Northern Spotlight
It’s incredible how much a tour of New Zealand’s North Island can reveal about the country. Your roll-call includes oh-so-cool cities like Auckland tours and Wellington tours, the gateways to the Bay of Islands and Rotorua. Adventure and bliss await.
- 05 Sep 2026 – 12 Sep 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 19 Sep 2026 – 26 Sep 2026
from $4,814 pp twin share * - 26 Sep 2026 – 03 Oct 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 03 Oct 2026 – 10 Oct 2026
from $4,814 pp twin share * - 24 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
from $4,814 pp twin share * - 31 Oct 2026 – 07 Nov 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 07 Nov 2026 – 14 Nov 2026
from $4,814 pp twin share * - 21 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 28 Nov 2026 – 05 Dec 2026
from $4,814 pp twin share * - 05 Dec 2026 – 12 Dec 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 12 Dec 2026 – 19 Dec 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 19 Dec 2026 – 26 Dec 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 02 Jan 2027 – 09 Jan 2027
from $4,865 pp twin share * - 09 Jan 2027 – 16 Jan 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 16 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 23 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 30 Jan 2027 – 06 Feb 2027
from $4,865 pp twin share * - 06 Feb 2027 – 13 Feb 2027
from $4,865 pp twin share * - 13 Feb 2027 – 20 Feb 2027
from $4,865 pp twin share * - 20 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 27 Feb 2027 – 06 Mar 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 06 Mar 2027 – 13 Mar 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 13 Mar 2027 – 20 Mar 2027
from $4,865 pp twin share * - 20 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 17 Apr 2027 – 24 Apr 2027
from $5,099 pp twin share * - 04 Sep 2027 – 11 Sep 2027
from $4,960 pp twin share * - 18 Sep 2027 – 25 Sep 2027
from $4,960 pp twin share * - 25 Sep 2027 – 02 Oct 2027
from $4,960 pp twin share * - 02 Oct 2027 – 09 Oct 2027
from $4,960 pp twin share * - 09 Oct 2027 – 16 Oct 2027
from $4,960 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Welcome to Auckland:
Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’. And you’ll discover why when exploring its two harbours at your leisure. Pick a waterfront precinct and find a perch to while away the afternoon with a glass of robust red from Waiheke. Your Travel Director will welcome you and your fellow travelling companions tonight for a tour briefing and drinks. - Day 2 – Auckland – Bay of Islands:
Your journey north to Bay of Islands from Auckland is not short of drama – discover 140 droplets of land ringed by turquoise sea at the top of the country. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Captain William Hobson and Māori Chiefs in 1840. Your local specialist, likely a descendant 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. - Day 3 – Bay of Islands Free Time:
If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. And today, you can do just that. Venture up to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach or enjoy a scenic cruise among the 144 islands including lunch and a visit to the iconic hole in the rock. Or join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands (all own expense). The choice is yours. - Day 4 – Bay of Islands – Auckland:
Northern exposure is a thing today, when you journey toward the top of the country to visit Whangarei – NZ’s northern-most city, and a place where quirky galleries and museums wait to be explored. It’s like the country in a tantalising snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerising commute back to Auckland. - Day 5 – Auckland – Rotorua:
There’s no bad day in Auckland – today, yours starts with a city sights tour before you set your GPS for the Waikato River and Waitomo Caves. This place is radiant – quite literally. While cruising cavernous waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. It’s a landscape almost as otherworldly as Rotorua, where mud pops and jettisons from bubbling geysers, and steam rushes skywards from cracks in the Earth. 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 – a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. - Day 6 – Rotorua Free Time:
Explore at your own pace today, but with plenty of tips from your Travel Director. Want a bit of down time? We wouldn’t blame you for simply blissing out 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 movies at Hobbiton. These beautiful landscapes are not only a bucket list tour for Hobbit fans, but a gorgeous countryside getaway (all own expense). - Day 7 – Rotorua – Wellington:
You’ll hear Huka Falls well before you see it – at this natural wonder, a staggering 220,000 litres of water thunder over an 11-metre-high waterfall every second. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, its waters so vivid and blue you’ll think someone has taken the glasses off your nose and cleaned them for the first time. Traverse the Kapiti Coast to New Zealand’s cool little capital, Wellington. Tonight, join your Travel Director for drinks to toast your adventure. - Day 8 – Farewell from Wellington:
Wellington is known for its uber-cool cafes, so grab a coffee before you head out on your city sights tour. After the tour, bid farewell to your NZ crew. You may wish to depart directly, or if you have time, linger in town, discovering Māori culture at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand (entrance fee applies).
Highlights
- Explore vibrant cities like Auckland and Wellington.
- Marvel at natural wonders like the Bay of Islands and Rotorua.
- Enjoy an adventure-filled and blissful experience.
It’s incredible how much a tour of New Zealand’s North Island can reveal about the country. Your roll-call includes oh-so-cool cities like Auckland tours and Wellington tours, the gateways to the Bay of Islands and Rotorua. Adventure and bliss await.
Inclusions
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Guided tour and Cultural Performance at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Explore the Bay of Islands, a stunning coastal paradise with golden beaches, and lush islands Visit NZ’s northernmost city of Whangarei Guided Tour of Waitomo Caves including Glowworm Cruise MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Te Po Indigenous Experience at Te Puia Explore the Geothermal Wonders of Rotorua See Huka Falls from a panoramic viewpoint.
- Day 1 highlights Welcome to Auckland: Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’. And you’ll discover why when exploring its two harbours at your leisure. Pick a waterfront precinct and find a perch to while away the afternoon with a glass of robust red from Waiheke. Your Travel Director will welcome you and your fellow travelling companions tonight for a tour briefing and drinks.
- Day 2 highlights Auckland – Bay of Islands: Your journey north to Bay of Islands from Auckland is not short of drama – discover 140 droplets of land ringed by turquoise sea at the top of the country. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Captain William Hobson and Māori Chiefs in 1840. Your local specialist, likely a descendant 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.
FAQs
- Copthorne Hotel and Resort
- Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre
- Ibis Rotorua Hotel
- James Cook Grand Chancellor
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 05 Sep 2026 and 25 Mar 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
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