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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.
Enjoy a relaxed start to the day before heading to the New Zealand Maritime Museum for an exclusive America's Cup tour. Afterwards, enjoy an extended city sights 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 head 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 cultural performance and experience an authentic Māori Hangi Regional Dinner, steamed underground in the traditional way.
Enjoy a day at leisure. An Optional Experience could see you visit the Polynesian Spa, take an ancient zipline adventure with Canopy Tours or enjoy a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Grotto. There's also the 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 the country's 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
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
Land transportation included. Where applicable, Intra-air between cities may be included, please contact us for details.
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Retired champion jockey Lance O'Sullivan and his wife Bridgette are your hosts for a 'Be My Guest' 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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VIEW Huka Falls, Mt. Ruapehu, farming lands and spectacular coastal scenery along the Kapiti Coast
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VISIT a kiwifruit orchard in Te Puke, a geothermal valley in Rotorua and Te Papa Museum of New Zealand
Important Note: Departures between 01 Oct 2020-31 Mar 2021 operate as per the 2020 brochure itinerary.
*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.
Unless otherwise stated, 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.
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