Require More Info or book?
Check availability
DESTINATION
Australia/NZ/South Pacific
PROVIDER
Insight Gold
DURATION
11 days
Valued At Pay Only Save
$4,825 per person $4,729 per person $192 per couple
Explore New Zealand's North Island. Visit the cities Auckland and Wellington, that resound with a friendly welcome normally felt in small towns. Travel into the rustic, unspoilt coastal regions of the Coromandel and the Bay of Islands, where dazzling white beaches and historic villages are the norm.
EPICUREAN DINING

Rotorua: Feast on a Maori Hangi at a unique dinner experience with the Tamaki family. Auckland: Celebrate in style at an elegant farewell dinner with wine in Auckland. 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 1 Lunch (L); plus 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 3 three-course Dinners (DW), 1 Highlight Dinner (HD) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) all with wine, plus tea or coffee.

EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS

Bay of Islands: Cruise through the ‘Hole in the Rock' and see the historic Cape Brett lighthouse in the Bay of Islands Maritime Park. Waitomo: Discover the fascinating native bright creatures of Waitomo Glowworm Grotto. Rotorua: Visit a kiwi nursery and hatchery and meet the team dedicated to the conservation and protection of New Zealand's national symbol.

OUTSTANDING HOTELS

Coromandel Ranges: The secluded Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, is surrounded by 25 acres of native bushland, and located on New Zealand's stunning Coromandel Peninsula. It combines a striking natural setting with personal service. Wellington: Located on Wellington's sparkling waterfront, Museum Art Hotel is situated opposite Te Papa and boasts a large collection of contemporary New Zealand art.

INCLUSIVE LUXURY GOLD SERVICES

Be escorted by the crème de la crème of Insight Travelling Concierges - handpicked for every departure. This skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'. Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40-seat coach, with extended leg room and an on-board restroom. It's Business Class comfort, complete with complimentary bottled water for you to enjoy during your luxury coaching tour. A personal radio headset gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating insights and commentaries. At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling with prompt delivery to inside your door. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). With Insight Flourishes, from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination. Airport transfers to and from your hotel are included.

Day 1 / Welcome to Wellington!

On arrival at Wellington Airport you'll be met by private car and transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and dinner at your hotel.(WD) Accommodation: Museum Art Hotel, Wellington

Day 2 / Wellington at leisure

(Relaxed Start) Today is free for you to explore Wellington. Perhaps join a tour of New Zealand's Parliament buildings and the ‘Beehive' or take a ride on Wellington's famous cable car from the central business district to the Kelburn Lookout for stunning views of the city? You may want to experience Weta Cave – home of the creative wizards behind the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Or you could learn about New Zealand's history and culture with a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand's incredible national museum and art gallery. Your Travelling Concierge will assist you in booking your chosen experience.(BB) Accommodation: Museum Art Hotel, Wellington

Day 3 / Stunning scenery Wellington to Taupo

(Relaxed Start) Travel along the rugged Kapiti Coast, past the dairy farms of the Manawatu through to the striking three active volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park rising starkly from the surrounding plateau of tussock and near-desert. The stunningly blue fresh water of Lake Taupo awaits you. Before arriving at the hotel, you will stop in to view Huka Falls.(BB / DW) Accommodation: Hilton Hotel, Taupo

Day 4 / Geothermal Rotorua

(Relaxed Start) In the morning, explore the township of Taupo, or perhaps try your hand at trout fishing? In Rotorua, experience the local customs like the Hongi greeting and learn some customary phrases. Gain an insight into local Maori culture and history with a Maori show. Savour the unique flavours of a traditional Hangi dinner, a meal cooked in the ground using geothermal steam.(BB / HD) Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua

Day 5 / Rotorua sightseeing

At the Agrodome, sample Kiwi farm life including the art of sheep shearing, sheepdog demonstrations, cow milking, lamb bottle feeding and an exciting sheep auction. Your next stop is Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you'll discover the native beauty around the crystal clear mineral water springs. Take a ‘behind the scenes' tour through a working kiwi nursery and hatchery dedicated to the conservation of the national icon. Next, visit the Whakarewarewa Living Village set amongst a highly active landscape erupting with geothermal activity.(BB) Accommodation: Regent of Rotorua

Day 6 / Waitomo Caves to Coromandel

First up, visit Waitomo Caves to see the incredible glowworms that are unique to New Zealand with our Local Expert at Footwhistle Cave. Visit the dairy farming community of Matamata and enjoy a delicious lunch at Longlands Farm country-style restaurant. This evening in the Coromandel Ranges, stay in Tree Hut Chalets, set among the native bush.(BB / L / DW) Accommodation: Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort, Coromandel Ranges

Day 7 / Coromandel to Auckland

(Relaxed Start) If you are an early riser, why not take a stroll down to the golden sands of Pauanui Beach and dip your toes in the swirling surf? Later in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour and then the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the city. Why not visit the Sky Tower for 360° views of the region and surrounding volcanic hills?(BB) Accommodation: Sofitel, Auckland

Day 8 / Auckland to Bay of Islands

Travel to Orewa and the scenic Hibiscus Coast. Then continue to the Waipoua Forest, a sanctuary that is home to many native trees including the largest Kauri tree in existence, Tane Mahuta (over 2,000 years old). A Maori guide will walk you through the native bush and explain the history and legend behind the mighty Kauri. Head to your waterfront resort in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands.(BB / DW) Accommodation: Copthorne Resort, Bay of Islands

Day 9 / Russell and the Bay of Islands

(Relaxed Start) In the morning you'll take a ferry across the harbour to historic Russell, for a walking tour of the first European settlement and capital of New Zealand. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take on a dolphin watching cruise? Experience sailing aboard a historic tall ship, enjoy wine tasting around Kerikeri, or join a jet boat Heritage Cruise and learn a little more about the settling of the Bay of Islands?(BB) Accommodation: Copthorne Resort, Bay of Islands

Day 10 / Cruise the Bay of Islands and onto Auckland

This morning cruise through the Bay of Islands Maritime Park to the famous ‘Hole in the Rock', see the historic Cape Brett lighthouse, and explore some of the 144 islands in the bay. Later you'll have some time in Paihia to check out the local craft shops or go for a walk along the beachfront. This afternoon head through the small towns of Northland, over the Harbour Bridge and into Auckland city. Toast your tour together tonight at a Celebration Dinner.(BB / CD) Accommodation: Sofitel, Auckland

Day 11 / Farewell Auckland

Bid farewell to your fellow travellers after breakfast, as your journey comes to an end with a transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.(BB)