Northern Splendour

Embrace awesome earth forces, geothermal hot spots, a forest cloaked interior, Art Deco architecture and beautiful valleys.

Enjoy a variety of scenery on this extensive North Island itinerary.  Combine it with your preferred South Island tour for a complete New Zealand experience.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL AUCKLAND

Depending on your preferred travel choice, you will either be met and privately transferred, or self drive to your accommodation. 

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, located between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here. 

DAY 2 – AUCKLAND – WAITOMO – ROTORUA

Journey through the rolling green hills of Waitomo and enjoy a tour through an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Continue to Matamata for a charming tour of unique, character Hobbit homes, gardens and the watering hole just as you see in the movies. Finishing off a visually fulfilling day, continue on to Rotorua, a bubbling and steaming destination like nowhere else.

Auckland-Waitomo: 195km (approx 2hrs, 30mins)

Waitomo-Rotorua: 140km (approx 1hr, 50mins)

DAY 3 – ROTORUA

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. Today you’ll visit one of the local geothermal attractions before a sensory evening display in the forest.

DAY 4 – QROTORUA – NAPIER

There’s a bit of everything on today’s drive past Great Lake Taupo to Napier.    Your scenic journey includes volcanic geography, fresh forest plantations, rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas.

Rotorua – Napier: 220km (approx 2hrs, 55mins)

DAY 5 – NAPIER

Following an earthquake in 1931, a rebuild saw Napier completely redesigned in the style of the times.  Buildings were constructed in the Art Deco style with Maori motifs to give the city a unique New Zealand character.  Today, the delightful seaside city of Napier has the extra-ordninary feeling of a time capsule with its seamless line of some of the world’s finest 1930’s architecture.  Enjoy a guided tour of Napier’s unique history and architecture.

DAY 6 – NAPIER – WELLINGTON

Today’s travel south may be via the spectacular Manawatu Gorge or through the beautiful Tuki Tuki Valley and Wairarapa Wine region to reach Wellington.

Set between a sparking harbour and rolling green hills the compact city of Wellington is best explored on foot.  Great shopping, arts culture, cafes and restaurants are all within minutes of the city’s untouched nature spots.  Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum offers FREE admission but you might like to include a guided tour for a greater insight into New Zealand’s rich history and culture.

Napier – Wellington: 320km (approx 4hrs, 20mins)

DAY 7 – DEPART WELLINGTON

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or return of your rental car.

INCLUSIONS:

DAY 1-

Overnight: Auckland

Optional Activities:

Te Wao Nui at Auckland Zoo

Auckland Sky Tower

Orbit Restaurant Set Menu Dinner

Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise

DAY 2-

Overnight: Rotorua

Included Activities:

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Hobbiton Movie Set

Optional Activities:

Polynesian Spa – Deluxe Lake Spa

DAY 3-

Overnight: Rotorua

Included Activities:

Waimangu Geothermal Valley

Redwoods Treewalk Nightlights

DAY 4-

Overnight: Napier

Optional Activities:

Skyline Gondola Ride

Hawkes Bay Twilight Tour

DAY 5-

Overnight: Napier

Included Activities:

Art Deco Morning Walk

Wellington Cable Car

DAY 6-

Overnight: Wellington

Optional Activities:

Zealandia by Day Tour

Introducing Te Papa Tour

DAY 7-

Optional Activities:

Introducing Te Papa Tour