Northern New Zealand Discovery
Scenery and culture, from top to bottom
Experience the very best of New Zealand's North Island! Starting in Auckland and completing in Wellington, you'll visit the Bay of Islands, the Glowworm Grotto at Witomo Caves, Huka Falls, Tongariro National Park, Rotorua, and much more. With included cruises, tours, cultural experiences, and local meals, this once-in-a-lifetime vacation is the journey of your dreams.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Auckland (AKL), out of Wellington (WLG)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed or similar:
- 1 night in Auckland at the VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
- 2 nights in Bay of Islands at the Copthorne Resort
- 1 night in Auckland at the VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
- 2 nights in Rotorua at the Ibis Hotel Rotorua
- 1 night in Wellington at the Travelodge Wellington Hotel
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Bay of Islands sightseeing & cruise through the ‘Hole in the Rock’
- Auckland city tour
- Cruise through the Waitomo Caves & Glowworm Grotto
- Evening concert at the Tamaki Maori Village with dinner
- Tour of Lake Taupo and the Central Plateau
- Wellington city tour
- Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
- Services of an experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Travel by luxury coach
Note: Please schedule your arrival flight to arrive no later than 4pm so you don’t miss the welcome reception on Day 1! In addition, your flight should depart Wellington after 2pm on Day 8.
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
Great Ways to Explore
-
Cruise through the famous "Hole in the Rock" formation to Cape Brett.
- Immerse yourself in Maori culture at a traditional dinner concert.
-
Snap amazing photos of Wellington from Mount Victoria.
-
Experience Rotorua's magical geothermal landscapes.
-
Enjoy the comfort and convenience of having a knowledgeable driver-guide by your side throughout your trip.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Ready, set, adventure! This magical vacation brings you to New Zealand's spectacular North Island. With a knowledgeable guide along for the ride, you'll learn all about the culture and history of each destination. Your guide will also be able to answer any questions you may have, and will show you local hidden gems!
Your journey starts in Auckland, where you'll sightsee through the city. From Auckland, venture out to the Bay of Islands, known for its picture-perfect scenery and diverse marine life! Cruise through the "Hole in the Rock" to Cape Brett, feast your eyes on the twinkling Glowworm Grotto at Waitomo Caves and relax on sandy beaches. After another stop in Auckland, you'll discover the magic of Rotorua. Explore geothermal landscapes, and get a taste for authentic Maori culture as you attend a traditional dinner concert!
The next leg of your trip will be spent diving deeper into New Zealand's natural wonders. Marvel at crystal-clear Lake Taupo, feel the rush of Huka Falls, and journey through the one and only Tongariro National Park.
Last but not least, you'll arrive in Wellington. Get lost in the beauty of this capital city, and enjoy included tours and museum visits!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Auckland (AKL), out of Wellington (WLG)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed or similar:
- 1 night in Auckland at the VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
- 2 nights in Bay of Islands at the Copthorne Resort
- 1 night in Auckland at the VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
- 2 nights in Rotorua at the Ibis Hotel Rotorua
- 1 night in Wellington at the Travelodge Wellington Hotel
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Bay of Islands sightseeing & cruise through the ‘Hole in the Rock’
- Auckland city tour
- Cruise through the Waitomo Caves & Glowworm Grotto
- Evening concert at the Tamaki Maori Village with dinner
- Tour of Lake Taupo and the Central Plateau
- Wellington city tour
- Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
- Services of an experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Travel by luxury coach
Note: Please schedule your arrival flight to arrive no later than 4pm so you don’t miss the welcome reception on Day 1! In addition, your flight should depart Wellington after 2pm on Day 8.
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
-
Cruise through the famous "Hole in the Rock" formation to Cape Brett.
- Immerse yourself in Maori culture at a traditional dinner concert.
-
Snap amazing photos of Wellington from Mount Victoria.
-
Experience Rotorua's magical geothermal landscapes.
-
Enjoy the comfort and convenience of having a knowledgeable driver-guide by your side throughout your trip.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Ready, set, adventure! This magical vacation brings you to New Zealand's spectacular North Island. With a knowledgeable guide along for the ride, you'll learn all about the culture and history of each destination. Your guide will also be able to answer any questions you may have, and will show you local hidden gems!
Your journey starts in Auckland, where you'll sightsee through the city. From Auckland, venture out to the Bay of Islands, known for its picture-perfect scenery and diverse marine life! Cruise through the "Hole in the Rock" to Cape Brett, feast your eyes on the twinkling Glowworm Grotto at Waitomo Caves and relax on sandy beaches. After another stop in Auckland, you'll discover the magic of Rotorua. Explore geothermal landscapes, and get a taste for authentic Maori culture as you attend a traditional dinner concert!
The next leg of your trip will be spent diving deeper into New Zealand's natural wonders. Marvel at crystal-clear Lake Taupo, feel the rush of Huka Falls, and journey through the one and only Tongariro National Park.
Last but not least, you'll arrive in Wellington. Get lost in the beauty of this capital city, and enjoy included tours and museum visits!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Auckland!
Welcome to the City of Sails! Upon arrival in Auckland, you will be transferred from the airport to your first hotel. Check in and get settled, then begin exploring!
Get to know the city at your own pace. You may want to take a walk down Queen Street, or catch a bus to Viaduct Harbour and the Auckland Waterfront! These areas are filled with bars and restaurants - the perfect place to treat yourself to a first-night meal!
