Northern Explorer

Your unforgettable adventure begins as you touch down in Auckland, New Zealand's vibrant cultural and economic hub. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your premium hotel. Whether you're settling into your hotel room or heading out to explore Auckland’s vibrant dining and shopping precincts, your first day in Aotearoa is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Embark on a scenic journey north through New Zealand’s lush landscapes, where you’ll pause to admire the awe-inspiring Kauri tree. Standing as one of the most magnificent living giants in the world, this ancient tree will leave you in awe with its towering presence and immense size. After this captivating encounter with nature, continue your journey to the breathtaking Bay of Islands, and enjoy a spectacular Insider Experience. As the sun sets, you’ll be treated to a specially curated Welcome Dinner, a celebration of local cuisine and the finest regional flavours, offering a taste of the exquisite culinary experiences that await you on this extraordinary journey.

Insider Experience – Take a cruise to Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands

Keep an eye out for sea life encounters as you cruise through the Bay of Islands on the north-eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. Set sail from Paihia and journey along the dramatic Cape Brett Peninsula, gliding through the famous Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting).

The Bay of Islands, with its 144 islands, offers a stunning aquatic playground off the north-eastern coast of the North Island. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the subtropical surrounds. Your Tour Director is always on hand to offer some fantastic suggestions to make the most of your time here.

Spend the morning in the stunning Bay of Islands before journeying back to Auckland by coach. With free time this afternoon to explore Auckland independently, you can unwind at the hotel or select one of the hand-picked Enhance Your Journey optional activities for a deeper insight into New Zealand's creative and cultural heritage.

Enhance Your Journey – All Blacks Experience 

Take part in a guided tour that delves into the rich history and culture of one of the world’s most iconic sports teams. Delve into the stories of the people who have shaped the All Blacks into a powerful symbol of New Zealand’s national identity.

Enhance Your Journey – Wētā Workshop Unleashed 

Go behind the scenes with the Academy Award-winning team at Wētā Workshop and learn how blockbuster films like The Hobbit are created.

Enhance Your Journey – Auckland Harbour Sailing

Step aboard a 50-foot monohull sailboat and embark on a cruise on Auckland Harbour. Spot volcanic peaks, admire the city skyline from the water, and sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the longest bridge in the North Island.

Travel to Waitomo and embark on a memorable Insider Experience. Continue on to Rotorua, where you'll have the evening free to enjoy at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Visit Waitomo’s Glowworm Caves

Descend into the caves beneath the lush Waitomo hills and look up to see a cavern illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights. A sight to behold, the phenomenon is the work of glowworms, which are unique to New Zealand. 

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Māori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to the Agrodome, where you’ll meet animals and learn about life in rural New Zealand. Alternatively, you may like to partake in our Enhance Your Journey experience.  This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Māori cultural immersion and geothermal wonders in Rotorua

Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Māori culture, and cuisine at Te Puia. Embark on a guided tour through the historical geothermal valley, where you'll explore a stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools. Feel the awe-inspiring power of Pōhutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand’s national treasures at the new Kiwi Conservation Centre. This evening, enjoy a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome), dance performances and sharing of a traditional meal of fish, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in earth ovens known as Hāngī.

Enhance Your Journey – Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tour

Explore the iconic set from The Lord of the Rings films, featuring charming Hobbit Hole doors and the home of Frodo Baggins nestled in the hillsides (additional expense).

Travel the Thermal Explorer Highway and visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupō. Afterwards, journey to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. This tightly knit city is home to a stunning waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, and quaint colourful timber houses on the surrounding hills. 

Set out on a sightseeing tour of Wellington, discovering the city's essential sights. Travel to the summit of Mount Victoria for sweeping views of the city and Wellington Harbour. Then, explore the capital's waterfront area, brimming with galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars. Afterwards, enjoy free time discover Wellington independently or choose one of the curated Enhance Your Journey optional activities.

Enhance Your Journey – Te Papa Tongarewa /Museum of New Zealand

Step inside New Zealand's national museum, home to over two million objects across art and natural history, with exhibitions showcasing New Zealand's rich cultural heritage alongside other Pacific cultures. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the museum, and don't miss out on the groundbreaking Gallipoli exhibition. In collaboration with Wētā Workshop, Te Papa Tongarewa tells the unique stories of eight New Zealand soldiers who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Enhance Your Journey – Wellington Cable Car

Hop aboard the instantly recognisable red cable car for a ride from downtown Wellington to the hilly suburb of Kelburn. It's the sole-surviving historical funicular railway in New Zealand and provides easy access to the Wellington Botanic Gardens, Cable Car Museum and Space Place Planetarium.

Enhance Your Journey – Wētā Workshop

Go behind the scenes and discover the secrets of TV and cinema magic at Wētā Workshop, a design and manufacturing facility combining cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted artistry to create Oscar-winning props, costumes and special effects.

Your New Zealand tour comes to an end after breakfast today.