This is a great introduction to the highlights of the North Island, designed for people who would like to get a unique and authentic experience of some of the highlights of the north island. With both their time and good value for your money. You will have one night in a farm, sure to be a highlight. Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Join an evening harbour cruise where you will enjoy sunset views of the skyline, and a delicious Kiwi dinner! Participate in a morning tour of the city, visiting it's most interesting neighbourhoods and sights including Mt Eden, Victoria Park Market, Westhaven Marina, the War Memorial Museum, Parnell and Bastion Point . Have an afternoon on board a beautiful sail boat, a definite in the city of sails. The following day travel overland from Auckland to Rotorua by coach, stopping along the way to visit Waitomo. Take a guided tour through the galleries and lofty chambers of the caves, and a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto. Once in Rotorua, do some hiking where you will not believe the beauty of the volcanoes and breathtaking scenery. If you are adventurous some excellent biking can be done in this area. Spend a leisurely spa day at the Hells Gate Geothermal reserve, where you will experience the unique mud and water baths that this region is famous for. Attend a Maori Hangi and concert, where you learn about traditional Maori customs and beliefs and finish it all off with an authentic Hangi dinner! This is a wonderful stand alone tour of the North Island, but has been made to work together with our South Island Explorer for a more complete exploration of New Zealand.

Auckland is the largest city in the country, and has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. It is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate major bodies of water. Auckland is popularly known as the "City of Sails" because the harbour is often dotted with hundreds of yachts, in fact over 135,000 are registered in the city. Many national treasures are displayed at the Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland War Memorial Museum, the National Maritime Museum, or the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT). Exotic creatures can be observed at the Auckland Zoo and Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World.

A private vehicle with driver will provide a transfer between the Auckland Airport and Hotel.

Enjoy this 1 1/2 hour climb of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, accompanied by a private guide.  Learn about the history of Auckland, and the construction of this awe inspiring bridge.  The expert guide will provide further information about the volcanic and cultural aspects of the region.  The custom engineered walkways provide a safe, enjoyable and easy-going experience whilst enjoying Auckland to the fullest with a 360 degree views from the summit. 

Centrally located in Auckland, this property is near Queen Street Shopping District, Sky Tower, and Auckland City Hall. Additional nearby points of interest include Auckland War Memorial Museum. Guestrooms have premium bedding, air conditioning, and slippers; rooms also include refrigerators, separate bathtubs and showers, and bathrobes. At Stamford Plaza Auckland recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. The property also provides a business center, a concierge desk, and a porter/bellhop.

Overnight at Stamford Plaza (5*).

After being picked up from your hotel, travel west to the Arataki Centre, doorway to the Waitakere Ranges and from its sweeping decks take in the breathtaking panoramic views extending from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the area’s history and admire the magnificent traditional Maori carvings that stand guard there. Continue further west with our knowledgeable and highly experienced guides to the wild and rugged West Coast where you get to experience the power of nature. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. Unwind by a beautiful cascading waterfall. A short journey brings you to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand’s giant tree ferns and hear native birds. Visit a magnificent specimen of New Zealand’s famous Kauri trees.

The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting accomplishment.  Usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional yachties, this activity provides a very unique opportunity to participate in sailing on these grand prix racing machines.  A must do attraction in Auckland and a unique opportunity to participate as crew on an actual America’s Cup yacht.  The experience varies per person: take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or sit back, relax and enjoy the sail, a once in a lifetime experience.

Overnight at Stamford Plaza (5*).

Rotorua is a city on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island. It is also home to botanical gardens and interesting historic architecture. Known as a spa town and major tourist resort since the 1800s, many of its buildings hint at this history, particularly Government Gardens at the eastern end of the town. Another of Rotorua's attractions is the mountain biking. Whakarewarewa (also known as the "Redwoods") Forest has been described as 'the Disneyland of mountain biking' and has some of the best mountain bike trails in New Zealand.

