North Island Highlights

Your Waiheke adventure begins at the Downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal, where you’ll board a scenic Fullers360 ferry for a 40-minute cruise across the Hauraki Gulf to Matiatia Wharf. Upon arrival, step straight onto the Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off bus to experience the ultimate flexible island tour! Departing approximately every 60 minutes, the bus stops at 16 iconic locations, including Oneroa Village, Onetangi Beach, and world-renowned wineries such as Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Batch, and Tantalus Estate. You can hop off as often as you like to sample local wines, dine, and explore, or simply sit back and enjoy a continuous 1.5-hour scenic circuit. Throughout your journey, an engaging tour driver and dedicated on-board host provide rich commentary packed with insider tips and tricks. Once you’ve had your fill of island magic, simply take the bus back to Matiatia Wharf and board your return ferry back to Auckland.

In the heart of New Zealand, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Hobbiton is located just outside of Matamata in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region. Here you can visit such iconic Hobbit locations as Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and the Party Tree with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films. Spend time wandering through Bagshot Row before being led inside a Hobbit Hole to view the detailed interior, designed to provide an authentic glimpse into the dwelling of a Hobbit.

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.

Indulge your senses in a Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora), a thoughtfully designed therapeutic experience inspired by the practices and culture of Ngāti Whakaue. Embrace the healing power of the natural environment as your senses awaken through a series of hot and cold therapies. Your journey begins beneath a cascading waterfall, cleansing your body and mind. Transition to Te Ahi Tupua, where a sequence of hot and cold immersions invigorates and rejuvenates. Relax in the soothing waters of the Geothermal Pool, sourced from the renowned Rachel Spring. Follow this with a refreshing cold plunge, easing muscle tension and reducing inflammation. Conclude your experience in the Kohu Wai Arik steam room, where heated stones create a serene space for reflection and relaxation, leaving you revitalized and restored.

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.

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the world’s most active volcanic regions. Geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Māori tribes, a visit to one of the Māori experiences should be high on your agenda, learn about the special meaning of pounamu-Greenstone with Mountain Jade, explore the geysers and arts of Te Puia or immerse in an evening with Te Pā Tū. An excursion to one of the area’s wellness spas is also a must! Try the Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs, Wai Ariki offers an indulging and unwinding restorative journey or pay a quick visit to Secret Spot for a soak and a delicious smash burger! If it is a thrill you are looking for, spike your adrenaline at Rotorua Canopy Tours, soaring above the ancient native forest below. Alternatively, head up the Skyline Rotorua Gondola for soaring lake views, and ride the luge at night for an extra thrill. Make the most of your time in Rotorua with an excursion through the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the area’s most colourful volcanic attractions. Whatever you are after, Rotorua is almost certain to have it!

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!

Redwoods Treewalk is Rotorua’s newest Eco-Tourism attraction. Using ecologically friendly engineering, the Treewalk is suspended from 100-year-old majestic redwoods. Featuring a series of suspension bridges and living decks, elevated from 6-metres to 12-metres at its highest point. Designed for use without harnesses or protective gear, it is suitable for all ages. The only pre-requisite is that all users must be able to walk the entire 553-metres.

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.

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.

The Huka Jet is 30 minutes of pure fun and exhilaration, skimming close to cliffs, sliding past trees, feeling the adrenalin of full 360 degree spins. The excitement continues right up to the base of the foaming Huka Falls, where you get a spectacular water level view to New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction. Nothing compares to watching 220,000 litres per second tumbling over the cliff face towards you. The water from the mighty Huka Falls runs down the Waikato River through a series of Hydro Power Stations. You’ll get a view of the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station in the comfort of a powerful Chevrolet V8 jet boat. This unique Geothermal Power Station uses underground geothermal activity to produce hot steamy water. The Waikato Rivers beautiful environment is varied and unique and is New Zealand’s longest river flowing north from our largest lake, Lake Taupō. It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.

Indulge in a gourmet journey through Hawke’s Bay’s premier wineries, including historic Mission Estate. Enjoy in-depth tastings of award-winning varietals from the prestigious Gimblett Gravels, and savour a fine dining lunch paired with exquisite wines. Marvel at the panoramic views from Te Mata Peak and receive a souvenir engraved wine glass to commemorate your magnificent day.

Embark on a celestial adventure in Wairarapa’s awe-inspiring night skies with top-tier telescopes and Hari and Sam, as they provide an unrivalled night sky experience. Proudly operating from within the world’s 21st Dark Sky Reserve, the Star Safari Observatory is set between Martinborough and Carterton, offering a perfect retreat from light pollution and revealing a dazzling array of celestial wonders.

