6 day Northern Combo
Day 1 - Arrive into Auckland today and transfer to your accommodation
Personal meet and greet, and private transfer to your accommodation
On arrival you will be met by one of our team and driven to your Auckland accommodation.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Harbour Dinner Cruise with Explore
This unique on-water dining experience is not to be missed while you're in Auckland. Enjoy smooth sailing on the Waitemata Harbour - then watch this photogenic city come alive with twinkling lights. Your experienced crew will talk about Auckland's highlights and there will opportunity try your hand at steering. Enjoy your meal as you sail around the beautiful Auckland Harbour taking in the view as the sun slowly sets. You'll be treated to canapés and a drink as you set off towards Westhaven Marina. Choose between a formal dinner in the downstairs cabin or take in the iconic sights of the Auckland Harbour while you eat on deck. A decadent dessert will then be yours to savour as you set sail. You can choose from a delectable three course menu catered for by Degree Gastrobar, a renowned Viaduct Restaurant.
Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
The Copthorne Hotel Auckland City 4-star hotel is in central Auckland and within easy walking distance walk of Queen Street and the wide range of shops and restaurants. 
Day 2 - Auckland to Paihia inc Waitangi and Russell
Auckland to Paihia including Waitangi and Russell with GreatSights (Includes Lunch)
Starting in Auckland, travel north to the Bay of Islands. After arriving in Paihia, visit neighbouring Waitangi for a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Explore the original Treaty House, one of New Zealand's oldest and most visited historic homes and the Te Whare Runanga, a fully carved Māori meeting house, which is representative of all iwi in New Zealand. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer a truly unique insight into New Zealand's early history. After returning to Paihia, take a short ferry ride across the harbour to Russell. From here you will enjoy the Russell Mini Tour by coach. Learn about the features that make Russell so significant in New Zealand's history, and visits areas which cannot be easily covered on foot, like Flagstaff Hill (Te Maiki), which offers stunning 360-degree views of the whole Bay of Islands. After your tour ends you'll have time to wander the township before returning to Paihia. This tour includes a delicious picnic lunch pack.
Your accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia
The Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge, Paihia is located on the waterfront only 100 metres from Paihia wharf and township. All rooms are air-conditioned and hotel facilities include restaurant, swimming pool, spa pool and sauna. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise - Return to Auckland this afternoon
Dolphin Cruise to Hole in the Rock with GreatSights
Take a glimpse into New Zealand's earliest European history as your luxury catamaran passes by the township of Russell (Kororareka) and many of the historic and culturally significant islands in the Bay, before heading out into open sea. Enjoy the views as you cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the stunning Motukokako Island, home of the majestic Hole in the Rock. As we venture into the dramatic Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting) hold your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space and admire the rock walls which soar above you. Watch out for water drops if you are seated on the top deck! Take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before heading back into the sheltered waters of the Bay. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins along the way.
Paihia to Auckland with GreatSights
Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing tour from Paihia to Auckland. The afternoon departure time allows you to spend a full day in the beautiful Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland. Your local driver guide will point out scenic highlights as you travel through farmland and past native forests. At the end of your journey, enjoy the spectacular views from the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you arrive in Auckland's central city by night.
Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
The Copthorne Hotel Auckland City 4-star hotel is in central Auckland and within easy walking distance walk of Queen Street and the wide range of shops and restaurants. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 - Auckland to Waitomo and Rotorua Experience
Auckland to Rotorua including Waitomo and Rotorua Experience with GreatSights
This full day tour has it all! From the magical glowworms and world-famous limestone formations of Waitomo to the rich cultural heritage and geothermal bounty of Rotorua. Includes a visit to the glowworm caves, a Māori cultural performance, a visit to the Agrodome and bubbling mud pools and geysers.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Mitai Maori Village
An evening at Mitai will give you an awe-inspiring introduction to the indigenous Maori culture. Marvel at the beautiful bush setting and see warriors in traditional dress who paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream while trout and eels swim beneath the surface. Enjoy a traditionally cooked hangi meal and round your evening off with a spectacular cultural performance that tells the story of the Maori people, their past, carvings, and ta Moko -Tattoo art. Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat and be amazed by the spine tingling Haka finale. Truly an experience to remember.
Your accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua
The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none on the very shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 - Free morning to explore Rotorua - Return to Auckland this afternoon
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Rotorua
Discover the real Middle-earth when you take this two hour guided tour of Hobbiton. Beginning with a drive through a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm, you'll experience stunning views over the Kaimai Ranges. You'll then be escorted through the 12 acre movie set learning memorable anecdotes about the shooting of the films. You'll see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and The Party Tree, as well as learning how this piece of Waikato farmland was turned into the Shire.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Rotorua Canopy Tours: The Original Canopy Tour
Embark on a three hour adventure through native New Zealand forest. Journey through the beautiful forest canopy via an incredible network of trails, tree platforms, Ziplines and swing bridges. See breathtaking views of the woodland valleys and hills as you fly through tight openings in the trees.
In between the thrill of the ziplines and suspended tree bridges, your guides will share their passion and knowledge for the forest and the conservation challenges to preserve it.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Polynesian Lake Spa
Rotorua's Polynesian Spa offers a unique thermal spa experience on the shore of Lake Rotorua. You'll enjoy tranquil bathing and lake views in four shallow alkaline rock pools, each with different temperatures (36˚C to 42˚C). Here you are surrounded by revitalising native New Zealand flora, natural rocks, the sound of two waterfalls and a grotto. The pools are filled with soothing alkaline mineral water leaving your skin soft and supple. Relax in the outdoor relaxation area overlooking the four hot mineral pools and Lake Rotorua, here you can further unwind on the five geothermally heated recliners set in the stunning backdrop of New Zealand's lush and natural greenery. A large indoor relaxation lounge also overlooks Lake Rotorua, where as a Lake Spa guest, you are welcome to move from the pools to the lounge once dried off and return to bathe in the Lake Spa pools as you wish. The Lake Spa is a unique thermal pool environment, where the atmosphere changes from day to night, and from winter steam to summer sparkle.
Rotorua to Auckland Express by GreatSights Coach
Take the non-stop, express service with GreatSights this evening back to Auckland City.
Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
The Copthorne Hotel Auckland City 4-star hotel is in central Auckland and within easy walking distance walk of Queen Street and the wide range of shops and restaurants. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Depart Auckland today - Transfer to the airport
Transfer to Auckland airport
You will be collected from your Auckland hotel and transferred to the airport to meet your departing flight.