11 Day Vineyards & Valleys ‘Premium’ Tour 

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Auckland International Airport to Auckland Ferry Terminal.

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.

Met on arrival at Matiatia Ferry Terminal and transferred to The Boatshed Boutique Hotel.

WAIHEKE/TE MOTU-ARAI-ROA – is the most populated of the Hauraki Gulf islands. The landscape is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. It’s easy to get around the island by bus or taxi. Alternatively, you can rent a car or scooter. Favourite island activities include swimming, golf, horse riding and sea kayaking. At the eastern end of the island is Stony Batter – a large underground tunnel network left over from WWII. It’s open for viewing.

Today, you will be collected by your Terra and Tide guide for a Vineyards and Bush tour.  This tour is a perfect blend of nature and indulgence. Your local guide will lead you on a walk through native bush on Waiheke Island, sharing insights into the local flora and fauna. After the walk, you’ll visit a beautiful vineyard for a wine tasting and a gourmet platter lunch. It’s a great way to experience both the natural beauty and the world-class wine scene of the island.

For a memorable evening on Waiheke, try The Oyster Inn for fresh seafood, Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant for fine dining with vineyard views, or Ki Māha on Onetangi Beach for sunset meals with ethically-sourced ingredients.

Farwell beautiful Waiheke Island and return to downtown Auckland with a scenic ferry ride. After arriving in the city, collect your Intermediate SUV rental car and travel south to Rotorua.

Start with a scenic ferry ride from Waiheke Island to downtown Auckland. After arriving in the city, you’ll get on the road to Rotorua. You’ll travel south, through the Waikato and past farmlands, before arriving in the unique geothermal landscape of Rotorua.

En route, we recommend considering an optional stop at the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can wander through the charming, detailed landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the magical beauty of a private tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny bioluminescent creatures illuminate the underground grotto, creating a breathtaking, otherworldly experience.

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 Maori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Maori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

In Rotorua, there’s plenty to explore at your own pace, with optional experiences available to enhance your stay. You could join Te Ra + Haka + Buffet Lunch at Te Puia for a guided cultural tour, Māori performance, and kiwi conservation visit, or enjoy a soothing Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa with mineral baths, mud pools, and Māori healing rituals. Chat with your consultant to tailor your day perfectly.

This morning you’ll be collected by Kaitiaki Adventures for an Exclusive – Mt Tarawera Crater Walk Experience. Step into an unforgettable journey to the summit of sacred Mt Tarawera, guided exclusively by local experts with deep ancestral connection to the maunga (mountain). You will ascend to the summit of Ruawahia, the highest of the three peaks of Mt Tarawera, as your guide shares rich cultural narratives and kōrero tuku iho (ancestral stories). These offer insight into the land’s geological power and its deep spiritual significance to local iwi (tribes). At the top, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled 360-degree views and, for the adventurous, an optional scree run into the heart of the crater. This experience offers more than a hike – it’s a private and profound exploration of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most iconic volcanic landscapes.

Leave Rotorua, passing through geothermal valleys and forested hills. Travel south across rolling farmland and past a series of lakes. The route follows State Highway 5 directly into Taupō. Your trip ends as you arrive on the shore of New Zealand’s largest lake.

TAUPO – located on the edge of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake Taupo is a pretty town renowned for its trout fishing, the Huka Falls, and the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. On a clear day, stunning views across the lake of snow capped Mounts Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe can be enjoyed and its close proximity to these Mountains in winter, makes it a great place to base yourself if skiing.

In Taupō, you have a full day to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of New Zealand’s largest lake at your own pace. Whether you prefer a relaxing day by the water or an active adventure, there are optional experiences to enhance your stay. For fishing enthusiasts, a Full Day Guided Fly Fishing tour with Chris Jolly Outdoors takes you to prime spots on remote rivers and lakes, with all gear and guidance provided. For those seeking a challenge, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Full Day Hike offers one of New Zealand’s most spectacular one-day treks, crossing volcanic terrain, craters, and rugged landscapes. Chat to your consultant to book these optional experiences and tailor your day to your interests.

Today’s journey takes you from the central volcanic plateau to the stunning east coast. Departing from Taupō, a town on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake and home to famous geothermal activity, the route heads southeast. As you travel, the landscape changes from the high-altitude, volcanic scenery of the Central North Island to the fertile plains and rolling hills of Hawke’s Bay. You’ll pass through farmland and small rural communities before the land opens up to reveal the picturesque vineyards and orchards that have made the region famous. The journey culminates in Havelock North, a charming town nestled at the base of the iconic Te Mata Peak, known for its superb food and wine scene.

En route, stop in at Napier for an Art Deco Trust – Guided Walk. This tour is an easy walk with a passionate local guide who will bring Napier’s history to life. You will see some of the city’s best examples of the Art Deco, Spanish Mission, and Stripped Classical styles. The tour begins with a short film about the devastating 1931 earthquake, providing context for the city’s remarkable and stylish rebirth.

HAVELOCK NORTH/KARANEMA – The prosperous country village of Havelock North has a natural, tree-lined charm. There are some gracious homes on the lower slopes of the hills and a thriving arts community. Keirunga Gardens provides a focus for visitors interested in viewing and purchasing examples of local creativity. Restaurants in the town are known to serve hearty country food, and there’s a honey shop where you can see the bees in action. Just south of Havelock North is Te Mata Peak, which stands nearly 400 metres above sea level. The peak is open from dawn to sunset throughout the year. Well-maintained walking tracks provide access to the surrounding forest areas.

In Hawke’s Bay, enjoy a free day to soak up the region’s stunning landscapes and relaxed pace. We suggest a few optional experiences to make the most of your time. Golf enthusiasts can play 18 holes at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, a dramatic cliffside course with breathtaking coastal views. For wildlife lovers, a Gannet Safari brings you close to thousands of nesting gannets in their natural habitat. Food and wine aficionados may prefer Odyssey NZ’s Wine & Gourmet Tour, exploring the region’s vineyards while tasting local produce and world-class wines. Your consultant can help you select and book the experiences that suit your interests.

Departing from the charming, wine-focused town of Havelock North in Hawke’s Bay. The drive heads north and inland, travelling through the rolling farmlands and picturesque countryside of the central North Island. The scenery is diverse, moving from the fertile plains and vineyards of Hawke’s Bay to the forested and rugged hills of the inland routes. You’ll pass near the impressive volcanic plateau before the landscape gradually becomes more developed as you approach Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. The journey culminates as you arrive in the bustling metropolis, with its iconic Sky Tower and beautiful Waitematā Harbour. Prefer to fly back to Auckland? Chat to your consultant to add a domestic flight from Napier to Auckland to your booking.

In Auckland, your tour includes the All Blacks Experience guided tour and Sky Tower admission. Your consultant will help fit these activities into your itinerary depending on your departure time, ensuring you make the most of today and tomorrow in the city.

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, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Depending on your flight time, take a final moment to enjoy Auckland at a relaxed pace. Wander along the waterfront, explore the charming streets of Britomart, or browse the lively markets and boutique shops. Take in the sweeping city views from the Sky Tower, enjoy a leisurely coffee, or simply soak up the mix of harbours, volcanic cones, and city energy that makes Auckland feel so welcoming. Your consultant can help you make the most of these last precious hours.

Return your rental car to Auckland Airport and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.