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Best of the North Island

Auckland, Bay of Islands, Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Martinborough, Wellington
Ref: 3119598

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  • We'll adapt this itinerary to suit you
  • Add local experiences
  • Choose accommodation
  • Designed to your budget
  • Flexible payments

Included in this Holiday

  • Indirect international flights departing London & transfers
  • 15 nights in 4-5* hotels
  • 12 days' car hire
  • Glowworm Caves and Cathedral Cove kayaking tours
  • Hobbiton express tour
Priced based on 2 people sharing. Priced for travel in April & May 2025
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Here’s What Your Amazing Holiday Could Look Like...

INCLUDES: Flights, accom, car hire & activities

White-sand beaches, volcano-sculpted landscapes, the very vibrant Maori culture, unique architecture and award-winning wines - the experiences on offer in New Zealand’s North Island are as varied as its incredible landscapes. 

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Planning your holiday

Hi I'm Chloe and as a Travel Consultant I'm here to make sure you find the exact holiday you want. This Journey itinerary is just one example for what's possible when you travel with us. Get in touch ...

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Your Example Itinerary

Days 1-2

Fly from the UK to Auckland.

Days 2-3

Auckland

On arrival to Auckland, collect your hire car from the airport and make your way to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, get out and explore this sensational city. Explore uptown Auckland on foot and appreciate the area’s rich heritage, take a scenic boat ride around the harbour and ascend the Sky Tower for the best views in town. While you’re here catch the ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island where you’ll find independent boutiques, galleries and wineries as well as sandy beaches and emerald waters. The evening can be spent in one of Auckland’s fantastic restaurants overlooking Viaduct Harbour. While you’re in town, you’ll take part in a Hobbiton Movie Set tour, visiting the set from the Lord of the Rings and taking look inside a real Hobbit hole.

5* Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments

Included Excursion:
Hobbiton Express Tour
Included in this price:

Days 4-6

Paihia

Head on to Paihia, the gateway to the beautiful Bay of Islands, a collection of almost 150 islets dotted among glittering turquoise waters. Experience natural wonders and stunning scenery and don’t forget to keep a look out for wild dolphins splashing in the waves.

4* Sea Spray Suites Heritage Collection

Included in this price:

Days 7-8

Coromandel

Say goodbye to Paihia and drive south to the Coromandel Peninsula. Renowned for its natural beauty, rural farmland and pristine golden beaches, Coromandel is blessed with numerous natural hideaways and idyllic spots. Later on, take to the seas for a fun half day’s kayaking on the clear blue waters, paddling through the sea caves to Cathedral Cove for a cappuccino on the beach as part of your Cathedral Cove Classic tour.

4* Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

Included Excursion:
Cathedral Cove Classic Kayak Tour
Included in this price:

Days 9-10

Rotorua

Drive to the unique geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua boasts bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam and natural hot springs, perfect for a relaxing soak. The city is also the centre of Maori culture in New Zealand so take the opportunity to learn more about the traditions and way of life of the Maori people. 

4* Rydges Rotorua

Included in this price:

Days 11-12

Taupo

With incredible views across to the volcanoes of nearby Tongariro National Park, the town of Lake Taupo is truly breath-taking. The lake itself was created nearly two thousand years ago by a huge volcanic explosion and its sheer size makes it more like an inland sea than a lake. Lake Taupo is the perfect base for exploring the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, cruise through the glow worm grotto by boat and marvel at the thousands of magical glow-worms that light up the cave ceiling.

5* Hilton Lake Taupo

Included Excursion:
Glowworm Caves Tour
Included in this price:

Day 13

Napier

Napier is located in the lush region of Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s warmest and driest areas, which produces some of the country’s best wines. In the afternoon, follow Hawke’s Bay food and wine trail and discover numerous wineries before treating yourself to a delicious cheeseboard. The next day, visit the traditional farmers market in Hastings and enjoy the beautifully preserved art-deco architecture in Napier.

4* Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Included in this price:

Day 14

Martinborough

Located at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Martinborough boasts excellent restaurants and spectacular local wines. From the picturesque village square you can walk to 30 nearby vineyards, making a fantastic walking-wine trail. Many of the wineries are open year-round for tastings and many have cafes or restaurants serving local food to match your wine preferences. Your charming accommodation here is found right in the heart of Martinborough.

4* The Martinborough Hotel

Included in this price:

Days 15-16

Wellington

New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington is your last stop. Situated beside a beautiful harbour and surrounded by impressive green hills, this capital city is known for its art, heritage and culture. Take a stroll along Oriental Parade to admire the waterfront, continue up Mount Victoria to enjoy panoramic views over the city or explore the walking trails in the surrounding hills.

4* Oaks Wellington

Included in this price:

Day 17

Depart Wellington and return to the UK.

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Sun: 09:00 to 18:00

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