New Zealand’s Northern Gems
From Wellington’s vibrant charm to Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Auckland’s harbour-side sparkle, every day brings new discoveries. Take a tour through Napier’s Art Deco streets, visit Rotorua, where bubbling mud pools, a traditional pounamu carving workshop, and a Māori cultural performance under the glow of the Pohutu Geyser, await. Discover an immersive All Blacks Experience in Auckland before heading to the breathtaking Bay of Islands and then celebrate it all at dinner with your new-found friends.
- 12 Oct 2026 – 21 Oct 2026
from $7,589 pp twin share * - 30 Nov 2026 – 09 Dec 2026
from $7,589 pp twin share * - 07 Dec 2026 – 16 Dec 2026
from $7,589 pp twin share * - 21 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026
from $7,589 pp twin share * - 11 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027
from $7,440 pp twin share * - 01 Feb 2027 – 10 Feb 2027
from $7,818 pp twin share * - 08 Feb 2027 – 17 Feb 2027
from $7,818 pp twin share * - 15 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027
from $7,818 pp twin share * - 01 Mar 2027 – 10 Mar 2027
from $7,818 pp twin share * - 15 Mar 2027 – 24 Mar 2027
from $7,818 pp twin share * - 29 Mar 2027 – 07 Apr 2027
from $7,665 pp twin share * - 03 May 2027 – 12 May 2027
from $7,890 pp twin share * - 11 Oct 2027 – 20 Oct 2027
from $7,890 pp twin share * - 08 Nov 2027 – 17 Nov 2027
from $7,890 pp twin share * - 29 Nov 2027 – 08 Dec 2027
from $7,890 pp twin share * - 06 Dec 2027 – 15 Dec 2027
from $7,890 pp twin share * - 20 Dec 2027 – 29 Dec 2027
from $7,890 pp twin share * - 10 Jan 2028 – 19 Jan 2028
from $7,890 pp twin share * - 31 Jan 2028 – 09 Feb 2028
from $7,890 pp twin share * - 07 Feb 2028 – 16 Feb 2028
from $8,110 pp twin share * - 14 Feb 2028 – 23 Feb 2028
from $8,110 pp twin share * - 28 Feb 2028 – 08 Mar 2028
from $8,110 pp twin share * - 06 Mar 2028 – 15 Mar 2028
from $8,110 pp twin share * - 13 Mar 2028 – 22 Mar 2028
from $8,110 pp twin share * - 27 Mar 2028 – 05 Apr 2028
from $8,110 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Welcome to Wellington:
Arrive and settle into your hotel in New Zealand’s cool little capital of Wellington. You may like to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts, including an eye-opening exhibit dedicated to Māori history (entrance fee applies). Later, meet up with your fellow adventure-seekers for drinks before you tour the North Island of New Zealand. - Day 2 – Wellington – Napier:
Wellington is known for its uber-cool cafes, so grab a coffee before you head out on your city sights tour. Later, travel to the Art Deco capital of New Zealand, Napier. Napier’s striking Art Deco architecture is a direct result of the devastating 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake, which remains New Zealand’s deadliest natural disaster. Napier was rapidly rebuilt in the style of the era – Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Striped Classical. Today, Napier is regarded as one of the world’s best-preserved Art Deco cities. - Day 3 – Napier Sightseeing & Free Time:
Join a private walking tour of the Art Deco quarter, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your local expert guide from the Art Deco Trust will regale you with stories of the people and events that shaped the iconic art deco buildings. Later you may choose to partake in a wine tour of Hawkes Bay wineries, or a tour of the local Gannet Colony, the largest nesting colony of its type in the world (both own expense). - Day 4 – Napier – Rotorua:
Today on your tour of the North Island visit the mighty Huka Falls, where approximately 220,000 litres per second of water surge through a narrow volcanic gorge plunging 11 metres to a foaming pool below. Continue to the geothermal wonder of Rotorua, renowned for its bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, rich Māori culture, and the unmistakable scent of sulphur that fills the air. This afternoon, visit a traditional Pounamu workshop for a fascinating insight into the art of jade carving, where you will witness skilled artisans at work, and learn about the cultural significance of pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) in Māori tradition. Tonight, delve deep into Māori culture with the Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia. It begins with an exhilarating cultural performance in a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua, followed by views of the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands, and ends with a delicious buffet dinner of hāngī-inspired cuisine – both MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. - Day 5 – Rotorua Sightseeing & Free Time:
Today is Rotorua tour day of many decisions, but with plenty of tips available from your Travel Director. Want a bit of down time? We wouldn’t blame you for simply blissing out at in the steamy thermal springs at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of the opportunity to tour the sights featured in The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit movies on the Hobbiton Movie Set tour. Or board a scenic flight for a bird’s-eye-view (all own expense). - Day 6 – Rotorua – Auckland:
