Part of the First Light Travel Group
South Pacific Specialists
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This 9-day privately guided luxury tour offers an enriching escape through New Zealand’s North Island, blending cultural discovery, natural beauty, and premium experiences. From vibrant cities and serene coastal havens to geothermal wonders and lush native forests, each destination brings unique opportunities for exploration and connection.
Duration: 9 Days
Starts: Auckland
Finishes: Auckland
Fly to the Bay of Islands, a stunning coastal paradise of secluded beaches, rich in Māori history and marine life
Welcome to Auckland, on arrival make your way to the domestic terminal and fly to Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. Meet your private driver on arrival and travel to your luxury accommodation at The Landing. As you enter the 1,000-acre estate, you’re greeted by sweeping coastal views, native bushland, and rows of vineyards. A warm welcome from your host sets the tone, and your private residence awaits—blending refined luxury with the natural beauty of one of New Zealand’s most historic and breathtaking coastal destinations with a range of activities at your doorstep.
3 Nights Accommodation at The Landing Included Meals: Dinner
Approximate Distance: 30 km
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Scenic bush trails, bike through vineyards, play tennis, or unwind with a wine tasting or wellness experience
A free day at The Landing in the Bay of Islands offers families a blend of adventure and relaxation amidst stunning coastal landscapes. Begin with a chef-prepared breakfast in your private residence, then explore the estate’s 1,000 acres by hiking native bush trails, cycling through vineyards, or kayaking along the serene coastline. Enjoy beachcombing and wildlife spotting, or indulge in a wine tasting at the onsite vineyard. Conclude the day with dinner prepared by the in-residence chef, sharing stories under the stars in this luxurious, nature-rich retreat.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy ocean-based activities, from paddleboarding, and snorkeling off private beaches to fishing adventures
At The Landing in the Bay of Islands, a free day offers families a variety of ocean activities to enjoy the stunning coastal environment. Guests can embark on a private charter aboard the 8.7-meter vessel Iti Rangi for fishing, sightseeing, or leisurely exploration of the Bay of Islands . Additionally, the estate provides opportunities for snorkeling, and paddleboarding along its pristine beaches. For those interested in sailing, skippered trips are available, allowing families to experience the bay’s beauty from the water. These activities cater to various interests and skill levels, ensuring a memorable and engaging day by the ocean.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey south and stop to visit the vibrant Sculptureum in Matakana
A visit to Sculptureum in Matakana offers an enchanting blend of art, nature, and interactive experiences. Explore three sculpture gardens and six themed indoor galleries showcasing over 800 artworks from around the world. featuring works by Picasso, Chihuly, and Banksy, alongside playful outdoor installations like giant pink snails and a towering green rabbit. Food lovers can savour seasonal dishes at Rothko Restaurant and sample wines from the on-site vineyard. Sculptureum offers a unique cultural escape designed to engage the senses and spark creativity. Continue on to Auckland this afternoon.
2 Nights Accommodation at The Hotel Britomart Included Meals: Breakfast
Approximate Distance: 220 km
Travel Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Blending native foraging, forest-to-table tastings, and hands-on conservation in the Waitākere Ranges
The Hotel Britomart’s “Nourishing Nature” experience is a regenerative travel journey that invites guests to connect deeply with the natural world. Hosted in the lush Waitākere Ranges, this half-day adventure includes foraging for native herbs, learning their traditional uses, and enjoying a forest-inspired tasting in an open-air glasshouse. Guided by experts from Velskov, guests gain insight into sustainable practices and Māori knowledge of the land. The experience ends with planting a native tree, leaving a positive impact on the forest. It’s a thoughtful blend of eco-luxury, culture, and conservation.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover the world of Hobbits with an immersive tour and get a private Kiwi experience in Rotorua
Travel to Matamata for an exclusive 2.5-hour private tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, nestled in Waikato’s picturesque countryside. Your guide will lead you through the 12-acre site, showcasing 44 Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Double Arched Bridge, while sharing behind-the-scenes stories. Enjoy a complimentary Southfarthing beverage at the Green Dragon Inn. This intimate tour offers a deeper connection to the Shire and a personalised experience. Continue on to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Go behind the scenes at the National Kiwi Hatchery with exclusive access to staff-only areas for a personalised, in-depth encounter at New Zealand’s leading kiwi conservation facility.
3 Nights Accommodation at Solitaire Lodge Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 230 km
Travel Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
luxury aerial adventure combining a flyover of active White Island with a guided landing on Mount Tarawera’s summit
The Volcanic Extremes tour by Volcanic Air offers an unforgettable luxury helicopter experience over New Zealand’s most striking volcanic landscapes. Departing from Rotorua, this exclusive 1 hour 45-minute journey begins with an awe-inspiring flyover of Whakaari/White Island, an active marine volcano alive with steam vents and a vivid crater lake. The adventure continues with a privileged landing atop majestic Mount Tarawera, where guests explore the dramatic rift left by its 1886 eruption. With expert commentary and panoramic views throughout, this is a rare and exhilarating encounter with the raw beauty of New Zealand’s geothermal heart.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Unwind in luxurious lakeside serenity, enjoying kayaking on Lake Tarawera, and soaking in natural hot springs
A free day at Solitaire Lodge offers families the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Begin with a leisurely breakfast overlooking Lake Tarawera, followed by optional activities such as kayaking, fishing, or hiking through native bush to discover hidden waterfalls and natural hot springs. After a light lunch, unwind on your private deck or enjoy board games together.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Auckland Airport in time for your onward flight
As your unforgettable 9-day luxury journey through New Zealand’s North Island draws to a close, enjoy the scenic drive from Rotorua to Auckland, taking in the final glimpses of rolling countryside and geothermal landscapes. Reflect on the rich cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and cherished moments shared along the way. From beaches to bush, city lights to starry skies, you’ve explored the heart of Aotearoa together. With full hearts and lasting memories, we bid you haere rā—until your next adventure in our beautiful land.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Approximate Distance: 240 km
Travel Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
“Think beachfront stays, cultural encounters, geothermal wonders, and wildlife experiences. It’s the perfect balance of relaxation and discovery while exploring one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations.”
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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The Landing is a collection of unique luxury residences nestled in the stunning coastal landscape of Northland, New Zealand. Each property offers elegant design, privacy, and breathtaking views of the Bay of Islands. Surrounded by native bush, vineyards, and pristine beaches, The Landing combines refined comfort with rich cultural heritage, offering guests exclusive access to walking trails, water activities, and historic sites in a truly unforgettable setting.
Hotel Britomart, located in Auckland, is a stylish boutique hotel that exudes contemporary elegance. Situated in the vibrant Britomart precinct, it offers easy access to the city’s attractions. The hotel boasts thoughtfully designed rooms with modern amenities and an emphasis on sustainability.
Solitaire Lodge is an exclusive luxury retreat nestled on a private peninsula on Lake Tarawera, near Rotorua. Each elegant suite offers panoramic lake and volcano views, with refined interiors that blend comfort and style. Guests enjoy gourmet cuisine, personalized service, and easy access to natural wonders, including thermal springs, hiking trails, and water activities, making it an ideal escape for relaxation and adventure in a serene lakeside setting.
As the name belies, ‘The City of Sails’ – as Auckland is fondly known – is a stunning sea side city. The city centre surrounds a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. In the Auckland region, the North Island is geographically narrow and the city straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. Boutique shopping, pulsing, Pacific-inspired markets and a passionate cafe culture make this city a charming place to visit.
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.
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.
