A Taste of the North Island

Depart from the Auckland Ferry Terminal and enjoy a scenic cruise through the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. On arrival at Matiatia Wharf, you’ll be greeted and directed to your coach for the day. The Taste of Waiheke tour will first take you to enjoy a glass of wine and two-course lunch at Batch Winery. Views from the Batch are stunning with its vineyard sitting at the highest altitude on the island. You then depart for the beautiful Mudbrick Vineyard to enjoy a some award-winning wines before experiencing an olive oil tasting at Allpress Olive Groves. Before you are returned to the ferry terminal, savour exquisite wines at a premium Waiheke vineyard.

New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

Discover the geothermal, adventure, and cultural wonderland of Rotorua. As you explore, you may see steam rising from cracks in the road, bubbling and hissing water in pools along the lake’s edge, and the unmistakable smell of Sulfur. Rotorua is rich in Māori culture and history, with many Māori inhabitants recognising the great potential of the volcanic land. For an outdoor adventure, head to The Redwoods and experience the rainforest treetops from high up. There are a few accessible trails for disabled hikers and great biking trails as well. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of New Zealand’s native birds, such as the Pīwakawaka (Fantail) and the Tūī. Alternatively, enjoy the Lake Tikitapu Blue Lake Walk or explore Kuirau Park, where you’ll find bubbling mud pools and steaming lakes. Don’t miss the private thermal reserves such as Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu, where you can walk among bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and Sulfur ponds. Just a few minutes from the town centre, the Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery offer an insight into nature. Rotorua’s rich Māori culture is a must-see. Spend an evening with Te Pā Tū, complete with a traditional-style dinner or stroll along the lake edge to reach one of the country’s oldest Māori villages at Ohinemutu. When hunger strikes, visit Eat Street in Rotorua CBD, a vibrant street lined with delicious eateries and restaurants to satisfy any craving. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without experiencing Rotorua’s original tourist attraction - a relaxing spa treatment. This town boasts an array of wellness experiences to unwind in. Whether you are seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Rotorua offers an unforgettable experience.

Your drive south from Auckland begins by crossing the Bombay Hills, which mark the boundary of the greater Auckland area, before leading you into the rich, sprawling farmland of the Waikato region. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours non-stop, but we recommend allowing 3 hours for a relaxed journey. For a fantastic leg-stretching stop, you may consider a slight detour into Hamilton to visit the renowned Hamilton Gardens (known for its amazing themed garden collection). Alternatively, the quirky small town of Tirau, famous for its buildings shaped like a giant sheep and sheepdog, is right on your main route and makes a quick and fun photo stop. As you continue south, the scenery transitions, and telltale signs of steam and other geothermal activity will signal your arrival into the fascinating thermal and cultural hub of Rotorua.

Step into the ancient and enchanting Whirinaki Forest for a guided cultural walking tour just under an hour from Rotorua. Explore towering 1,000-year-old trees, discover the healing properties of native plants, and connect with Māori heritage through traditional welcomes and stories. Along the way, take time to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and soak in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest, spot native birds, and savour a picnic lunch with kawakawa tea. Perfect for nature lovers and culture seekers alike, this immersive experience blends New Zealand’s rich natural and cultural history for an unforgettable day in the heart of one of the country’s most sacred forests.

The National Kiwi Hatchery Experience is a special opportunity to gain insight into and view this highly regarded conservation centre. Developed with the visitor experience in mind, the hatchery boasts special viewing opportunities and is hosted by kiwi expert guides who ensure guests leave fully informed and all questions answered. Learn all about New Zealand’s intriguing national icon and the efforts of the kiwi husbandry team, see and discover what it takes to hatch and rare chicks, and if you’re lucky see baby chicks in person!

Combine all three of Hell’s Gate most popular experiences with this package. Take part in the guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk before indulging in their geothermal mud and sulphur waters, experiencing the healing properties local Māori have been using for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget.

Napier, a coastal gem, is famed for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, the annual Art Deco Weekend, stately Norfolk pines, nearby wineries, and fresh local produce. With a Mediterranean climate and over 2,200 hours of sunshine annually, it boasts a thriving café culture set against stunning heritage buildings. The city centre has around 30 cafés within walking distance, while Ahuriri, just beyond Bluff Hill, offers more upscale dining. Marine Parade overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Cape Kidnappers, home to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Visitors can explore Ocean Spa, the Hawke’s Bay Museum, and the National Aquarium of New Zealand Bluff Hill, a key landmark, provides sweeping views of Napier, Perfume Point, Westshore Beach, and the busy Port of Napier, which exports timber, fruit, and meat worldwide. In 1931, Napier was devastated by a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, New Zealand’s worst natural disaster. Fires ravaged the city. Rebuilding efforts transformed Napier and Hastings into modern cities, while the uplifted Ahuriri Lagoon created much-needed land for expansion.

