9 Day Ultimate North Island

On arrival into Auckland you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.

Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach, depart Auckland and travel to Matakohe to enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Māori tribes and the British.

Today is a free day to explore the Bay of Islands. Your Coach Captain will assist with the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach, a spectacular scenic flight over the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands or you might be interested to sail in a classic tall ship. This evening is also at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional) or try one of the waterfront restaurants.

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands including an island visit aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. On return to Paihia travel south via Whangarei before returning to Auckland. This evening is free to dine at leisure.

This morning enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to Sky Tower, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions. Continue through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. This is followed by a guided tour of the Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will recount details of how this beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Māori cultural performance which features the graceful poi dance and ferocious haka. This is followed by a Hāngi feast, prepared in the traditional way, over hot coals and buried in the ground.

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world can be found. Hear informative commentary of the city’s fascinating history. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city, you might choose to do a guided walk (optional).

Travel south this morning into Wellington for a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here. A highlight this afternoon will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.