9 Day Great Northerner

On arrival into Auckland, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the original treaty between the British and Māori people was signed. Here, you will also enjoy a culturally-rich visit to the Māori Meeting House and War Canoe.

Cross Auckland’s busy Harbour Bridge this morning and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of New Zealand’s Northland region. Continue to the stunning Bay of Islands and enjoy a cultural Signature Experience.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Explore the spectacular Bay of Islands on a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for unique marine life as you meander through the inner islands. Admire the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops, then spend some time in a secluded bay.

An exciting Signature Experience awaits in the Bay of Islands today.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps cruise on Waitemata Harbour or enjoy a unique All Blacks experience. Alternatively, visit Auckland Zoo and set out on a guided tour to discover the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. You might like to immerse yourself in a Make Believe Experience and journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop. Or, if you are looking to escape the bustle of the city, set out on a half-day tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest.

Enjoy the opportunity to discover the ‘City of Sails’ as you choose from a range of exciting Freedom of Choice sightseeing inclusions. This evening, you will be treated to a Pacific-themed dinner that features some of the tastiest regional New Zealand produce. Relax and enjoy the company of your fellow travellers as you savour local flavours.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
This evening, immerse yourself in Māori culture as you enjoy a traditional Hāngī feast and a powerful performance of song and dance.

Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous glow worm caves where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an eerie glow. Discover this natural wonder on a silent boat ride through a mystical grotto, lit by thousands of glow worms. Afterwards, travel to Rotorua, famous for its incredible geothermal activity.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps enjoy a sheep show at the Agrodome followed by a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. This region has been inhabited by the Māori people for generations and you’ll learn all about their culture from a local guide as you explore the area’s geothermal wonders. Alternatively, choose to visit Wai-O-Tapu or take a Hobbiton Movie Set tour for an enthralling insight into the making of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to spend at leisure. You might like to wander into town and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Today you will follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through the North Island. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, then, visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before travelling across Tongariro National Park to Wellington.

With two nights in the New Zealand capital, you will have plenty of time to discover the city’s highlights. After breakfast, set off on a tour taking you to the city’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including New Zealand’s national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa. The afternoon and evening have been left free for you to enjoy discovering Wellington at your own pace. You may like to head to the Central Business District to experience its vibrant mix of Victorian architecture, theatres, boutiques and galleries. Or, why not grab a bite to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants for a true taste of North Island eating.

Your journey comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport.