Trip StyleClassic

North Island Sojourn

14 days Auckland to Christchurch

Trip Code: ONNS

Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach, Rotorua, Overnight and traditional meal in Maori marae meeting place, Tongariro National Park, Tongariro Crossing hike, Napier wine tour by bike, Wellington, Marlborough Sounds/ Queen Charlotte track, Kaikoura. Christchurch

New Zealand’s North Island is a land of rugged volcanic landscapes and ancient Maori culture. Marvel at the thermal wonders of Rotorua, set out in search of whales and dolphins, and hike the lunar landscape of the Tongariro Crossing, one of the most spectacular day treks in NZ.

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland at any time.

Day 2 Auckland

Start with a walking tour of New Zealand’s largest city, including a trip up one of Auckland's many volcanoes for stunning views of the city. The afternoon is free.

Day 3 Coromandel Peninsula

Head to the volcanic Coromandel region, dotted with ancient Maori sites. Dig a little to create your own volcanic hot water pool in the sand, and explore nearby Cathedral Cove on an optional kayak trip.

Day 4 Rotorua (D)

Inhale the sulphur-smelling air on a visit to Rotorua, bubbling with steam and mud. Experience a traditional Maori meal, and stay overnight on the floor of a “marae” meeting house.

Day 5-6 Tongariro National Park (B)

Spend two days trekking the coloured lakes and the rugged volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park, including the Tongariro Crossing, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular.

Day 7-8 Napier

Enjoy some well-deserved good life in Napier, known for wine, gourmet food, beaches and art deco. Explore the wineries by bicycle; options include swimming with dolphins, fishing and hot air balloon rides.

Days 9-10 Wellington

Travel to Wellington and explore the capital city on your own. Visit the national museum, take a cable-car to the Botanic Gardens or survey the city from Mt Victoria.

Day 11 Marlborough Sound

Take a morning ferry to Picton across the Cook Strait, and then a smaller boat to our lodge in the Marlborough Sounds. Explore the hidden bays, coves and inlets of the area, or relax in a hammock at the lodge.

Day 12 Kaikoura

Journey south to the stunning seaside town of Kaikoura, famous for marine life. Visit a seal colony, go whale-watching, swim with dolphins or horseback ride the foothills of the Kaikoura range.

Day 13 Christchurch

Morning free in Kaikoura before finishing in Christchurch. Afternoon free to visit the gardens, galleries and churches of the South Island’s largest city before one last night on the town.

Day 14 Depart Christchurch