11 Day: Northern Spectacular New Zealand Tour

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Having cleared customs & immigration formalities, you will be met by our representative & transferred by limousine to your city hotel.

The 'City of Sails' is New Zealand's largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences. Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a mild climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping and you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland. Also known as the City of Sails - a title gained from the view of yachts seen against the cityscape.

Sightseeing and activity options available:

One Nights Accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Auckland. The hotel enjoys stunning views of the Auckland harbour and parks and is located just a few minutes walk from Auckland city centre. Within easy access of Auckland's numerous attractions.

Travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy an informative talk at the Kauri Museum, then travel to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Made up of 144 islands this picturesque region is the finest maritime park of New Zealand and is a world class playground for numerous outdoor activities. The Bay has an abundance of marine life, including the big marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. Known as the ‘birthplace’ of the nation, the Bay of Islands is rich in diverse culture and history and is the perfect starting point for your New Zealand tour.

Two Nights Accommodation at the Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, in Paihia. This hotel has a sub-tropical resort ambience, with island-influenced architecture, beautifully landscaped grounds and light airy rooms. Situated at the entrance to the seaside town of Paihia.

Today is a free day to explore the Bay of Islands. Choose from the many optional activities available. The choice is yours and your coach captain will be available to assist.

Some alternative things to do in the Bay of Islands:

This morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning to Paihia. Travel to Auckland via Whangarei.

Sailing is by far the best way to experience the Bay of Islands. This sub-tropical region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays, and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. Being somewhat sheltered, the area is ideal for yachting. ‘On the Edge’ is New Zealand’s fastest commercial sailing catamaran and provides a once in a lifetime sailing experience. The only sailing excursion to visit Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ Your day includes the opportunity of swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, bushwalking or relaxing in the sun on the spacious decks. Full bar facilities and included is a kiwi BBQ lunch.

One Nights Accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Auckland. The hotel enjoys stunning views of the Auckland harbour and parks and is located just a few minutes walk from Auckland city centre. Within easy access of Auckland's numerous attractions.

This morning enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to Sky Tower, one of New Zealands’ most spectacular attractions. Continue to Longlands Dairy Farm where a short farm talk is followed by a delicious home cooked lunch. Travel to Rotorua, visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout.

Two Nights Accommodation at the Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua. As the name suggests, this Rotorua hotel sits snugly nestled into the shores of Lake Rotorua with many of the rooms overlooking the natural geothermal landscape nearby. On-site facilities include a fully licensed restaurant and house bar, private spa pools, heated swimming pool.

The day begins with a Gondola ride to Cableway Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to see a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling out to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

Rotorua sightseeing and activity options available:

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier “The Art Deco Capital Of The World”, for a city tour. Enjoy some free time to explore the fascinating architecture before travelling through the Wairarapa wine region. This evening enjoy a wine and cheese experience.

One Nights Accommodation at the Copthorne Solway Park Masterton. This recently refurbished, luxurious resort is nestled in the lush Wairarapa Valley, framed by the Tararua Ranges.

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Greytown where you see the most complete example of original Victorian wooden architecture. Continue through the Rimutaka Mountain Range into Wellington for a city tour of the nation’s capital. This city offers visitors a vibrant and sophisticated city experience, set within a natural amphitheatre of a harbour and lush green hills. Stylish cocktail bars, funky designer shopping, contemporary art galleries, award winning restaurants and cafes. Wellington really is New Zealand’s 'Capital of Cool'.

One Nights Accommodation at the James Cook Hotel in Wellington. This luxurious hotel is situated in the heart of Wellington less than 500 metres from the harbour. Featuring modern, comfortable rooms, many of which boast breathtaking views of the harbour and city.

Enjoy free time this morning to explore Wellington at leisure.This afternoon board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton where you board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim.

Wellington sightseeing and activity options:

One Nights Accommodation at the Chateau Marlborough in Blenheim. The Chateau is Marlborough's premier boutique property. 45 well-appointed Suites and Apartments offer guests luxury accommodation to provide the highest level of comfort along with modern amenities.

Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine then travel to the quaint fishing village of Kaikoura. Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch. A city sights tour will showcase the grand architecture, historic homesteads, immaculate parks and the picturesque Avon River.

One Nights Accommodation at the Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Central. From the moment you enter you 're embraced by a sense of warmth and graciousness. Although you are almost in the centre of the city, the tranquility and views are more reminiscent of an exclusive country estate.

Christchurch is a city of contrasts, a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for. It really is the 'city that shines'.

Some sightseeing and activity options available:

Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Christchurch airport today for your onward flight. Here, we bid you ‘Haere Ra’, a fond farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Please take the time to view our “Virtual Tour” for the 11 Day Northern Spectacular tour or download/print the detailed “Tour Dossier”. Both can be found on the right hand column of this page. Alternatively you can simply contact us. For a comprehensive list of all activities available in each location featured in this tour, please refer to the "Destination Guide" found at the top of this page.