Boutique 10 Day North Island 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 Mollies in Auckland. To cross the threshold at Mollies small luxury boutique hotel in Auckland City is to enter another world ... this boutique hotel reflects the owners passion for opera, attention to detail and their fine antiques, combined with sleek modern furniture, results in a wonderfully eclectic, romantic hotel.

Today’s journey will have you travelling north via the beautiful Matakana Coast to Matakohe, you will visit the Kauri Museum, renown for its exhibits depicting the mighty kauri tree and faithfully charting the history of the people, area and community. We will then continue the journey towards the Hokianga harbour via Dargaville and the Mighty Waipoua Forest.

In the evening you will meet up with a local Maori guide for a personalised tour of Waipoua, the world’s largest kauri forest, protecting three quarters of New Zealand’s remaining kauri tress.

One Nights Accommodationat Waipoua Lodge. Overlooking the vast Waipoua Forest, gateway to the crystal clear Kai Iwi Lakes and the longest driveable golden sand beach in New Zealand. Remote and tranquil, yet so accessible.

Upon waking enjoy a full continental cooked buffet breakfast at the lodge restaurant. You will re-commence your journey inland, travelling east to Paihia and the Bay of Islands. The natural beauty of the Bay of Islands has to be seen to be believed. It’s an aquatic playground lavishly furnished with 144 islands and a myriad of secluded beaches. Every bay, shore and cove has a story to tell. The townships of this historic bay are alive with memories of the area’s colourful past, both Maori and European. You’ll find out why the Bay of Islands is considered to be the birthplace of New Zealand as a bi-cultural nation. You’ll also see how Maori culture and lifestyle have adapted to modern times. Wherever you are in the Bay of Islands, it’s impossible to escape the lure of the sea. There are almost endless opportunities for immersing yourself in the blue-green world of island and beach. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the activities and beauty of the Bay of Islands.

Some alternative sightseeing and activity options are:

One Nights Accommodation at Flagstaff Lodge in Russell - This renovated and restored 1912 villa is just a minutes walk from Russell’s cafes, restaurants and waterfront. The Lodge has been stylishly designed with attention to detail and provides a welcoming and serene environment. Guests are assured personal attention and privacy.

After a lisurely breakfast we return to Auckland and board the ferry bound for Waiheke Island. Cruise down the beautiful Auckland harbour past Browns Island, Motutapu and Motuihe Islands and onto the tranquil island of Waiheke (The name means "Cascading Waters" in Maori).

Waiheke Island is an eclectic mix of cultures, activities, vineyards, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, beautiful beaches, scenic walking tracks and much, much more. It’s a perfect relaxing, romantic escape; family holiday at the beach or weekend away. There are many outdoor activities and plenty to see and do, no matter what your interests or energy levels.

Some sightseeing and activity options available:

Accommodation: Delamore Lodge - Welcome to Waiheke Island - a unique haven, offering luxury accommodation on Waiheke Island in New Zealand's majestic Hauraki Gulf. From the moment you arrive by us your senses and soul will awaken to the ultimate in relaxation and romance. Inspired by hours spent on the land, the timeless romance of the Mediterranean, and the image of a Maori bone fishhook (matau), local architect, has designed a remarkable building that affords breathtaking views.

Upon waking you have the delicious full cooked breakfast at your lodge accommodation before making our way to Waitomo.

The caves at Waitomo are one of New Zealand's most commanding wonders – a celebration of nature's work over the last one hundred thousand years. There are hundreds of miles of labyrinthine caves, glow-worms, under ground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites, and all manner of limestone crustaceans - a lost world waiting to be discovered.

Choose a caving experience that suites you:

Your journey to Rotorua will take you through a mixture of farmland, lakeland and forest. You’ll know you’ve arrived in the city of Rotorua when you see (and smell!) the geothermal steam plumes. You will be transferred to your accommodation Kawaha Point Lodge where you can enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a gourmet five course dinner.

Two Nights Accommodation at------- in Rotorua.

Upon waking you have the choice of a full continental or cooked buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Your journey to Rotorua will take you through a mixture of farmland, lakeland and forest. You’ll know you’ve arrived in the city of Rotorua when you see (and smell!) the geothermal steam plumes.

