Deluxe Northern Explorer

Explore the famous Waiheke Island, known for its rolling vineyards, sandy beaches, rocky bays, and glorious wineries. Meet your guide in Auckland as you board the ferry to head out to the island, cruising along the Hauraki Gulf to reach the Mataitia Bay terminal. On the Island, your guide will tour you around in a luxury vehicle, as you indulge in wine tasting and a vineyard tour from three premium wineries, before enjoying a picnic lunch at one of the gorgeous white sandy beaches. After lunch you will get to explore an award-winning Olive Oil estate, here you will get the chance to view the trees and the process of how the Oil is harvested and made. After your tour, you will board the ferry and head back to Auckland. 

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The trip from Auckland to the Bay of Islands takes around 3.5 hours but give yourself some leeway for stops and sightseeing. As you go through Puhoi, take in the bohemian atmosphere of this historical township. Stop for a breath of fresh salty air in Whangarei and take another break at Kawakawa - home to the world famous Hundertwasser toilets. Enjoy the native bush surrounds and marvel at the endless golden beaches as you arrive into the subtropical Bay of Islands region. Continuing north its just a short drive to Whangaroa Harbour and Matauri Bay, your destination for the night.

Located on 6,000 spectacular acres near Matauri Bay, Northland, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is a secluded oasis. With panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands, guests stay in one of 22 cottage suites, each with their own private porch and open fireplace.
While best known for its world-class golf course, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs has many other activities on offer including horseback riding, cycling, swimming, sailing, a guided farm tour, and access to its day spa - nestled within native Totara forest. Discover New Zealand's pristine shores on one of three private beaches or fish and dive in the clear blue waters.
Ranked the number one hotel in the world in 2014 by Conde Nast, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is also home to two astroturf tennis courts, an infinity swimming pool, spa and fully equipped fitness centre. Five-star gourmet a la carte dining is available both indoors and on the veranda outside, as well as informal barbecues and lunch hampers.

Today return south through Kerikeri known for its crafts studios, fruit orchards and artisan products. Home to two of the oldest buildings in the country Mission House and the Stone Store
(both of which encompass materials and artifacts from early european settlers) Kerikeri is a delightful place to learn about New Zealand's early history. Continue on to Paihia, your destination for the night and great a base from which to explore the Bay of Islands.

Today experience the beauty of the North from both air and land. Take a spectacular scenic flight to Cape Reinga over Whangaroa Harbour and the Rangaunu Harbour as well as Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay and Ninety Mile Beach. The tour also includes a visit to the Cape Reinga lighthouse.

Leaving the Bay of Islands you first pass the turn off to Kerikeri, which was one of the first settled areas of New Zealand.  The Stone Store and Kemp House, two of New Zealand's oldest buildings still stand and are open to visitors.  Kerikeri is the fruit basket of the north and also home to crafts people and producers of artisan food produce, so the farmers market and craft markets are great places to explore.  There are also numerous green spaces and forests to wander through, including two 'Gardens of National Significance': Palmco and Wharepuke Gardens which are open daily and fabulous examples of sub-tropical gardens. Continuing north it’s just a short drive to Matauri Bay home to wonderful beaches and bays.

Returning south through Kerikeri and its craft studios, cottage industries and fruit orchards, it’s a delightful stop for lovers of artesian products.  Kerikeri also has two of the oldest European buildings in New Zealand, Kemp House (1821) and the Stone Store (1832).
Leaving Kerikeri you follow State Highway 1 through Northland farmland to the small township of Kawakawa. Continue south and you reach the city of Whangarei, where you can enjoy a stroll along the Town Basin and Hatea River with its fascinating heritage trail and sculpture trail.  Before reaching Auckland you pass the turnoff to the small settlement of Puhoi, New Zealand’s only Bohemian village.  Your destination, Auckland city,  is New Zealand's largest, home to one-third of New Zealand’s population. Each suburb has its own unique style and atmosphere, from the vibrant and trendy fashion and cuisine found on Ponsonby and Parnell Roads to the breath-taking native bush and beaches of the West Coast. One of the world’s great cities Auckland is full of life and opportunities to explore are endless.

