On arrival at Auckland Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it. Perhaps take a trip to the top of the Sky Tower, visit the Auckland museum, enjoy a half day Auckland City sightseeing tour, explore Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, visit Auckland’s Maritime Museum, cruise aboard the ‘Pride of Auckland’, relax with a Bliss Royal Reflexology treatment, or trek through the Waitakere Rainforest.
Accommodation: Auckland, Sky City Hotel

This morning we journey across the Auckland Harbour Bridge travelling through the farming communities of Warkworth and Wellsford. Visit the Matakohe Kauri Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Kauri gum. Continue to the majestic Waipoua Forest Reserve where we view the giant Kauri tree ‘Tane Mahuta’ (Lord of the Forest). View the magnificent Hokianga Harbour before travelling across country to the subtropical Bay of Islands, a beautiful unspoilt paradise, rich in history and culture. On arrival visit the Waitangi Treaty House, Maori Meeting House and War Canoe.
Accommodation: Bay of Islands, Paihia Pacific Resort, 2 nights.

Not only is the Bay of Islands the birthplace of the Nation and thus full of New Zealand history, it is also home to 144 islands and renowned as a favourite playground for lovers of anything aquatic; diving, sailing and big game fishing. Today you have the opportunity to choose the sightseeing activity that most interests you and we will include it. Whether it be a day trip to Cape Reinga at the very tip of New Zealand, a tour to Russell, the first capital of New Zealand, sailing on the “R Tucker Thompson” a unique tall ship, swimming with the dolphins, a round of golf at the scenic Waitangi Golf Course, a Bay of Islands fishing experience or simply relaxing on a beautiful golden sandy beach. The choice is yours!

This morning our Bay of Islands cruise takes us to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole’ in the rock. In these world-renowned deep sea-fishing grounds, dolphins and schools of fish are frequently seen. Meander through the inner islands, viewing sandy beaches, rocky out crops and visit a secluded bay with time for relaxation. Return this afternoon to Auckland via the pretty Whangarei city basin. This evening a sumptuous dinner and spectacular views over Auckland high above the city in Sky Tower’s Observatory Restaurant. Accommodation: Auckland, Sky City Hotel.

This morning we journey to the crest of Mt Eden, one of Auckland’s extinct volcanoes, to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city and its beautiful harbours. Leaving the ‘City of Sails’ we travel south through the rich dairy land of the Waikato Province to Waitomo Caves. Here we experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns, including the magnificent 'Cathedral' cave. Join a silent boat ride and glide through a mystical grotto, carved by an underground river over thousands of years and lit by thousands of tiny glow worms. Emerge into daylight and continue to Rotorua, a city built on an area of geothermal activity and an important centre for North Island Maori culture. Tonight immerse yourself in culture as you enjoy a Hangi (feast) and Maori cultural performance of traditional dances accompanied by song.
Accommodation: Rotorua, Heritage Hotel for 2 nights

Rotorua is New Zealand’s oldest and best known resort, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its waters, marvelled at its fascinating geothermal activity and experienced the regions unique Maori culture. Today we give you the opportunity to choose the activity. You may choose to visit the “Rotorua Icon” attractions - Te Puia thermal reserve and the Agrodome sheep show or perhaps visit the Polynesian Spa for a spa treatment and leisurely soak in a natural thermal mineral pool, a half day ecothermal tour might appeal or a tour of the Rotorua Museum. The Choice is Yours!
Country Homestay option available tonight.

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through the heart of the North Island travelling through green countryside, beautiful native bush and some of the largest alpine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. We view Wairakei Steam Valley, where thermal energy is harnessed in the world’s second largest geothermal power plant. See the spectacular Huka Falls, mouth of the mighty Waikato River, and tranquil Lake Taupo, the water filled crater of an ancient volcano. We continue our journey south and cross the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. The three mountains at the heart of the park, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, have cultural and religious significance for the Maori people. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city bound by its magnificent harbour.


Accommodation: Wellington, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor.

This morning is at leisure for you to explore Wellington before you included departure transfer to the airport.