6-Nights Auckland to Wellington: North Island Highlights from $3,029

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland, New Zealand. You will be met and shown to your coach, as your New Zealand adventure begins.

AUCKLAND / TAMAKI MAKAURAU - an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city's many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand's biggest city, and the population mix of European, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

We will visit the Auckland Museum (entry included). Auckland War Memorial Museum is where exciting stories of New Zealand’s people, the flora & fauna, and landforms of our unique islands are told within a memorial dedicated to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. In one of New Zealand's most outstanding historical buildings, you will encounter exhibitions that will excite you with the artistic legacy and cultures of the peoples of the Pacific. The Museum is a key destination for families. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of the world around them by exploring cultures, the arts, science, and the environment.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Hotel: SkyCity Hotel Auckland (3 Star Rating)

Experience New Zealand's premier entertainment destination when you stay at SKYCITY Hotel. Located in the city centre and close to major attractions and shopping, SKYCITY offers over 300 recently refurbished rooms and suites - all with free WIFI internet. Facilities including a world class casino, more than 20 restaurants, cafes and bars, a theatre, free live entertainment on select nights and the iconic Sky Tower - all on the doorstep of this spacious and modern hotel.

Leaving Auckland in the morning, we travel through the Waikato and King Country regions, passing by flourishing farmland and picturesque countryside.

On arrival in the small town of Waitomo, enjoy a 45-minutes guided tour through the world famous

Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Your guided tour will take you through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery commencing with the impressive Cathedral. Your tour begins at the upper entrance of the cave and proceeds along a low narrow passage to the Tomo, a deep limestone shaft. Your experienced tour guide will deliver a highly informative commentary about the formations, sharing stories, cultural legends and the natural wonders of this living masterpiece and the history of the area. The highlight of your tour is an unrivalled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto.

Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way. Duration: 45mins.

There is time to enjoy a traditional BBQ buffet lunch, with a steak main course at Roselands Restaurant, before we leave Waitomo, and we make our way to Rotorua, in the heart of the Central North Island. Passing through the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade where trees arch over the road to form a tunnel of natural greenery. Arrive in Rotorua where you will be spending your night here tonight.

ROTORUA - located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Maori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Maori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

This evening, a evening to remember with the Te Pa Tu, Evening Experience.

Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.

Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.

Summer: Tu Te Ra - Across this lunar phase, the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tu Te Ra celebrates abundant harvest and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace. Winter: Tu Te Ihi includes the time in the earth’s cycle when Matariki stars are high and bright in winter skies. Te Ihi references the energy and passion stirred by the Matariki cluster and the promise they herald. These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.

Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style.

Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques.

Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Hotel: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (4 Star Rating)

Next to mystical Lake Rotorua and just a short stroll from the city centre, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an eco-friendly destination offering comfort and convenience in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Perfect for leisure and business travellers, our hotel is within walking distance of Polynesian Spa, Rotorua’s vibrant dining scene, and local attractions.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

After breakfast we depart for Te Puia|Te Ra. We are guided through the greenstone, wood carving and flax weaving schools at the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pa, Kiwi Conservation Centre and Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley (an ancient valley where geysers, mud pools and boiling waters still play after 40,000 years) including Pohutu geyser.

From Rotorua you travel along the geothermal highway and past the edge of the largest man-made radiate pine forest in the world - the Kaingaroa Forest towards Taupo. Travel past Taupo which sits on the shores of New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. From Taupo you'll travel over the Ahiminawa Ranges to Napier. Napier has the highest concentrations of Striped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco building styles in the world. The commercial centre was completely rebuilt following a catastrophic earthquake in 1931. Napier is also at the centre of one of the largest and most vibrant wine-producing areas in New Zealand.

NAPIER/AHURIRI - the largest city in the Hawke's Bay, whose port handles the province's huge volumes of produce, spreads around the wedge of Bluff Hill, sometimes still referred to as "Scinde Island." Napier was almost completely surrounded by water before the severe 1931 earthquake flattened the city but uplifted vast areas of the surrounding seabed. As a result of the disaster, the city was almost completely rebuilt during the 1930's, giving it an Art Deco style of architecture, unique to a New Zealand city.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier (3 Star Rating)

Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, with our Napier hotel enjoying a premium waterfront location on Napier's Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay and guests are treated to sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street and is located in close proximity to many of Napier's attractions.

