Relaxing New Zealand Journey – North Island Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland! On arrival, you will be transferred to the ferry terminal for your ride across to Waiheke Island. Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on this blissful island, a haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and small wineries. Waiheke Island is to Auckland as the Hamptons are to New York – the former being on a much smaller scale. Home to beautiful beaches and holiday homes, Waiheke Island produces outstanding, award winning wines.
 
Accommodation: Waiheke Island - 2 Nights

Waiheke Island is a place of lazy days and peaceful holidays, vineyards, olive groves and beautiful beaches. You have the option to join a guided tour to experience some of Waiheke’s fabulous wineries. Enjoy tastings of award-winning wines and relax over a scrumptious vineyard lunch. Alternatively, stroll the sands and wander along the white sand at Oneroa and Onetangi beaches – two of the island’s best beaches – and take a dip in the sheltered waters. 

Adventure seekers can try archery and laser clay pigeon shooting, hire a scooter, take a scenic flight or zoom across the tree tops on a flying fox zipline. Or if art is more your thing discover Art for Art’s sake. Check out Waiheke’s fantastic arts scene, from local galleries and studios to an inspiring sculpture park.

The Coromandel Peninsula lies east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf. An impressive, heavily forested mountain range runs right up the middle of this peninsula - it’s bordered on each side by miles of spectacular coastline.

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and travel to the idyllic seaside village of Hahei. There are a couple of restaurants, cafes and fish and chippy, but essentially this is a secret hideaway where Kiwi families take their holidays – it's all about the beach, where the waves are generally safe for children and the wide beach is ideal for a game of volleyball or to throw a Frisbee. The bay also provided a location for the filming of the fantasy feature, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Approximate Distance: 189 km | 117 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins
 
Accommodation: Hahei - 3 Nights

The Hahei Explorer takes you around the coastal Islands of the beautiful Cathedral Cove marine reserve. Experience reefs, massive sea caves and bays - including the world famous Cathedral Cove. The magnificence of this natural volcanic scenery is legendary and the approach by sea allows for marine life to be all around and experienced close up. One of the leading attractions is an awesome blowhole (when the tide is right) and venturing through a sea cave underground into a gigantic rock cylinder 80 feet high.

The Coromandel is a renowned outdoor haven where rugged terrain meets idyllic coastline. Have a relaxing day to choose to do as much or as little as you wish. You have the option to take a guided sea kayaking tour or walk one of the many beautiful walking tracks in the area.

Hot Water Beach
Fancy a soak, then head to the beautiful Hot Water Beach, you will find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids, and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural hot springs - this is one experience that should be on your New Zealand bucket list and a truly unique Kiwi experience.

Lake Taupō is the largest fresh water lake in Australasia - a flooded volcanic crater of immense proportions opens out in broad panorama. Make sure you stop to look over at the mighty rage of water that is Huka Falls.  Join an unforgettable sailing tour to the Māori Rock Carvings on our luxury catamaran 'Tiua'. Enjoy a sunset eco-sailing experience in pure comfort on Lake Taupo. Learn about the stunning natural environment and rich cultural history.

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

Accommodation: Taupō - 2 Nights

Make a return day trip to Rotorua and discover one of New Zealand's most magnificent geothermal wonderlands at Te Puia - featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud, and beautiful native bush. Come face to face with the biggest, naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere Pōhutu Geyser, jumping mud pools and kiwi in the Kiwi Conservation Centre. Watch carvers and weavers demonstrate their skill at the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and hear our guides share stories passed down from their ancestors.

Rotorua's Polynesian Spa is New Zealand's leading international spa. This is a historical hot mineral springs spa, that provides a tranquil yet sociable geothermal bathing experience, relax in naturally heated mineral rock pools while taking in stunning views of Lake Rotorua.

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

Sunny, scenic Hawke’s Bay, the region brims with colourful natural attractions. Famous for its vineyards, the area produces some of the world's top red wines. A combination of the staggering yields from these fertile soils and high sunshine hours make the Hawke’s Bay the country's second largest grape producer. As you would expect, touring the vineyards here is a terrific pleasure - the estates are immaculate, the wines superb and the gourmet dining experiences exceptional.

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

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

Enjoy a delightful afternoon of wine tasting designed for both casual enthusiasts and dedicated connoisseurs. Connect with fellow wine lovers as you explore Hawke's Bay's exceptional wines, crafted with passion. Discover the region's unique growing conditions and enjoy a scenic drive through breathtaking landscapes. You'll visit four to five wineries, savoring a variety of wines and a cheese platter at the picturesque Ngatarawa Vineyard, nestled by a charming lily pond. Take home not only outstanding wines but also unforgettable memories from this fun-filled experience.

Today you will continue your journey south to Wellington. 

In between a stunning harbour and rolling hills, Wellington is surrounded by a dramatic landscape of steep ridges and rugged coastlines. This capital city is known for its beautiful scenery and lively atmosphere, serving as a key centre for culture and politics, home to national institutions. The striking topography features lush valleys and breathtaking viewpoints, creating a unique setting. Wellington's vibrant arts scene and growing food culture enhance its reputation as a dynamic urban hub, celebrated for creativity and innovation.

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

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Finding things to do in Wellington is blissfully easy. Nestled as it is between mountains and the seaside, the city prides itself on having a little bit of everything - from hiking to sailing, from adventure to relaxation. Wellington is also the beating heart of New Zealand's art and culture scene, meaning it's a hive of creativity and home to some of the best attractions in the entire country. From art galleries to the National Museum - Wellington has a little of everything!

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We know you will enjoy our Relaxing New Zealand Journey 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 a library 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 in Aotearoa, New Zealand.