11-Nights New Zealand: North Island Food, Wine and Culture - Food & Drink, Arts & Culture from $4,791

Day 1: Arrive Auckland & Afternoon Foody Walking Tour

Transfer: Auckland Airportto Auckland - City Centre

Hotel: MSocial Hotel Auckland (4 Star Rating)

Functionally chic, this boutique hotel features 190 rooms and suites and overlooks the vibrant Princess Wharf which is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences.

Choose to stay connected both online and offline. Enjoy free Wi-Fi during your stay, relieve the stresses of the day at the 24-hour gym or treat yourself to some of the best cuisine from around the world at M Social Restaurant. Alternatively, catch up with friends - both old and new - over a drink at M Social Bar while watching the ships come in.

Located near Auckland's main strip, the hub of the city centre with its abundance of designer fashions, lively nightlife, shows, theatre and live music, this vibrant hotel exudes youthful energy. Don't miss a visit to the Sky Tower for the best views in town or wander through the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, with its world-class collections and exhibitions from New Zealand and around the world.

This is a laid back walking tour perfect for those who have come off the early flights. A wonderful way to experience flavours of our city whilst getting familiarized with the downtown area. Sampling some great national and international produce as we weave our way through the arcades and alleys of the city centre we hear about the history, culture, characters and architecture of Auckland while tasting some of the most delicious foods.

Day 2: A Taste of Auckland Small Group Tour

Spend the morning exploring Auckland city on a small group tour, then taste some of New Zealand's best wine, local food, and drink the dramatic scenery of Auckland's west coast. The morning tour is designed to not only show you the history, sights, and sounds but also see how Aucklanders live and play. A 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland brings you to the Kumeu Wine Country. Your first tasting is at award-winning Soljans Vineyard.

Enjoy lunch at the winery restaurant which serves Mediterranean-style food with a New Zealand twist, showcasing fresh seasonal produce from around the region. Next to tempt the taste buds is Coopers Creek who offers an extensive range of wines for every unique taste and occasion.

The tour then takes you to one of the few mainland gannet nesting sites in the world where you have the chance to see one of the world's largest seabirds in their natural environment. Your final tasting is at West Brook Winery where the wines reflect true varietal character and their unique regional origins.

Day 3: Waiheke Wine and Dine Tour

Waiheke Island boasts 92 km's of pristine beaches, stunning coastal headlands, wineries, olive groves and seaside villages and is approximately a 40-minute cruise from Downtown Auckland. One of New Zealand's most popular destinations, Waiheke Island has been rated as one of the top island escapes in the world. Enjoy a tour of Waiheke Island and a seasonal multi-course lunch and glass of wine at your choice of Stonyridge Vineyard, The Heke or Batch Winery (Batch requires you to book a table - please call the Winery directly). After lunch make the most of your time on the island using the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus for the rest of the day or head straight back back to Matiatia Ferry Terminal and catch your return ferry back to the city. Allow at least half a day for the tour including the return ferry back to the city.

Day 4: Bay of Islands Small Group Tour

This full day tour starts by picking you up from Auckland city. You will arrive in Paihia following a 3 hour scenic drive into The Far North District. Spend 4 hours on a guided cruise on a catamaran, cruising between the bays and islands in search of dolphins and other marine life. You will have a stopover in Urupukapuka Island where you can relax on the beach or walk to the top of the island to enjoy 360° views of this beautiful region. Visit the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island as the boat sails right to the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula. Following your cruise the tour makes it's way to the Whangarei Waterfalls where you can take a 30 minute hike around the falls with plenty of amazing photo opportunities. From there you will continue your return journey to Auckland downtown along the scenic roads of the Northland.

Day 5: Auckland to Rotorua with Waitomo & Hobbiton Small Group Tour

This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for an exciting journey in a spacious mini coach, with comfortable leather seating and legroom. Through your windows you will be treated to views of New Zealand's iconic farmland and Waikato Dairy country. During the day you will visit the Waitomo caves known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glow-worms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history. You will also visit the Hobbiton Movie set. This movie set has the feeling of being a real historic village, and is fascinating to lovers of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies as well as people who have not seen the movies. In 2009, Sir Peter Jackson returned to film The Hobbit trilogy, and he left behind the beautiful movie set you’ll see today. Following your guided tour you will finish your Hobbiton Movie Set experience with a refreshing beverage from the Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ - Lunch today will be at Hobbiton - After experiencing two of New Zealand's Most Iconic attractions we will take you Rotorua with it's active geysers and thermal activity and rich cultural Heritage. You will arrive at your accommodation between 4pm and 5pm.

Hotel: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (4 Star Rating)

Next to mystical Lake Rotorua and just a short stroll from the city centre, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an eco-friendly destination offering comfort and convenience in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Perfect for leisure and business travellers, our hotel is within walking distance of Polynesian Spa, Rotorua’s vibrant dining scene, and local attractions.

Day 6: Elite Rotorua Small Group Tour & Evening Experience at Te Pa Tu The Gathering Place

This tour visits Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks:
Wai O Tapu, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Mt and boiling mudfields.

Our local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. Your clients will see volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes of farmland, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moonlike landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Know geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley the guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886. Tour costs include entry to both thermal parks.

In the afternoon visit Rotorua’s most popular attractions Te Puia and views of the our beautiful lakes including Tarawera, Okareka and the Blue/Green lake.

Spend an afternoon gaining an appreciation of New Zealand’s Maori culture and nature. Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. Includes visit to the wood carving school, arts and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving, boiling mud pools and NZ’s largest geyser Pohutu.
Includes entry to Te Puia. Upon conclusion of your tour you will be transferred back to your accommodation.Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.
Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.

