Part of the First Light Travel Group
South Pacific Specialists
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Explore the very best of the North Island with our luxury New Zealand road trip. From private beaches to luxury lodges, discover our world of sophisticated splendor and incredible scenery with bespoke guided experiences. A relaxing journey, perfect for wine and food lovers set amongst the sparkling coastline of the eastern seaboard of the North Island.
Duration: 11 Days
Starts: Auckland
Finishes: Napier
Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on blissful Waiheke Island.
Land in Auckland where a short ferry ride transports you to one of New Zealand’s favourite getaway spots: Waiheke Island.
Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on this blissful island: it’s a haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and small wineries. Waiheke Island is to Auckland as the Hamptons are to New York – the former being on a much smaller scale. Home to beautiful beaches and a friendly village atmosphere, Waiheke Island produces outstanding, award-winning wines.
2 nights at The Boatshed
Join a local wine aficionado for exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Waiheke's premier wine producers.
Since the late 1970s, Waiheke’s benign climate has seen the growth of a flourishing wine industry. A “small is beautiful” philosophy yields low quantities of extremely high-quality fruit, which is made into internationally award-winning wines. At each vineyard, you’ll taste a selection of wines and enjoy an in-depth discussion with the winemaker.
For something a little more tactile, we can arrange a visit to a bronze crafting studio, a cobbler who creates individual pairs of shoes from scratch, a ceramic artist, or a tour of the spectacular sculpture park. As part of your tour, you can opt to break up the day with a scenic walk on one of Waiheke’s secluded beaches.
The Bay of Islands is a stunning 144-island Maritime Park, brimming with secluded bays and an abundance of marine life.
The Bay of Islands is a stunning 144-island Maritime Park, brimming with secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. Being somewhat sheltered, the area is ideal for yachting, fishing, kayaking, and diving. Rolling countryside, tidal estuaries, mangroves, sparkling and long silvery beaches abound.
Rich in beauty and natural history, it’s also an area of considerable historical significance: Maori and European settlers signed the Treaty of Waitangi here, joining them together as one nation. It’s often referred to as the birthplace of New Zealand.
2 Nights at Eagles Nest
Take to the water and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Bay of Islands on a classic single mast yacht.
On this full-day sailing trip, you will get a real feel for why the Bay of Islands is so beloved by New Zealanders and visitors alike. Relax and enjoy the sound of the sea lapping against the hull as you sail the sparkling waters of one of the country’s richest sailing areas.
With over 150 islands and bays to choose from, you’ll spend your day swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and strolling the Bay’s secluded white sandy beaches. For lunch, you might opt to drop anchor at one of the many small sandy coves or perhaps visit the well-known “Hole in the Rock”.
The Coromandel is the Favourite place for New Zealander's to holiday.
Today you’ll leave town and drive to a Peninsula lying east of Auckland, separated from our biggest city by the waters of the Hauraki Gulf.
An impressive, heavily-forested mountain range runs right up the middle of this peninsula – it’s bordered on each side by miles of spectacular coastline. Take the scenic route around the peninsula for one of the most incredible coastal drive experiences in the country (but take it slowly – the twists and turns will make you dizzy!)
The idyllic seaside village of Hahei sits on the Coromandel Peninsula’s eastern side. You’ve arrived at the secret hideaway where Kiwi families take their holidays. With a safe, sheltered white-sand beach and a resident population of 300, it’s easy to see why Hahei is such a local favourite.
2 Nights Stay at 970 Lonely Bay Lodge
Approximate Distance: 170 km | 105 miles
Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins
Arguably the Most Beautiful Beach in the World
Cathedral Cove simply has everything you could possibly want from a beach – sparkling clear blue water, world-class snorkelling, clean white sand, deserted islands you can see from the beach, The massive naturally formed “Cathedral” archway carved out by the sea and wind over thousands of years and other really interesting rock formations; including one that acts as a great jumping platform. There has been no development at all so the beach has remained as it was thousands of years ago. There are native trees and bush behind the beach with a freshwater waterfall to cool you down and provide shelter on a sizzling hot summer’s day.
Getting There: Only accessible by foot, boat or kayak. There is a spectacular 2.5 km (1.6 miles) coastal walk which takes you through to Cathedral Cove, past quintessential Coromandel scenery of pohutukawa trees and white sandy beaches.
