Northern Wonders
While you could spend months exploring the North Island of New Zealand on a tour, if you’re travelling in the right company, you can immerse yourself in the highlights in a week. Discover Wellington’s coolest wine bars, drop in on Rotorua’s hot springs, find a pretty perch on a Bay of Islands tour, get your glow on during a Waitomo Caves tour, then ease into Auckland’s harbour-side lifestyle.
- 07 Oct 2026 – 14 Oct 2026
from $4,814 pp twin share * - 21 Oct 2026 – 28 Oct 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 28 Oct 2026 – 04 Nov 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 04 Nov 2026 – 11 Nov 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 11 Nov 2026 – 18 Nov 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 25 Nov 2026 – 02 Dec 2026
from $4,814 pp twin share * - 02 Dec 2026 – 09 Dec 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 09 Dec 2026 – 16 Dec 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 16 Dec 2026 – 23 Dec 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 23 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 30 Dec 2026 – 06 Jan 2027
from $4,720 pp twin share * - 06 Jan 2027 – 13 Jan 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 13 Jan 2027 – 20 Jan 2027
from $4,865 pp twin share * - 20 Jan 2027 – 27 Jan 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 27 Jan 2027 – 03 Feb 2027
from $4,865 pp twin share * - 03 Feb 2027 – 10 Feb 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 10 Feb 2027 – 17 Feb 2027
from $4,865 pp twin share * - 17 Feb 2027 – 24 Feb 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 24 Feb 2027 – 03 Mar 2027
from $4,865 pp twin share * - 03 Mar 2027 – 10 Mar 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 10 Mar 2027 – 17 Mar 2027
from $4,865 pp twin share * - 17 Mar 2027 – 24 Mar 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 24 Mar 2027 – 31 Mar 2027
from $4,865 pp twin share * - 31 Mar 2027 – 07 Apr 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 07 Apr 2027 – 14 Apr 2027
from $4,962 pp twin share * - 14 Apr 2027 – 21 Apr 2027
from $5,099 pp twin share * - 06 Oct 2027 – 13 Oct 2027
from $4,960 pp twin share * - 20 Oct 2027 – 27 Oct 2027
from $4,960 pp twin share * - 27 Oct 2027 – 03 Nov 2027
from $4,960 pp twin share * - 03 Nov 2027 – 10 Nov 2027
from $4,960 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Welcome to Wellington:
New Zealand’s cool little capital, Wellington is the kind of place you could easily lose yourself in for a day. Good thing you arrived early. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travel companions this afternoon for an orientation tour of Wellington where you will visit the peak of Mount Victoria, and short stroll will reward you with 360-degree views of the surrounding harbour and city. After the tour 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 a drink before your tour of the North Island of New Zealand. - Day 2 – Wellington – Rotorua:
The Kapiti Coast is the summer playground of Wellingtonians – for good reason. You’ll follow in local footsteps as you make your way along a road that unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, the largest (and perhaps bluest) of its kind in the country. 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. This evening, at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley, and learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience. It includes a cultural performance in a finely 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 hangi-inspired cuisine. - Day 3 – Rotorua Free Time:
If there’s a New Zealand city where you want free time, Rotorua is it. Go your own way today, perhaps blissing out at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Who knew nature was this relaxing? 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 (both own expense). - Day 4 – Rotorua – Auckland:
The Waitomo Caves are radiant – quite literally. While cruising cavernous underground waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. It’s a fairytale start to your day. One that only gets better as you descend on Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. You’ll discover how it got its moniker while gazing over its two yacht-studded harbours from the lookout at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. What a city, as your tour of Auckland reveals. - Day 5 – Auckland – Bay of Islands:
Your journey north to New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is not short of drama – discover 140 islands 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 in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. Take a tour of the Treaty Grounds, your local specialist, perhaps a descendant of original signatories, will explain the significance to New Zealanders. - Day 6 – Bay of Islands Free Time:
Go as fast or as slow as you like today – there’s no rush, and no agenda. Talk to your Travel Director to organise a day trip up to Cape Reinga, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach, or a trip to the iconic Hole in the Rock. If you’re a history buff, you may want to join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands (all own expense). The choice is yours. - Day 7 – Bay of Islands – Auckland:
Head to Whangarei – the county’s northern-most city. This is a place where, galleries like the Hundertwasser Arts Centre, meet museums. 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 coach seat for the mesmerising commute back to Auckland. Tonight, join your Travel Director and companions to toast your adventure with drinks and dinner. - Day 8 – Farewell from Auckland:
It’s not farewell, it’s ka kite/see you later! On your journey home, justremember how much pleasure you have packed into this last week.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of New Zealand’s North Island.
- Discover vibrant cities, hot springs, and stunning coastal scenery.
- Travel in the right company to make the most of your time.
While you could spend months exploring the North Island of New Zealand on a tour, if you’re travelling in the right company, you can immerse yourself in the highlights in a week. Discover Wellington’s coolest wine bars, drop in on Rotorua’s hot springs, find a pretty perch on a Bay of Islands tour, get your glow on during a Waitomo Caves tour, then ease into Auckland’s harbour-side lifestyle.
Inclusions
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia Explore the Geothermal Wonders of Rotorua Guided Tour of Waitomo Caves including Glowworm Cruise 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 Whangārei.
- Day 1 highlights Welcome to Wellington: New Zealand’s cool little capital, Wellington is the kind of place you could easily lose yourself in for a day. Good thing you arrived early. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travel companions this afternoon for an orientation tour of Wellington where you will visit the peak of Mount Victoria, and short stroll will reward you with 360-degree views of the surrounding harbour and city. After the tour 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 a drink before your tour of the North Island of New Zealand.
- Day 2 highlights Wellington – Rotorua: The Kapiti Coast is the summer playground of Wellingtonians – for good reason. You’ll follow in local footsteps as you make your way along a road that unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, the largest (and perhaps bluest) of its kind in the country. 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. This evening, at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley, and learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience. It includes a cultural performance in a finely 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 hangi-inspired cuisine.
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 07 Oct 2026 and 12 Apr 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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