North Island - Top to Bottom (10 nights)

North Island - Top to Bottom (10 nights)

Bay of Islands (2) - Auckland (2) - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua (2) - Napier (2) - Wellington (2)

BAY OF ISLANDS :

The picturesque Bay Of Islands, is a comfortable 4 hrs drive north of Auckland. This magical location has an enviable climate which makes it a popular destination for big-game fishing and water sports from kayaking to sailing.

Although early Polynesian voyagers arrived in New Zealand as early as the 11th century, it wasn't until the arrival of Captain James Cook (1796) that traders and missionaries arrived. The legacy of these early settlers can still be seen in the form of historical buildings such as the Old Stone Store and the Mission House in Kerikeri.

About the Bay Of Islands

Made up of 144 islands and a handful of small historic towns there are many ways to explore this area by land, sea or air
Historically significant and known as the 'birth place of the nation' The tiny village of Russell was the first sea port, and first European settlement. Original street names and layout still remain from its beginnings in 1843
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where our founding document was signed on 6th February 1840 by many of the North Island Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown
Fishing, kayaking and sailing opportunities abound from short cruises to full day fishing trips
Visit Cape Reinga at the very top of the island and witness the rare and powerful sight of two bodies of water coming together - the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea

Distance from Auckland to Paihia (Bay of Islands) - 257kms / (3hrs 30 mins)

Recommended Sightseeing:    Waitangi Treaty Grounds    |   Sailing Day Tour |   Cruise to Hole in the Rock |

Scenic Flight  | Cape Reinga half day tour fly in / out   |    Quad Bike Tour - 90 Mile Beach   | Cultural Waka (canoe) Tour

Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges -    Kauri Cliffs Lodge |    Eagles Nest  |  Helena Bay Lodge

Recommended Accommodation 5* Hotel/Suites -   Paihia Beach Resort | Waterfront Suites

AUCKLAND :

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and sits at between two harbours. Geographically blessed the city is surrounded by wonderful beaches, native forrests and a series of volcanic cones.

With a warm temperate climate, outdoor activities are enjoyable most of the year round. Culturally diverse the city offers an array of colourful festivals and concerts over the summer months, and has a thriving arts scence to explore.

About Auckland

Walking, hiking and biking options are in close proximity and cater for all levels of experience
Visit vastly different coast lines in a day from the wild black sand beaches on the West Coast then on to the gentle white sand beaches on the East Coast
Known as the 'City Of Sails' there are opportunities to get out on the harbour and try your hand at sailing an America's Cup yacht
Thanks to a culturally diverse population dinning options are endless offering the best from all cultures in both a casual or fine dinning setting
Waiheke Island is a 35 min ferry ride from the city and offers wonderful beaches, great wineries and eateries plus a relaxed laid back atmosphere loved by all who visit

ROTORUA :

Today's first stop en-route to Rotorua, is via the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.

The caves are a must see for any traveller. As you make your way through this fascinating underground world you'll learn of the history of the caves from your local guide. You'll then enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history.

Continuing of from Waitomo the first thing you'll notice as you arrive into Rotorua is the strong smell of sulpha that permeates the air! Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is renowned for its fascinating Maori culture, hot springs, boiling mud pools, spouting geysers, warm geothermal springs and native forests.

Rotorua is an area rich in Maori history and is home to the Te Arawa people who settled here some 600 years ago. Today they offer you the opportunity to experience authentic traditional Maori culture in it's many forms from a 'Kapa Haka' concert to watching local craftsmen carving and weaving just as their ancestors have done for hundreds of years.