Hot Water Beach
Fancy a soak, then head to the beautiful Hot Water Beach only a few minutes away, you will find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids, and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural hot springs – this is one experience that should be on your New Zealand bucket list and a truly unique Kiwi experience.
bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs and fascinating Maori culture
Sitting squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua’s landscape is unique: arriving here is like landing on the moon!
This is Earth’s crust at its most exciting. Giant geysers rocket into the air and colourful sulphur terraces hiss and boil. But Rotorua is about much more than boiling mud. Boasting ancient forests, pristine lakes and rugged volcanoes, it’s a haven for outdoor and adventure lovers hikers and mountain bikers.
It’s also a great place to immerse yourselves in the history and tikanga (culture) of Maori, the First People of New Zealand.
2 nights at Treetops Lodge & Estate
Approximate Distance: 235 km
Total Driving Time: 235km 3 hours 20 minutes
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland & Maori Cultural Evening, Village, Hangi & Music
Wai-O-Tapu
Bernard Shaw: “the closest thing to hell existing on earth”
This is an eerie landscape and once you have see the boiling mud, the roaring geysers of hot boiling water, enormous steaming craters and sink holes and of course the all-consuming offensive sulfuric odour – It becomes quite clear you are somewhere resembling Hell! Yet Wai-O-Tapu has become one of the most visited attraction in New Zealand and houses some of the world’s most incredible geothermal forces. Take a walk through and observe the world-famous and multicolored champagne pool, catch the daily eruption of the Lady Knox geyser that spurts out boiling liquid at 10.15 am daily to a height of 20 meters.
Approximate Distance: 40 km
Total Driving Time: 35 minutes
Impressive is the word best used to describe Lake Taupo, after all, it is the biggest volcanic crater in the World!
Impressive is the word best used to describe Lake Taupo, after all, it is the biggest volcanic crater in the World! Lake Taupo is set amidst clean, green countryside, spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful native bush and some of the largest pine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Thermal activity in this region includes natural hot pools and springs, steaming craters and boiling mud pools.
Continue a further 2 hours drive to Hawkes Bay Wine Country, arriving first in the Napier which was largely rebuilt in 1931 following an earthquake in Art Deco style. You will continue on to the coast at Cape Kidnappers, passing several excellent vineyards including Clearview Estate famed for its powerhouse Reserve Chardonnay.
2 nights at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Approximate Distance: 330 km
Total Driving Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco- the style of the 20th Century
Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s – Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco- the style of the 20th Century – in such a concentrated area. Napier is the world’s finest example of the Art Deco age and your guide will bring Napier’s fascinating architecture to life for you as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre.
Take your pick today – explore celebrated vineyards, the supreme Cape Kidnappers golf course, architecture, bird-life and Maori culture.
A "Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!
A “Haere rā” Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!
Today check out and travel to Hawkes Bays airport located in Napier. We know you will enjoy this Picture Perfect tour of the North Island. Our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible – ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Approximate Distance: 36 km
Total Driving Time: 30 minutes
“A relaxing trip for wine and food lovers set amongst the sparkling coastline of the eastern seaboard of the North Island. Highlights include enjoying the vintners paradise on Waiheke Island, sailing in the Bay of Islands and relaxing in unspoilt Coromandel. Rotorua has a deep sense of history both in terms of New Zealand's geothermal uprising within the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' and as a focal point for New Zealands's first peoples and the world of Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview).”
Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!
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Chic luxury Waiheke accommodation, sitting just above the sun-drenched bay and white sandy beaches of Oneroa, a hip small luxury hotel in the true sense Its casual and elegant atmosphere working in perfect harmony with its seaside location.
The Boatshed luxury boutique hotel is just a 35 minute by ferry from New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, or 10 minutes by helicopter from Auckland. Five minutes stroll to the local Oneroa shopping & markets – three minutes to the beach.
This multi-award winning retreat is set within a 75 acre estate atop its own private ridgeline offering spectacular views of the Bay of Islands and offers over 144 islands to explore in this sub tropical paradise. Designed and furnished in an eclectic international contemporary style, where gardens and lodgings blend into the natural topography and foliage. It is located in the Bay of Islands within easy walking distance of the historic town of Russell in New Zealand. Your stay includes champagne on arrival, a fresh fruit platter daily, gourmet breakfast provisions daily and free transfers to and from Russell are also provided on request.
