North Island Culture and Heritage Tour Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

Known for its arty, creative residents, Wellington is filled with character and colourful streets. Packed with quirky shops and great galleries, it's lots of fun to wander around. Take a walk to the top of Mount Victoria for great views across the city and the harbour.

Head to the waterfront to explore the amazing Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) with a knowledgeable guide. This guided journey explores New Zealand’s rich history and cultures. Stories of tenacious wildlife, the resilience of the Māori people, and artistic interpretations of life in the South Pacific are shared along the way. This tour provides an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the vibrant landscapes and cultures your will encounter throughout your trip to New Zealand.

Accommodation: Wellington - 1 Night

Collect your rental vehicle today and journey to the coastal city of Napier. Nestled in the stunning Hawke's Bay, is framed by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the rolling hills of the hinterland. Known for its unique Art Deco architecture, the city was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake, creating a remarkable display of early twentieth-century design. The region also offers celebrated vineyards, the famous Cape Kidnappers golf course, rich Māori heritage, and abundant birdlife, making it a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Approximate Distance: 325 km | 202 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Napier - 1 Night

See Napier's heritage come to life with an easy guided stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter. Your professionally trained Art Deco guide will tell you about the devastation of the earthquake and you'll discover how the city came to be dramatically rebuilt in only two years. Your journey then continues to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Sitting squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua's landscape is unique: arriving here is like landing on the moon! This is Earth's crust at its most exciting.

This evening you will experience the wonderful hospitality of New Zealand Māori at a Cultural Evening and Feast. Enjoy a banquet of foods cooked the traditional Maori way - on hot stones in an underground oven (a Hāngī). Learn about Māori culture and spirituality through joyous song and dance performances. Seeing the Haka demonstrated right in front of you is unforgettable.

Approximate Distance: 220 km | 137 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Rotorua - 1 Night

Tucked away in the stunning Whakarewarewa Valley, Te Puia's 70-hectare park is at the heart of Rotorua's geothermal action. You'll witness restless forces boiling to the surface in the superheated mud pools, and huge geysers gushing hot steam and water in spectacular fashion.

Continuing your journey north, Auckland's glittering skyline and lively harbour await you this evening. Explore the highly acclaimed viaduct or choose one of the many activities available for a more in-depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area. Visit the iconic Sky Tower, join a whale and dolphin cruise, visit nearby Waiheke or Rangitoto Island.

Approximate Distance: 235 km | 136 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

The award-winning kuri Museum in matakohe explores what became of Kauri trees after they were felled by humans. Their strong, durable timber and gum were highly prized by settlers, leading to a flourishing industry that shaped New Zealand's future. In addition to preserving our past, the Museum plays a vital role in conserving the future of the mighty Kauri.

Arriving in the Bay of Islands, you'll travel back in time to peaceful Russell: this exquisite historic village was New Zealand's first ever capital, known as "The Hell Hole of the Pacific" and once famed for its lawlessness!

Approximate Distance: 230 km | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Russell - 2 Nights

Take an extensive full day cruise around the islands of Ipipiri - the Bay of Islands. See all the highlights of this spectacular region including the historical cruise route of the original Cream Trip. Stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island where you can relax, take a walk, have a swim or enjoy a bite to eat and drink from the on-site fully licensed café. Then set off in search of dolphins and other marine life on our Hole in Rock Cruise. Enjoy the spectacular views as we journey right to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula, to the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako Island.

This morning you will visit the "birthplace of New Zealand": the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This multi-award-winning attraction brings our history to life before your very eyes. Find out how the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi between Maori and Pakeha (European settlers) shaped the future of the New Zealand nation. After strolling the museum and grounds, you will enter a beautifully carved Whare Rūnanga (meeting house), for an awe-inspiring Maori cultural performance that will give you chills. Journey back to Auckaldn this afternoon.

Approximate Distance: 230 km | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

There maybe time for some last minute sightseeing or shopping before making your way for your outbound flight.

We know you will love the New Zealand's North Island Culture and Heritage Tour and our promise to you is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with plenty 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 in Aotearoa, New Zealand.