New Zealand's Northern Gems

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Welcome to Wellington

   Arrive and settle into your hotel in New Zealand’s cool little capital of Wellington. You may like to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts, including an eye-opening exhibit dedicated to Māori history (entrance fee applies). Later, meet up with your fellow adventure-seekers for drinks before your tour of the North Island of New Zealand.

2. 2

   Wellington - Napier

   Wellington is known for its uber-cool cafes, so grab a coffee before you head out on your city sights tour. Later, travel to the Art Deco capital of New Zealand, Napier. Napier's striking Art Deco architecture is a direct result of the devastating 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake, which remains New Zealand’s deadliest natural disaster. Napier was rapidly rebuilt in the style of the era – Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Striped Classical. Today, Napier is regarded as one of the world’s best-preserved Art Deco cities.

3. 3

   Napier Sightseeing & Free Time

   Join a private walking tour of the Art Deco quarter, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your local expert guide from the Art Deco Trust will regale you with stories of the people and events that shaped the iconic art deco buildings. Later you may choose an optional experience. A wine tour of Hawkes Bay wineries, or a tour of the local Gannet Colony, the largest nesting colony of its type in the world.

4. 4

   Napier - Rotorua

   Today on your tour of the North Island visit the mighty Huka Falls, where approximately 220,000 litres per second of water surge through a narrow volcanic gorge plunging 11 metres to a foaming pool below. Continue to the geothermal wonder of Rotorua, renowned for its bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, rich Māori culture, and the unmistakable scent of sulphur that fills the air. This afternoon, visit a traditional Pounamu workshop for a fascinating insight into the art of jade carving, where you will witness skilled artisans at work, and learn about the cultural significance of pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) in Māori tradition, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Tonight, delve deep into Māori culture with the Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia. It begins with an exhilarating cultural performance in a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua, followed by views of the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands, and ends with a delicious buffet dinner of hāngī-inspired cuisine.

5. 5

   Rotorua Sightseeing & Free Time

   Today is Rotorua tour day of many decisions, but with plenty of tips available from your Travel Director about optional experiences. Want a bit of down time? We wouldn’t blame you for simply blissing out at in the steamy thermal springs at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of the opportunity to tour the sights featured in The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit movies on the Hobbiton Movie Set tour. Or board a scenic flight for a bird's-eye-view.

6. 6

   Rotorua - Auckland

   From New Zealand’s longest waterway, the Waikato River, to its largest city: welcome to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. You’ll understand how it got its moniker when you glimpse yachts gliding around its two harbours on your city sights tour. But today your sights are firmly set on New Zealand's national game: rugby. As part of your Auckland tour you’re kicking about at the interactive All Blacks Experience. Journey through the sporting team’s remarkable history via various displays and presentations before you witness a performance of a traditional haka with you front and centre.

7. 7

   Auckland - Bay of Islands

   140 – that’s how many droplets of land ringed by turquoise sea comprise the Bay of Islands, your tour destination today. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. Your guide, perhaps a descendent of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. Enjoy a cultural performance which includes waiata (songs), poi and a traditional haka (war dance).

8. 8

   Bay of Islands Free Time

   If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. Today, trip the light fantastic and head off in whatever direction you please. Perhaps consider an optional experience. Travel up to Cape Reinga, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach. Or cruise to the Hole in the Rock with an idyllic island stopover enroute or join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands.

9. 9

   Bay of Islands - Auckland

   For a little more northern exposure, make your way to Whangarei, the island’s most northerly outpost and a place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums. It’s like the country in a tantalising snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Sink back into your seat for the mesmerizing commute back to Auckland for dinner and drinks.

10. 10

    Farewell from Auckland

    The only bad day in your Auckland tour is the one where you have to bid farewell. On your journey home, just remember how much pleasure you have packed into this last 10 days.

Accommodation

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

You might also like

Tour · AAT Kings · 7 nights

Northern Wonders

• Guided tours of Rotorua's geothermal valley and Waitomo Caves
• Immersive Te Puia Indigenous Experience and cultural performance
• Explore the stunning Bay of Islands and Whangarei's forward-thinking culture

Departs 7 October, 2026 + More Dates

From $3,974 pp twin

Discover more

Cruise · AAT Kings · 16 nights

Untamed New Zealand

• Kayak or travel by tender boat along Milford Sound's shoreline
• Intimate experience sharing history of the Ngati Manawa people in Jurassic Whirinaki Forest
• Wine tasting and sharing platter at boutique Wairarapa Vineyard Urlar

Departs 24 November, 2026 + More Dates

From $12,087 pp twin

Discover more

Tour · AAT Kings · 7 nights

Northern Spotlight

• Guided tour and cultural performance at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Cruise through the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves
• Witness the natural beauty of the Bay of Islands and Rotorua

Departs 5 September, 2026 + More Dates

From $3,974 pp twin

Discover more