9 Day Northern Getaway ‘Premium’ 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.

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.

Once settled in enjoy the All Blacks Experience Guided Tour. This immersive and interactive tour is a must-do for both rugby fans and those new to the game. You’ll take a guided journey through seven rooms with innovative technology that brings the history and passion of New Zealand rugby to life. The tour also gives you the chance to test your skills in an interactive zone and come face-to-face with a powerful cinematic haka.

Start your journey by picking up your Intermediate SUV Budget Rental Car and then head south from Auckland, traveling through the lush, green hills of the Waikato region. 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.

On the way stop and enjoy the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. Ah yes it’s time to step into Middle-earth with this enchanting guided tour. You’ll journey through the picturesque sheep farm to the movie set, where you’ll see the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Party Tree. Your guide will share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and movie magic secrets, culminating in a complimentary beverage at the world-famous Green Dragon Inn.

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 we have chosen two tours which we recommend. If they aren’t quite right we can help you find the perfect one although we are confident these two will tick a lot of your boxes.

Elite Adventures, Private Eco Thermal Park Tour. This private tour is a fantastic way to explore Rotorua’s unique volcanic environment. Your expert local guide will pick you up and take you to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to see the Lady Knox Geyser eruption. You’ll also visit the impressive Waimangu Volcanic Valley, with your guide providing insights into the area’s geology and history throughout the journey.

Te Pa Tu’s Evening Experience. This is an unforgettable evening that celebrates Māori culture and tradition. You’ll be welcomed with a traditional pōwhiri (welcome), and your guide will lead you on a journey through a reconstructed village. The experience includes stories, songs, and demonstrations of Māori life, followed by a powerful cultural performance and a delicious five-course feast. It is an intimate and engaging way to learn about the Māori world.

Depart Rotorua and travel through Kaingaroa Forest and the landscapes of a volcanic plateau. 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.

Looking for the perfect way to wrap up your evening? We recommend booking our optional Twilight Odyssey Tour with Odyssey NZ – wine, views and good vibes included!

Today, join Long Island Guides, Best of Bay Half Day Private Tour. Travel in air conditioned comfort in a late-model vehicle with your own private guide while exploring the many delights that Hawke’s Bay has to offer. Immerse yourself in Art Deco heritage, visit world-class vineyards sampling their specialty wines and relax over a gourmet lunch at an award-winning restaurant (at own expense). After lunch take in another cellar door or two, or tempt your tastebuds at a local gin distillery, craft brewery or sample the gastronomic delights from local artisan food producers. Take in the breathtaking scenery including rolling hills, river valleys, colourful fruit orchards lines of grapevines, stunning seascapes and then see it all from atop the majestic Te Mata Peak. We can incorporate premium wine tastings (additional costs may apply), local art, museums, a wellness shop and garden, honey factory, beach walks, mountain hikes, private picnics – the choices are endless!

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.

Before you head off down country though this tour is a real treat as you join Gannet Safaris, on their Private 3 Hour Tour. You’ll experience a personal encounter with the largest accessible gannet colony in the world on this private tour. Travel overland through Cape Kidnappers Station which is approximately 2,500 hectares with a fascinating history, sheep and beef farming, and a 200 hectare native bush conservatory hosting introduced Kiwi and Tuatara, luxury lodge with a privately owned world class golf course. Stop on top of the cliff tops and look down at the remarkable geology of the cliffs and sweeping views across Hawkes Bay. At the colony, you’ll be mesmerised by the spectacular birds with their eye markings and golden crowns. Be within just a few feet of adults and chicks nesting, preening themselves and performing their courtship dance.

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.

Wake up today and enjoy the locals cafes and surrounds before you join Martinborough Wine Tours on their 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.

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.

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.

Once settled into your hotel head to Te Papa Museum of New Zealand for their Introducing Te Papa Tour. This one-hour guided tour is an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Te Papa. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the museum, sharing captivating stories and providing a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s rich history, art, and culture, from its unique geological past to its indigenous Māori traditions.

Today you’ll return your rental car today and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.