9 Day North Island Explorer: Auckland to Wellington

Auckland - Bay of Islands

Depart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Mãori tribes and the British Government in 1840.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Bay of Islands

Today is a free day to explore the stunning Bay of Islands. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader will be on hand to assist with the many optional activities available including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach, a spectacular scenic flight over the crystal-clear turquoise waters found in the Bay of Islands or a tour of historic Russell. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Bay of Islands - Auckland

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Return to Paihia and travel south via Whangarei to Auckland. This afternoon includes a visit to Sky Tower at leisure, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions. This evening is also free to explore the many eateries surrounding your hotel.

Accommodation: SkyCity Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Auckland - Rotorua

Today enjoy a city sights tour of Auckland. Continue through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. This is followed by a guided tour of the Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will recount details of how this beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle Earth. 

Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rotorua

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Mãori cultural performance which features the graceful poi dance and ferocious haka. This is followed by a Hãngi feast prepared in the traditional way, over hot coals and buried in the ground.

Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Rotorua - Napier - Masterton

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where a city tour will showcase an impressive collection of art deco buildings. Enjoy some free time to explore the fascinating architecture before travelling through the Wairarapa, an emerging cool-climate wine region.

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park Wairarapa

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Masterton - Greytown - Wellington

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Greytown to see the most complete example of original Victorian wooden architecture. Drive through the scenic Rimutaka Mountain Range into Wellington, enjoy a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (Executive Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Wellington

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Meals: Breakfast