Bubbling mud pools and Māori culture define this memorable encounter with New Zealand's north. Explore Auckland, Rotorua and Wellington, with a stop for lunch with a retired champion jockey.
Bubbling mud pools and Māori culture define this memorable encounter with New Zealand's north. Explore Auckland, Rotorua and Wellington, with a stop for lunch with a retired champion jockey.
Auckland is your gateway to New Zealand's north. On arrival, transfer to your hotel by private car (flights to arrive prior to 4pm) and spend the rest of the day recovering or exploring the City of Sails on your own. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception and dinner at your hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Stamford Plaza
Let the adventure begin! Kickstart your holiday with an exhilarating city sightseeing tour from its heart, Auckland Waterfront to Mission Bay. Keep your camera at the ready to capture spectacular panoramic views of the skyline, sprawling North Shore and Waitemata Harbour from Bastion Point and Michael Joseph Savage Memorial. Your free afternoon could see you take a walk down Queen Street to Viaduct Harbour for a tasty meal in the sunshine paired with a glass of New Zealand's crisp Sauvignon Blanc as you overlook the busy waterways of Waitemata Harbour.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Auckland - Tauranga
Your Trafalgar Highlight today is a visit to Lance and Bridgette O'Sullivan's dairy farm, where you'll 'Connect with Locals' and discover New Zealand's horse racing traditions over a country-style 'Be My Guest' lunch at the Red Barn on their Waikato farm. Continue to the harbourside city of Tauranga, located in the Bay of Plenty region. A bridge over the harbour connects Tauranga to Mount Maunganui, where you'll have an afternoon at leisure. Why not walk up the extinct namesake volcano via the winding paths or relax on the main beach, whose glorious stretch of golden sand has been voted the best in the country.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest, Dinner
Day 4
Tauranga - Rotorua (2 Nights)
Travel to Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand. Here you'll visit Kiwifruit Country, a family-owned business set within a 60-hectare working kiwifruit orchard. Continue to Rotorua for an orientation tour with views of Lake Rotorua, then visit Te Puia and see the steaming hot springs and geysers of Whakawerawera Thermal Reserve. Tonight, an evening of culture, history and a traditional Māori meal awaits you at the Tamaki Māori Village. 'Dive Into Culture' as you stroll through the ancient forest village and learn about Māori art forms and traditions. Watch a concert featuring local performers and experience an authentic Māori Hangi Regional Dinner, steamed underground in the traditional way.
Your choice of sightseeing could see you tour the movie set of Hobbiton and step into the lush pastures of the Shire, or enjoy a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Grotto instead. There's a third option to explore Rotorua and its lakes in an amphibious WWII-era Duck. It's a day of legends, lakes and mythical creatures for you to discover on your terms.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 6
Rotorua - Wellington
Say Haere Ra (goodbye) to Rotorua this morning and journey out through pine forests and farmland to a little hidden spot, the turquoise torrent of rapids known as Huka Falls. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. The stunningly blue fresh water of the lake is home to some of the best trout fishing in the world. You will then journey south over the Central Plateau, New Zealand's main volcanic area, and along the Kapiti Coast to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Tonight, you are free to dine as you wish.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - James Cook Grand Chancellor
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Depart Wellington
Discover the treasures of New Zealand's capital city this morning. Then 'Dive Into Culture' as you gain insights into Māori heritage and culture at Te Papa Museum of New Zealand. Your exploration of the iconic north at its end, say a fond farewell to your fellow travellers and transfer to Wellington Airport for your onward flight (flights to depart after 2pm).
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch (Connect with Locals), 3 dinners
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Retired champion jockey Lance O'Sullivan and his wife Bridgette are your hosts for lunch on their dairy farm in the North Island. (Day 3)
Dive into Culture
Immerse yourself in Māori culture and enjoy a traditional Māori feast at Tamaki Maori Village (Day 4). Visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand and gain a deeper understanding of the traditions of the Māori (Day 7).
Sightseeing highlights
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CITY TOUR in Auckland and Wellington.
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ORIENTATION of Rotorua.
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VISIT a kiwifruit orchard in Te Puke, a geothermal valley in Rotorua and Te Papa Museum of New Zealand
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VIEW Huka Falls, Mt. Ruapehu, farming lands and spectacular coastal scenery along the Kapiti Coast
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver, Driver Guide only on Mini-Stays
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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*Air: Please note that return international airfares are not included in the prices above. Trafalgar guarantees to quote you the lowest possible airfare available to us on the day that you book.
At Te Puia, you'll discover Māori culture and traditions at the Arts and Crafts Institute, and hear how your visit helps fund the education of young Māori people. (Day 4)
This trip is operated in conjunction with our sister company and South Pacific Specialists - AAT Kings.
Bathe in geothermal bliss at the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua. Water from two natural springs, one alkaline, the other acidic, are combined to make the perfect blend. But wait until the sun goes down - the warm water and cool evening air make for the perfect treat!Isobel Needham
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.