13 Day Ultimate Best of the North Island Small Group Tour

On arrival into Auckland, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner drink as you meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers over dinner, providing a relaxed introduction to the journey ahead.

Begin with an Auckland City Sights Tour before taking a short ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. Visit Man O’ War Vineyard for a guided tasting of two flagship wines followed by lunch, then continue to Allpress Olive Oil to discover how extra virgin olive oil is produced and sample their signature blends. Return to Auckland by ferry with the evening free to explore the city at your leisure.

Depart Auckland and travel north to Matakohe, where a visit to the Kauri Museum provides an insight into the history of New Zealand’s ancient kauri forests and the industries that developed around these remarkable trees. Continue to Waipoua Forest for the Footprints Waipoua experience, where a local host shares the cultural and environmental significance of the enormous kauri trees before continuing to Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands towards Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock on Piercy Island, keeping watch for dolphins and other marine life along the way. Continue to Russell, where you will have time to explore this historic seaside settlement before travelling by ferry across the bay to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the nationally significant location where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. The visit provides an opportunity to learn more about this important chapter in New Zealand’s history.

Today is free to experience the Bay of Islands at your own pace. You may choose from a range of optional activities, including a journey to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach or a scenic flight over the region, or simply spend the day relaxing around Paihia and enjoying its beautiful waterfront.

Leave the Bay of Islands and travel south through the fertile Waikato region towards Hamilton. On arrival, visit Hamilton Gardens for a guided experience through its remarkable collection of themed gardens, each inspired by different cultures, historical periods and styles of garden design. Continue to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening in Hamilton.

Travel through the picturesque Waikato countryside to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, where a guided tour takes you through the 12-acre film set, including the Hobbit Holes, Mill and Green Dragon Inn, followed by a Shire-inspired buffet lunch. Continue to Rotorua and experience the enchanting Redwoods Forest with a guided glowworm cave tour before taking to the treetops on the Redwoods Tree Top Walk among the towering redwood trees.

Begin the day with a scenic gondola ride at Skyline Rotorua, taking in panoramic views across the city and lake before enjoying a luge ride and some free time in Rotorua. This afternoon, experience Te Pā Tū, an immersive Māori cultural experience featuring traditional welcomes, storytelling, song and dance, followed by a seasonal shared feast showcasing Māori-inspired flavours and local produce.

Visit Te Puia for a guided experience through Rotorua’s geothermal landscape, where bubbling mud pools and powerful geysers reveal the natural forces beneath the region. Continue towards Taupō, stopping at Huka Falls to admire the powerful flow of water before cruising across Lake Taupō with Chris Jolly Outdoors to view the impressive Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be reached by water.

Continue south towards Napier through the changing landscapes of the central North Island before exploring the city aboard the Hawke’s Bay Express. This sightseeing experience provides an introduction to Napier’s distinctive Art Deco architecture and the fascinating story of its rebuilding following the devastating 1931 earthquake. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Napier’s waterfront, cafés and heritage streets.

Travel along the spectacular coastline to Cape Kidnappers for the Gannet Safaris Overland Tour, travelling across private farmland and dramatic coastal landscapes to reach one of the world’s largest mainland gannet colonies. Learn about the birds and surrounding environment before continuing to Craggy Range Winery, where you will enjoy a wine tasting and lunch with views towards the impressive Te Mata Peak. Return to Napier with the evening free to explore the city.

Travel south to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital, where a Wellington City Sights Tour introduces you to the city’s major landmarks, waterfront and historic areas. Continue to Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, to explore its fascinating collections and the powerful Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition before enjoying a pre-dinner drink and special farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.

Following breakfast, your 13-day North Island journey comes to an end with a transfer to Wellington Airport for your onward flight. Take with you memories of ancient kauri forests, beautiful coastlines, geothermal landscapes, Māori cultural experiences, vineyards and the diverse scenery encountered throughout New Zealand’s North Island.