Overview
Here you’ll find T-ane Mahuta, a 2,000-year-old kauri tree, and enjoy the sweeping...read more sunset over Bay of Islands. Visit the significant Waitangi Treaty Grounds before heading to Rotorua. Known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, it also showcases captivating Maori culture. The magnificent Art Deco town of Napier awaits before you end your journey in the national capital Wellington. You’ll leave no stone unturned during this quest for the essence of the North Island.
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, before your return to your hotel in Auckland. (B)
Lose yourself in ‘Middle-earth’ on your visit to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, before travelling through the rolling farm land of the Waikato. Arrive in Rotorua, home of Maori culture and bubbling mud pools. Explore the National Kiwi Trust’s kiwi hatchery and nursery on a guided tour. Enjoy your two night stay in Rotorua. (B/L)
Be amazed by Rotorua’s geothermal activity during a visit to Te Puia, before an experience on a nature discovery treewalk.
Freechoice: Take an amphibious duck tour or relax in the geothermal pools. Alternatively, enjoy the view from Skyline Rotorua while wine tasting.
Enrich: Tonight, immerse yourself in Maori traditions at an authentic hangi dinner.
Optional flight - Take a floatplane flight over Mt Tarawera (additional expense, please book priorto departure). (B/D)
Witness the force of nature at Huka Falls before seeing the magnificent Lake Taupo.
Freechoice: Take a walking tour of Napier’s Art Deco buildings, view the famous landmarks of Napier during a vintage car tour or discover a diverse range of animals at the National Aquarium.
Enrich: Meet the makers at a special wine tasting and dinner at Mission Estate Winery.
Enjoy your overnight stay in the home of Art Deco, Napier. (B/D)
Head south to the town of Greytown in the Wairarapa region. It is known for its carefully restored Victorian buildings and shopping. Continue to Wellington for a two night stay. (B/D)
Enrich: Take an in-depth journey of Te Papa to discover the treasures and stories of New Zealand’s people, told with authority and passion. (B)
It’s time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand.
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
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.
