11 Day North Island Gourmet Tour 

Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Auckland International Airport to your accommodation with time to get a feel for Auckland.

Depending on your flight arrival time, you may wish to enhance your day with one of our optional experiences. Take in stunning panoramic views on the Sky Tower Tour or dive into the world of rugby with a guided tour at the All Blacks Experience, a must for sports enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

AUCKLAND / TĀMAKI MAKAURAU – an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city’s many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand’s biggest city, and the population mix of European, Māori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Your adventure begins with a ferry trip to Waiheke Island from downtown Auckland with Fullers360 Waiheke Island Ferry – Return Tickets. The ride is about 40 minutes and offers great views of the city skyline and the Waitemata Harbour. Waiheke Island is known for its beautiful vineyards, olive groves, and stunning beaches, making it a perfect day trip or weekend escape.

Meet your Ananda Tours guide on arrival at Matiatia Ferry Terminal for The Essence of Wine Tour.  This tour is a perfect way to get a taste of Waiheke Island’s renowned wine scene. You’ll visit three of the island’s finest vineyards, where you’ll be treated to a variety of wine tastings. Your local guide will provide fascinating commentary on the island’s unique terroir and winemaking history, making for a fun and educational outing.

Today is yours to explore Auckland at your own pace. You might wander along the waterfront, browse the boutiques, or relax in one of the city’s lively cafés.

If you’d like to experience more, you can join one of our suggested optional tours: Take a scenic escape to the countryside on the Matakana Art & Wine Escape, discover the city’s best local flavours on The Tastebud Tour, or enjoy a guided walk through Auckland’s vibrant food scene on the Fresh Taste Private Tour. Chat with your consultant to tailor the day to your interests and make the most of your time in this vibrant harbour city.

However you choose to spend your day, you’ll find Auckland full of energy, creativity, and coastal charm.

Start your journey by picking up your Compact SUV Budget Rental Car. Your journey begins by heading south from Auckland, traveling through the lush, green hills of the Waikato region.

As you travel from Auckland to Rotorua, you have the option to make your journey even more memorable with one of our suggested optional tours. Step into the magical world of Middle-earth on the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, where you’ll wander through the picturesque film set, explore the iconic Hobbit Holes, and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Alternatively, you can discover the subterranean wonder of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, taking a guided walk through limestone formations and a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing native glowworms. Both experiences add a unique and unforgettable dimension to your journey through New Zealand’s North Island.

You’ll pass plenty of farms, it’s the heart of dairy country! As you get closer to Rotorua, you’ll start to notice the unique, sulphur-rich air. It’s the city’s signature scent and a sign that you’ve arrived in a place full of bubbling mud pools and incredible Māori culture.

Tonight, you’ll be collected from your hotel by Te Puia for your Te Po – Indigenous Evening Experience. This immersive evening is a celebration of Māori culture. The experience begins with a traditional pōwhiri (welcome), followed by a cultural performance of traditional songs and the haka. You’ll then be treated to a delicious hāngī buffet dinner, which is an authentic Māori feast. After dinner, you’ll be taken to the illuminated Pōhutu Geyser for a mesmerizing view under the stars before returning to your hotel.

ROTORUA – located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Māori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Māori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

Today, you’ll depart Rotorua and travel through Kaingaroa Forest and the landscapes of a volcanic plateau to Lake Taupo. At Taupo, consider fueling your body with a little adrenalin on the Hukafalls Jet! The route then crosses the Kaweka Ranges, with its winding mountain roads, before descending into Hawke’s Bay. You’ll pass through beautiful orchards and vineyards before arriving in Napier, a city known for its stunning Art Deco architecture.

NAPIER/AHURIRI – the largest city in the Hawke’s Bay, whose port handles the province’s huge volumes of produce, spreads around the wedge of Bluff Hill, sometimes still referred to as “Scinde Island.” Napier was almost completely surrounded by water before the severe 1931 earthquake flattened the city but uplifted vast areas of the surrounding seabed. As a result of the disaster, the city was almost completely rebuilt during the 1930’s, giving it an Art Deco style of architecture, unique to a New Zealand city.

