the Red Barn on a dairy farm
- Butter-making experience at dairy farm
- Guided tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute at Te Puia
- Guided tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
Landmarks/POIs Te Puia Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve - Day 4
Rotorua
You have your pick of daytime activities in Rotorua, so you might relax in one of the thermal pools or take an optional Duck tour across the lakes (your cost). By evening you're heading to Te Pa Tu Maori Experience for a cultural performance and dinner, which includes forest canapes, an aperitif, and a three-course meal.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Three-course dinner with forest kai horotai (seasonal canapes) and chef choice aperitif at Te Pā Tū Maori Experience)
Included Activities
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Guided Indigenous Experience, Cultural Performance and Feast at Te Pā Tū Maori
Optional Activities
- Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa thermal waters experience
- Amphibious WWII-era Duck tour across Rotorua's three lakes
Landmarks/POIs Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa Te Pā Tū Maori Experience - Day 5
Rotorua to Wellington
The drive toward Wellington takes you to Huka Falls first, where water pounds down with serious force, then through landscapes with snow-capped mountains, alpine terrain, old forests, and Lake Taupo's vivid blue color. You'll cross the Kapiti Coast to reach Wellington, New Zealand's capital.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- View Huka Falls from a panoramic viewpoint
Landmarks/POIs Huka Falls Lake Taupo Kapiti Coast - Day 6
Wellington
Start with Wellington's excellent coffee, then take a city tour that covers the cable car, parliament, and Mt. Victoria. Your afternoon is yours to fill, so you could check out Te Papa Museum, Zealandia Te Mara a Tane for wildlife, or the Lord of the Rings locations and Weta Workshop (these cost extra). Dinner and exploring the local restaurant and bar scene happens on your own schedule.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- City sights tour including cable car, parliament, and Mt. Victoria
Optional Activities
- Te Papa Museum of New Zealand (entrance fee applies)
- Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary visit
- Lord of the Rings Movie Locations tour
- Weta Workshop visit
Landmarks/POIs Wellington Cable Car Parliament of New Zealand Mt. Victoria Te Papa Museum of New Zealand Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne Weta Workshop - Day 7
Wellington Departure
Your North Island trip ends with a final breakfast with your travel group before you head to the airport to depart Wellington.
- Meals
- Breakfast
