Summary Fall in love with New Zealand on this 8-day guided tour. See Wellington your way, choosing between an insider’s tour of the city with a Local Expert or a guided hike through Otari Wiltons Bush, the only botanic garden in the country dedicated entirely to native plants. Travel past the dairy country of Manawatu to Hawke’s Bay, where you will enjoy an exclusive wine tasting at one of the country’s world-famous wineries. In Rotorua, walk the Redwoods Treewalk — a maze of forested suspension bridges — and tour a working kiwi nursery and hatchery, where you can learn more about the flightless bird. Savour a flavourful Māori Hāngī feast, made from food cooked in the ground with geothermal steam. Descend the Waitomo Cave to see glow worms illuminate the caverns, then toast your trip during a celebration dinner in Auckland.The Activity Level of this tour is Leisurely, meaning there is 1 to 2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces with some stairs. Short Itinerary / Route
- Day 1
- Welcome To Wellington
- Day 2
- Wellington Sightseeing Relaxed Start
- Day 3
- Wellington To Hawke's Bay
- Day 4
- Exploring Napier Relaxed Start
- Day 5
- Geothermal Rotorua
- Day 6
- The Sights Of Rotorua
- Day 7
- Waitomo And Auckland
- Day 8
- Farewell Auckland
Travel Cities (5): Auckland, Christchurch, Napier, Rotorua, Wellington |
Highlights Dining Summary - 4 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Choice Highlights - Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.
- Wellington: Learn more about native flora and fauna on a guided walk through Otari Wiltons Bush, the only botanic garden in New Zealand, dedicated to native plants. The walk starts at the ‘Waharoa’ and heads through the Fernery and then down to the creek, where you are likely to spot some Tuna. It’s also a haven for native birds including the Kereru and Tui. A highlight of the walk is a Rimu tree estimated to be over 800 years old.
Additional Included Highlights - Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
- In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
- Included at all hotels.
- Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
- Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
- On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
- Enjoy complimentary hotel WiFi. And, on select coaches, onboard WiFi may also be available.
- Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.
Exceptional Dining - Wellington: Feel the warm hospitality of New Zealand's capital city, as you join your travel companions for a delicious Welcome Dinner hosted at a local restaurant.
- Hawke's Bay: Indulge in an intimate dinner with wine pairing at the award-winning restaurant of Craggy Range Winery. Feast on local produce as you sit in the shade of Te Mata Peak and drink wines from one of the region’s world-famous vineyards.
- Rotorua: Come together for a hearty and delicious meal warmed by the earth itself. Experience a uniquely prepared Hāngī feast, cooked traditionally in a pit oven using geothermal steam at Te Pā Tū. Witness a captivating live cultural performance as you dine.
Magnificent Stays - Hawke's Bay: Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with plush, classic furnishings and local artwork, all moments away from the charming village of Havelock North.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER - Rotorua: Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. Seek out skinks, geckos, and incredible trout amidst the thick foliage of the park. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. The hatchery has grown to become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs, helping the North Island population considerably.
Passport Moments - Hawke's Bay: Ease yourself into the day at your own pace with a morning at leisure in Hawke’s Bay. Grab an artisan coffee at a local cafe, stroll about the Village Green, wander Keirunga Gardens, or pop into some of the charming boutiques.
- Napier: Climb into a luxury vintage car with a discerning local guide for your personal tour of Napier. Uncover the highlights of this world-famous town’s 140 art deco buildings and sculptures from the comfort of your luxurious vehicle.
- Huka Falls: Witness the awe-inspiring power of nature at Huka Falls where nearly a quarter of a million litres of thundering water per second are funnelled from Lake Taupō and dropped eleven metres into the Waikato River below.
- Rotorua: Visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal system, formed after the eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886. Discover the world’s largest hot spring, volcanic crater lakes and the most incredible flora and fauna that have been untouched by man.
- Rotorua: Stand eye to eye with giant redwoods on the Redwoods Treewalk. Immerse yourself in the serene majesty of these 118-year-old trees from your 20-metre high perspective. Cross swing bridges and platforms on your elevated path through Whakarewarewa Forest.
- Waitomo Cave: Enter the subterranean Waitomo Cave where you’ll be guided through the extensive network and meet the local residents, glow worms. View these fascinating glowing creatures as you glide quietly on a private tour by boat through the underground cave.
- Auckland: Discover the landmarks of New Zealand’s largest city on your afternoon tour. See the diversity of the city from bustling Queen Street and the rejuvenated Viaduct harbour to the historic buildings around the city’s university and the striking Auckland harbour Bridge.
Personalise your day - Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.
- Wellington: Learn more about native flora and fauna on a guided walk through Otari Wiltons Bush, the only botanic garden in New Zealand, dedicated to native plants. The walk starts at the ‘Waharoa’ and heads through the Fernery and then down to the creek, where you are likely to spot some Tuna. It’s also a haven for native birds including the Kereru and Tui. A highlight of the walk is a Rimu tree estimated to be over 800 years old.
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