2020/2021 Auckland > Wellington

Myth and legend come alive

The North Island is a wonderland of history, culture and myth. From ancient M-aori legends to the beginnings of European settlement, there are a host of intriguing stories to unearth during your time here.

The vibrant city of Auckland bids you kia ora. Spend time sailing its beautiful harbour, walking the black sand beaches of the west coast or taking in the sights on a city tour, before travelling towards the Bay of Islands. Here you’ll find T-ane Mahuta, a 2,000-year-old kauri tree, and enjoy the sweeping sunset over Hokianga Bay. Visit the significant Waitangi Treaty Grounds before heading to Rotorua. Known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, it also showcases captivating M-aori culture. The magnificent Art Deco town of Napier awaits before you end your journey in the national capital Wellington. You’ll leave no stone unturned during this quest for the essence of the North Island.

Tour Code:: NEI
Duration:: 12 days
Departure City:: Auckland
Return City:: Wellington

Selected Itinerary

12 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Auckland

Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland for your two night Special Stay. Celebrate the wonder of New Zealand at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Auckland

Freechoice

Sail on an authentic America’s Cup yacht or explore the wine and cuisine of Waiheke Island. Alternatively, take a leisurely harbour cruise, discover the black sand beaches of the West Coast, or join a small group sightseeing tour of Auckland.

Freechoice Dining

Choose between a sunset dinner yacht cruise, Orbit 360 at Sky City, or dinner at the hotel’s Grand Millennium Brasserie.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Auckland > Omapere

Travel north towards the Bay of Islands and visit the Kauri Museum to learn about the history of the local pioneers.

Enrich

The sense of awe you feel as you see the mighty Tãne Mahuta kauri tree for the first time is unforgettable. Listen to stories from your Mãori guide about the ‘Lord of the Forest’.

Sundowners

Watch the sunset on Hokianga Bay with a drink on the terrace of your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Omapere > Paihia

Freechoice

Take a lunch cruise or enjoy a ferry ride to Russell, the birthplace of European settlement in New Zealand. Alternatively, cruise to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the Hole in the Rock (weather permitting), or join a Taste of the Bay tour.

Spend the next two nights in Paihia.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Paihia

Enrich

Journey to the top of New Zealand – Cape Reinga – and enjoy the thrill of travelling along Ninety Mile Beach.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Paihia > Auckland

This morning discover Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Mãori guide.

Enrich

Be entertained by an authentic Mãori cultural performance inside the meeting house.

Return to your hotel in Auckland for a one-night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Auckland > Rotorua

Visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set before arriving in Rotorua, home of Mãori culture and bubbling mud pools. Later, visit the National Kiwi Trust, before your two night stay in Rotorua.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 - Rotorua

Be amazed by Rotorua’s geothermal activity during a visit to Te Puia.

Freechoice

Witness a sheep show, take an amphibious duck tour or relax in the geothermal pools. Alternatively, enjoy the view from Skyline Rotorua while wine tasting. Tonight, immerse yourself in Mãori traditions at an authentic h-a ngi dinner.

Optional flight - Take a floatplane flight over Mt Tarawera (additional expense, please book prior to departure).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Rotorua > Napier

Witness the force of nature at Huka Falls before visiting magnificent Lake Taupo. Enjoy an overnight stay in the home of Art Deco, Napier.

Enrich

Meet the makers at a special wine tasting and dinner at Mission Estate Winery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Napier > Wellington

Freechoice

Take a walking tour of Napier’s Art Deco buildings, view the famous landmarks of Napier during a vintage car tour or discover a diverse range of aquatic animals and wildlife at the National Aquarium.

Continue to Wellington for a two-night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Wellington

Explore Wellington’s sights on your city tour before visiting the National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa.

Enrich

Take an in-depth journey of Te Papa to discover the treasures and stories of New Zealand, told with authority and passion, before delighting in kapu ti – a hot drink and traditionally inspired food.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12 - Wellington

It’s time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand.

Meals Included: Breakfast