Discover the sweet side of Taupō with a visit to the Huka Honey Hive! Perfect for a flexible stop, this experience lets you explore interactive displays, view live bees safely behind glass, and wander through peaceful native gardens. The highlight? The "Honey Bar," where you can sample a vast range of pure New Zealand honeys, meads, and fruit wines at your own pace. It’s an easy, tasty, and educational pitstop the whole family will love.

This drive will take you through the thermal region just south of Rotorua. Home to a plethora of unique geothermal attractions including boiling mud pits, natural hot springs and steaming geysers, this area is a must do before you move on to Napier. Notable attractions are Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu and Craters of the Moon. Continue on to Taupō and marvel at the lake, a giant crater formed following a volcanic eruption in the year 180 CE. As you approach the town, be sure to stop at Huka Falls to view the spectacular sight of hundreds of cubic metres of water spilling every second down the narrow 11 metre drop. For an extra thrill take a jet-boat ride at the base of the falls. Leaving Taupō, follow the road as it climbs the rugged Ahimanawa Range before descending back down the Pacific Coast to art deco coastal township of Napier.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a spectacular showcase of New Zealand’s colourful and unique geothermal elements sculpted by thousands of years of volcanic activity. You will be introduced to a diversely different natural landscape, extending over 18-sq. km. Enjoy viewing the volcanic features as you walk at your own pace along well-defined tracks. Relax in the first-class Visitor Centre, home to the Gift Shop and Café facilities. Visit the Mud Pool, the largest in New Zealand, it was originally the site of a large mud volcano which was destroyed through erosion in the 1920s. See the history and beauty of the Lady Knox Geyser at 10:15 am every day where a daily eruption happens of up to 20 metres.

Cycle one of Hawke’s Bay’s most scenic coastal trails, visiting some of the region’s best wineries along the way. Starting in Clifton near Cape Kidnappers, you’ll enjoy ocean views, riverside trails, charming coastal villages, and tastings at renowned wineries such as Clearview Estate, Elephant Hill, Askerne, Te Mata Estate, and Black Barn. Take time for a relaxed lunch at a vineyard or café, then finish your day with a return shuttle to Napier. Includes e-bike hire, helmet, pannier, maps, and start/end shuttles. Wine tasting costs extra.

Discover Hawke’s Bay, known in Māori as Te Matau-a-Māui or the fish hook of Māui. This is a region renowned for its Mediterranean charm, iconic Art Deco architecture, and award-winning wineries. Explore Mission Estate, the birthplace of New Zealand wine, or tour vineyards for a deeper dive into its winemaking legacy. Fans of the 1930s can enjoy a Vintage Car Tour, showcasing Napier’s architectural gems. Outdoor enthusiasts can cycle over 200km of scenic trails or unwind at pristine beaches like Ocean and Waimarama. Indulge your taste buds with local delights, from honey and chocolate to fresh orchard produce. The Hawkes Bay is also home to an abundance of wildlife, head out on a Gannet Safari or educate yourself at the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Wellington known in Māori as Te Whanganui-a-Tara is home to New Zealand’s centre of government. Often referred to as ‘mini Melbourne', this windy city is a melting pot of art, culture, food, and fashion. Quirky laneway bars, underground art shows, and hipster eateries make up its inner-city vibe, while a host of sandy beaches outside the urban bustle bring a cheerful holiday feel. Head to Te Papa Museum for a history lesson and a ticket to one of its many international exhibitions or jump aboard the Wellington Cable Car - the only running funicular railway in the country. For those with an eye for boutique, fashion wander through Cuba St to sample some of the city’s best vintage stores. Break for coffee at a hipster cafe and be sure to snap a pic outside the ‘Beehive,’ New Zealand’s parliamentary debate chamber. Go behind the scenes at Weta Workshop Experience, the Oscar Award Winning design studio behind Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit, and Avatar. If you’re a foodie at heart, a two-hour round trip to Martinborough is a must-do. Take your time as you wind through spectacular wine country. For an educational day out, learn about New Zealand’s native species at Zealandia, the world’s first fully-fenced eco-sanctuary and home to over 40 types of endangered and native birds.

