Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll land in Auckland and have the afternoon to yourself to check out the city's two harbours. Grab a drink somewhere with a nice view of the waterfront and settle in. Later this evening you'll meet your Travel Director and the rest of the group for a briefing and welcome reception.
Optional Activities
- Explore Auckland's two harbours at leisure
- Relax at a waterfront precinct
Landmarks/POIs Auckland Waterfront - Day 2
Auckland to Bay of Islands
Head north from Auckland toward the Bay of Islands, where you'll find 140 islands surrounded by turquoise water. The main stop is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. A local guide, often a descendant of the original signatories, will walk you through what happened here and show you the world's largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Explore the Bay of Islands
Landmarks/POIs Waitangi Treaty Grounds Bay of Islands - Day 3
Bay of Islands
Today you pick how to spend your time in the Bay of Islands. One option takes you north to Cape Reinga, the country's northernmost point, traveling along scenic Ninety Mile Beach. Another choice is a boat trip through the 144 islands with lunch included and a stop at the Hole in the Rock. Or you could join a guided walk around Russell to learn about the settlement's history in the Bay of Islands.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Venture to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach
- Scenic cruise among 144 islands with lunch and visit to Hole in the Rock
- Guided tour of Russell
Landmarks/POIs Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) Ninety Mile Beach Hole in the Rock Russell - Day 4
Bay of Islands to Whangarei to Auckland
You'll travel north to Whangarei, New Zealand's northernmost city, where you can see waterfalls and beaches alongside galleries and museums. Spend the day exploring at your own pace to get a feel for how nature and culture mix here. By evening you'll head back down to Auckland.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Whangarei at leisure
Landmarks/POIs Whangarei - Day 5
Auckland to Rotorua
Today brings you to Rotorua and Te Puia to experience Maori culture. You'll start with a cultural performance in a carved meeting house, then ride an electric waka (shuttle) down into the geothermal valley to see geysers and bubbling mud pools surrounded by native forest. After that you'll have hot chocolate on a naturally heated rock terrace where you can watch Pohutu Geyser. Dinner is a buffet featuring locally sourced food with Maori influences.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Buffet dinner with locally sourced cuisine and authentic Maori influences)
Included Activities
- Te Po Indigenous Experience at Te Puia including cultural performance in Te Aronui a Rua
- Geothermal valley exploration via waka
- Hot chocolate on naturally heated rock terrace overlooking Pohutu Geyser
- Buffet dinner with locally sourced cuisine and Maori influences
Landmarks/POIs Te Puia Pohutu Geyser - Day 6
Rotorua
This day is yours to choose. You could relax at Wai Araki Hot Springs and Spa, or take a tour of the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings if that interests you. Another option is heading to Waitomo Caves to walk through the underground glowworm cave system. Your Travel Director can help point you toward whichever appeals to you most.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Waitomo Caves including Glowworm Cruise
Optional Activities
- Relax at Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa (own expense)
- Hobbiton movie set tour (own expense)
Landmarks/POIs Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa Hobbiton Waitomo Caves - Day 7
Rotorua to Wellington
Start with a visit to Huka Falls where about 220,000 litres of water drop over an 11-metre waterfall every single second. You'll also get views of Lake Taupo's striking blue water. After that you'll head south across the Kapiti Coast toward Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Once you arrive, you and your Travel Director will meet up for drinks to celebrate finishing the trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- See Huka Falls from a panoramic viewpoint
Landmarks/POIs Huka Falls Lake Taupo Kapiti Coast - Day 8
Wellington
Begin with coffee at one of Wellington's hip cafes, then take a city sights tour to see what makes the capital special. You'll say goodbye to your New Zealand travel crew after the tour. If your schedule allows, stick around and visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, which covers a lot of ground about Maori culture and the country's history.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- City sights tour of Wellington
- Visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand (entrance fee applies)
Landmarks/POIs Te Papa