About Rotorua

Visit the geothermal wonders that have captivated tourists for hundreds of years. Watch the giant geysers erupt and bubbling mud pools blip away as you pass by
Spend an entertaining evening at a traditional 'Hangi' (underground bbq cooked with hot rocks) and 'Kapa Haka' show, which is the traditional chants, choral singing and skillful use of 'Poi' and sticks. No night out at these shows is complete with out a 'Haka' or war dance to complete your cultural experience.
Soak in a naturally heated outdoor hot pool, smother yourself with the healing mud before washing off and feeling like you've just stepped out of a very expensive spa!
If the great outdoors is what you're after then Rotorua has it all, from epic bike trails, zip lining, treetop canopy walks, and options to get out on the crystal clear lakes that abound
Take in a farm tour for an upclose look at how a typical New Zealand farm operates
Helicopter out to White Island where you will land on this living steaming volcano

Distance from Auckland to Waitomo Caves 195 kms / (2hrs 30)
Distance from Waitomo Caves to Rotorua 138 kms / (2hrs)

Recommended Sightseeing:   Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Reserve  |   Mitai Maori Village Cultural Evening Hangi  |

Te Puia Thermal and Maori Cultural Centre  |    Waimangu  Volcanic Valley walk and Boat Cruise  |

Rotorua Canopy Tours  |  Redwoods Treewalk | Wingspan Falconry  |    Volcanic Air Tour White Island

Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges   -   Treetops Lodge |   Solitaire Lodge

Recommended Accommodation   Superior 4* Hotel -    Lodge The Black Swan

NAPIER - via LAKE TAUPO :

Today's road journey, approx. 2 hrs takes you through to Taupo township and across to the Art Deco city of Napier. A must do stop en route through Taupo is at the thundering Huka Falls A great place to stop and experience the power of this natural wonder.

The aftermath of a national disaster (February 3rd 1931) has resulted in Napier becoming the most well preserved Art Deco city in the world. Napier's city centre has the feeling of a time capsule - the seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary.

About Napier

Napier is the worlds best living example of the Art Deco period. Take yourself on a free walking tour of the town to view the beautiful examples of this style of architecture.
Also in a vintage theme are the wonderful array of vintage cars in the city. Take a tour in a classic car with your driver who will explain more of the history of the region as you go. Options to take in some of the areas wineries are available.
Another special attraction includes the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Small group tours take you along the beach so you can get up close to this incredible place that the gannets call home.
Wineries abound in the Hawkes Bay, making good use of the regions alluvial soils. Pinto Gris and Syrah are the regions signature drop and there are several tours available to go on and taste for yourself
The region is also known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand as excellent soil, high hours of sunshine and crisp winter frosts make for a bounty of produce throughout the year.

Distance from Rotorua to Napier - 220 kms / (2hrs 45)

Recommended Sightseeing:   Vintage Car Tour |   Cape Kidnappers Safari   |    Art Deco City Walk |

Premium Wine Tour with Lunch

Recommended Accommodation 5* Luxury Lodges -     The Farm Cape Kidnappers Lodge |  Greenhill Lodge

Recommended Accommodation 4* Superior Hotel  -     Scenic Hotel Te Pania

WELLINGTON:

Today's drive from Napier to Wellington takes approx. 4 hrs , but we recommend making a day of with a stop or two along the way.   One must do place to stop for an hour or two is Greytown in the Waiarapa. Towns don't get much prettier than this.

Historic Greytown was New Zealand’s first planned inland town and  is home to excellent examples of Victorian colonial architecture that line the main street - in fact, it's New Zealand's most complete street of wooden Victorian buildings. ItOn
easy to spend an hour or two browsing the quaint shops and finding a nice spot to enjoy lunch.

On then to Wellington, dubbed "the coolest little capital in the world" (Lonely Planet) and it is!

Our capital city is small but perfectly formed as it sits on a picturesque harbour with sweeping views. The inner city blends history with a creative energy, and a thriving art scene. Wellington also boasts fantastic coffee and a wide range of food options from fine dining to fun night markets and food trucks.

About Wellington

It's compact and very cosmopolitan and is best seen by foot as you'll be wanting to enjoy the city vibes at a leisurely pace
On a sunny day be sure to take a stroll along Oriental Parade which is where you'll find a golden sand inner city beach. It's a great place to people watch, enjoy a cold craft beer or take the plunge to cool off.
Being a noted foodie city a walking food tour is a great way to experience the best of what the city has to offer
Street art is a everywhere and you can take a free self guided walk picking up a map showing the way.
Museums and art galleries are a must, with Te Papa being the most visited museum in the country. It's modern and hands on, so perfect if travelling with children of all ages
The cable car is another must do to enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbour as you go.
Weta Workshop - say no more, as this is a highlight tour for young and old

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