On Island Time

Enjoy succulent fresh oysters, award-winning olive oil and other locally-produced speciality foods, accompanied by wines from some of the Island’s top boutique vineyards. The guide will provide an entertaining and informative commentary along the way. Visit an award-winning olive oil mill, followed by two vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany the wines. A platter lunch at one of Waiheke’s top vineyard restaurants is also included.

Cooks Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand located on the southern shores of Mercury Bay. One of the most enjoyable ways to reach it is from Whitianga, by taking the short ferry ride to Ferry Landing. From there, you can walk to Flaxmill Bay either via Purangi Road or the scenic Whitianga Rock Walk track, then continue on to Cooks Beach. For breathtaking views, the Shakespeare Cliff Lookout track offers a rewarding walk to the top of the headland, with panoramic vistas over the bay. A side track also leads down to the secluded and picturesque Lonely Bay.

Cross the fertile soil of Hauraki Plains towards the Thames Estuary, a haven for wildlife in particular the shore birds at Miranda. Arriving into the historic gold town of Thames you then cross the Southern Coromandel Ranges and onto the wonderful east coast of the peninsula and the harbour town of Tairua. Paku Hill offers spectacular views over the natural harbour and the Pacific Ocean. Close by is the famous Hot Water Beach and the holiday town of Hahei. Keep driving up Purangi Road towards the coastal views and the safe, crescent shaped white stretch of sand that is Cooks Beach.

Explore the volcanic coastline with its many caves, blowholes and golden beaches all from the comfort and safety of an ex coastguard 28 ft cruiser. Departing from Whitianga Wharf journey past the towering Shakespeare’s Cliffs and historic Cooks Beach. Visit Cathedral Cove and the islands in the marine reserve. There is also a chance to swim with the abundant fish in the reserve (on board snorkel gear provided - don’t forget your swimsuit and towel). For those who prefer to stay dry an underwater camera relays images to an onboard TV.

Hahei takes its name from Hei, the tauira (sailing master) of the Te Arawa canoe, which arrived in the area around the 14th century. Hei’s people settled in the region and intermarried with descendants of earlier settlers brought by Kupe and Toi in previous migrations. Over time, the tribe became known as Ngāti Hei. At the southern end of Hahei, two of their pā sites once stood,these are now protected as reserves. Today, Hahei is a popular holiday destination, especially for families who flock to its beautiful beach in the summer. A marine reserve just offshore offers excellent snorkelling and diving, while fishing is permitted beyond its boundaries. One of the area’s highlights is the walk to Cathedral Cove, a scenic 30-minute trek each way through native bush and along coastal cliffs. The cove itself is a secluded beach framed by striking limestone arches and dramatic sea caves.

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.

Heading south from the Coromandel Peninsula you pass through the seaside town of Whangamata - a popular location for Kiwi holidaymakers and home to one of the best beaches in the region. Next you come to the old mining town of Waihi which still has an operating open cast gold mine (Martha Mine) that can be viewed from a vantage point just above the town centre. For rail enthusiasts, the Goldfields Railway operates passenger trains along a scenic and historic section of track towards Waikino. The route now takes you into the Bay of Plenty and the port town of Tauranga before you head along the scenic Pyes Pa Road to Rotorua. For Lord of the Rings fans, a detour to Matamata is recommended as this is the location of the Hobbiton film set. Arriving into Rotorua from the north you are welcomed by the spectacular view of the lake.

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.

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.

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of Rotorua’s stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Leaving Wai-O-Tapu, descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. The return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to the lakefront pier.

The Rotorua Glow Worm Kayaking Tour is one of the most unique and magical ways to see New Zealands glow worms. Explore the shoreline and embrace the weather conditions of the evening as you follow your guide around the lake edge as night sets in. Once its dark, discover your adventurous side as your guide leads you inside incredible hidden caves home to galaxies of glow worms. Take ample time to enjoy the magical moments inside the caves before returning along your course in the dark. If it is a clear night the magic continues as the stars come out and the cloudy appearance of the milky-way fills the sky. Upon returning to the base you will feel like you have been in another world for the past few hours and will likely have made some new friends through the wonder of this experience.

Heading north you follow the Waikato River towards Auckland City. Auckland City is New Zealand’s largest, with a population of around 1.5 million people (about one third of the national population), spread over approximately 60 square kilometres. There is somewhere for every visitor to feel comfortable and right at home as each suburb has its own unique style and atmosphere, from the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found on Ponsonby and Parnell Roads to the breathtaking native bush and beaches of the West Coast. One of the worlds great cities Auckland is full of life and opportunities to explore are endless.

Telling the story of gardens through themed collections, Hamilton Gardens explores different civilizations, and recreates historically important garden styles from all over the world. You will be guided on a journey of discovery along paths delivering mysterious surprises. From a peaceful Sung Dynasty Chinese Scholar’s garden to an Italian Renaissance garden, there are 21 themed garden areas with more being developed. Hamilton Gardens is not a botanical garden. Instead, it’s a unique and internationally recognised concept that has been compared to a museum. Each garden collection has historic integrity and provides a window into the story of civilizations, their arts, beliefs and life styles.