Overview
Wander through giant kauri forests and learn about the history of early pioneers in the Northland region. Choose to...read more cruise around the bay, or visit the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, the romantic town of Russell. Finish your journey at Cape Reinga, a sacred place where two oceans meet and where an 800-year-old tree stands waiting to help M-aori spirits begin their final journey home. By the time you return to Auckland you’ll be deeply moved by the splendour, spirituality and hospitality of this magnificent and mythic region.
Wander through giant kauri forests and learn about the history of early pioneers in the Northland region. Choose to...read more cruise around the bay, or visit the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, the romantic town of Russell. Finish your journey at Cape Reinga, a sacred place where two oceans meet and where an 800-year-old tree stands waiting to help M-aori spirits begin their final journey home. By the time you return to Auckland you’ll be deeply moved by the splendour, spirituality and hospitality of this magnificent and mythic region.
Itinerary
Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland for your two night stay. The wonder of New Zealand begins here. Tonight, celebrate your journey with a welcome dinner. (D)
Freechoice: Choose from a range of Auckland’s attractions. Enjoy an exhilarating sail on an authentic America’s Cup yacht and be part of the crew. Or, explore the wine and cuisine of Waiheke Island and enjoy tastings of olive oil and wine, as well as a vineyard tour. Alternatively, take a foodie city walking tour, discover the Waitakere Ranges as you walk in the lush rainforest and stroll along the black sand beaches, choose to join a small group tour and discover the history and sights of Auckland or visit Auckland’s latest attractions the Weta Workshop Unleashed and the All Blacks Experience or food walking tour.
Freechoice Dining: Your dining choices for tonight include a sunset dinner yacht cruise, Orbit 360 Restaurant at Sky City or dinner at the hotel’s Grand Millennium Brasserie. (B/D)
Travel north across Auckland’s busy Harbour Bridge, along the Hibiscus Coast towards the Bay of Islands. Visit Matakohe’s award-winning Kauri Museum and gain an insight into the rich pioneering history of New Zealand’s Northland region. The museum specialises in the legacy of the ancient kauri forests, specifically the strong durable timber and the highly prized kauri gum. Continue to the Waipoua Forest, an ancient green world of towering trees and rare birds, and travel past natural gateways created by huge kauri trees and the fringing of colourful ferns along the road’s edge.
Enrich: The sense of awe you feel as you see the mighty T-ane Mahuta kauri tree for the first time is unforgettable. Listen to the interactive interpretation from your local Maori guide about the importance of the ‘Lord of the Forest’ to both the natural environment and the Maori people.
Sunset Drinks Relax over an evening drink watching the sunset at your hotel.
Your base for the next three nights is Paihia (B/D)
Freechoice: Cruise the calm inland waters of the Bay of Islands with lunch included or enjoy a ferry ride to Russell, the birthplace of European settlement in New Zealand. Alternatively, discover the very best of the bay on a scenic cruise and journey through the Hole in the Rock (weather permitting) or join a Taste of the Bay tour. (B/D)
Enrich: Travel to the very top of New Zealand – Cape Reinga. Explore the magnificent lighthouse and see where the waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. Discover this remote and magical place of deep spiritual significance to the Maori then enjoy the thrill of travelling along Ninety Mile Beach and marvel at the immense sand dunes. (B/L)
Enrich: Discover the birthplace of modern New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Maori guide. See the world’s largest waka, a ceremonial war canoe, over 70 years old but still used every year on 6 February to celebrate New Zealand’s Waitangi Day.
Head south via the city of Whangarei to the Hundertwasser Art Centre. Learn first-hand the connection between art and nature. Arrive back in Auckland where it’s time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand. Please book your flight to depart out of Auckland after 08:30 PM.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)
Trip Inclusions
These are hand-selected activities for you to choose from and enjoy at a pace that suits you. Read more
Unforgettable and exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences from exploring ancient kauri forests to immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Maori people. Read more
Scenic have thought about the details so you don't have to, from airport transfers, first-class transport, internal flights and local guides. All tips and gratuities are included. Read more
Stay in a range of iconic hotels, known for their location, character & heritage such as the Te Waonui Forest Retreat, surrounded by native bush and Franz Josef. Read more
On selected interaries take an overnight cruise on Milford Sound and wake up to the dawn of a new day in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Read more
On selected interaries journey across the spine of the South Island into the heart of pristine wilderness on the TranzAlpine, one of the worlds grandest rail journeys. Read more
These are hand-selected activities for you to choose from and enjoy at a pace that suits you. Read more
Unforgettable and exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences from exploring ancient kauri forests to immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Maori people. Read more
Scenic have thought about the details so you don't have to, from airport transfers, first-class transport, internal flights and local guides. All tips and gratuities are included. Read more
Stay in a range of iconic hotels, known for their location, character & heritage such as the Te Waonui Forest Retreat, surrounded by native bush and Franz Josef. Read more
On selected interaries take an overnight cruise on Milford Sound and wake up to the dawn of a new day in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Read more
On selected interaries journey across the spine of the South Island into the heart of pristine wilderness on the TranzAlpine, one of the worlds grandest rail journeys. Read more
Brochure
Scenic New Zealand (2023-24)
Brochure
Scenic New Zealand (2024-25)
Availability
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Scenic. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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