From the very top of the North Island, right through the volcanic plateau in the middle, through the Art Deco capital of Napier and finishing in New Zealand’s capital city Wellington. This tour takes in the length of New Zealand’s North Island and the variety of landscapes from coastal to volcanic and geothermal, through to scenic wine country.
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner
The Grand Millennium Auckland is superbly located in the city centre close to Queen Street and Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, close to some of the city’s finest dining, shopping and entertainment venues. Also nearby are landmark venues: The Civic, Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Square, the city’s largest outdoor civic space where you can relax and often attend local events. Rooms combine smart design, chic decor, floor to ceiling windows for natural light and modern amenities.
This four star hotel offers uninterrupted Bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It features a spectacular, lagoon style swimming pool and rock pools of cascading water. The hotel’s 180 guest rooms have individual patios or balconies from which to enjoy the water or garden views. Taking inspiration from nature, rooms have been designed to blend into the natural environment whilst offering a serene escape.
This hotel is located near to Lake Rotorua and the Polynesian Spa and offers rooms facing the lake, the city or the hotel’s garden courtyard. Facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, a communal hot tub, a day spa, and a fitness centre.
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.
This property offers stunning Wellington Harbour views from the restaurant and is only a few minutes walk from the waterfront. The property is also, just a 5-minute walk from Te Papa Museum, Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay Wellington is only 2.5 km from the Wellington Cable Car and the Interislander Ferry Terminal is less than 10 minutes’ drive 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.
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 through the set past Hobbit Holes™ and the Mill. And your tour ends at Hobbiton’s world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn for a drink.
The National Kiwi Hatchery is set in flourishing native forest and natural springs at Rainbow Springs Nature Park in Rotorua. It is the most successful Kiwi hatchery in the world.
The National Kiwi Hatchery is the national leader in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing. When you join one of the available experiences, you’ll may get to see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process and if you’re lucky, newly hatched kiwi chicks.
Most of the action usually happens in the morning, but regardless of the time of day you visit, you’ll experience conservation in action in this nationally significant kiwi hatchery.
Some visitors may have the chance to witness the kiwi chicks getting a health check, being weighted or fed. The routine usually takes place in the morning. Whatever time of day you visit, the Hatchery, the guides and kiwi caregivers always aim to give visitors the best Kiwi experience.
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.
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand’s national museum, located in Wellington. Usually known as Te Papa, it opened in 1998 after the merging of the National Museum of New Zealand and the National Art Gallery.
Rated by Lonely Planet as one of their top 500 places on earth, Te Papa is a museum like no other. This interactive museum is a must-do for any visitor to Wellington. Explore six floors of cutting-edge interactive exhibitions housed in an architectural wonder of a building.
Te Papa’s clever, contemporary and bicultural approach makes it stand out amongst more normal museum experiences. This is a really interesting and interactive experience.
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