Iconic North

New Zealand's largest city is blessed when it comes to water views – on one side of the isthmus is Manukau Harbour; on the other, Waitemata. Exploring pretty precincts at your leisure, gazing out over a flurry of yachts, you'll begin to understand why Auckland is fondly known as the ‘City of Sails'. Come evening, meet your fellow NZ holiday travel companions for dinner at The Grill, and share stories of your day-one wanderings. (D) Stay: Horizon by SkyCity Auckland

Remember all those sails you spotted on Auckland's harbour yesterday? They come from a long and fascinating history of boat-building and sailing, as you'll discover on an America's Cup tour at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. This is a story of migration, innovation, team-building and skill. Plus, you get to glimpse one of the few existing replicas of the America's Cup.

The water is your backdrop as your skirt the harbour toward dreamy Mission Bay, onward to Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial. This is the place to get some perspective. Yes, of Auckland and its improbable location, but also of life in general. There's nothing like an epic view to set your soul soaring. If you want tips on how to spend your afternoon post Auckland tour, we have a few ideas. Perhaps a behind-the-scenes All Blacks experience, revealing insights into this record-breaking rugby team or a cruise on Auckland Harbour. (B)

Leave Auckland behind and journey to Rotorua, a true hot spot on your NZ holiday.

This afternoon, enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest experience at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, New Zealand's most colourful and diverse geothermal valley. Visit after hours for a private tour to see The Devils Bath and bubbling mud pools with fascinating insights from an expert guide and enjoy a mocktail and canapes at the aptly named champagne pool.

Tonight, dive deep into Maori culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience, an important hub keeping tradition, art and music alive. Oh, and exciting Māori cuisine. Enjoy forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a three-course dinner. (B/D) Stay: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Today, choose your own adventure. We have plenty of ideas for the paths you might follow. Optional Rotorua tour sightseeing experiences include relieving NZ holiday-weary limbs in the thermal waters of Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa. Or perhaps you'd prefer to zip across Rotorua's three lakes in an amphibious WWII-era Duck (both own expense). The decision is yours. (B)

You'll hear Huka Falls well before you see it – at this natural wonder, a staggering 220,000 litres of water thunder over an 11-metre-high waterfall every second. Photos just don't do it justice; this is an every-sense-heightened experience.

The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, its waters so vivid and blue you'll think someone has taken the glasses off your nose and cleaned them for the first time. The surrounding countryside is one of ridiculous contrast: snow-blanketed mountains and alpine deserts, ancient forests and trout-filled rivers. Traverse the Kapiti Coast to New Zealand's cool little capital, Wellington. (B/D) Stay: Rydges Wellington

Your day in Wellington should – must – begin with a coffee. The city is known for its uber-cool cafes and with coffee in hand you will head out on a city sights tour to take in highlights such as its iconic cable car, parliament and Mt. Victoria.

This afternoon is yours to discover Wellington. Your city tour ends at Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, so perhaps call in for a visit (entrance fee applies). Or visit the first urban completely fenced ecosanctuary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, where the biodiversity of 225 hectares of forest is being restored. Or Lord of the Rings Movie Locations, including the famous Weta Workshop (both own expense).

Tonight, there are so many restaurants and bars to choose from, you'll need a guidebook. Ask us for recommendations or explore at your leisure. Because every NZ holiday needs a little down time. (B)

It's been a week of epic sights and adventures in the North Island. All good things must come to an end, but there's time to enjoy one last breakfast with your travel companions. (B)