This Ultimate Small Group Touring itinerary is specifically tailored to provide a Business Class level of comfort, service and quality without compromise. Travel in style on a full-size, state-of-the-art coach with a maximum of only 20 travellers and enjoy extensive onboard features and VIP extras.
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner
As you step outside the doors of Crowne Plaza Auckland Hotel, you will find yourself in the centre of the bustling Auckland CBD, if you look up, you’ll see the iconic Sky Tower towering above just one street over.
Expansive sub-tropical gardens and extensive guest facilities at Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands enhance the welcoming atmosphere of this resort-style hotel. Conveniently located in Paihia, it’s the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful part of New Zealand. The hote has island-influenced architecture with beautifully landscaped grounds and light airy rooms, it’s a pleasant stroll into town to the main wharf, visitor activities, fine dining and shopping.
Styled to complement its remarkable location on the edge of the beautiful Hawke’s Bay, Napier’s Scenic Hotel Te Pania is one of the most recognisable hotels in Napier, the hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay and guests are treated to sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street and is located in close proximity to many of Napier’s attractions.
Adjacent to Wellington’s waterfront, InterContinental Wellington offers a great central location. The guest rooms are spacious, all rooms feature a TV with cable channels and a large bathroom with modern amenities and bathrobes. The hotel’s restaurant is open for breakfast and offers an internationally crafted menu in a luxurious setting. The Lobby Lounge offers a warm and cozy setting to enjoy a snack and cocktail. There is a health club that features an indoor heated pool, a spa and sauna. Te Papa Museum of New Zealand is 5 minutes’ walk away.
Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in Maori, is New Zealand’s largest city. It is based around 2 large and picturesque harbours. ‘The City of Sails’ is known as such because of the many yachts often seen on those harbours.
Tāmaki Makaurau is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two major bodies of water. The central part of the urban area occupies a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and the Waitematā Harbour on the Pacific Ocean.
The Auckland landscape is also dotted with 53 volcanic centres that make up the Auckland Volcanic Field. And the many volcanic cones are a feature of the city.
In the centre of the city, the iconic Sky Tower dominates the skyline and has views across the city and harbours.
There is lots to see and do close to the CBD. Bustling precincts include Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour, full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, covers an extinct volcano and is home to the formal Wintergardens. A short harbour-side drive takes you to Mission Bay Beach, which offers a relaxed beachside vibe and a seaside promenade — a wonderful place for a stroll.
A slightly longer drive will take you to the Waitakere Ranges, which surrounding the city to the west, and pristine sub-tropical rainforest.
The Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region in the north of the North Island. It is known for its beauty, stunning beaches, deep sea fishing & importance to New Zealand history. And it is paradise for those that love beaches and water activities with a little colonial history thrown in.
The Bay of Islands includes 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. The boutique towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri and Waitangi, which played a very special part in Aotearoa’s history, populate its coastline.
There are a number of excellent ways to experience the region. One of the most popular activities is a trip to Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’ on Piercy Island. A passenger ferry service runs between Paihia and Russell. And a vehicle ferry provides a link between Opua and Russell.
On land, you’ll enjoy beautiful river and seaside walking tracks or encounter the mighty kauri tree in pristine subtropical rainforest. This is a very beautiful and popular part of the country and a favourite with visitors and Kiwis alike.
Rotorua is an inland city that is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori culture experiences, 18 lakes, and three major rivers in a beautiful natural environment.
Rotorua is a major destination for both domestic and international tourists. Its geothermal activity, featuring geysers and hot mud pools, are world renowned. This thermal activity is created by the Rotorua Caldera, over which the town is built.
In Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pohutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. Its also home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, with traditional wood carving and weaving schools.
Rotorua was one of the first places in the country to host tourists who came to experience the healing properties of the geothermal waters.
Napier is a beautiful coastal city on the East Coast of Aotearoa’s North Island. It is your gateway to the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay and its array of gourmet delighting food and wine experiences.
Rebuilt after a 1931 earthquake, the city is known for Art Deco landmarks like the zigzag-patterned Daily Telegraph Building. Few places in the world have such a broad representation of the stripped classical, Spanish Mission, and art deco architectural styles within such a confined area. So, the city has deservedly become known as an Art Deco Capital.
Along the tree-lined waterfront promenade of Marine Parade, there is a statue of a Maori maiden, ‘Pania of the Reef’. Pania is an iconic symbol of the city and pointer to a rich cultural heritage. And the beautifully transformed Marine Parade is well worth a stroll.
Napier and the surrounding region is a food and wine lover’s delight. It is home to many fine wineries (including the historic Mission Estate & Te Awa Winery), fabulous restaurants, bars and cafes. The boutique shops are a must visit and the region boasts many artisan food producers.
Soak up the relaxed, Mediterranean vibe of this stunning region.
Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and the location of our parliament. Located at the bottom of the North Island it sits on the Cook Strait, which divides the North and South Islands. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname “Windy Wellington”.
It is a vibrant and compact city, with a beautiful waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and some lovely turn of the century, timber houses on the steep hills it features. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens.
Wellington is home to New Zealand’s National Museum, Te Papa, and bespoke art and creative pursuits thrive in this city. Couple this with a strong café and restaurant culture and you have an interesting and unique little city to explore.
