Wellington - 'Our Cool Little Capital'
‘Haere Mai’ … welcome to New Zealand. Now you can relax - you are officially on holiday.
Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Wellington. Located in at the southernmost end of New Zealand's North Island, Wellington is the nation’s capital city. A magnificent landscape of steep sided hills sits beside a beautiful harbour, and the city itself bustles with a vibrant creative culture. Renowned for its eclectic, arty atmosphere, Wellington is a real kiwi cultural treat and numerous galleries and character-filled shops line its colourful streets.
Visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand and explore the fascinating exhibits. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception in the evening.
Accommodation: Wellington - 1 night
Tongariro National Park / Rotorua
Your special packed lunch today won’t only be wholesome, it will also feed a Kiwi child who may otherwise go without, through the charity ‘Eat My Lunch’. From the Kapiti Coast head inland for views of Mt. Ruapehu and the plains of Tongariro National Park . Drive along the shore of Lake Taupo, and stop to view Huka Falls before continuing to Rotorua. A very entertaining cultural experience awaits you at the Tamaki Māori Village. Experience a powerful Haka challenge, witness a concert showcasing Māori culture, and dine at a traditional Māori Hangi feast Highlight Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Highlight Dinner
Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights
Explore Rotorua at your own pace
Today is a free day for you to explore the interesting attractions Rotorua is famous for. Not far away is Rainbow Springs, learn about native flora and fauna, including seeing the famous Kiwi bird. Or go on the Skyline Gondola to see the superb views over Rotorua city its lake and surrounding mountains. There are geothermal vents and signs of activity all over the city - walk down to the lakefront and enjoy.
Today is a free day for you to explore.
Meals: Breakfast
Glowworms & The City of Sails
Descending into the fertile plains of the Waikato we stop at the Waitomo. Here, a magnificent natural light display twinkles in an underground labyrinth of limestone cave formations. We experience the magical Glow Worm Grotto on a boat before strolling through the intriguing cave systems before making our way to Auckland.
The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. Relax you are on holiday, take time to stroll around the Viaduct Harbour, sit in a cafe and enjoy your surroundings - this is a friendly easygoing city.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night
Journey North to the Bay of Islands
Your journey north to New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is not short of drama – discover 140 droplets of land ringed by turquoise sea at the top of the country. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical secret: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. Your guide, likely an ancestor of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation Bay of Islands - 2 nights
A Day of Leisure
Today is a free day to explore. Why not visit historic Russell, only a 10 minute ferry ride away, Russell is a favourite destination for holidaying New Zealanders, with outstanding beaches and opportunities for boating. Settle in and enjoy while indulging in a fine dining experience at one of the seafront restaurants in Russell.
Excursions available if you want to get 'Out and About' are:
Meals: Breakfast
Bay of Islands – Auckland
After time at leisure this morning, depart the Bay of Islands. Then, walk among the Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park. Relax as you make your way down Northland’s lush farmland scenery into Auckland. Take an orientation tour of the city before joining your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night
Tour Inclusions
Highlights
- Explore Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand
- Breathtaking views over Wellington from Mt. Victoria
- Discover New Zealand’s capital Wellington on a city tour
- Journey through spectacular scenery of Tongariro National Park
- Marvel at crystal clear Lake Taupo
- View mighty Huka Falls
- Experience farm life at the Agrodome Farm Show
- Immerse yourself in Maori culture at a Hangi & concert
- Explore ancient limestone caves
- Discover the fascinating Glowworm Grotto at Waitomo Caves
- Explore Auckland’s city sights
- Relax in the Bay of Islands
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tour / /
Inclusions
- Comfortable accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
Dining
- 7 Full Buffet Breakfasts
- 1 Lunch
- 2 Dinners
- 1 Highlight dinner
- 1 Farewell Dinner
