Itinerary Highlights
- Soak up the Bay of Islands natural beauty, sail around the bay and discover some of the 144 islands and secluded bays
- Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and the 'Hobbit' Trilogies
- Discover New Zealand's geothermal pools, geysers , lakes and volcanoes in Rotorua and Tongariro National Park
- Explore Hawkes Bay with its Albatross sanctuary, art deco architecture of Napier and boutique wineries
- Best time to travel November to April
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Car Hire
- International Flights
14 nights from £4,469 per person
Nick
Travel Specialist
Discover New Zealand’s North Island one a once-in-a-lifetime tour, starting in bustling Auckland and taking in enchanting Rotorua, Taupo, and Napier before ending the capital city, Wellington.
Along the way you will cross incredibly diverse landscapes ranging from rolling farmland, ancient kauri forests and towering mountains to a stunning coastline featuring hidden coves, breathtaking islands and even geothermal hot spots and geysers. You will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the landscape on excursions including visits to Hole in the Rock at Bay of Islands, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula and an Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park.
Other unique highlights of this tour include visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute at Te Puia, as well as enjoying a traditional Maori Hangi dinner. Wine and food lovers will be treated to a special helping of Kiwi culinary culture and visit the famous Hawkes Bay wine region for a vineyard tour. Film fans will no doubt be excited to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set! Whichever activity appeals to you, our Travel Specialists can tailor-make every day of your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive New Zealand
Bay of Islands
Transfer through Auckland to your domestic flight to Keri Keri in the Bay of Islands. Collect your rental vehicle and make your way to your hotel. The region is extremely picturesque with a patchwork of ancient kauri forests and rolling farmland. The coast is beautiful with 144 islands scattered in the bay.
Day 2 Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is made up of quaint historic towns, and is most famous for the signing of the Waitangi Treaty in 1840. The region offers lots of experiences on land and on the water. Take a boat trip out on the bay spotting dolphins and passing through "The Hole in the Rock", or even take a helicopter flight that lands on the rock. Further north you can visit Cape Reinga on a tour that takes you on a drive along 90 mile beach.
Staying at
Arcadia Lodge
Upgrade to
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs
Day 3 Bay of Islands to Auckland (150 miles)
Drive south towards Auckland enjoying the views of Northlands east coast along the way. Orewa is a good place to stop, where you will find one of the regions best beaches. Auckland is New Zealand's most populous city sitting on 2 large harbours and the breath-taking Hauraki Gulf Marine Park with more than 50 islands.
Day 4 Auckland
With such a beautiful harbour it's not a surprise to learn that there is one boat for every 11 people that live in Auckland. Join in with the fun on the water with an America's Cup Sailing Experience, gentle harbour lunch cruise or sail/fly out to the beautiful island of Waiheke with its secluded sandy coves and boutique wineries.
Staying at
QT Auckland
Upgrade to
Park Hyatt Auckland
Day 5 Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula (150 miles)
Coromandel Peninsula
Leave city life behind and head east to the rolling countryside and beautiful coastline of Coromandel Peninsula. Known as the Seabird Coast, stop at the Miranda Shorebird Centre and the therapeutic mineral pools. The road snakes around the Peninsula's western bays to the charming gold rush era town of Coromandel. A ride on the cute Driving Creek Railway is a highlight here. Staying at 970 Lonely Bay
Day 6 Coromandel Peninsula
Explore Coromandel Peninsula's east coast attractions such as Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand's most photogenic beaches. Guided kayak tours of Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve takes you through sea caves and to beautiful hidden coves. Hot Water Beach is famous for its hot spring water that bubbles through the golden two hours either side of low tide. Staying at 970 Lonely Bay
Day 7 Coromandel to Rotorua (160 miles)
Today head for Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal activity, iconic geysers, crater lakes, natural hot pools, volcanic scenery and cultural activities. Stop at Matamata to experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings and the 'Hobbit' Trilogies.
Day 8 Rotorua
Experience Maori culture at Te Puia, where the ancient arts of woodcarving and weaving are explained. Take a tour through a thermal valley full of geysers and mud pools. Explore Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park, before visiting the Agrodome, a working farm with displays. End your day with a meal cooked the Maori way accompanied by traditional music and dance.
Staying at
On the Point
Day 9 Rotorua to Turangi/Tongariro National Park (80 miles)
Tongariro
Leave Rotorua's and travel south to Lake Taupo, ensuring you stop off to view the dramatic Huka Falls and maybe take an exhilarating jetboat tour right to the edge of the falls. Follow the edge of Lake Taupo to the small township of Turangi, on the edge of the Tongariro National Park. Staying at River Birches
Day 10 Tongariro National Park
Tongariro
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand's greatest one-day hikes. The 12-mile hike takes on average 6-hours and is best attempted between December to April. The hike can be done independently or the less experienced trampers may prefer to take a private guided hike. The combination of lava flows, emerald-coloured lakes, steam vents and magnificent views of volcanic cones make this an unforgettable day of walking. Staying at River Birches
Day 11 Tongariro National Park to Hawkes Bay (145 miles)
Hawke's Bay
Today you have a choice of two routes, the most scenic being via Taupo to follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through the Esk Valley. Much of the valley close to Napier was devastated during the cyclone of February 2023, however the drive remains incredibly scenic. Stop in Napier, renowned for its art deco architecture.
Day 12 Hawkes Bay
Hawke's Bay
Napier was heavily affected by an earthquake in 1931 which resulted in the city being rebuilt in the style of the times. Today it is considered to be the “art deco capital of the world”. Bird lovers might enjoy a visit to nearby Cape Kidnappers, which is home to the most accessible gannet colony in the world or visit some of the boutique wineries that the region is famous for and is now known as the world's 12th 'great wine capital'.
Staying at
Mangapapa Hotel & Restaurant
Upgrade to
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
Day 13 Wellington
Return your vehicle to the car rental depot at Napier airport for a short flight to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Staying at: Sofitel Wellington
Day 14 Wellington
The day is yours to enjoy Wellington at your own pace. Compact, cultured and full of character, the city is nestled between harbour and hills and is great for exploring on foot. Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand’s national museum. It is located on the waterfront and is supposed to be one of the best interactive museums in the world. Wellington is also known for its live theatre, art galleries, restaurants and cultural activities. Staying at: Sofitel Wellington
Day 15 Depart Wellington
Today you will be met at your hotel and transferred by private car to Wellington International Airport for your onward flight.
Nick
Travel Specialist
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14 nights from £4,469 per person
