Iconic North

Hello Auckland! Begin your New Zealand north island tour in the gorgeous “City of Sails.” (Flights to arrive prior to 4pm). At dinner at The Grill meet your Travel Director and travel mates. 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. (D) Stay: Horizon by SkyCity

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. 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)

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 on a working dairy farm. 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. (B/L) 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 Wai Araki Hot Springs & 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 forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a three-course dinner. (B/D)

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. The surrounding countryside is one of contrast: snow-blanketed mountains and alpine deserts, ancient forests and trout-filled rivers.

After a full day of sightseeing and plenty of fun, you'll arrive in NZ's cool little capital of Wellington, set on a pretty harbour. (B/D) Stay: Rydges

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 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 tour ends at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, so why not explore it (an entrance fee applies). 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. (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 (flights anytime). (B)