North Island Highlights Itinerary

Relax into your holiday with a seamless airport transfer, free time to explore Auckland, and breathtaking 360° views from the iconic Sky Tower.

Make the most of some free leisure time in the 'City of Sails' - simply relax or take this opportunity to explore the many sights of Auckland before an included visit up the iconic Sky Tower. For over 25 years, the Auckland Skytower has been the focal point of this beautiful harbour city. The magnificent 328m high structure rises up out of the land to delight locals and visitors alike. Experience incredible 360° views of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) , taking in ancient volcanoes, sparkling sunlit harbours and beyond.

Accommodation: Auckland - 3 Nights

Enjoy a full-day Waiheke Island experience with return ferry transfers from Auckland City, combining scenic beauty, local insight, and premium hospitality. Travel across the harbour by ferry before exploring the island with a knowledgeable guide, who shares engaging commentary on Waiheke’s history, geography, culture, and community. Visit three of the island’s top vineyards and enjoy curated tastings of locally produced wines. Continue with a relaxed scenic drive between locations, soaking in coastal views. Conclude your day with a delicious lunch and beverage at Three Seven Two on Onetangi Beach, before your return ferry to Auckland City.

Included Meals: Lunch

Auckland offers a mix of urban life and natural beauty. You can explore parks and green spaces for picnics and leisurely strolls, or enjoy the waterfront while taking in scenic views. Local markets and community events reflect the city's diverse culture, and various walking trails lead to viewpoints that connect you with nature. For a change of pace, nearby islands offer tranquil beaches and lush landscapes to discover. Engaging with the local art scene through street art and galleries provides insight into the city's creative spirit. With a range of opportunities to relax and explore, there's much to discover.

Today you will board a coach and follow the beautiful Hibiscus Coast until you arrive at the Bay of Islands. The ‘Bay’ encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, a maritime adventure playground with an abundance of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlin, whales, gannets and more. Many of the islands here have walking tracks and have regular ferry’s to get you there. On land, enjoy beautiful river and seaside walking tracks or encounter the mighty Kauri Tree in pristine subtropical rainforest.

Accommodation: Paihia - 2 Nights

The Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach tour is a full-day journey through New Zealand’s Far North, showcasing dramatic coastal scenery and rich cultural heritage. Travel in comfort with an informative guide who shares stories of Māori traditions, local history, and unique landscapes. Visit Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, and take in sweeping views of the coastline. Explore the vast expanse of Ninety Mile Beach, known for its striking scale and natural beauty, making for an unforgettable Northland experience.

Included Meals: Lunch

Today you will depart the beautiful Bay of Islands aboard a comfortable coach, travelling south through rolling countryside and coastal scenery toward Auckland. Along the way, enjoy insightful commentary on the regions you pass, with opportunities to relax and take in the changing landscapes. Arriving in Auckland, your day continues on the water with an evening Auckland Harbour cruise. Soak up stunning city skyline views at sunset while enjoying a delicious dinner, creating the perfect end to a scenic and memorable journey.

Included Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Experience a full-day journey across New Zealand’s North Island, blending natural beauty with an in-depth visit to a world-famous film location. Depart Auckland and travel through the lush Waikato countryside with engaging commentary from your guide. Discover the remarkable Waitomo Caves before continuing to Hobbiton Movie Set. Here, enjoy an extended guided tour through the expansive set, wandering past detailed Hobbit Holes, gardens, and village scenes while learning behind-the-scenes stories from the films. Finish your day in Rotorua.

Included Meals: Lunch

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Spend the afternoon immersed in Rotorua’s rich Māori culture and geothermal wonders. Begin with a guided tour of Te Puia, home to traditional carving and weaving schools, an art gallery, a marae, a kiwi house, and the spectacular Pōhutu Geyser. Head to the Lakefront to view the Māori War Canoe and learn more about local history and customs. Stop at Kuirau Park to see a recent geothermal eruption site. End the day exploring serene volcanic lakes with views of Mount Tarawera, gaining insight into both volcanic activity and Māori heritage.

Travel by comfortable coach from Rotorua to Napier on a scenic journey through the heart of the North Island. Departing Rotorua, pass geothermal landscapes before travelling through rolling farmland and forested hills. Continue toward Taupō, enjoying views of Lake Taupō and volcanic terrain as you pass through this central region. Relax onboard with large windows showcasing ever-changing scenery as the landscape gradually transitions toward the drier, sun-soaked Hawke’s Bay. Along the way, enjoy informative commentary and convenient rest stops before arriving in Napier, known for its coastal setting, art deco charm, and distinctive atmosphere.

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

Discover the flavours of Hawke’s Bay on a relaxed afternoon wine tour through one of New Zealand’s most renowned wine regions. Travel through scenic countryside to visit three or four internationally recognised wineries, enjoying guided tastings of premium local wines. A delicious cheeseboard is included, enhancing the experience as you sample a variety of styles. With convenient door-to-door service within Napier, the journey is seamless from start to finish. A friendly guide shares insights into the region, winemaking techniques, and local vineyards, creating a memorable and immersive tasting experience in the heart of Hawke’s Bay.

Travel by comfortable coach from Napier to Wellington on a scenic journey through the lower North Island. Departing Napier, enjoy views of coastal plains and vineyards before heading inland through rolling farmland and rugged hill country. Relax onboard with panoramic windows as the landscape shifts from Hawke’s Bay’s open spaces to the dramatic Tararua Ranges. Along the way, benefit from informative commentary and scheduled rest stops to stretch and refresh. Arriving in Wellington, you’ll descend into the vibrant capital city, set around a stunning harbour and surrounded by hills, marking a dynamic end to your journey.

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Embark on a captivating journey to the iconic Kapiti Island, a predator-free sanctuary teeming with native wildlife and lush forests. Your journey begins with a shuttle transfer from Wellington to Paraparaumu Beach, where you'll enjoy a light breakfast and coffee at a local café. From there, a ferry will take you across to Kapiti Island where you will explore the island with knowledgeable guides who will share its rich history, conservation efforts, and unique flora and fauna. Spot rare bird species like the takahe, kereru, and kaka, and enjoy stunning views of the Kapiti Coast.

Included Meals: Light Breakfast, Lunch

Start your private guided tour with a visit to a Wellington coffee roastery, where you’ll see the coffee-making process and enjoy a tasting. Continue to Baron Hasselhoff’s in Berhampore, an award-winning chocolatier, for artisan chocolate sampling. For lunch, select either Spanish tapas at Avida or Italian dishes at La Bella Italia. Afterwards, enjoy award-winning gelato at Zelati Dessert Café. The journey then continues with a scenic drive around Oriental Bay, Mt Victoria, and the Eastern Bays, taking in harbour views and city highlights. Finish the day with a refreshing craft beer at Fortune Favours, a popular inner-city brewery.

Included Meals: Lunch

Haere rā! Goodbye and Bon Voyage! It is time to say farewell to New Zealand. 

This morning you will be transferred from Wellington to Wellington Airport for your international flight home. If time allows before departure, enjoy some last-minute shopping, a relaxed café stop, or a final stroll along the waterfront and boutique precincts. Take in the harbour views one last time as you reflect on your journey through New Zealand. Your included airport transfer ensures a smooth, comfortable, and stress-free connection, providing a seamless end to your travel experience.