North Island Vines, Volcanoes & Coastlines Itinerary

Ease into your New Zealand holiday in Auckland, where sparkling harbours, vibrant waterfront precincts, and panoramic city views set the tone for the journey ahead.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Sky Tower admission
• Free time to explore Auckland
• 2 nights in Auckland

Suggested Accommodation: 

Cruise across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island, where boutique vineyards, coastal scenery, and gourmet dining create the perfect island escape.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, lunch
• Return Waiheke Island ferry
• Guided wine tour
• Vineyard tastings

Make it yours
Swap the winery tour for a private Heli Hike experience, Hauraki Golf Eco-Sailing Adventure, or guided walk. 

Travel north through rolling countryside to the Bay of Islands, where turquoise waters, Māori history, and island-dotted coastlines await.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds admission
• Guided cultural experience
• 2 nights in Paihia 

Make it yours:
Swap your cruise for a full day sailing tour through the islands, or upgrade to a scenic flight for a spectacular bird’s-eye perspective of this iconic coastal region. 

Approximate Distance: 232 kms | 145 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins 

Suggested Accommodation: 

Discover the spectacular Bay of Islands by water as you cruise past secluded islands, dramatic cliffs, and the famous Hole in the Rock.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic Hole in the Rock cruise
• Dolphin viewing
• Island stopover

Make it yours:
Swap your cruise for a full day sailing tour through the islands, or upgrade to a scenic flight for a spectacular bird’s-eye perspective of this iconic coastal region. 

Journey south through changing landscapes to the rugged west coast, where dramatic black sand beaches and peaceful coastal scenery offer a relaxing retreat.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Coastal accommodation at Karioitahi Beach
• Free afternoon at leisure
• 1 night in Waiuku

Approximate Distance: 300 kms | 186 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Travel to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, where golden beaches, native bush, and crystal-clear waters create one of New Zealand’s most loved coastal escapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic drive to Hahei
• Time to explore the Hot Water Beach in Coromandel
• 2 nights in Hahei

Make it yours
End the day with a relaxing Dip & Dine option at the Lost Spring in Whitianga.

Approximate Distance: 165 km | 103 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Explore the spectacular Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve by boat, discovering towering sea caves, volcanic rock formations, and hidden coves only accessible from the water.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Cathedral Cove boat tour
• Marine reserve exploration
• Sea caves & blowholes

Make it yours
Swap your boat tour for a guided sea kayaking adventure beneath the cliffs of Cathedral Cove, or perhaps a glass bottom boat & snorkelling adventure.

Travel inland to Rotorua, where geothermal landscapes, Māori culture, and towering redwood forests create an unforgettable contrast to the coast.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Redwoods Treewalk Nightlights
• Geothermal landscapes
• 2 nights in Rotorua

Make it yours
Add a Skyline Gondola & Luge experience or go mountain biking to make the most of your day prior to your Māori Cultural Evening.

Approximate Distance: 215 kms | 134 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Experience Rotorua’s extraordinary geothermal wonders before an evening immersed in Māori culture, storytelling, and traditional cuisine.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, traditional hāngī dinner
• Wai-O-Tapu geothermal experience
• Lady Knox Geyser
• Māori cultural evening

Journey through the volcanic heart of the North Island to the Art Deco city of Napier, passing Lake Taupō and the mighty Huka Falls along the way.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Huka Falls
• Hawke’s Bay wine region
• 2 nights in Napier

Make it yours:
Stretch your legs with a guided walking tour in the afternoon or choose a guided tour at the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Approximate Distance: 220 km | 138 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Sample the flavours of Hawke’s Bay as you visit acclaimed wineries surrounded by sun-soaked vineyards and rolling countryside.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Guided wine tour
• Winery tastings  & cheeseboard
• Scenic vineyard touring

Make it yours
Swap your group wine tour for a luxury private winery experience with exclusive cellar door access. 
 

Travel south through rural landscapes and vineyard country to Martinborough, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated boutique wine regions.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Boutique wine village atmosphere
• Wairarapa countryside
• 2 nights in Martinborough

Approximate Distance: 270 km | 168 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy a relaxed day surrounded by vineyards, boutique cellar doors, charming country towns, and scenic coastal landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Free day in Martinborough
• Vineyard & cellar door access
• Nearby Greytown exploration

Make it yours
Choose to end the night with a stargazing tour to be immersed by Aotearoa’s pristine Wairarapa skies. 
 

Cross the Remutaka Ranges and arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital known for its creative culture, waterfront dining, and harbour views.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Harbour & city views
• Free afternoon in the capital
• 2 nights in Wellington
  
  Make it yours:
  Add a culinary  walking tour through Wellington’s vibrant food scene, or upgrade to a guided craft beer experience visiting some of the capital’s most celebrated breweries.

Approximate Distance: 85 km | 53 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Discover the natural beauty of Kapiti Island, a protected sanctuary renowned for rare native birds, lush forest, and spectacular coastal scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Light Breakfast, lunch 
• Kapiti Island guided tour
• Ferry transfers
• Wildlife encounters

Follow the Kapiti Coast north to the riverside city of Whanganui, where heritage architecture, creative culture, and tranquil landscapes await.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic coastal drive 
• Rural North Island landscapes
• Heritage Whanganui stay
• 1 night in Whanganui

Make it yours:
Add a visit to Te Papa Museum before departing to Whanganui.

Approximate Distance: 195 km | 121 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Continue along the western coastline to New Plymouth, where dramatic volcanic landscapes, surf beaches, and a thriving arts scene create a unique coastal destination.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Views of Mount Taranaki
• Coastal Walkway
• 2 nights in New Plymouth

Approximate Distance: 160 km | 99 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Spend the day exploring New Plymouth’s dramatic coastline, vibrant galleries, native forest walks, and relaxed surf-town atmosphere.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Free day in New Plymouth
• Coastal & volcanic scenery
• Arts & culture experiences

Travel through the rolling King Country countryside to Waitomo, where glowing cave systems and underground limestone formations create an unforgettable experience.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, dinner 
• Guided Glowworm Cave tour
• 1 night in Waitomo

Make it yours:
Prefer more of an adventure? Swap your standard cave tour for a black water rafting experience through underground rivers and glowworm-lit caverns. 

Approximate Distance: 170 km | 106 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Return to Auckland through the lush Waikato countryside, concluding your North Island journey surrounded by waterfront energy and city sophistication.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Waikato countryside landscapes
• 1 night in Auckland

Make it yours
Add a unique SkyCity Orbit 360° 3-course dining experience.

Approximate Distance: 190 km | 118 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Farewell New Zealand as your North Island journey comes to an end, taking with you unforgettable memories of volcanic landscapes, coastal escapes, wildlife encounters, and world-class wine regions.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast 
• Seamless airport transfer