8 day Upper North Island Adventure
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 the 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: Heritage Hotel Auckland
The Heritage Auckland Hotel commands an elevated position in the centre of the city. With two distinctive accommodation wings - The Hotel reflects the traditional style of the building's famous past, while The Tower is a contemporary design. 
Day 2 - Auckland to Paihia inc Waitangi and Russell
Auckland to Paihia including Waitangi and Russell with GreatSights (Includes Lunch)
Starting in Aucklandearly, travel north to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. 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.
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, Lunch
Day 3 - Travel to the top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga
Dune Rider to Cape Reinga with Explore
This full day tour in the unique Dune Rider vehicle is the best way to explore the Far North. Let the driver immerse you in the culture and history of the area, while taking in the amazing scenery. The Dune Rider vehicle is purpose built to go off-road in comfort with air conditioning, reclining seats, plenty of leg room and sloping floors for great viewing. Your full day tour begins with an early morning pick up at your accommodation, and includes a freshly prepared buffet style lunch, a visit to Cape Reinga lighthouse to view the meeting of the two oceans, a beach stop on 90 Mile Beach, boogie boarding down huge sand dunes at Te Paki stream and time at the Ancient Kauri Kingdom.
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, Lunch
Day 4 - Cruise the Bay of Islands, then return to Auckland
Dolphin Cruise to Hole in the Rock with Fullers GreatSights
Board your cruise and take in the stunning views as you glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over and Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the ‘Hole in the Rock’. According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen. If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space. Keep an eye out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as you get up close to the action. The purpose-built catamaran is licensed by DOC (the Department of Conservation) for dolphin viewing and the crew have years of experience locating dolphins in these waters. Dolphin Seeker has indoor and outdoor seating available, and the largest outdoor viewing decks in the Bay of Islands.
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: Heritage Hotel Auckland
The Heritage Auckland Hotel commands an elevated position in the centre of the city. With two distinctive accommodation wings - The Hotel reflects the traditional style of the building's famous past, while The Tower is a contemporary design. Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 - Auckland to Rotorua including Hobbiton Village and this evening a Maori cultural dinner at Mitai
Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set
Departing from Auckland city, this is a wonderful way to get to Rotorua and include a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Journey through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour where you will see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, the party tree and visit the Green Dragon Inn (where a complimentary beer, cider or ginger ale is included). At this stunning location you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo's house, Bag End, looking out over the whole of Hobbiton to the hills in the distance. At the end of your Hobbiton movie set tour you will travel on to Rotorua.
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
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua boasts a location that is second-to-none, right on the 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, Speciality Dinner
Day 6 - This morning enjoy a tour of Rotorua, including Te Puia, Agrodome, Rainbow Springs and the skyline gondola for lunch
Explore Rotorua
Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. Geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, a visit to one of the Maori Villages should be high on your agenda, as should an excursion to the Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs.
Live on the edge when you hop aboard a helicopter bound for White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano.
Spike your adrenaline at Velocity Valley Adventure Park on stomach-dropping attractions such as static skydiving, or a giant swing reaching 130 km per hour.
Alternatively, head up the Rotorua Gondola for soaring lake views, and ride the luge at night for an extra thrill.
Fans of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit should drive to nearby Matamata and experience the actual movie set ‘Hobbiton’. Make the most of your time in Rotorua with an excursion through the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the area’s most colourful volcanic attractions.
Rotorua Sights and Skyline Gondola with GreatSights (Includes Lunch)
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Rotorua. Visit Te Puia and get an insight into Maori culture and traditions. Take a tour of workshops where master weavers and carvers are passing on their skills, then enter Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, learn about rural life in New Zealand at the Agrodome, a working farm on the outskirts of the city. Get close to a wide range of native and exotic wildlife at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, including New Zealand's famous flightless bird, the kiwi.
Finally, travel on the Skyline Gondola up the side of Mount Ngongotaha. Enjoy a tasty buffet lunch while you take in the stunning panoramic views.
Following your gondola experience, a transfer shuttle will take you back to your hotel.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Polynesian Spa Deluxe 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, whereas 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.
Your accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua boasts a location that is second-to-none, right on the 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, Lunch
Day 7 - Rotorua to Auckland via Waitomo Caves
Rotorua to Auckland including Waitomo Caves with GreatSights (Includes Picnic Lunch)
Enjoy this tour from Rotorua to Auckland including a guided tour of the fascinating Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Leaving Rotorua in the morning you travel through lush farmland to the small town of Waitomo. Take a guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and enjoy a silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - a subterranean cavern lit up by the lights of thousands of tiny glowworms. At the conclusion of the Glowworm Cave tour we take a break at the magnificent Waitomo Caves visitor complex and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch.
You continue this afternoon by driving to Auckland, through the beautiful King Country and Waikato regions.
Your accommodation: Heritage Hotel Auckland
The Heritage Auckland Hotel commands an elevated position in the centre of the city. With two distinctive accommodation wings - The Hotel reflects the traditional style of the building's famous past, while The Tower is a contemporary design. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 - 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.