DAY 1

Arrive Auckland
Your launchpad to North Island is the vibrant urban hub of Auckland. On arrival, transfer to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm) and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Later this evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Hotel: The Cordis
Meal: Welcome Reception

DAY 2

Auckland – Bay of Islands (2 Nights)
We leave the City of Sails behind, continuing north through lush farmland to the Bay of Islands. Here, we’ll set forth across the sea, cruising to the Māori’s legendary Hole in the Rock (weather permitting) and Cape Brett with its historic lighthouse. We sail past deserted beaches and secluded coves dotting the bay, returning to the mainland via Paihia, where we can shop for local crafts.
Hotel: Copthorne Resort (Water View Room)
Meal: Buffet Breakfast,Dinner with wine

DAY 3

Bay of Islands Sightseeing
Spend the day indulging in your choice of sightseeing: tour Kerikeri and sample delicious chocolates and organic wines; take a mini tour through historic Russell; explore the Waitangi Treaty Reserve Grounds or sail aboard a historic tall ship.
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

DAY 4

Bay of Islands – Auckland
Indulge in some me-time this morning before returning to Auckland. But first, visit Whangarei, New Zealand’s northernmost city, to view some of its fine art galleries and take a stroll through the marina in the Town Basin. Continue to Parry Kauri Park, where you’ll have an opportunity to walk amongst the Kauri giants that have towered over the forest floor for millennia. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Regional Meal at The Cordis, showcasing a personalised dégustation menu that incorporates seafood dishes and desserts made from the freshest local ingredients.
Hotel: The Cordis
Meal: Buffet Breakfast,Regional Meal

DAY 5

Auckland – Rotorua (2 Nights)
Begin your day with a city sightseeing tour of Auckland before following the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, to the Waitomo Caves. Join your ‘Local Specialist’ for an encounter with the iridescent occupants of Glow Worm Grotto, navigating its luminous limestone depths on board a boat and on a leisurely walk to admire its natural formations. Your journey continues to Rotorua, with an orientation tour on arrival.
Hotel: Millennium
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

DAY 6

Rotorua Sightseeing
Embark on your choice of sightseeing: discover Māori culture at Te Puia Māori Arts and Crafts Institute; relax in healing waters of a private hot mineral pool at the Polynesian Spa; explore Rotorua and its lakes in an amphibious WWII-era Duck or take a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set to delve into its Big Screen wizardry. Tonight, an evening of culture, history and succulent traditional flavours awaits you at Tamaki Family Marae. ‘Dive into Culture’ as you wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Māori art forms and traditions, followed by a concert featuring local performers. Later, you’ll indulge in an authentic Māori Hangi Regional Meal, steamed underground in the traditional way.
Meal: Buffet Breakfast,Regional Meal

DAY 7

Rotorua – Wellington
Say Haere Ra (goodbye) to Rotorua this morning and journey to the raging waters of Huka Falls, which feeds Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Continue south over the volcanic landscapes of the Central Plateau and along the scenic Kapiti Coast to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. ‘Dive into Culture’ this evening during an exclusive guided tour of Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, followed by a Regional Meal at the museum, revealing the city’s culinary reputation.
Hotel: James Cook Grand Chancellor
Meal: Buffet Breakfast,Regional Meal

DAY 8

Depart Wellington
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington, including panoramic views from Mt. Victoria. There’s time to explore the Parliament building and the ‘Beehive’. Later, you will be transferred to Wellington Airport for your onward flight (flights to depart after 2pm).
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

Sightseeing Highlights

• City tour in Auckland and Wellington.
• Cruise to Cape Brett and through the Hole in the Rock.
• Orientation of Rotorua.
• View Mt. Ruapehu, farming lands and spectacular coastal scenery along the Kapiti Coast.
• Visit the Bay of Islands, the Waitomo Caves and Te Papa Museum of New Zealand.

Dining Highlights

• 7 hot buffet breakfasts.
• 4 dinners.

First class travel Highlights

• Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most regions or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• Hand-picked Insider Experiences
• Optional Experiences and free time
• Porterage is not provided at airports in Australia and New Zealand
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• An expert Travel Director and separate Driver, Driver Guide only on Mini-Stays
• All hotel charges and local taxes
• Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
• VIP entry to many sights