From New Zealand’s longest waterway, the Waikato River, to its largest city: welcome to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. You’ll understand how it got its moniker when you glimpse yachts gliding around its two harbours on your city sights tour. But today your sights are firmly set on New Zealand’s national game: rugby. As part of your Auckland tour you’re kicking about at the interactive All Blacks Experience. Journey through the sporting team’s remarkable history via various displays and presentations before you witness a performance of a traditional haka with you front and centre. - Day 7 – Auckland – Bay of Islands:
140 – that’s how many droplets of land ringed by turquoise sea comprise the Bay of Islands, your tour destination today. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. Your guide, perhaps a descendent of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. - Day 8 – Bay of Islands Free Time:
If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. Today, trip the light fantastic and head off in whatever direction you please. Perhaps travel up to Cape Reinga, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach. Or cruise to the Hole in the Rock with an idyllic island stopover enroute or join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands (all own expense). - Day 9 – Bay of Islands – Auckland:
For a little more northern exposure, make your way to Whangarei, the island’s most northerly outpost and a place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums. It’s like the country in a tantalising snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Sink back into your seat for the mesmerizing commute back to Auckland for your dinner and drinks. - Day 10 – Farewell from Auckland:
The only bad day in your Auckland tour is the one where you have to bid farewell. On your journey home, just remember how much pleasure you have packed into this last 10 days.
Highlights
- Explore Napier’s Art Deco streets and Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools.
- Experience a traditional Māori cultural performance and pounamu carving workshop.
- Discover Auckland’s All Blacks Experience and the breathtaking Bay of Islands.
From Wellington’s vibrant charm to Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Auckland’s harbour-side sparkle, every day brings new discoveries. Take a tour through Napier’s Art Deco streets, visit Rotorua, where bubbling mud pools, a traditional pounamu carving workshop, and a Māori cultural performance under the glow of the Pohutu Geyser, await. Discover an immersive All Blacks Experience in Auckland before heading to the breathtaking Bay of Islands and then celebrate it all at dinner with your new-found friends.
Inclusions
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Guided tour and cultural performance at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Explore the Bay of Islands, a stunning coastal paradise with golden beaches, and lush islands MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Immerse yourself in Māori culture at Te Puia, with traditional performances and storytelling Explore the Geothermal Wonders of Rotorua Marvel at the powerful Huka Falls Behind the scenes experience at Pounamu (Jade) carving workshop tour, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Visit the art deco and wine region of Hawkes Bay including an Art Deco Walking Tour of Napier Guided tour of the Interactive All Blacks Experience in Auckland.
- Day 1 highlights Welcome to Wellington: Arrive and settle into your hotel in New Zealand’s cool little capital of Wellington. You may like to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts, including an eye-opening exhibit dedicated to Māori history (entrance fee applies). Later, meet up with your fellow adventure-seekers for drinks before you tour the North Island of New Zealand.
- Day 2 highlights Wellington – Napier: Wellington is known for its uber-cool cafes, so grab a coffee before you head out on your city sights tour. Later, travel to the Art Deco capital of New Zealand, Napier. Napier’s striking Art Deco architecture is a direct result of the devastating 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake, which remains New Zealand’s deadliest natural disaster. Napier was rapidly rebuilt in the style of the era – Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Striped Classical. Today, Napier is regarded as one of the world’s best-preserved Art Deco cities.
FAQs
- Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart
- Copthorne Hotel and Resort
- James Cook Grand Chancellor
- Scenic Hotel Te Pania
- Sudima Lake Rotorua
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 10 days and 9 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 12 Oct 2026 and 05 Apr 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
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