As you leave the rolling countryside of the Hawke’s Bay you’ll be greeted with some of the country’s richest dairy farmland in the Manawatu Gorge. Continue on through the Wairarapa region and stop in the Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre, where you can see some of New Zealand native animals. Take another break in Masterson, and visit the interactive Woolshed Museum to learn about sheep farming in New Zealand. As you drive south, a visit to historic Greytown is a must-do. Take in the restored Victorian buildings and make time for a cup of tea at one of its quaint cafes. Leaving state highway 2 you will cross over the Ruamahanga River into Martinborough wine country your destination for the day.

Experience Zealandia as it transforms from daylight to twilight during this special guided experience. See birds returning to the sanctuary to settle into their nests, the sight of the evening sky, and hear the changing sounds of birds from day to night. Encounter unique species such as wētā, takahē, tuatara and more. You may even be lucky enough to experience the first sounds of the nocturnal birds as they wake.

Cross the Remutaka Ranges as you make your way to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Often compared to Melbourne, Wellington is vibrant cultural hub.Home to the nation’s centre of government. Legislation happens in the aptly named ‘Beehive,’ an executive wing attached to the Houses of Parliament. At 1km squared, the city centre (easily traversed on foot) has an international feel and is peppered with underground art shows, alleyway cafes and New York style delis. Take in the boardwalk view as you stroll to Te Papa Museum or indulge your cinematic side exploring Weta Workshop, the Oscar Award winning design studio for Lord Of The Rings. For a taste of vintage fashion, spend some time (and dollars!) on Cuba Street browsing the boutiques. Work off last night’s dinner with a cycling tour of Oriental Bay and undo your good work with a Hokey Pokey ice-cream in the sun. For those heading further down, the capital is where you board the ferry crossing the Cook Strait to the South Island.

Witness the best sights of New Zealand’s capital city up close and personal, before experiencing the beauty of the coastline that surrounds central Wellington and its harbour. On this tour, you will head for the hills of Mt Victoria to witness the stunning landscape of Wellington and its harbour below. You will then follow the coastline round to the Weta Cave Museum, which is the showpiece of Peter Jackson’s film empire. After a drive around the south coast, you will head back into the city for a ride on the Cable Car and a walk around the lady Norwood rose gardens. The tour concludes with a visit to the Beehive and our Parliament buildings.

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.

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.

Experience the heart of the North Island from the comfort of a world-class scenic train. This journey takes you from the bustling capital of Wellington through the dramatic Rangitīkei Gorge and onto the volcanic plateau. You’ll marvel at the engineering feat of the Raurimu Spiral and the towering peaks of Tongariro National Park before arriving in the historic railway town of Taumarunui. With panoramic windows and an open-air viewing carriage, every seat is the best seat in the house.

Elevate your North Island rail journey with the Scenic Plus add-on and experience true luxury on the rails! Enjoy inclusive, multi-course dining with fresh, regionally inspired cuisine and perfectly paired New Zealand wines and beverages, all delivered to your spacious, comfortable table seat. You’ll receive dedicated personal service as you glide past the volcanic peaks and lush plains of the North Island. Feeling adventurous? Step out to the exclusive open-air viewing carriage to capture the Central Plateau’s magnificent vistas and breathe in the great outdoors. This is a full sensory journey through the heart of the North Island.

Be greeted with views of the rolling farmland, native bush, and greenery surroundings as you set off on your rail cart travelling through the tunnels and bridges for 40km of fun and excitement. As the afternoon approaches you will stop for lunch at the Tokirima Station, enjoy a railside picnic lunch before taking the shuttle to reach the Whanganui River. Reaching the landing on the river your jet boat will greet you to take you 20km down the river, showing off the gorgeous sights of the river before reaching Cherry Grove to be transported back to the finishing point.

Board the Northern Explorer at the historic Taumarunui station for the final dramatic leg of its journey into New Zealand’s largest city. As you leave the King Country behind, you’ll glide through the rolling hills of the Waikato and across the sprawling dairy pastures that define the region. Relax in comfortable reclining seats with panoramic views, or step out onto the open-air viewing carriage to feel the breeze as the rural landscape slowly transforms into the vibrant urban skyline of Auckland.

Elevate your North Island rail journey with the Scenic Plus add-on and experience true luxury on the rails! Enjoy inclusive, multi-course dining with fresh, regionally inspired cuisine and perfectly paired New Zealand wines and beverages, all delivered to your spacious, comfortable table seat. You’ll receive dedicated personal service as you glide past the volcanic peaks and lush plains of the North Island. Feeling adventurous? Step out to the exclusive open-air viewing carriage to capture the Central Plateau’s magnificent vistas and breathe in the great outdoors. This is a full sensory journey through the heart of the North Island.