Transfer to Auckland hotel
Check-in - VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites provides comfortable contemporary accommodations in an excellent location. Guests can expect well-appointed rooms that include free WiFi, a kitchenette, air-conditioning, and more! Latitude 36 serves breakfast and dinner, as well as cocktails to finish a perfect day of exploring. VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites will meet all of your basic needs in a location that simply cannot be beat!
Day 2. Auckland - Bay of Islands
Rise and shine! Enjoy an early breakfast, then join your guide as you travel to the Bay of Islands. Pass over the Harbour Bridge and journey up through Northland's lush farmland before you arrive at your next destination.
Experience spectacular scenery as you cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett, then sail through the famous "Hole in the Rock" formation! As you return to Paihia, meander through picturesque islands that feature sandy beaches and secluded bays. Keep your eyes peeled for marine life as you sail!
Tonight, relax with an enjoyable dinner at your hotel.
Check-in - Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands is a waterfront hotel located within subtropical gardens on the Waitangi National Trust Reserve. Guest rooms are well-appointed with free WiFi, coffee/tea making facilities, complimentary toiletries, and more. Dine at Jimmy Cook's Kiwi Kitchen after a day of sightseeing, and then cap off your night with a cocktail at Jimmy Cook's Bar. Spend free time in the swimming pool, or head to the spa for a luxurious and relaxing treatment. Play some tennis, rent a bicycle, or hop on a shuttle to downtown Paihia for shopping!
Day 3. Bay of Islands
There's nothing better than waking up in the Bay of Islands with zero plans! Use this free day to experience this beautiful place at your own pace. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, then consider treating yourself to a dolphin-watching cruise! Or, why not take a coach trip up to Cape Reinga - the very top of New Zealand!? However you spend your day, it's guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Day 4. Bay of Islands - Auckland
Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading back to Auckland. Wave goodbye to the Bay of Islands and begin your journey with a stop in Whangarei, the northern-most city in New Zealand. Wander around funky art galleries and relax by the marina!
Later, you'll stop at Parry Kauri Park to walk among New Zealand's native forest giants, the Kauri trees, before arriving back in Auckland in the late afternoon. Settle into your hotel and relax, then treat yourself to a bite to eat in the city!
Check-in - VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites provides comfortable contemporary accommodations in an excellent location. Guests can expect well-appointed rooms that include free WiFi, a kitchenette, air-conditioning, and more! Latitude 36 serves breakfast and dinner, as well as cocktails to finish a perfect day of exploring. VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites will meet all of your basic needs in a location that simply cannot be beat!
Day 5. Auckland - Rotorua
Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland! This morning, travel around the waterfront from central city to Mission Bay. Have your camera handy as you pass by points of interest, like Bastion Point, Waitemata Harbour, and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial.
After an exciting morning, you'll leave Auckland for Rotorua! Follow the trail of the Waikato River to the Waitomo Caves and tour the incredible limestone caverns. Sail through the still waters of the sparkling Glow Worm Grotto and feast your eyes on magical scenery! From Waitomo, you will venture through the King Country region, which served as the center of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s!
Upon arrival in Rotorua, get to know the city on an orientation tour. In the evening, get ready for culture, history, and delicious food! You will be brought to the Tamaki Family Marae, where you'll wander through the ancient forest village, listen to local musicians, and learn about Maori art forms and traditions. Towards the end of your visit, you'll be treated to an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground the traditional way.
Check-in - Ibis Hotel Rotorua
Ibis Hotel Rotorua is situated just a few blocks away from Lake Rotorua. Guests will enjoy comfortable rooms with complimentary toiletries, television, hair dryer, and more. WiFi is available for purchase. The hotel restaurant serves a simple menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located within 15 minutes of the airport and with easy access to local shops and cafes, the Ibis Hotel Rotorua is an excellent choice accommodation.
Day 6. Rotorua
Enjoy a day of exploring Rotorua at your own pace! Today, experience the magic of this geothermal wonderland. You may want to visit Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park, Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve (home to the famous Pohutu Geyser), and/or the Polynesian Spas! If you need some guidance, your travel director will be around to help you.
Day 7. Rotorua - Wellington
After breakfast, say "see ya" to Rotorua and begin your journey to wellington. Start out by traveling through pine forests and farmland to the wonderful hidden gem of Huka Falls, a turquoise torrent of rapids. Onward, your eyes will widen as you come across New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo.
Next, journey south over the Central Plateau, New Zealand's main volcanic area. Feast your eyes on the spectacular peaks of Tongariro National Park, as they rise starkly to create a contrast with the surrounding desert-like plains.
As you get closer to Wellington, you'll begin to pass through a number of cute, small towns. Travel along the beautiful Kapiti Coast until you hit New Zealand's capital city! Check into your hotel and spend the night relaxing. Or, wander around and get to know the city!
Check-in - Travelodge Wellington Hotel
Travelodge Wellington Hotel is a comfortable, centrally located hotel. Guests can enjoy free WiFi throughout the hotel. There is an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner, in addition to a bar serving coffee and snacks. Guests have access to a fitness center and onsite parking. Wellington's top attractions are nearby, including the Te Papa Museum, Lambton Quay, and Wellington Zoo.
Day 8. Depart New Zealand
It may be your last day in New Zealand, but the fun isn't over yet! Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Wellington and visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. While in Wellington, be sure to take advantage of the city's renowned coffee culture! Take a walk along Lambton Quay, then enjoy an included lunch.
You've had an amazing last day, but unfortunately, it's time to head to the airport. Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your departure terminal. Spend your flight home dreaming about your next adventure!