northern icons

11 Days • 7 Stops • 2 People • From NZ$7,399 p.p.

City Lights Night Tour
Glowworm and Cave Explorer
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Lunch Combo
Chris Jolly Scenic Cruise
Tongariro 2 Hour Pre Sunset Guided Group Walk
Overview

From urban sophistication to cultural heartlands, this captivating tour showcases New Zealand’s icons, landscapes and stories.

Start your journey in Auckland, gliding beneath the city lights on an evening harbour kayak, before savouring the flavours and exquisite vineyards of Waiheke Island. Wander through the enchanting glowworms of Waitomo and step into the magic of Middle-earth at Hobbiton. Travel south to Rotorua for an immersive Māori cultural evening with Te Pā Tu, explore the highlights, soak in a Secret Spot, and explore geysers illuminated at night. Pause by the waters of Lake Taupō and cruise to the Māori Rock Carvings. Cycle the rolling vineyards of Hawke’s Bay, experience a sunset walk through the majestic Tongariro National Park, and explore the cinematic wonder of Wellington’s Weta Workshop. The journey concludes amidst the pristine wildlife of Kapiti Island, ending with a reflective morning at Te Papa before departing Aotearoa.

Inclusions

What you'll love

Quality Stays

All accommodation selected for this trip are included.

24/7 Support

Local support available 24/7 during your visit.

Safe Transport

All road transport arrangements are included.

Unique Experiences

Experiences throughout the journey are included.

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ITINERARY

Where you'll go

Auckland
Day 1/11

Auckland

There’s more to Auckland than you might think – the region offers access to world-class luxury accommodation, award winning wineries, vibrant culture and unique experiences making it a hot spot for kiwis. The City of Sails sprawls over volcanic hills and around twin harbours, offering an exhilarating mix of natural wonders and urban adventures.

It is the largest Polynesian city in the world, and with over 180 different ethnic groups, Auckland has blossomed into a multi-cultural hub of culture and art making it a bustling, cosmopolitan and vibrant city.

What's included
2 Nights at QT Auckland
City Lights Night Tour
Essence of Waiheke Wine
Waiheke Island Reserve Ferry Return
Cambridge
Day 3/11

Cambridge

Cambridge is a picturesque town in New Zealand's Waikato Region of the North Island. Fondly known as 'The Town of Trees and Champions' due to its lush green parks and tree-lined avenues, the town has an undeniable air of English gentility. Cambridge is known for its abundance of excellent antique shops and the equine industry, with local stud farms producing some of the world's best thoroughbreds. Regarding activities and attractions, visitors to Cambridge are spoiled for choice. Travellers can sample the local cuisine, ride a horse through the stunning countryside, explore the splendid parks and gardens, and visit the fascinating Cambridge Museum. The scenic waterways Waikato River and Lake Karapiro are perfect for swimming, rowing, kayaking, jet boating, skiing, cruising and fishing within minutes of the town centre.

What's included
1 Night at The Clements Hotel
Glowworm and Cave Explorer
Rotorua
Day 4/11

Rotorua

Step into a unique landscape of utter beauty; a region offering authentic Maori cultural encounters, thrilling adventure, and bubbling mud pools.

Rotorua is known for showcasing our fascinating Maori culture, mud pools, shooting geysers, and natural hot springs as the seething power of inner earth comes to the surface. Boasting 18 incredible lakes, three major rivers, and the mighty Mount Tarawera; these treasured natural assets are all part of Rotorua’s allure.

The region is host to some incredible fishing locations with trophy trout to be had year round on the lakes, rivers and streams. Adventure is right around the corner on the Kaituna River, with White Water Rafting on the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall; or perhaps you are tempted by the soothing powers of the regions many natural hot springs. Whatever your inclination, you’ll be wishing you had more time!

What's included
2 Nights at Regent of Rotorua
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Lunch Combo
Te Pa Tu Cultural Experience
Rotorua Highlights Tour
Secret Spot Hot Tubs
Mārama Geyser Light Trail
Napier
Day 6/11

Napier

The popular tourist city of Napier on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island is one of the country’s most likeable regional centres. The inner-city streets are lined with palm trees and the sculpted Marine Parade is sprinkled with numerous lush parks, landscaped gardens and grand memorials, giving the water’s edge its unique character. Arriving in Napier gives the distinct feeling of stepping back in time, owing to its unique concentration of remarkably well preserved 1930s art-deco buildings, built after much of the city was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1931. The city is also known for its gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers and its abundance of world-class wineries on the surrounding plains. This is the place to enjoy a Mediterranean climate, an excellent variety of restaurants and cafes and the air of an affluent English seaside resort.

What's included
2 Nights at Art Deco Masonic Hotel
Chris Jolly Scenic Cruise
Cape Wineries Guided E-Bike Tour
Tongariro National Park
Day 8/11

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro is the oldest national park in New Zealand, set at the heart of North Island, just south of Lake Taupō. It encompasses three active volcanoes – Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ruapehu (one of the most active volcanoes in the world) – that have great religious significance to the local Maori people. This fascinating, ancient cultural importance has awarded the area UNESCO status. The raw beauty of the environment also draws a high number of visitors and is the reason much of the famous Lord of the Rings movie trilogy was filmed here. There are numerous activities to look forward to, from scenic cruises to whitewater rafting, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing in winter. Families will enjoy the shorter treks on offer, such as the three-hour walk to spectacular Taranaki Falls.

What's included
1 Night at Nightsky Cottage
Tongariro 2 Hour Pre Sunset Guided Group Walk
Wellington
Day 9/11

Wellington

Located at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island, the Lonely Planet names Wellington as “the coolest little capital in the world”.

As well as being a ‘cool little capital’ and the seat of government, Wellington is compact and easy to get around, locals often say you can walk anywhere in under 30 minutes. On most visitors list of places to visit is the National Museum, also known as Te Papa, meaning ‘our place’; one of the world’s best interactive museums. A ride on the city’s cable car takes you up the hill to Kelburn and the city’s botanical gardens, from here you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the city and across the sea.

Wellington is well known as the country’s culinary capital, home to some of the New Zealand’s best award-winning restaurants, great bars and some wonderfully quirky cafes, great food trucks, day and night markets. Almost everything about Wellington, the mix of history, culture and creative energy epitomise the diversity, colour and inclusiveness of this city surrounded by water and hills.

What's included
2 Nights at QT Wellington
Weta Workshop Experience
Kapiti Island Classic Day Tour
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Thoughtfully selected accommodation

Stays that elevate your time in New Zealand, offering a comfortable place to relax and unwind in between activities.

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