Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland and have time to explore the two harbours at your own pace. Grab a drink by the waterfront and settle into the city before your Travel Director welcomes everyone this evening with a tour briefing and drinks.
Optional Activities
- Explore Auckland's two harbours at leisure
- Visit waterfront precincts
- Wine tasting with local Waiheke reds
Landmarks/POIs Auckland Harbours - Day 2
Auckland to Bay of Islands
Head north toward the Bay of Islands, where 140 islands dot turquoise waters. Your local guide takes you to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about the 1840 treaty signing. You'll see the world's largest ceremonial war canoe and walk through the carved meeting house while learning about the historical importance of the site.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Cultural performance and viewing of world's largest ceremonial war canoe
- Visit to carved meeting house
Landmarks/POIs Waitangi Treaty Grounds Bay of Islands - Day 3
Bay of Islands
This day offers choices depending on what interests you. Travel to Cape Reinga at New Zealand's northern tip via scenic Ninety Mile Beach, take a cruise among the 144 islands with lunch and a visit to the hole in the rock, or join a Russell tour to learn more about the Bay of Islands' early settlement history.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua via Ninety Mile Beach
- Scenic cruise among 144 islands with lunch and visit to hole in the rock
- Tour of Russell and Bay of Islands history
Landmarks/POIs Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua Ninety Mile Beach Hole in the Rock Russell - Day 4
Bay of Islands to Whangarei to Auckland
Travel to Whangarei, the country's northernmost city, where quirky galleries and museums blend natural and cultural displays. You'll have time to check out the area at your leisure before heading back to Auckland for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Whangarei, NZ's northernmost city
Optional Activities
- Explore quirky galleries and museums in Whangarei
Landmarks/POIs Whangarei - Day 5
Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves
Start with an Auckland city sights tour, then drive to Waitomo Caves where thousands of glowworms light up the underground waterways. Later, continue to Rotorua to see geothermal attractions with bubbling mud and steaming geysers. By evening, experience Maori culture at Te Po Indigenous Experience, which includes a cultural performance, views of Pohutu Geyser, and a hangi-inspired buffet dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Hāngī-inspired buffet dinner at Te Puia)
Included Activities
- City sights tour of Auckland
- Guided tour of Waitomo Caves including glowworm cruise
- Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia - guided tour and cultural performance
- Viewing of Pohutu Geyser
- Hāngī-inspired buffet dinner at Te Puia
Landmarks/POIs Waitomo Caves Waikato River Rotorua Geothermal Area Te Puia Pohutu Geyser Te Aronui a Rua Meeting House - Day 6
Rotorua
Rotorua is yours to explore at your own pace with tips from your Travel Director. You can relax at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, or head out to Hobbiton to tour the Lord of the Rings filming locations set in the countryside.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa visit
- Hobbiton tour - Lord of the Rings filming locations
Landmarks/POIs Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa Hobbiton Movie Set - Day 7
Rotorua to Wellington
See Huka Falls where 220,000 litres of water drop 11 metres every second. Take in the panoramic views of vivid blue Lake Taupo, then traverse the Kapiti Coast en route to Wellington. Ask your Travel Director for dining suggestions once you arrive in the capital.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Viewing of Huka Falls from panoramic viewpoint
- Sightseeing views of Lake Taupo
- Traverse Kapiti Coast
Landmarks/POIs Huka Falls Lake Taupo Kapiti Coast - Day 8
Wellington
Start with coffee at one of Wellington's famous cafes before your city sights tour. After saying goodbye to your New Zealand crew, you can depart or, if time allows, visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, to learn more about Maori culture and history.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- City sights tour of Wellington
Optional Activities
- Visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand - Māori culture (entrance fee applies)
Landmarks/POIs Te Papa Tongarewa - Museum of New Zealand