The Kauri Museum is located midway between Auckland and the Bay of Islands in Matakohe. Discover the history and the legacy of New Zealand’s ancient kauri forest, and the associated industries.
In addition to preserving the past, the Museum plays a role in conserving the remaining trees. It works to save NZ’s forests by raising awareness of the spread of the Kauri Dieback disease, and promoting forest ecology.
This is far more than a museum of timber. The Museum has stories of the Māori of the north-eastern Kaipara and European pioneers. Learn about early foresters and sawmillers, gum diggers and farmers, and business people, fishers and the local families. All of whom have made this area their home.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most important historic sites.
Here, Aotearoa’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Today there is lots to see and do that connects visitors to that history. And it all comes with stunning views over the Bay of Islands
There are two contemporary museums. An authentic Whare Nui (Meeting House) hosts powerful Māori cultural performances. There are informative guided tours and an engaging visitor centre. Lush native forest and gardens. The inspiring art gallery and carving studio shouldn’t be missed. And the site also boasts, traditional Māori waka (canoe) and hāngi, a tranquil café and so much more. And all with stunning views over the Bay of Islands.
Board your cruise and take in the stunning views of the Bay of Islands. You’ll glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett. Here a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island/Motukōkako or, as it is popularly known, the “Hole in the Rock”.
According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the hole in their waka (canoes) before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen.
If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space… And if you get dripped on, consider yourself lucky!
Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as you get you up close to the action. The crew have years of experience locating dolphins in these waters!
Experience the real Middle-Earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Step into the lush pastures of the Shire™ — as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies — in NZ’s Waikato region.
Follow acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson’s lead and fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, a.k.a. the Shire. You’ll find it hidden in the unequivocal beauty of Waikato’s farmland, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance.
Your guide will escort you around the 12 acre set. You’ll see the intricate detailing, the most famous locations and learn how the movie magic was made.
Your walking tour will take you past Hobbit Holes™, the Mill and into Hobbiton’s world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn. Now its time to enjoy lunch fit for the hungriest hobbit.
Skyline Rotorua is an iconic all-weather attraction in Rotorua. It is one of the most spectacular ways to take in the 180-degree views of Lake Rotorua, the city and surrounding district.
The famous gondola will take you up the mountain. At the top you’ll find a restaurant and bar, open daily for lunch and dinner. And the Market Kitchen provides a multitude of tasty options for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
No visit would be complete without a ride down one of Skyline’s luge tracks. The luge is a world first. Riders have full control, over the three-wheel, gravity-based luge cart and it is heaps of fun! Choose one of three different track options, with over 5kms of track to ride. You’ll see: once is certainly not enough.
The world-renowned Agrodome farm show is a must on any visit to Rotorua. It is set in 350-acres of lush farmland, only 10 minutes from Rotorua city centre. Be entertained by a cast of talented animals.
For over 40 years, visitors have come to the the famous Farm Show at the Agrodome. You can also visit the Farmyard Nursery. It is home to the cutest baby animals who are available for cuddles and photos all year round.
There is a guided farm tour of the 350-acre working farm. You’ll get to hand-feed loads of friendly animals and sample delicious kiwifruit juice and honey from the land. And there is also the Woollen Mill and Shearing Museum to visit. Here you’ll learn the remarkable story of, NZ shearing pioneers, the Bowen brothers and discover the full process of wool from the sheep’s back to yours.
Discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands near Rotorua at Te Puia. See dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush.
Enjoy the opportunity to come face to face with the biggest, active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, Pōhutu Geyser. There are also jumping mud pools and live kiwi in the Kiwi Conservation Centre.
And watch master carvers and weavers at work at the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, and hear guides share stories passed down from their ancestors.
Experience a fantastic evening cultural experience at Te Puia. Prepare for a feast of storytelling, entertainment and Maori cuisine. An authentic Maori welcome begins your in-depth experience of the customs and traditions of Maori.
The evening begins with a traditional powhiri (Maori welcoming ceremony), a warrior’s challenge and a full kapa haka (Maori performing arts) concert.
Enjoy a first-class Maori feast. Feeding guests is regarded by Maori as an honour and a sign of a tribe’s mana (standing). So, a sumptuous banquet is provided during the evening. This banquet combines contemporary cuisine with a traditional hangi (earth-cooked oven meal), where kai (food) is steam-cooked by hot rocks in the earth, giving it a delicious smokey flavour.
And explore the illuminated thermal valley. Following dessert, you will travel by ‘people movers’ to enjoy the spectacular lighting of the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Guests can wander around the illuminated natural attractions, including the world famous Pohutu geyser, while enjoying more Maori-inspired delicacies and a hot drink.
Join a tour aboard the Hawke’s Bay Express for an award winning stylishly memorable experience.
In all her custom designed splendour, with velvet covered cushioned seats and tasselled curtains, the Express will take you on your journey in style. As the bell rings and the whistle blows, you’ll feel your back in a time when all touring was first class. This modern road train feels every bit like an old-fashioned steam engine, with a romantic atmosphere straight out of the opulent 1930’s. The commentary covers from the 1931 earthquake through development of the region to modern points of interest including lifestyle of the city today with personal stories of life from the 5th generation local owners.
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