Today you are in for a treat as you join the wonderful team at Odyssey NZ for A Wine & Gourmet Odyssey Tour. This exclusive tour is an exploration of the food and wine of Hawke’s Bay. You’ll visit a selection of wineries in the Gimblett Gravels area, learning how wine evolves from vine to glass, and enjoy a gourmet platter of local produce paired with wine. The tour is designed to be interactive and is hosted by a passionate guide.

Today, prepare for a trip connecting the Hawke’s Bay wine region with the Wairarapa wine region. This journey takes you from the Art Deco city of Napier and travels through the beautiful countryside of Hawke’s Bay. You’ll eventually enter the Wairarapa region and pass through charming small towns like Carterton and Greytown before arriving in Martinborough.

MARTINBOROUGH/WHAREKAKA – is located approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Wellington, with a population of 1500 Martinborough Village is wedged between dozens of vineyards and offers much more than wine tours and tastings. The small village square has a range of places to eat, great pub food, cafes and quality fine dining. Enjoy historic or boutique hotels, vineyard retreats and rustic cottages. Shop at designer clothing outlets, galleries and specialist shops or pamper yourself at the day spa. Step outside the square for olive grove tours and tastings, walks, crystal clear swimming holes and horseback views of the beautiful valley. Get out on a top-class golf course, speed across farmland on a quad bike, enjoy a jet boat ride or for something quite different experience clay pigeon shooting.

Spend the morning at leisure in charming Martinborough. Stroll along tree-lined streets, explore boutique shops and local artisan studios, or simply relax in a café and soak up the village atmosphere.

This afternoon you’ll explore the Wairarapa wine scene with Martinborough Wine Tours – Half Day Wine Tour. This small-group tour is designed for those who want to experience Martinborough’s wines in a single afternoon. Your local guide will take you to four different vineyards, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste a wide range of varietals, from the famous Pinot Noir to aromatic whites. The tour offers informative commentary on the region’s history and winemaking.

Today, leave Martinborough, a delightful wine village, and travel through the picturesque Wairarapa region. You’ll pass through the charming towns of Greytown and Featherston before beginning a climb up the Remutaka Hill Road, which offers sweeping views back over the valleys. The final descent brings you into Wellington, a city nestled on a stunning natural harbor.

Tonight consider adding in our suggested optional activity: Zealandia By Night tour to spot rare nocturnal wildlife like kiwi and glowworms in Wellington’s unique eco-sanctuary.

WELLINGTON/TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA – the Capital city of New Zealand since 1865, is situated around Wellington harbour, its houses clinging precipitously to the steep hillsides. Wellington is renowned for its wind which is channelled through the Cook Strait, and causes the wind to blow most days. A clever blend of buildings, old and new, beautiful vistas of the city and harbour, and a cosmopolitan mix of culture and arts give Wellington its heart, and vibrant atmosphere.

You’ll have the morning to stroll along the waterfront and take in views of the harbour, explore the city’s vibrant cafés and restaurants, or browse boutique shops and local galleries. You can ride the historic Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn for panoramic city views, wander through the Botanic Garden, or relax at one of the city’s charming parks. For a deeper dive into New Zealand’s culture and history, you can take the optional Introducing Te Papa tour at the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand.

Spend an afternoon with The Big Foody Food Tours on a Capital Flavours Tour. Discover Wellington’s renowned food and drink scene on this immersive walking tour. You’ll visit a variety of local eateries, from fine-dining establishments to trendy food spots, tasting a range of local products. The tour not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a deeper understanding of Wellington’s culture and character through the eyes of a local guide.

Head to Wellington Airport and return your rental car. Today, you’ll sadly leave New Zealand with a taste of what this stunning country has to offer and hopefully plans to be back to see what you didn’t see this time round.