Iconic North

Hello Auckland! Begin your New Zealand north island tour in the gorgeous “City of Sails.” (Flights to arrive prior to 4pm). At a Welcome Reception meet your Travel Director and travel mates. Then it's off to dinner at Eight, an interactive restaurant named for its eight kitchens where you can choose from international cuisine options including sushi, fresh oysters, Indian curry and Italian pasta. Get an introduction to the city's Maori history and melting pot of cultures from your Travel Director and get ready to start your adventures of the North. (WR) Stay: Cordis

Start the day getting to know New Zealand's passion for the water, sailing and Auckland's maritime history on a private and exclusive America's Cup tour at the New Zealand Maritime Museum with a Local Specialist. Then it's off to experience more of this seafaring city on a sightseeing tour beginning at the Auckland Waterfront. You'll visit Mission Bay, historic Bastion Point, and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial with views of the Auckland skyline, North Shore, and Waitemata Harbour at every turn.

You have the rest of the day free to explore the city as you like. Amble down Queen Street to Viaduct Harbour's main shopping precinct and relax with a glass of New Zealand's crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Or, if you're looking for more than views of the city, you'll find it aboard the ferry to the charming maritime village of Devonport. You could walk to to he summit of Mt. Victoria, visit Devonport Chocolates where you can watch chocolatiers handmaking their sweet treats or simply relax on Cheltenham Beach. (B)

Go from city to farm life today as you travel to the countryside for a dose of local hospitality at a Be My Guest experience in the Red Barn at the home of former champion jockey, Lance O'Sullivan, and Bridgette. Over your farm to table lunch prepared by the onsite chef, get a feel for country life as you're invited to roll up your sleeves and make your own butter - butter churners, tiny mason jars and all!

The next hot-spot on your NZ holiday – in every sense of the word – is Rotorua. Visit Te Puia to see and support Maori artisans at work, then continue your Rotorua tour at the steamy Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, a staggering valley where geysers pop and thermal springs jettison skywards. Fun fact: this is the only living Maori village in the world. (B/BMG) Stay: Millennium

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 the Polynesian Spa or perhaps you'd prefer to zip across Rotorua's three lakes in an amphibious WWII-era Duck. The decision is yours.

Tonight, dive deep into Indigenous culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Hear about Māori history, traditions, and future aspirations across four hours of celebration and feasting. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (summer season canape) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a seasonal three-course dinner. (B/RD)

Venture out of Rotorua this morning through pine forests and farmland, to the rushing rapids of Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours into a pool 11 metres below. Then you're on your way to the heart of the North Island and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. Have a look strolling the shoreline and basking in the gorgeous freshwater lake that's home to geothermal valleys with hot springs, alpine deserts, and world-class trout fishing.

Journey south over the volcanic Central Plateau to the town of Taihape. This quirky little town is known for its yearly gumboot throwing competition, proudly celebrated since 1985. Get in the spirit and take a photo in front of the massive metal boot before joining in a friendly gumboot throwing game on the lawn with the group.

After a full day of sightseeing and plenty of fun, you'll arrive in Wellington with time to explore its laneways, street art, and music or one of its many eclectic restaurants. (B) Stay: Rydges

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

This afternoon is yours to discover Wellington. Perhaps visit Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand, tour the Wairarapa wine region or the first urban completely fenced ecosanctuary of Zealandia, where the biodiversity of 225 hectares of forest is being restored.

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, but sadly all good things must come to an end. Enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates before your transfer to the Wellington airport. (B)