Itinerary
This is a 11 day small group tour that travels the North Island of New Zealand, starting in Auckland and finishing in Wellington.
Haere mai – welcome! Arrive into Auckland where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure exploring the ‘City of Sails’.
Travel north via Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge visiting the Reed Memorial Park. Here walk along an elevated canopy walkway through a remnant of the original kauri forests – some kauri trees are known to be at least 500 years old. Take in the picturesque Whangārei Falls formed more than 2 million years ago, before continuing to the Bay of Islands, a stunning region of 144 sub-tropical islands scattered through warm shallow waters and bays abundant in natural wonders and marine life.
Regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is rich in both Māori culture and early European history. You are welcomed to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, to learn the story of Waitangi including the signing of the 1840 treaty between Māori tribes and British settlers; the magnificent meeting house; the interactive and contemporary museum; and the war canoe (waka). Next, take a ferry to the seaside village of Russell spending the next two nights at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel.
Today you have the choice of two excursions:
a) Discover the Far North of New Zealand
Journey along the magnificent 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga the very tip of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea collides with the Pacific Ocean. This full day tour includes a picnic lunch.
b) Enjoy a Hole in the Rock cruise
On the way to the Cape Brett Lighthouse, now hold your breath as the skipper skilfully navigates through the famous Hole in the Rock and into Grand Cathedral Cave (conditions permitting). Return to Russell to meet a local guide for an insight into this historic town’s rip-roaring past!
Head south through rural towns and past delightful beaches before arriving in Auckland; New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city to enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘City of Sails’ including panoramic views from Bastion Point; trendy Parnell Village; the lovely bays of the waterfront drive; and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area. Also enjoy a guided tour of the Auckland Museum which gives an excellent introduction to the artistic legacy and cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific.
Travel across the fertile Hauraki Plains to Thames then head up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. This coastal drive is quite spectacular and on a clear day, keep an eye out for the SkyTower which can be seen across the Firth of Thames. Visit the nearby Driving Creek Railway climbing 120m on a narrow-gauge line to the ‘EyeFull’ Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and back over the Hauraki Gulf. Drive east across the Peninsula through beautiful scenery to reach the resort of Whitianga on Mercury Bay.
White cliffs, golden beaches, inviting turquoise waters and green forests are the colours of the Coromandel, with scarlet highlights courtesy of the flowers of Pōhutukawa trees in summer, making this one of our favourite regions. Rightly famous is Hot Water Beach, where warm springs bubble up through the sand, and when the tide is right you can dig out your very own ‘spa’ pool for a wallow in the warm waters. Take a walk along the beautiful sandy beach at Hahei appreciating the breathtaking coastal scenery. Also visit Cooks Beach – named after Captain James Cook who sailed on the HMS Endeavour into Mercury Bay in 1769 – famous for its long golden sandy beach which is now a popular retreat for Kiwis during summer months.
From Cooks Beach you can choose to catch the short ferry ride back to Whitianga and walk to your accommodation or travel back with your driver.
Taking the Pacific Coast Highway through the beachside towns of Whangamatā and Tauranga in the beautiful Bay of Plenty before turning inland to visit a well-formed bushwalk with scenic lookouts over Okere Falls. Rotorua is the epicentre, not only of New Zealand’s geothermal activity but of Māori heritage. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without including Te Puia, not only an active geothermal site, but the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts and a Kiwi conservation project.
At Te Puia it’s part of their culture to welcome, guide, entertain, and treat you like part of the family and you are treated to a private guide throughout your time here.
Today you have the choice of two excursions:
a) Visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Site of the eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886 the devasting eruption buried local Māori villages and destroyed the world-famous ‘Pink and White’ silica terraces, once considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. This catastrophic event changed the landscape forever and created the valley you can now walk through, past boiling craters and jewel-coloured steaming lakes. Take a cruise across Lake Rotomahana to the site of the old silica terraces, hear the story of Guide Sophia and see the new terraces of silica slowly forming.
b) Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set
Visit the delightful setting for The Shire that featured in Peter Jackson’s films, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit film series. Your Hobbiton guide will escort you through the ten-acre site recounting fascinating details of how the movie set was created. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, The Millhouse and other structures created for the films can be viewed, and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.
This evening visit Tamaki Māori Village for Te Pā Tū. The evening experience and feast is aligned to and changes with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Feast on Māori song, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) amidst towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. Hākari (feasting) begins with forest horotai (canapes) and culminates in a lavish 4-course fusion feast. Hāngī is featured in varied seasonal menus designed by Māori chefs served to table, al fresco when warm, or in the wharekai (dining room) if cooler.
During summer months, Tū Te Rā celebrates harvest and concepts concerning ancient Māori warfare and peace. Over winter months, Tū Te Ihi celebrates the Matariki star cluster with mystical ritual, energy, and passion. Return hotel transfers included – other travellers will be on board.
Visit the powerful Huka Falls then view the vast Lake Taupō – more inland sea than lake, though its fresh waters teem with trout. Across the lake stands the mighty volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro within the Tongariro National Park. Onto Napier to view one of the world’s most complete examples of Art Deco architecture, second (arguably) only to Miami Beach. This joyful seaside town had a tragic birth, being virtually levelled by fierce fires that followed the devastating 1931 earthquake.
Napier was rebuilt in the most up-to-date style of the time, which today is referred to as Art Deco. This afternoon our local guide brings history and architecture alive with entertaining stories as you discover Napier on foot. Today’s journey has brought us to the North Island’s wine country, so this evening’s treat is dinner at New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate, where you enjoy dinner in the restored seminary buildings with sweeping views of Napier.
Travel through the vineyards and orchards of Hawke’s Bay and the bush-clad ranges of the Wairarapa into New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. On arrival view New Zealand’s magnificent Parliament Buildings including the iconic ‘Beehive’ building. From the Kelburn lookout take the Wellington Cable Car down into the central city precinct before visiting Te Papa Museum, featuring New Zealand insights; the shaping of its land, the spirit of its diverse peoples, its unique wildlife, landscapes and its distinctive popular culture.
Haere rā – farewell from New Zealand. After breakfast you are transferred to the Wellington Airport for your return home, taking with you your fond memories of your time in New Zealand. Alternatively, should you wish to extend your stay, we can assist you with additional travel arrangements.