Enjoy a full day of touring around Waitomo and Rotorua.  Begin by travelling south past Auckland, through the small rural townships of the early pioneer times, before stopping briefly for a morning tea. Continue travelling through the rich farmland of the Waikato towards the King Country (birthplace of the Maori Monarchy) before arriving in Waitomo. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, which is climaxed by a boat ride through the Glow-worm Grotto, a cavern system illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glow-worms suspended from the cave ceiling.  After, lunch is served before re-boarding the coach making route to Rotorua.  Upon arrival in Rotorua take a soak in the award-winning Polynesian Spa, voted one of the world's top 10 day spa resorts. Enjoy tranquil bathing and lake views in four shallow alkaline rock pools, each with different temperatures ranging from 36°C to 42°C.  The pools are filled with soothing alkaline mineral water leaving skin soft and supple.  Surrounded by the lush native New Zealand flora, natural rocks, and the sound of two waterfalls, this experience will truly revitalize one’s body and mind. The tour continues with a visit to the Te Puia Arts & Crafts Institute, Maori Village and some local boiling mud pools.  The day concludes as the coach travels back to Auckland through the horse breeding district of Matamata and pastureland of the Hauraki Plains where a light snack is served.

The seething power of inner earth comes to the surface in Rotorua. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand's Maori people. Rotorua farmstays provide the opportunity to participate in a genuine Kiwi farming experience. Rotorua farmstay accommodation may include farm tours and fun farm animal activities depending on the farm on which you are staying.

Overnight at Farmstay.

The unique geothermal muds and waters of Rotorua are renowned for their curative and invigorating properties—and this is particularly so at “Hells Gate” - Rotorua’s most active thermal park. Hells Gate Geothermal Park is set in 50 acres with a large variety of thermal features. Walk past steaming fumeroles and hot pools of boiling mud so violent they are unnerving. Wai Ora Spa Facility is where visitors can experience the unique geothermal mud and sulphurous waters in privacy as well as in a totally unique environment. There are three private mud baths in the Wai Ora (“Healthy Waters”) Spa Facility – one family and two three-person baths each containing in excess of 70-100kgs of the finest geothermal muds in both suspended and solid form.

Collected from your hotel and transferred to Te Puia Thermal Park. Join a 90 minute guided Tour of Te Puia and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where History is carved and woven into meeting houses, canoes, weapons and jewellery. You will also experience the wonders of the thermal area by stepping into an ancient valley where geysers, mud pools and boiling waters still play after 40,000 years. Following your tour enjoy the Te Po is Te Puia’s evening cultural dining experience. It is a feast of cultural storytelling, entertainment and Maori kai (indigenous food). Feel the spirit of Te Puia at night and experience our heritage - a living legacy of people, culture and place. Return to your hotel by a Te Puia.

Escape to The Regent of Rotorua, Rotorua’s newest designer 5 star Boutique Hotel & Spa offering stylish luxury accommodation, restaurant, wine & cocktail bar, all with a touch of glamour. An oasis of understated hip contemporary elegance and comfort amidst the exciting attractions and experiences Rotorua has to offer. Step out of the calm of your gorgeous room or suite and stroll to the vibrant restaurant zone or lakefront area….or simply stay in, relax and savour the hotel's luxury facilities.

Overnight at Regent of Rotorua (5*).

Make your way to theTongariro National Park ; a region well-recognised for its natural and cultural significance, being awarded the prestigious Dual Heritage Status for its outstanding volcanic terrain and extensive Maori history. While experiencing this unique region, you will have the opportunity to join a professional outdoor guide in hiking the Mt. Ruapehu Crater Lake climb, an amazing 10km adventure traversing through a mix of active volcanic and glacial terrain. At the top of Mt. Ruapehu Crater you will be able to enjoy beautiful views of the geothermal waters in Crater Lake and spectacular sights of the surrounding region before returning to our point of origin, approximately 7 hours hiking in total. Please note that Mt. Ruapehu is an active volcano at higher elevations, and this hike may be subject to Volcanic and Snow warnings. There is option for a shorter hike, riding the Whakapapa Chairlifts to Knoll Ridge, and then completing the remaining 7kms in approximately 5 hours hiking time. Both hikes will require a reasonable level of fitness. If snow or volcanic warnings should prevent this hike from being accessible, we will have the choice of many other beautiful tracks to choose from in this stunning region.

Overnight at Regent of Rotorua (5*).

The perfect day for families and adventurer's when in Rotorua. This includes 2-3 hours of superb Mountain biking, and extreme Kaituna Waterfall Rafting, a delicious lunch in a local bakery/cafe and a beautiful Kayak on Lake Rotoiti to thermal hot pools only accessible by boat. Your day includes return transport from Rotorua, GT Bike hire, Necessary Rafting and Kayaking Equipment, Lunch, Forest Concession fees and Hot Pool entry. This is a full day.

Overnight at Regent of Rotorua (5*).

Enjoy a private airport transfer to your accommodation or v.v. with vehicle and driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).