Grand Pacific Tours - 8 Days Affordable North Island Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to Wellington!

Upon arrival in New Zealand's capital city you will be met by our friendly tour representative and transferred to your hotel. 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.

Depending what time you'll arrive, you will then have some time to explore the city of Wellington before meeting your travel companions for dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 nights 

Enjoy an extensive city tour of New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Visit our contempary national museum - Te Papa where fascinating exhibitions, interactive experiences and stories shed light on New Zealand’s colourful culture and history. The rest of the afternoon is yours, so take time to stroll along the fabulous waterfront and through the busy streets of this buzzing wee city or simply get lost admiring the heritage houses along one of the many improbably steep streets. You are spoilt for choice for places to dine this evening, so take your pick.

Suggested outings in and around Wellington.

Meals: Breakfast

Leaving the city behind, we travel through rolling farmland as we enter Thermal Explorer Highway guides us to the Central North Island and the largest body of fresh water in the Southern Hemisphere - Lake Taupo. We follow its shores south and climb up to the spectacular Desert Road in the Tongariro National Park where a dramatic alpine vista unfolds, crowned by the imposing volcanic peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngaruahoe. Stop to view the mighty Huka Falls and travel past massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture and famous for its geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming craters.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights (or similar)

The day begins with a Gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action packed hour of entertainment. Visit Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. Enjoy some free time this afternoon.

Tonight: This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

Meals: Breakfast & Specialty Dinner

This morning travel North to Auckland for a short stop, then continue via Whangarei to the heart of the Bay of Islands, a subtropical wonderland of secluded bays, islands and history - a coastal paradise.

This Afternoon: Enjoy an introduction to Waitangi, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Bay of Islands - 2 nights

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock.

The beaches in this region are considered some of the world's finest with their perfect white sand and crystal-clear water. Rich in culture, history and natural resources, Paihia is the place of friendly locals, happy cafes and people enjoying life, whether it is swimming with dolphins, taking in a spot of retail therapy, bush walking or just relaxing on the beach. The Bay of Islands, aptly named for the 144 islands located in the area, has plenty of recreational activities including sailing, fishing, swimming, diving, kayaing and more. Paihia is the perfect stepping stone to begin exploring this spectacular area.

 Excursions available around the Bay of Islands

Meals: Breakfast 

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening enjoy a final dinner with your new found friends.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night (or similar) *September and October departures will stay at the SkyCity Hotel

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. We know you enjoyed the 'New Zealand Taste of the North Island Tour' and our promise to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with lots of photos and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon.

Meals: Breakfast

8 Day Taste of the North Island

INCLUSIONS

PRE PAID ATTRACTIONS

• Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
• Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge Ride
• Agrodome
• Thermal mud pools & geysers*
• Traditional Maori Hangi & Concert
• Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
• Kauri Museum*
• City sights tour of Wellington & Auckland

*Guided tour is included with 1 guide per 24 travellers.

TOURING

• Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
• Return airport transfers in New Zealand
• Modern coach travel with 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
• Professional Coach Captain & Tour Guide
• 7 nights 3.5 star hotel accommodation
• 3 two night stays
• Hotel porterage
• 1 cruise
• All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
• GST (New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
• Comprehensive documentation pack 

MEALS

• 7 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
• 5 sumptuous dinners including 1 specialty dinner: Maori Hangi & Concert, Rotorua

Note: Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.