Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive at Auckland Airport and get transferred to your hotel. There's a welcome meeting scheduled for 6 pm, then dinner with the group at a local bistro featuring New Zealand producers. If your flight gets in early, you can check out the All Blacks interactive experience to learn about New Zealand rugby history.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner at a local bistro in the heart of Auckland city, championing New Zealand producers)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner at local bistro in Auckland city center
Optional Activities
- All Blacks interactive experience - learn about New Zealand rugby heritage and the famous black jersey
Landmarks Auckland 
- Day 2
Waiheke Island
Ferry takes you from Auckland to Waiheke Island, known for its sandy beaches and local wine scene. You'll spend the day at two different wineries, learning how they produce their wines and tasting what they have to offer. Lunch is included on the island, and you'll get time for scenic drives with good photo spots. The ferry back to Auckland leaves in the late afternoon, leaving your evening free to wander around the city.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on Waiheke Island)
Included Activities
- Ferry to Waiheke Island from Auckland
- Visits to two wineries with wine tasting
- Lunch on Waiheke Island
- Scenic drives on Waiheke Island
- Ferry return to Auckland
Landmarks Waiheke Island - Day 3
Hobbiton - Rotorua
After breakfast, you'll drive to Waitomo Glow Worm Caves for a tour of Ruakuri Cave with a local guide. You descend a spiral entrance to see limestone formations, underground waterfalls, and glowing worms. From there, head to Hobbiton for a guided tour of the Lord of the Rings movie set, walk through Hobbit holes, and grab a drink and pie at the Green Dragon Inn. Later you'll travel on to Rotorua for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Waitomo Glow Worm Caves - Ruakuri Cave tour with local expert
- Hobbiton - Guided tour of Lord of the Rings movie set
- Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon Inn
Landmarks Waitomo Glow Worm Caves Ruakuri Cave Hobbiton Movie Set Green Dragon Inn - Day 4
Rotorua
Your morning is free to either relax at the Polynesian Spa or try the Redwoods Treetop Walkway if you want something more active. In the evening, you'll head to Te Pa Tu Tamaki Maori Village for a cultural experience led by local Maori hosts. They'll walk you through Maori warfare concepts, rituals, and stories, then you'll have a three-course dinner in a forest amphitheatre with performances including haka, song, and drama.
- Meals
- Dinner (Three-course hangi feast at Te Pā Tū Tamaki Māori Village forest amphitheatre with performances featuring haka, song and drama)
Included Activities
- Te Pā Tū Tamaki Māori Village - guided cultural experience with local expert
- Tamaki Māori Village - three-course hangi dinner
Optional Activities
- Polynesian Spa - NZD75 from
- Redwoods Treetop Walkway - NZD39
Landmarks Te Pā Tū Tamaki Māori Village Polynesian Spa Redwoods Treetop Walkway 
- Day 5
Rotorua to Taupo
You'll drive from Rotorua to Taupo, which sits on the shores of New Zealand's largest lake. Along the way, stop at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland to walk through geothermal areas and volcanic features, including the country's largest mud pool and colorful bubbling pools. The rest of your day is open. Your leader can tell you about sustainable sailing and cruising options on the lake if you're interested in heading out this afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland - guided walk through geothermal features
Optional Activities
- Lake Taupo sustainable sailing and cruising options - NZD69
Landmarks Lake Taupo Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland - Day 6
Tongariro National Park
You'll explore Tongariro National Park, which is both spiritually important and naturally beautiful. Your leader will take you on a two-hour scenic walk to Taranaki Falls, an impressive 20-meter cascade dropping over volcanic cliffs. After that, head to your accommodation at Powderhorn Hotel, located in the mountain village at the base of Mt Ruapehu.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tongariro National Park - guided scenic two-hour walk to Taranaki Falls
- Sky Waka Gondola ride to summit of Mt Ruapehu
Landmarks Tongariro National Park Taranaki Falls Mt Ruapehu 
- Day 7
Tongariro to Wellington
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's trendy capital city. Once you've settled in, board a private catamaran for an evening cruise around Wellington Harbour to get a feel for the city. After about an hour you'll return to shore, then meet the group for dinner at a waterfront restaurant, giving you a chance to talk about your North Island experiences.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Wellington)
Included Activities
- Private catamaran evening cruise around Wellington Harbour
Landmarks Wellington Harbour - Day 8
Wellington
Your North Island adventure ends after breakfast. If you want to stay longer in Wellington, contact your booking agent ahead of time to arrange more accommodation. Otherwise, think about combining this trip with Premium New Zealand South Island for a complete New Zealand experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Additional accommodation in Wellington - arrange in advance with booking agent
- Extension combining Premium New Zealand South Island tour