Summer: Tu Te Ra - Across this lunar phase, the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tu Te Ra celebrates abundant harvest and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace.

These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.

Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style. Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques.
Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New ZealandFeast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.
Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.

Winter: Tu Te Ihi includes the time in the earth’s cycle when Matariki stars are high and bright in winter skies. Te Ihi references the energy and passion stirred by the Matariki cluster and the promise they herald.

These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.

Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style.
Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques.
Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Day 7: Mauri Oho Full Day Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Maori culture on the Mauri Oho Full Day Package. This experience is designed to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit through a unique blend of natural healing practices set amongst New Zealand’s pristine rainforests and geothermal wonders

Your day will commence with a pick up with Whirinaki Forest Footsteps bus at Wai Ariki Spa, Rotorua where you will begin your journey to Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane, with guided commentary en route. Arrive in Murupara, where you will meet your forest guides who will provide a welcome in to Ngati Manawa Tribal lands, before boarding the bus and continuing storytelling en route to the rainforest. At Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane your guides will welcome you in to the ngahere (forest). This is done by way of mihi whakatau and karakia. From here your cultural guided walking journey begins. Meet their Rakau Rangatira (chiefly trees), follow the Rongoa trail (Medicine plant trail) as you learn to identify medicinal plants and learn about their many uses. Hear, and hopefully see, our native and endangered birds in their natural habitat.

At Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane, learn about the history and how Maori revered the forest for its beauty, spiritual presence, bountiful supply of food, medicine, building and weaving materials. Learn whakatauki (proverbs) and experience Forest Bathing – the art of connecting to the natural healing vibrations of the forest through a meditative state, that includes traditional wind instruments, karakia and ancient chant.
Your tour concludes with packed picnic lunch and hot Kawakawa tea, as you enjoy a time of reflection with your guide, and an opportunity to ask any questions you might have about anything. Following lunch you will depart Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane for Rotorua and Depart Whirinaki Te Pua a Tane for Rotorua. Upon arrival you will be dropped off at Wai Ariki Spa where you will be welcomed in by a host and will hear the commentary of the history of spa in Rotorua, and how our ancestors have been harnessing these healing muds and waters for centuries.
Begin your Restorative Spa Journey, which includes: Waterfall experience, Hot geothermal spa, Steam room, Geothermal muds and more. Your mind, body and soul will thank you after spending a day of immersive, traditional cultural healing and wellbeing, set amongst the natural wonders of our world. At the end of your time at the Wai Ariki Spa you will need to make your way back to your accommodation.

Day 8: Rotorua to Napier

Transfer: Rotorua Intercity- i-SITE, 1167 Fenton Street to Napier - Intercity-12 Carlyle Street

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier (3 Star Rating)

Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, with our Napier hotel enjoying a premium waterfront location on Napier's Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay and guests are treated to sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street and is located in close proximity to many of Napier's attractions.

We invite you to enjoy quality 4-star hotel accommodation of an international standard. From the moment you step into our spacious, light-filled lobby, you will experience our commitment to quality and customer service. If you fancy waking up to serene ocean views, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is the perfect place to start your day in Hawke’s Bay. Simply leave the curtains open, roll over in bed, and soak it all in. See you soon.

Day 9: Art Deco Walk & Twilight Odyssey Tour

On arrival your group will be welcomed by professionally trained Art Deco Trust guides and taken in small groups for a fascinating stroll through the city. En route they will learn about the 1931 earthquake that destroyed the city, hear about the people that led the rebuild, and discover the Art Deco style of this unique city.The world's first progressive winery dinner!

Commencing at 3.45pm take a scenic drive through the vineyards as you learn about the region and its wines. Enjoy a full interactive wine tasting alongside a gourmet platter at a boutique winery. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views from Te Mata Peak, 399m above sea level (overlooking the glimmering lights of the Twin Cities in winter). Proceed to Craggy Range for the main course served with sides and 3 wines. Finish the evening at the country's oldest and grandest winery, the Mission Estate for dessert and 2 dessert wines.

Day 10: Napier to Wellington

Transfer: Napier - Intercity-12 Carlyle Street to Wellington Railway Station

Hotel: QT Wellington (3 Star Rating)

Surprise yourself at QT Wellington, a significant fusion of expressive and luxurious art, technology, and indulgence. Loosely based in the new creative capital of the South, QT Wellington is a warm invitation to explore and define one of New Zealand’s most eclectic collections of art and character. This is the ideal hub for cultural connoisseurs from around the world, framed in designer opulence and showcased at a gallery opening that never closed. We’re eager to see what you will bring.

Day 11: Wellington Sightseeing

An unforgettable journey around the city's dramatic highlights where guests will travel around the earthquake-scarred South Coast to see the site of the Wahine ferry disaster and the distant ranges of the South Island, overlooked by coastal houses perched on the steep, rocky hills On the Half day tour, enjoy views of the harbour from the top of Mount Victoria and ride the steep cable car up to an incredible, far-reaching panorama. Visit the magnificent Parliament buildings and the famous Beehive; see the gorgeous, timber-built Old St Paul's Cathedral and enjoy a tea or coffee at a local cafe.

Day 12: Introducing Te Papa & Depart from Wellington

This tour provides an overview of Te Papa's highlights, Mäori taonga (treasures), and New Zealand history. Then you have plenty of time to explore Te Papa on your own.

Transfer: Wellington - City Centre to Wellington Airport