8 Day Guided Northern Discovery Tour from $2,890

Travel Team > New Zealand - Escorted Tours > 8 Day Guided Northern Discovery Tour from $2,890

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 – Stamford Plaza

Included Meals – Welcome Reception

Day 2

Auckland – Bay of Islands (2 Nights)

Leave Auckland this morning, travelling north over the Harbour Bridge past the sprawling suburbs of the city’s North Shore. Your scenic drive continues through Northland’s lush farmland before arriving in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Explore the place where Māori and British culture merged in the 18th century and see the beauty that lies within a network of 144 islands which dot the bay with their beautiful golden beaches. Wake up the sound of gentle waves, a cool sea breeze and the smell of the ocean over the next few days. But for now, the soul-stirring views never end as you cruise through game-fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ and into New Zealand’s largest sea cave. Your return cruise to Paihia slices through the turquoise waters of the bay. Pass deserted beaches and secluded bays while you keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals and penguins which find sanctuary in this pristine tropical setting. Stay overnight in the jewel of the Bay of Islands, renowned for its secluded bays, mild weather and warm café culture. This evening, gather with your Travel Director and travelling companions for drinks and dinner.

Hotel – Copthorne Resort (Water View Room)

Included Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

Bay of Islands Sightseeing

Spend the day indulging in your choice of sightseeing: take a guided tour of Russell with lunch at the local pub; explore the Bay of Islands and visit three wineries for tastings; head back out on to the water and experience a day of sailing aboard a historic tall ship or see the sights on the Bay of Islands Highlights Tour.

Included Meals – 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.

Hotel – Stamford Plaza

Included Meals – Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Auckland – Rotorua (2 Nights)

Begin your day with a city sightseeing tour of Auckland, including panoramic views from the Sky Tower, 328 metres above the city, before following the Waikato River to Rotorua, the Maori heartland. Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where talented young students carry on age-old traditions of wood carving and weaving. 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 Dinner, steamed underground in the traditional way.

Hotel – Millennium

Included Meals – Breakfast, Regional Dinner

Day 6

Rotorua Sightseeing

Embark on your choice of sightseeing: glide through the Glowworm Grotto on the Waitomo Caves Tour; take an ancient forest zipline adventure with Canopy Tours; 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.

Included Meals – Breakfast

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 Dinner at the museum, revealing the city’s culinary reputation.

Hotel – James Cook Grand Chancellor

Included Meals – Breakfast, Regional Dinner

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).

Included Meals – Breakfast