Ultimate North Island

On arrival in Auckland you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. Meet your travelling companions over a complimentary pre-dinner drink. Stay: Crowne Plaza Auckland (D)

Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach, depart Auckland and travel to Matakohe to enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Māori tribes and the British. Stay Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (Deluxe Room) (B/D)

Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach, a spectacular scenic flight over the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands or you might be interested to sail in a classic tall ship.

This evening is also at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional) or try one of the waterfront restaurants. (B)

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands including an island visit aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. On return to Paihia travel south via Whangarei before returning to Auckland. This evening is free to dine at leisure. Stay: Crowne Plaza Auckland (B)

This morning embark on a city sights tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’. Depart Auckland and travel through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. A guided tour of the 12-acre set, will take you past whimsical Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the Green Dragon Inn. You can now venture beyond the door and into an authentic Hobbit Hole interior for a fully immersive experience. Stay Two Nights: Regent of Rotorua or similar (B/L/D)

Today begins with a gondola ride at the Skyline Rotorua where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. This is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for.

This evening enjoy a Hãngi feast, prepared in the traditional way, over hot coals and buried in the ground. This is followed by an entertaining Mãori cultural performance which features the graceful poi dance and ferocious haka. (B/SD)

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world can be found. Board the Hawke’s Bay Express and hear informative commentary on the city’s fascinating history. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city. Stay: Scenic Hotel Te Pania (B/D)

Travel south this morning into Wellington for a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here. A highlight this afternoon will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends. Stay: InterContinental Wellington (B/SD)

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)