9 Day Northern Getaway 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, Māori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Start your journey by picking up your Compact 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 included two of our most popular tours for you to enjoy.

Elite Adventures, Elite Rotorua Half Day Tour. Enjoy a personalized and intimate experience with this half-day private tour. Your dedicated guide will craft a unique itinerary based on your preferences, whether you want to focus on geothermal wonders, Māori culture, or scenic highlights. The tour offers the freedom to explore Rotorua at your own pace, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s rich offerings.

Te Puia’s Te Po combo (Guided experience + Indigenous Evening). This is a perfect way to experience Māori culture and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. The tour begins with a guided walk, where you’ll see the famous Pōhutu Geyser at dusk. You’ll then be welcomed into the Marae (meeting house) with a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), followed by a cultural performance and a delicious hāngī feast. The experience concludes with a hot chocolate at the geyser under the stars.

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.

This afternoon join The Art Deco Trust for their Vintage Car Tour – The Highlights. Step back in time and explore Napier in style. Your driver, dressed in a 1930s costume, will take you on a scenic drive through the city, sharing fascinating stories about the earthquake and the Art Deco architecture that rose from the ashes. You’ll visit key highlights and make a photo stop at the National Tobacco Company building.

Enjoy the Hawkes Bay today. Relax and take things at your own pace or perhaps choose to take our optional tour (one of our faves!) or talk to your consultant about the many different tours we have in the area and we will find the perfect one for you.

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 consider a morning tour to the gannet colony on the coast. An extraordinary experience that is iconic in the area.

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 local 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.