Discover the North Island of New Zealand

Kia Ora! Hello, and welcome to New Zealand! If you arrive early, take an optional walking tour of The Viaduct district, featuring Auckland’s harbor and marina, surrounded by fine dining.

This evening, meet your tour guide and traveling companions for a welcome dinner. We’ll take the time to get to know cultural customs & the stories of our guides and their families.

Travel to Cathedral Cove, made famous by its appearance in a Narnia film. Hike down to the cove and then (weather permitting) climb aboard a kayak for a quick paddle to the sea stacks. You might spot dolphins, if you’re lucky!

Head back to the bus for the short drive to Hot Water Beach. A natural hot springs, this beach has been rated one of the Top Ten Beaches in the world by Lonely Planet! Tonight you’ll stay at a resort walking distance from the beach. Shovels will be provided, and at low tide you will be able to dig your own hot pool in the sand.

No visit to New Zealand is complete without a stop at the Hobbiton Movie Set! Take a 2 hour guided tour, ending with a drink at The Green Dragon, a pub featured in the movie.

Continue on to Rotorua, a hot spot for geothermal activity. Take a walk in the Government Garden, a picturesque locations Stroll along Sulphur Bay, with views of bubbling mud pools and sulphur vents.

Spend your evening at a Maori Marae, where you can experience a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and entertainment.

Choose between the Redwoods Treewalk, a series of suspension bridges between towering trees or the Agrodome, a working farm with a popular farm show, animal interaction area and wool demonstrations.

Spend your afternoon soaking in hot baths or getting a massage on-site at the spa. Have dinner on Eat Street, a trendy dining district in downtown Rotorua.

Just a brief drive from Rotorua is the Waiotapu Thermal Track. This magnificent thermal wonderland is perfect for a short stop to view the hot, bubbling mud pools. Take another brief stop in Taupo to see the famous Huka Falls.

Continue on to stunning Tongariro National Park. Take a two hour hike through native bush, with waterfall views and a picnic lunch. Or, visit an adventure lodge for rafting, horseback riding, or golfing.

Spend the evening relaxing by the open fire, with a special barbecue on-site.

Take the scenic drive to Wellington, stopping at the Tui Brewery for a tour and some local brews. Visit the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre for a glimpse of the national bird of New Zealand, the Kiwi. Your final stop before reaching Wellington will be an artisan cheese shop, so you can sample the best of New Zealand.

After settling in at your hotel, your tour guide give you a brief orientation of the world-famous Te Papa Museum before sending you off to explore on your own.

At dusk, take a drive up to the Mount Victoria Lookout for a panoramic view of Wellington and the surrounding area. Enjoy dinner on Cuba Street, a popular area for dining and culture.

Today is a free day in Wellington. Explore the Wellington Botanic Garden, The Great War Exhibition, or the Wellington Zoo. Ride the Wellington Cable Car, visit the ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary, go golfing… options are endless! Chat with your tour guide or hotel concierge about options if you need some suggestions.

Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your tour guide and traveling companions.

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. Continue your tour with an optional ferry ride down to the South Island, or fly back to Auckland and on to your next destination.