Classic North Island Tour
PREMIUM ESCORTED TOUR
AUCKLAND | BAY OF ISLANDS | ROTORUA | NAPIER | MASTERTON | WELLINGTON
Explore Auckland, the “City of Sails” and the beautiful Bay of Islands, learn about Maori culture and see geothermal mud pools; explore Hobbiton, see Art Deco Napier and the Wairarapa wine region and visit the nation’s capital, Wellington.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• The scenic Bay of Islands
• Cruise to the Hole in the Rock
• Maori culture in Rotorua
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
Day 1 : Arrive Auckland
On arrival into Auckland you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel: Skycity Hotel
Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm
Day 2 : Auckland - Bay of Islands
Travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.
Hotel for 2 nights: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or similar
Day 3 : Bay of Islands
Free day; choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight.
Day 4 : Bay of Islands - Auckland
Travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock keeping an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins. Travel via Whangarei to Auckland where a visit to the SkyTower is included.
Hotel: Skycity Hotel
Day 5 : Auckland - Rotorua
Today enjoy a city sights tour of Auckland. Continue through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. This is followed by a guided tour of the Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will recount details of how this beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle Earth.
Hotel for 2 nights: Hotel Distinction Rotorua
Day 6 : Rotorua
Today begins with a gondola ride at Skyline Rotorua where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for.This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.
Day 7 : Rotorua - Napier - Masterton
Take the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as “The Art Deco Capital”, where a city tour will showcase the most comprehensive collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. Enjoy some free time to explore the fascinating architecture before travelling through the Wairarapa, an emerging cool-climate wine region.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park
Day 8 : Masterton - Greytown - Wellington
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Greytown where you see the most complete example of original Victorian wooden architecture. Drive through the scenic Rimutaka Mountain Range into Wellington and enjoy a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here.
Hotel: James Cook Grand Chancellor
Day 9 : Depart Wellington
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
