Relaxing North Island Journey Itinerary

A relaxed introduction to New Zealand, with harbour views, vibrant waterfront dining, and panoramic views across the ‘City of Sails’. The perfect start to your personalised North Island escape.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Seamless airport transfer 
• Auckland Sky Tower admission 
• Harbour & city views 
• 2 nights in Auckland

Make it yours
Choose to discover Auckland from the water and add an evening harbour dinner cruise. 

Suggested Accommodation:

Escape the city for a relaxing guided experience filled with art, wine, and local flavour in the beautiful Matakana region. A thoughtfully curated tour, blending creativity, scenery, and gourmet indulgence.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast & gourmet lunch
• Private guided day tour 
• Jade carving experience 
• Honey tasting & boutique wineries 

Make it yours
Add a private harbour cruise, Waiheke wine tasting, or Weta Workshop Unleashed experience.

Cross the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island, where vineyards, coastal scenery, and laid-back luxury create the ultimate island retreat.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Ferry to Waiheke Island 
• Beaches & boutique wineries 
• Island village atmosphere 
• 2 nights on Waiheke Island 

Make it yours
For a more intimate experience, swap to a privately guided wine tour, or opt for a nature-based experience with a guided coastal walk.

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your perfect New Zealand escape.

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy a full day to slow down and embrace Waiheke Island’s relaxed lifestyle, with time for vineyards, beaches, galleries, and hidden coastal gems.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Award-winning wineries 
• White sand beaches 
• Art galleries & local culture

Make it yours
Include ziplining, scenic flights, private wine tastings, or private birding experiences.

Travel to the Coromandel Peninsula, where forested hills meet golden beaches and relaxed coastal living. Hahei offers a peaceful seaside escape surrounded by natural beauty.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Rental vehicle collection 
• Scenic Coromandel drive 
• Coastal village atmosphere 
• 3 nights in Hahei 

Make it yours
Add a scenic rail journey, local seafood dining, or extra nights to fully unwind on the coast.

Approximate Distance: 189 km | 117 miles Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Discover the spectacular coastline of Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, where volcanic cliffs, hidden sea caves, and crystal-clear waters create an unforgettable coastal adventure.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Cathedral Cove boat tour 
• Sea caves & marine reserve 
• Volcanic coastal scenery

Make it yours
Add a guided kayaking tour at Cathedral Cove for an extra element of adventure.

A full day to relax or explore more of the Coromandel’s iconic landscapes, from native bush walks to naturally heated beaches and coastal adventures.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Free day to explore 
• Hot Water Beach 
• Coastal walking tracks

Journey inland to Lake Taupō, where volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and mountain scenery create one of New Zealand’s most relaxing lakeside escapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic drive through the central North Island 
• Huka Falls 
• Sunset eco-sailing to Māori Rock Carvings
• 2 nights in Taupō  

Make it yours
Upgrade to a private sailing charter, helicopter flight, or geothermal wellness experience.

Approximate Distance: 280 kms | 173 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Suggested Accommodation:

Experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture before returning to the peaceful shores of Lake Taupō to unwind.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Te Puia geothermal experience 
• Pōhutu Geyser 
• Polynesian Spa admission 
• Māori arts & culture 

Make it yours
Add a private cultural guide, forest canopy walk, or premium spa package.

Approximate Distance: 80 kms | 50 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour (each way)

Travel east into Hawke’s Bay wine country, where rolling vineyards, sunshine, and elegant Art Deco charm create a sophisticated coastal escape.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic countryside drive 
• Hawke’s Bay vineyards 
• Gourmet food & wine region 
• 2 nights in Napier 

Make it yours
Add cycling through the vineyards, private wine tastings, or a guided walking tour.

Approximate Distance: 145 kms | 90 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Spend the afternoon discovering Hawke’s Bay’s acclaimed wineries, enjoying premium tastings surrounded by sun-soaked vineyards and beautiful countryside.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Guided wine tour 
• Multiple winery tastings 
• Local cheese platter 
• Scenic vineyard landscapes 

Continue south to New Zealand’s creative capital, where dramatic harbour views, vibrant arts culture, and hidden laneways await.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic North Island drive 
• Wellington harbour views 
• Arts & cultural precincts 
• 2 nights in Wellington 

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

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy a full day exploring Wellington’s unique blend of creativity, culture, and coastal scenery at your own pace.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Waterfront & café culture 
• Museums & galleries 
• Scenic viewpoints 
• Flexible leisure time 

Make it yours
Add Zealandia eco-sanctuary, guided food tours, or a private city discovery experience.

A memorable North Island journey comes to an end, filled with island escapes, geothermal wonders, coastal beauty, and unforgettable moments at a relaxed pace.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Seamless departure arrangements 

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a journey to Aotearoa, New Zealand that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.