Itinerary
- Day 1
Wellington
You'll arrive in Wellington by early afternoon and connect with your Travel Director for an orientation tour of the city. Head up to Mount Victoria's peak where you can take in 360-degree views across the harbour and cityscape. If you're interested in history, Te Papa museum is an option, featuring exhibits on Māori culture and heritage. Later this evening, you'll meet the other travelers for drinks before heading out to explore the North Island.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Wellington
- Visit Mount Victoria peak with 360-degree views
Optional Activities
- Visit Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand (entrance fee applies)
- Drinks with fellow travel companions
Landmarks/POIs Mount Victoria Te Papa - Day 2
Lake Taupo - Rotorua
The day starts with driving along the Kapiti Coast, and you'll pass Lake Taupo with its expansive views before reaching Rotorua. Once there, you'll head straight to Te Puia for a guided tour through the geothermal valley, where a local guide shares Māori history and cultural context. Dinner features hangi-inspired food, and afterward there's a cultural performance in the carved meeting house Te Aronui a Rua. The day wraps up at the Pohutu Geyser with hot chocolate.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Hangi-inspired cuisine)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Te Puia's geothermal valley with Māori history and culture
- Dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine
- Cultural performance in Te Aronui a Rua meeting house
- View Pohutu Geyser with hot chocolate
Landmarks/POIs Lake Taupo Te Puia Pohutu Geyser Te Aronui a Rua - Day 3
Rotorua
This day is completely yours in Rotorua. You can spend it relaxing at geothermal hot springs and spas if you want to unwind, or if you're a Lord of the Rings fan, there's a tour of the Hobbiton movie set showing the actual filming locations. How you use your time here is up to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa relaxation experience
- Hobbiton movie set tour - Lord of the Rings locations
Landmarks/POIs Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa Hobbiton Movie Set - Day 4
Auckland
You'll start early with a cruise through the Waitomo Caves, where thousands of glowworms light up the underground limestone passages. After that, you're headed to Auckland, known as the 'City of Sails'. There's a tour that takes you to the lookout at the Auckland War Memorial Museum where you can see the yacht-filled harbours and learn what gives this city its character.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Waitomo Caves including Glowworm Cruise
- Tour of Auckland
- Visit Auckland War Memorial Museum lookout
Landmarks/POIs Waitomo Caves Auckland War Memorial Museum - Day 5
Auckland to Bay of Islands
Travel north to the Bay of Islands, where about 140 islands sit surrounded by turquoise water. You'll take a guided tour of the Treaty Grounds, the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Your guide, possibly a descendant of the original signatories, will walk you through the historical significance of this important location in New Zealand's story.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Treaty Grounds with local specialist
Landmarks/POIs Bay of Islands Treaty Grounds - Day 6
Bay of Islands
You have a completely free day to explore on your own terms. Your Travel Director can help arrange optional day trips if you want them: you could visit Cape Reinga at the far north via Ninety Mile Beach, check out the Hole in the Rock, or head to Russell to learn more about how the Bay of Islands was settled. It's entirely your choice.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Day trip to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach
- Day trip to Hole in the Rock
- Historical tour of Russell
Landmarks/POIs Cape Reinga Ninety Mile Beach Hole in the Rock Russell - Day 7
Whangarei to Auckland
Head to Whangarei, New Zealand's northernmost city, where galleries and museums show off both the region's natural side and its progressive culture. The Hundertwasser Arts Centre is worth checking out, and you can explore the city at your own pace. Later, you'll board the coach for the scenic drive back to Auckland. Tonight there's drinks and dinner to celebrate your trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Celebration dinner with drinks)
Included Activities
- Explore Whangarei at leisure
- Drinks and dinner in Auckland
Optional Activities
- Visit Hundertwasser Arts Centre
Landmarks/POIs Whangarei Hundertwasser Arts Centre - Day 8
Departure
You'll depart Auckland today, heading home. After a week of experiencing New Zealand's natural landscapes, geothermal features, Māori culture, and iconic scenery, there's plenty to reflect on during your journey.