We invite you to enjoy quality 4-star hotel accommodation of an international standard. From the moment you step into our spacious, light-filled lobby, you will experience our commitment to quality and customer service. If you fancy waking up to serene ocean views, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is the perfect place to start your day in Hawke’s Bay. Simply leave the curtains open, roll over in bed, and soak it all in. See you soon.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Today is a full day touring Napier. We begin with a guided walk, with The Art deco Trust, departing from The Art Deco Centre. Your guided walk will bring Napier's fascinating architectural history to life as you take a stroll through the compact Art Deco quarter in Napier's vibrant city centre.

Napier was destroyed by the earthquake and fire of 1931, and was rebuilt in the styles of the times - Spanish Mission, Stripped Classical and above all, Art Deco, the style that expressed the confidence, optimism and vigour of the early 20th century.

Lunch is at the Mission Estate Restaurant (three course lunch). The Restaurant offers contemporary cuisine using only the freshest local produce. Mission Estate wines appear on the wine list and the restaurant's well-informed waiting staff are on hand to provide the best advice on food and wine matchings.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier (3 Star Rating)

Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, with our Napier hotel enjoying a premium waterfront location on Napier's Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay and guests are treated to sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street and is located in close proximity to many of Napier's attractions.

We invite you to enjoy quality 4-star hotel accommodation of an international standard. From the moment you step into our spacious, light-filled lobby, you will experience our commitment to quality and customer service. If you fancy waking up to serene ocean views, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is the perfect place to start your day in Hawke’s Bay. Simply leave the curtains open, roll over in bed, and soak it all in. See you soon.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving the 1930's inspired city of Napier you will travel through the countryside of the Hawke's Bay and Manawatu. Travelling along the Kapiti Coast line into the capital city of Wellington.

WELLINGTON/TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA - the Capital city of New Zealand since 1865, is situated around Wellington harbour, its houses clinging precipitously to the steep hillsides. Wellington is renowned for its wind which is channelled through the Cook Strait, and causes the wind to blow most days. A clever blend of buildings, old and new, beautiful vistas of the city and harbour, and a cosmopolitan mix of culture and arts give Wellington its heart, and vibrant atmosphere.

Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre) and exploring on foot is relatively easy. You can easily stroll the famous cafes and restaurants within the city and New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, is also close by.

Once of the iconic things to do in Wellington, is to take the Wellington Cable Car up to or from the Cable Car Sumit. There are several walks around the hillsides of the Botanic Garden including a beautiful 40-minute stroll via the historic Bolton Street Cemetery and the Beehive. If you have only bought a one-way and decided to return on the Cable Car, simply catch the next car going up or down and pay for a one-way ticket at the Cable Car Ticket Office.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay (3 Star Rating)

If location is everything, then this hotel in Wellington has it all, with a compact city centre that supports an arts scene, cafe culture and nightlife much larger than many cities of similar scale. The Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay overlooks one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. All rooms are decorated in colours that capture the natural beauty of the nearby ocean and earth. Upgrade to a Superior Harbour View or higher category of room to enjoy air conditioning (not available in Superior rooms). The hotel also offers a concierge service and leisure desk.

Meal(s): Breakfast

The Introducing Te Papa Tour provides an overview of Te Papa's highlights, Maori taonga (treasures) and New Zealand history and allows plenty of time to explore Te Papa on your own! The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the national museum of New Zealand. It is branded and commonly known as Te Papa and Our Place; "Te Papa Tongarewa" is broadly translatable as "the place of treasures of this land". New Zealand’s geology and natural environment and the stories of New Zealand’s indigenous people, the Maori, are celebrated in Te Papa’s permanent exhibitions, while Te Papa’s Marae is a vibrant contemporary meeting house and a living communal centre, unique in a museum. An exciting range of exhibitions display New Zealand’s diverse art and visual culture and top-rating international exhibitions tour regularly.

We then visit the wooden cathedral of Old St Pauls, which was built between 1865 and 1866 on Wellington's waterfront, on what was originally the site of Pipitea Pa, a Maori settlement.

Farewell Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay (3 Star Rating)

If location is everything, then this hotel in Wellington has it all, with a compact city centre that supports an arts scene, cafe culture and nightlife much larger than many cities of similar scale. The Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay overlooks one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. All rooms are decorated in colours that capture the natural beauty of the nearby ocean and earth. Upgrade to a Superior Harbour View or higher category of room to enjoy air conditioning (not available in Superior rooms). The hotel also offers a concierge service and leisure desk.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

The day is at leisure, until your transfer to Wellington Airport for your onward/return flight

Meal(s): Breakfast