Perched on the edge of a large natural harbour, New Zealand's ‘City of Sails’ offers the best of both worlds. Sandy beaches, native bush and lush rainforests give way to a vibrant urban culture, humming with life. Spend time in the Viaduct Harbour, try your hand at sailing an America’s Cup yacht or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for a gourmet food and wine experience. If you're looking for a lovely walk, venture to the top of Auckland's highest volcano, Mt Eden, and take in soaring views of the gulf or hop on the short ferry to Rangitoto Island and hike to the top of the volcanic island. Immerse yourself in nature's beauty at the expansive Auckland Botanical Garden's, sprawled across 156 acres of lush land and native forest on Hill Road. Pack a picnic, soak up the sunshine, and delight in the melodious birdsong during a peaceful lunch. Head up to the Sky Tower, standing at just over 300m tall (about 1,000 feet) and have a meal in the 360-degree revolving restaurant. Scale the outermost perimeter of the Harbour Bridge or test your stomach and bungy off both. To end your day, catch a cab to Ponsonby Road and sample some upmarket culinary delights.

The drive south from Auckland takes you past the the Bombay Hills which mark the outer boundary of greater Auckland area and it's here you turn inland to central Waikato. You’ll soon go through the town of Matamata where you can visit the fully intact Hobbiton film set used in the shooting of the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Continuing on, you’ll pass several small farming communities before telltale signs of steam and other geothermal activity signal your arrival into Rotorua.

Discover the geothermal, adventure, and cultural wonderland of Rotorua. As you explore, you may see steam rising from cracks in the road, bubbling and hissing water in pools along the lake's edge, and the unmistakable smell of Sulfur. Rotorua is rich in Māori culture and history, with many Māori inhabitants recognising the great potential of the volcanic land. For an outdoor adventure, head to The Redwoods and experience the rainforest treetops from high up. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of New Zealand's native birds, such as the Pīwakawaka (Fantail) and the Tūī. Alternatively, enjoy the Lake Tikitapu Blue Lake Walk or explore Kuirau Park, where you'll find bubbling mud pools and steaming lakes. Don't miss the private thermal reserves such as Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu, where you can walk among bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and Sulfur ponds. Just a few minutes from the town centre, the Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery offer an insight to nature. Rotorua's rich Māori culture is a must-see, spend an evening with Te Pā Tū complete with a traditional style dinner or stroll along the lake edge to reach one of the country's oldest Māori villages at Ohinemutu. When hunger strikes, visit Eat Street in Rotorua CBD, a vibrant street lined with delicious eateries and restaurants to satisfy any craving. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without experiencing Rotorua's original tourist attraction - a relaxing spa treatment, this town boost an array of wellness experience to unwind in. Whether you are seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Rotorua offers an unforgettable experience.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Tarawera, Solitaire Lodge offers guests the ideal blend of indulgence and adventure from a picture-perfect setting. Luxurious and elegantly appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning panoramic views across the lake, guests can choose to relax in front of an open fire with a book from the library, enjoy the bar facilities or take a stroll in the expansive herb garden. Nearby is the Lodge’s private jetty with complimentary use of the lodge’s kayaks, motorised dinghies and trout fishing gear.
Each of the suites is styled for comfort and features panoramic views of the lake and volcano. Bringing the outdoors in, you are invited to unwind and soak up the peace and quiet of this tranquil setting.

Moments from the Lodge you will discover the essence of unspoiled Lake Tarawera. Take a 15 minute private launch excursion to the natural hot springs of Lake Tarawera. Best accessed pre-breakfast, enjoy soaking in thermal waters rising gently through the lake bed as the morning sun filters through native bush.

Based in the sacred Te Takinga Marae in Rotorua, Kahukiwi Experiences offers a never before seen window into the landscapes, ways of life and heritage of the Ngāti Pikiao tribe. Explore the untouched, sacred land of the Ngāti Pikiao tribe in this intimate 4WD experience. Guided by a local and highly knowledgeable Māori guide, you’ll explore a stunning marae (a communal and social gathering place), landscapes and never-before-seen views that look over Rotorua’s lake district. En route, you’ll learn the myths and legends of local people, rich history and fascinating ways of life.

Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of Rotorua's stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves.
Leaving Wai-O-Tapu, descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. The return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to the lakefront pier.

The drive from Rotorua to Auckland takes you through the heart of the Waikato and its rich agricultural land. New Zealand's longest river, the Waikato guides you through the art and craft stores of Tirau and the township of Cambridge. Continue on a little further to arrive in Auckland City, your destination for the night.

Explore more of vibrant Auckland city before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Bid farewell to New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Maori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!