1
Welcome to Wellington - the Arts Capital
‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!
Upon arrival at Wellington Airport you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening, join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception, followed by dinner.
Meals: Dinner with wine
Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights
2
Wellington - Our Cool Little Capital
Today see Wellington your way! Perhaps visit Weta Workshop, home to the creative wizards behind ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies or learn about New Zealand history and culture on a visit to Te Papa - Museum of New Zealand. Your Journey Director can assist in booking your optional experience.
Suggested outings in and around Wellington.
National Museum - Te Papa | Visit Cuba Street | Weta Workshop Tour |
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve | Carter Observatory |
Meals: Breakfast
3
Wellington to Hawkes Bay
Travel past the dairy farms of the Manawatu through to Napier in Hawkes Bay. Relax after the days adventures - take a wander in the picturesque village of Havelock North, before joining your group for Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Local Dining Experience
Accommodation: Porters Boutique Hotel - 2 Nights
4
Napier Hawkes Bay
Enjoy a relaxed start before we venture out to explore the Hawkes Bay region. Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide a fascinating commentary as you are driven in style, through Art Deco Napier and surrounding areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city, hear stories of the people that led the rebuild, and discover the Art Deco style. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
5
Rotorua - the Cultural and Geothermal Centre
You'll travel past Lake Taupo and the Huka Falls before continuing on to cultural Rotorua for a sightseeing visit. Visit Whakarewarewa Living Village, where oyou will meet the local 'iwi' - people and learn about their special bond with this land. This evening enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi dinner, a meal cooked in the ground using geothermal steam. See the Hangi pit and savour the unique flavours that the Maori have enjoyed for hundreds of years.
TOUR CHANGES FROM 1 APRIL 2024
Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua. This afternoon you will have a guided cultural eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Armed with a packed lunch and with your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rainforest on a guided cultural walking tour, including Rongoa trail, rakau rangatira, history, possibly sight some native and endangered birds, whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end.
Meals: Breakfast, Local Dining Experience
Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights
6
Rotorua
Ascending to the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 115-year-old redwood giants and the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. Next stop is Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a behind-the-scenes look at the National Kiwi Hatchery. Tonight, an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at Te Puia. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art forms and traditions, followed by a cultural performance. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground in the traditional way.
Meals: Breakfast, Local Dining Experience
7
Auckland
Begin your day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld Waitomo. Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel through the dairy farming district of Waikato, and onto Auckland. Tonight, Toast your trip together tonight at a Celebration Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Celebration Dinner
Accommodation: Sofitel - 1 Night
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Farewell Auckland
Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast, time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Haere rā and Bon Voyage!
We are sure you enjoyed this tour of New Zealand and our promise to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full 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
What Emma says about this tour: I recommend this trip to guests wanting a smaller group, with luxury transport and accommodation. The insights into kiwi culture and history are complemented by the sea and lake cruises, caving and exploring the natural environment.
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