Crossing the Remutaka Ranges you drop towards the impressive deep water harbour and Wellington City. Wellington is home to a selection of great museums such as Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum (not to be missed), The National Library and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea. For some great views of the city and the harbour take the Cable Car from Lambton Quay up into the hills of Kelburn, 130 metres above the city. The ride terminates in the botanic gardens, a 26 hectare park with rose, fern, succulents, exotic trees and native forest displays. Another great vantage point is Mt. Victoria. If you’re felling energetic take a stroll along the waterfront cafes of oriental bay and walk to the top of the hill. Great views across to the Hutt Valley can be enjoyed. The cannon on the summit dates back to 1877. Wellington has excellent shopping, theatre, cafes and restaurants and being only 2 kilometres wide the majority can easily be explored on foot. The capital’s proximity to the sea, the mountains of the Rimutakas and Tararuas, the rolling countryside and wine regions of the Wairarapa provide a myriad of opportunities for adventure or relaxation. At just one kilometres across its centre the city is ideal to explore on foot.

Greytown is a popular weekend getaway for people wanting a relaxed, friendly place with plenty to enjoy. Only one hour from downtown Wellington and a minute’s drive to Martinborough’s world-renowned vineyards, historical Greytown is New Zealand’s first planned inland town and has the most complete main street of original Victorian wooden architecture in the country. The town is loved for its mature trees (Arbor Day was first celebrated in New Zealand here in 1890), its friendly village atmosphere, deli-cafes, restaurants, and fascinating collection of craft, gift, and antique shops. It’s also home to Cobblestones, Wairarapa’s early settlers museum, and for something a little different, The Honey Stables by Greytown Honey, a must-visit for honey lovers to sample local honey, learn about beekeeping, and pick up some delicious treats to take home.

Heading south from Napier you pass through Hastings famed for its produce and traditional farmers markets. To the east of Hastings is Te Mata Peak and on a fine day take the short detour to the summit road for some spectacular views. Hastings also has the largest concentration of wineries in the Hawke’s Bay and Wine Country Food Trail will take you to many of these. Continuing south you head into some of the North Island’s richest farmland as you head to the Wairarapa region. The region has a wonderful history and close links to Scandinavia with towns named Norsewood and Dannevirke bearing that connection. To the West the Ruahine Mountain Range accompanies you south and just after the Manawatu Gorge the Tararua Ranges take over guiding you all the way to Greytown. Just south of he township of Ekatahuna is the Pukaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre. Run by the Department of Conservation their important work in native species breeding and protection can be experienced first hand here. A little further south Masterton is the largest town in the region and an important supply and support centre for the agricultural industry. It is also home to the golden shears sheep shearing competition, a prestigious farming event. Greytown is just a little further and this wonderful little town has had many of its Victorian wooden buildings restored and boasts the largest concentration of historic wooden buildings in the country. This colonial village character is enhanced by many boutique stores, cafes and restaurants. Just 23 km to the south west sits Martinborough home to dozens of boutique wineries.

Taking a night tour of Zealandia wildlife eco-sanctuary is an unforgettable experience and one that comes highly recommended. A conservation success and safe haven for some of New Zealand’s rarest native animals, Zealandia is home to many remarkable species of birds, reptiles and insects living wild within a beautiful 225 hectare (one square mile) valley, just 10 minutes from the central city.

Wellington, known in Māori as Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui ("The Head of the Fish of Maui") or Te Whanganui a Tara ("The Great Harbour of Tara"), is New Zealand’s vibrant capital. Often called a ‘mini-Melbourne,’ this cosmopolitan city blends art, culture, food, and fashion with quirky laneway bars, hip eateries, and underground art shows. Stroll the waterfront to Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, or ride the historic cable car from Lambton Quay for stunning city views. Explore Cuba Street’s unique boutiques and visit the iconic ‘Beehive’ at Parliament. Fans of The Lord of the Rings can tour Weta Workshop, the Oscar-winning design studio behind Middle-earth. Just an hour away, Martinborough offers a culinary escape with top-notch food and wine. Nature lovers can’t miss Zealandia, the world’s first fully fenced eco-sanctuary. End your day sampling Wellington’s renowned dining scene,search 'Metro Eats' for the city’s best spots.

Take a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car and enjoy stunning views of the city and harbour, Te Whanganui-a-Tara, as you ascend Kelburn Hill in just five minutes. At the top, visit the Cable Car Museum to see the original machinery and watch a short film about its history, or browse the gift shop. Just a short walk away, Space Place at Carter Observatory offers interactive exhibits and a digital planetarium exploring the Southern skies. If you have time, stroll back down through the scenic Wellington Botanic Garden.

Te Papa Tongarewa, meaning "Container of Treasures," is New Zealand’s national museum, located on Wellington’s stunning waterfront. Renowned for its bold and innovative approach, Te Papa seamlessly blends science, art, history, and Māori culture into interactive and thought-provoking exhibitions. Visitors can explore everything from colossal squid and geological wonders to contemporary art and powerful stories of Aotearoa’s people. A visit to Te Papa is more than a museum experience, it’s an inspiring journey through the heart of New Zealand’s identity.