970 Lonely Bay Lodge is a boutique lodge offering luxury accommodation in the Coromandel Peninsula.
The Lodge is nestled in New Zealand native bush, and is just a couple of minutes walk to Cooks beach. Each room boasts a different outlook of ocean and bush. 970 Lonely Bay Lodge is just a short ferry ride to the seaside town of Whitianga.
Treetops Lodge offers the ultimate in world-class luxury accommodation and is located in the heart of the trout fishing capital of the world and famed therapeutic thermal region, Rotorua, New Zealand. Nestled amidst magnificent native forests and valleys, Treetops Lodge & Estate offers a uniquely New Zealand experience. The Lodge with an elegant architectural style derived from this country’s pioneering past. Timber and stone finishes echo the beauty and simplicity of the great outdoors at Treetops Lodge.
Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of stunning pasture-land in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is the perfect setting for honeymoons and romantic getaways. The cluster of luxury lodge buildings suggest a working farm with the buildings combining rustic and textured materials with comfortable modern furniture. Every suite offers its own private balcony and affords spectacular views of the property, golf course and Pacific Ocean.
Since the late 1970s, Waiheke’s benign climate has seen the growth of a flourishing wine industry. A “small is beautiful” philosophy yields low quantities of extremely high-quality fruit, which is made into internationally award-winning wines. At each vineyard, you’ll taste a selection of wines and enjoy an in-depth discussion with the winemaker.
For something a little more tactile, we can arrange a visit to a bronze crafting studio, a cobbler who creates individual pairs of shoes from scratch, a ceramic artist, or a tour of the spectacular sculpture park. As part of your tour, you can opt to break up the day with a scenic walk on one of Waiheke’s secluded beaches.
The Bay of Islands are best seen on the water, and this full day private cruise is a great way to experience the marine life and bays all to yourself. Your private single mast yacht offers plenty of space and level sailing for a pleasant day on the water spotting dolphins, kayaking, swimming and paddle boarding around the pristine beaches and islands. Gourmet lunch and New Zealand wines are served onboard, with cruises able to be tailored to suit your plans.
Approximately 30 minutes south of Rotorua lies Wai-O-Tapu, a wonderland of stunning geothermal activity. In English Wai-O-Tapu means ‘Sacred Water’ and it is easy to see why. Hot pools ranging in colour from turquoise blue, rich green and gold to an almost olive/yellow, make the water at Wai-O-Tapu a dazzling must see.
Just 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland, across the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island seems a million miles away in pace and beauty. Waiheke has a special charm and seaside holiday atmosphere. Waiheke Island is an eclectic mix of cultures, activities, vineyards, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, beautiful beaches, scenic walking tracks and much, much more. It’s a perfect relaxing start or finish to your New Zealand vacation. There are many outdoor activities and plenty to see and do, no matter what your interests or energy levels.
How to get there:
Arrive in Waiheke by passenger ferry, car ferry or by air with flights direct from Auckland Domestic Airport, or by helicopter from City Heliport at Mechanics Bay
A subtropical wonderland of secluded bays, islands and history, the Bay of Islands is a coastal paradise. Get out on the water with a boat cruise or sailing charter and spot dolphins and whales frolicking in the water before seeing the Hole in the Rock, just off Cape Brett, up close. Stroll the streets of Russell, New Zealand’s first capital, and soak up its whaling and pioneering past. Learn about the birth of New Zealand in Waitangi, where the treaty that made New Zealand a British colony was signed.
This long sandy beach that caught Captain James Cook’s eye is an ideal place to unwind and explore beautiful Mercury Bay. Cooks Beach has been a popular spot for generations of holiday makers.
Rotorua is surrounded by steaming lakes, bubbling hot pools and bursting geysers, host to some of the world’s most incredible natural forces. A heartland of Maori culture, the local people have embraced this turbulent land. For the traveller there is a breadth of attractions – families will enjoy viewing farm attractions and native wildlife, adventure seekers can experience world class white water rafting or mountain biking, while culture enthusiasts can experience indepth vibrant Maori traditions.