Geysers, mud pools and thermal springs have been attracting visitors to Rotorua since the 1800s and the living, breathing landscape never fails to amaze. Perched on the edge of a large lake, in the crater of an ancient volcano, this picturesque city is also the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture. With 16 sparkling lakes within 20 minutes drive of the city, as well as magnificent forests surrounding, Rotorua has earned the reputation as the North Islands outdoors adventure centre offering an exciting array of experiences. Today is at your own leisure, you may wish to participate in one of many exciting activities available.

Sightseeing and activity options available:

This evening you will be transferred from your hotel to Te Puia. Here you will enjoy a guided tour of the model Maori pa (village site)  visit the Thermal Reservation to see boiling mud pools and geysers including ‘Pohutu’ (‘splashing’), the largest geyser, which plays several times a day. Later, commence your Hangi and Concert.

Upon waking you have the choice of a full continental or cooked buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant. This morning you depart your hotel for your journey to Napier, traveling through plantations of pine forest to Taupo, a township located on the edge of Lake Taupo.

Some sightseeing and activity options available are:

After the adrenalin rush of the jet boat ride down the Mighty Waikato River we continue on to today’s destination of Napier. Napier is the centre of the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand and renowned for both its Art Deco architecture and also for its wine industry and is said to be one of the warmest regions in the country.

Accommodation: McHardy Lodge - Overnight in this renovated, single storey 1890's residence, nestled in a quiet cul de sac on Napier Hill.  This exclusive 5 star property will delight you with its character and charm. A fabulous place to chill out in the secluded swimming pool or enjoy a relaxing game of billiards whilst Enjoying superb views of the blue Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountain ranges.This beautifully restored, single storey 1890's residence is nestled in a quiet cul de sac on Napier Hill, it will delight you with its character and charm.

The Art Deco capital of New Zealand, Napier, is renowned for a beautiful coastline, a multitude of nearby wineries and 1930's art deco architecture. Today eighteen wine producers produce one third of the national grape harvest and many are open for wine tasting and lunch.

Some alternative sightseeing and activity options are:

Accommodation: McHardy Lodge - Overnight in this renovated, single storey 1890's residence, nestled in a quiet cul de sac on Napier Hill.  This exclusive 5 star property will delight you with its character and charm. A fabulous place to chill out in the secluded swimming pool or enjoy a relaxing game of billiards whilst Enjoying superb views of the blue Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountain ranges.

This morning we depart Napier for the arts capital of New Zealand, Wellington, travelling via the Wairarapa district known for its excellent wine.

The Wairarapa is a well-known area for wine making and whilst the production from the area may be small, the region has had outstanding international success across a broad range of varieties. Many of New Zealand’s finest wines at the premium end of the market originate from the region. On arrival at Martinborough, you will stop at the Martinborough Hotel – here you will enjoy a relaxing lunch, in a beautiful historic hotel.  After lunch we will visit Vynfields Winery, which is an Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard. Here, enjoy a  tasting before sampling a selection of wines at the Martinborough Vineyardbefore continuing onto Wellington.

One Nights Accommodation at the Ohtel Wellington. Located in the Capital city's exclusive seaside neighbourhood of Oriental Bay, this boutique Hotel  is a stunning, contemporary 4 storey concrete structure, embedded into the base of a steep coastal cliff face. 'Mid-Century' furnishings adorn the interior spaces of Ohtel  provides true international class Urban Chic.

Upon waking you have the choice of a full continental or cooked buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant. This morning you will depart on Zest Food’s most popular tour. Explore Wellington’s favourite food places on foot in this compact city.

Known as New Zealand’s cafe capital, Wellington is ideal for the Zest Walking Gourmet tour. Visit a boutique coffee roaster and cafe, enjoy tastings at Wellington’s best specialist gourmet food stores. Meet owners, baristas, coffee roasters and chefs and savour a delicious, light, three course tasting lunch with matched New Zealand wines at a top Wellington restaurant or cafe.

Sightseeing and activity options include:

Please take the time to view our “Virtual Tour” for the 10 Day Boutique North 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.