North Island Grand Discovery - 13 Days

Once you have arrived into Auckland, a representative meets you and transfers you to your accommodation.

This evening, the group comes together for a pre-dinner drink to meet the tour leader and fellow travellers, before sitting down for a Welcome Dinner.

Please note: If you arrive after 8 pm, dinner is not included.

Auckland - Waiheke Island - Auckland. This morning, we join a city sights tour of Auckland before a short ferry crossing to Waiheke Island, where a local Coach Captain takes over for the day.

We continue to the island's eastern shores and the Man O'War Vineyard, where our guide leads a tasting of two flagship wines followed by lunch. From here, we visit Allpress Olive Oil to learn about growing and pressing extra virgin olive oil, finishing with a tasting of Allpress' signature blends before returning to Auckland by ferry.

This evening is free for you to explore Auckland's local eateries.

Auckland - Matakohe - Waipoua Forest - Bay of Islands. Today, we leave Auckland and travel to Matakohe, where we enjoy an informative talk at the Kauri Museum.

This afternoon, we continue to the Footprints Waipoua experience, set within Waipoua Forest and home to some of the largest and oldest surviving kauri trees on earth. Our guide shares how these ancient giants are deeply intertwined with Maori life and traditions, and the vital role they play within the forest's unique ecosystem.

The day concludes in Paihia, in the heart of the Bay of Islands.

Bay of Islands - Russell - Waitangi. This morning, we cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, popularly known as the Hole in the Rock. We travel through these pristine waters keeping an eye out for dolphins and other marine life along the way.

The cruise concludes in Russell, where you have free time to explore one of New Zealand's oldest and most charming settlements. We then return to Paihia by local ferry before visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the nationally significant site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown.

Today is yours to spend at leisure in the Bay of Islands, with a range of optional activities available.

Cape Reinga Coach Journey via Ninety Mile Beach: You have the option to join a full-day coach journey to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northernmost point, travelling the length of Ninety Mile Beach along the way.

Scenic Flight: For a different perspective on the region, you can opt to take a scenic flight over the Bay of Islands.

Dinner Cruise: This evening, you can join a relaxing dinner cruise across the bay to round off your free day.

Bay of Islands - Hamilton. After breakfast, we depart the Bay of Islands and travel south to Hamilton, set in the heart of the fertile Waikato region.

On arrival, our guide leads a tour of the acclaimed Hamilton Gardens, one of New Zealand's most distinctive visitor experiences. Rather than a traditional botanic garden, Hamilton Gardens presents a series of beautifully crafted spaces exploring the evolution of garden design across cultures and history, offering an experience akin to an open-air museum.

Hamilton - Rotorua. This morning, we travel through picturesque countryside to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, where our guide brings Middle-earth to life across the 12-acre site. We wander past the charming Hobbit Holes and the Mill before stepping inside the iconic Green Dragon Inn, with the opportunity to venture beyond the door and explore an authentic Hobbit Hole interior, with lunch at the Shire's buffet.

We continue to Rotorua to visit the Redwoods Forest, where a guided glowworm experience is followed by a treetop walk high in the forest canopy. We cross eco-suspended bridges and platforms above the forest floor, coming face to face with redwoods towering up to 75 metres above the ground.

The day begins with a scenic gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua, taking in spectacular views, with time for a thrilling luge ride.

The rest of the morning is yours to spend exploring Rotorua, New Zealand's famed geothermal capital - perhaps browsing the lakefront or stopping for a coffee in town.

This afternoon, we travel to Te Pa Tu for an immersive Maori cultural evening set within a tranquil native forest. The experience begins with a traditional welcome before unfolding through storytelling, song and dance, culminating in a seasonal, family-style shared feast inspired by Maori cuisine.

Rotorua - Taupo. This morning, we travel to Te Puia for a guided tour through the geothermal heart of Rotorua, home to bubbling mud pools and powerful erupting geysers. We continue along the scenic Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls, where you also have the opportunity to add an optional jet boat ride, skimming across the Waikato River and into the thundering canyon below.

We travel on to Taupo, where you have free time to explore the lakeside town. Later, we join a cruise on Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest inland lake, for superb views of the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, a remarkable site accessible only from the water.

Taupo - Napier. This morning, we continue to Napier, proudly known as the Art Deco Capital of the World and home to the most comprehensive collection of Art Deco architecture found anywhere.

On arrival, you have some free time before boarding the Hawke's Bay Express for an informative and entertaining journey through the city, accompanied by commentary that brings Napier's history and 1930s rebirth to life.

Napier - Cape Kidnappers - Napier. We depart Napier and journey along scenic coastal roads toward the rugged landscapes of Cape Kidnappers for the Gannet Safari Overland Tour.

We travel across rolling farmland and dramatic clifftops, where sweeping ocean vistas create spectacular photo opportunities, while our guide shares stories of the region's history, geology and wildlife. This headland is also home to one of the world's largest and most accessible mainland gannet colonies.

This afternoon, we visit Craggy Range Winery, one of New Zealand's most celebrated wine estates, for a tasting of award-winning wines and lunch set against the backdrop of Te Mata Peak. The evening is free for you to explore Napier's distinctive Art Deco streets, seaside promenade and cafe scene.

Please note: Outside the peak breeding season, gannets may not be nesting at the time of your visit.

Napier - Wellington. This morning, we travel south to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, for a guided city tour showcasing its history and cultural highlights. A key feature of the day is time at Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, where we explore Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War. This exhibition uses cutting-edge technology and larger-than-life figures to bring the stories of New Zealanders during the First World War vividly to life.

This evening, we gather for a pre-dinner drink and take time to reflect on the journey and the memories shared with newfound friends, before enjoying a special Farewell Dinner together.

Kia ora. You are transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Please note: If you depart your accommodation before the restaurant opens, breakfast is not included.