North Island Highlights Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland! Enjoy a seamless airport transfer and settle into the vibrant “City of Sails.” Spend the day at leisure exploring the city before visiting the iconic Sky Tower for spectacular 360° views across Auckland’s harbours and surrounding landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Sky Tower admission
• Explore at your leisure
• 3 nights in Auckland

Suggested Accommodation: 

Cruise across the harbour to beautiful Waiheke Island for a full-day guided wine experience. Visit three of the island’s premier vineyards, enjoy curated tastings, and learn about the island’s history, culture, and winemaking traditions. 

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Return Waiheke Island ferry
• Guided boutique winery tastings 
  
   

Enjoy a free day to discover more of Auckland. Explore the waterfront, local markets, parks, galleries, volcanic viewpoints, or simply relax and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Explore Auckland with ease on a walking tour through the city centre, led by a knowledgeable local guide and tailored to your interests.

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your perfect New Zealand escape.

Travel north along the scenic Hibiscus Coast to Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands. This subtropical paradise is famous for its turquoise waters, island-dotted bays, rich maritime history, and abundant wildlife.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic coach journey to Paihia
• Dolphin & whale viewing cruise experience
• Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett Lighthouse
• Otehei Bay stopover
• 2 nights in Paihia

Suggested Accommodation: 

Journey to the northern tip of New Zealand on a full-day adventure to Cape Reinga. Discover the vast expanse of Ninety Mile Beach, and learn about the region’s Māori history and cultural significance.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Full-day guided coach tour
• Cape Reinga Lighthouse & Ninety Mile Beach
• Te Paki Sand Dunes

Travel by coach through Northland’s scenic countryside back to Auckland. This evening, enjoy a memorable harbour dinner cruise, taking in spectacular skyline views as you dine on the sparkling waters of Waitematā Harbour.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Dinner
• Coach journey to Auckland
• Harbour dinner cruise
• 1 night in Auckland

Suggested Accommodation:

Travel through the Waikato region to the famous Waitomo Caves before continuing to the world-renowned Hobbiton Movie Set. Explore the picturesque film location before arriving in Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal and cultural heartland.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Coach journey to Rotorua via Waitomo & Hobbiton
• Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour 
• Guided tour of the Waitomo glow worm caves
• 2 nights in Rotorua

Suggested Accommodation: 

Spend the afternoon exploring Rotorua’s unique combination of Māori culture and geothermal activity on a half-day guided tour. See the impressive Pōhutu Geyser, discover traditional carving and weaving schools, and enjoy scenic views of the region’s volcanic lakes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Guided Te Puia geothermal tour
• Māori cultural and heritage experiences
• Pōhutu Geyser 
• Explore at your leisure

Travel through the heart of the North Island, passing geothermal landscapes, rolling farmland, and views of Lake Taupō before arriving in the sunny Hawke’s Bay region, home to the charming Art Deco city of Napier.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic coach journey to Napier
• Lake Taupō 
• Explore at your leisure
• 2 nights in Napier

Suggested Accommodation: 

Discover the flavours of Hawke’s Bay on a guided half-day wine tour, visiting several renowned wineries and enjoying tastings along with expert insights into the winemaking process.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Guided Hawke’s Bay wine tour
• Premium wine & cheese tasting 
• Explore at your leisure

Travel to Wellington, known as the filmmaking capital of New Zealand. Famous for bringing some of the world’s most iconic films to life, the city combines cinematic history with a thriving arts and culture scene.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Coach journey to Wellington
• Explore at your leisure
• 3 nights in Wellington

Make it yours:
Time permitting, discover the imagination and craftsmanship behind world-famous films such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar during an immersive experience at Wētā Workshop Unleashed.

Suggested Accommodation: 

Join a guided day tour to Kapiti Island, one of New Zealand’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. Explore this predator-free reserve with expert guides, learn about conservation efforts, and spot rare native birdlife in its natural habitat.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Light breakfast, lunch
• Return transfers & ferry crossings
• Kapiti Island guided nature & wildlife tour
• Takahe, Kereru & Kaka spotting opportunities

Experience Wellington’s renowned food and beverage scene on a private guided culinary tour. Enjoy coffee, artisan chocolate, lunch, gelato, harbour viewpoints, and a craft beer tasting while discovering the capital’s vibrant neighbourhoods.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Privately guided foodie & sightseeing tour
• Coffee roastery & artisan chocolate tasting
• Fortune Favours craft beer

Enjoy a final morning in Wellington before your transfer to the airport. Reflect on your journey through New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, vibrant cities, rich Māori culture, and world-class food and wine experiences.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a journey to Aotearoa, New Zealand that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.