New Zealand's cool little capital, Wellington is the kind of place you could easily lose yourself in for a day. Good thing you arrived early. Check out one of the city's oh-so-hip cafés before exploring Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts, including an eye-opening exhibit dedicated to Māori history. It's time to meet your fellow adventure-seekers for a Welcome Reception. Stay: Travelodge Wellington

The Kapiti Coast is the summer playground of Wellingtonians - for good reason. You'll follow in local footsteps as you make your way along a road that unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, the largest (and perhaps bluest) of its kind in the country. It's a landscape almost as otherworldly as Rotorua, where mud pops and jettisons from bubbling geysers, and steam rushes skywards from cracks in the Earth.

This evening, explore Te Puia's geothermal valley, and learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate you'll view one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands. (B/D) Stay: Ibis Rotorua Hotel

If there's a New Zealand city where you want free time, Rotorua is it. Go your own way today, perhaps blissing out at Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa. Who knew nature was this relaxing? Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of the opportunity to tour the sights featured in The Lord of the Rings movies at Hobbiton. These beautiful landscapes are not only a bucket list tour for Hobbit fans, but a gorgeous countryside getaway. (B) Stay: Ibis Rotorua Hotel

The Waitomo Caves are radiant - quite literally. While cruising cavernous underground waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. It's a fairytale start to your day. One that only gets better as you descend on Auckland, the ‘City of Sails'. You'll discover how it got its moniker while gazing over its two yacht-studded harbours from the lookout at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. (B/D) Stay: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre

Your journey north to New Zealand's Bay of Islands is not short of drama - discover 140 droplets of land ringed by turquoise sea at the top of the country. It's undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. Your guide, likely a descendant of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance of the site, while pointing out the world's largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. (B/D) Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Go as fast or as slow as you like today - there's no rush, and no agenda. Talk to your Travel Director to organise leisurely jaunts up to Cape Reinga, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach. Or glide around on an historic tall ship, or a trip to the iconic Hole in the Rock. If you're a history buff, you may want to join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands. The choice is yours. (B) Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

You're about to reach the very tip of New Zealand, as your tour takes you to Whangarei - the county's northern-most city. This is and a place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums. It's like the country in a tantalising snapshot - a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure before sinking back into your coach seat for the mesmerising commute back to Auckland. Ask your Travel Director for tips on where to dine; Auckland is a bit of a culinary hotspot. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre

The only bad day in your Auckland tour is the one where you have to bid farewell. On your journey home, just remember how much pleasure you have packed into this last week. (B)

New Zealand's cool little capital, Wellington is the kind of place you could easily lose yourself in for a day. Good thing you arrived early. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travel companions this afternoon for an orientation tour of Wellington where you will visit the peak of Mount Victoria, and short stroll will reward you with 360-degree views of the surrounding harbour and city.

After the tour you may like to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts, including an eye-opening exhibit dedicated to Māori history (entrance fee applies).

Later, meet up with your fellow adventure-seekers for a drink before your tour of the North Island of New Zealand. Stay: James Cook Grand Chancellor

Tonight, delve deep into Maori culture and traditions at Te Puia. The Te Pō Indigenous Experience begins with an exhilarating cultural performance that takes place in a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua.

Afterward, enter the geothermal valley on a waka (electric shuttle) and discover one of New Zealand's most magnificent geothermal wonderlands – featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud, and beautiful native bush. Enjoy a hot chocolate, seated on a naturally heated rock terrace overlooking the powerful Pōhutu Geyser. Then enjoy a delicious buffet dinner of locally sourced cuisine and an authentic Māori twist in each dish. (B/D) Stay: Ibis Rotorua Hotel

If there's a New Zealand city where you want free time, Rotorua is it. Go your own way today, perhaps blissing out at Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa. Who knew nature was this relaxing? Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of the opportunity to tour the sights featured in The Lord of the Rings movies at Hobbiton. These beautiful landscapes are not only a bucket list tour for Hobbit fans, but a gorgeous countryside getaway. (B)

The Waitomo Caves are radiant – quite literally. While cruising cavernous underground waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. It's a fairytale start to your day. One that only gets better as you descend on Auckland, the ‘City of Sails'. You'll discover how it got its moniker while gazing over its two yacht-studded harbours from the lookout at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. What a city, as your tour of Auckland reveals. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre

Your journey north to New Zealand's Bay of Islands is not short of drama – discover 140 islands ringed by turquoise sea at the top of the country. It's undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. Take a tour of the Treaty Grounds, your local specialist, perhaps a descendant of original signatories, will explain the significance to New Zealanders. (B/D) Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Go as fast or as slow as you like today – there's no rush, and no agenda. Talk to your Travel Director to organise a day trip up to Cape Reinga, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach, or a trip to the iconic Hole in the Rock. If you're a history buff, you may want to join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands. The choice is yours. (B)

Head to Whangarei – the county's northern-most city. This is and a place where, galleries like the Hundertwasser Arts Centre pictured, meet museums. It's like the country in a tantalising snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure before sinking back into your coach seat for the mesmerising commute back to Auckland.

Tonight, toast your adventure with drinks and dinner. (B/D) Stay: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre

The only bad day in your Auckland tour is the one where you have to bid farewell. On your journey home, just remember how much pleasure you have packed into this last week. (B)