Discover the diverse beauty of our North Island on a journey through the East Coast and Hawke’s Bay. From the geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture of Rotorua to the sunny shores of Gisborne, the Art Deco charm of Napier and the sparkling lakefront of Taupō, this itinerary blends dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and relaxed coastal elegance. Enjoy scenic drives, warm hospitality and a wonderful mix of nature, culture and classic Kiwi charm at every stop.
Activity Level 1
Early Booking Discount - book by 21 May 2026 and save $70 per person.
Wed 18 NOV - AUCKLAND/ROTORUA
Head to Rotorua and view Ohinemutu, home to historic St Faith’s Church which was completed in 1914, and Government Gardens where the New Zealand government opened a large and elaborate bath house, built in the Elizabethan Tudor style of architecture. Later we ascend Mt Ngongotaha by Gondola for an early dinner with spectacular views over Lake Rotorua. Stay Novotel Hotel, Rotorua, 1 night. Included: D
Thu 19 nov - ROTORUA/TE KAHA
Our route takes us on the Thermal Explorer Highway via stunning lakes Rotoiti and Rotoma, to Whakatane - the heart of the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Then we visit Opotiki and step back in time at the fabulous Opotiki Museum. View the extensive collection of implements and vehicles and early pioneer photographs. Experience the 100 year old shelves and original fittings from Opotiki's Shalfoon and Francis grocery and hardware store. We hug the coast to Te Kaha arriving this afternoon. Located halfway between Ōhope and Hicks Bay, Te Kaha is surrounded by rolling hills, rugged coastline and vibrant pōhutukawa trees. The rest of the day is yours at leisure before dinner at the hotel. Stay Te Kaha Beach Hotel, 1 night. Included: B, D
FRI 20 NOV - TE KAHA/GISBORNE
Experience an untapped part of New Zealand as we drive around the isolated East Cape of New Zealand. En route we visit Hicks Bay, renamed after one of the crew of the “Endeavour” is a truly lovely place. In times past a freezing works and port were established at the western end of the Bay. We enjoy an included lunch at Manuka Café (or similar) near Te Araroa and head to Tolaga Bay and its prominent wharf, notable for being 660 metres long and for its robust concrete design. When the wharf was built, it was a significant engineering achievement. for many years the only access to the town was by boat. We continue on to Gisborne. Stay Emerald Hotel, Gisborne, 2 nights. Included: B, L, D
SAT 21 NOV – GISBORNE
Spend the first part of the morning at the Gisborne Farmer Market before we head out to the world renowned Eastwoodhill National Arboretum, home to over 3500 different varieties of trees. We then visit the Tairawhiti Museum in the afternoon, the museum and art gallery has a reputation as one of the very best, most innovative regional museums in New Zealand. Included: B, D
SUN 22 NOV - GISBORNE/NAPIER
Before departing Gisborne we visit Kaiti Bay and see the spot where Captain Cook first landed on New Zealand shores in 1769. We arrive in Napier in the early afternoon, where you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel tonight. Stay Scenic Circle Te Pania, Napier, 2 nights. Included: B, D
MON 23 NOV - NAPIER
This morning we head to Cape Kidnappers for a Gannett Safari. The guided tour will take you on a stunning discovery tour to the top of Cape Kidnappers' Gannet Colony where you will encounter over 20,000 gannets. Later we enjoy the Art Deco Sights of Napier. Evening dinner at fabulous Mission Estate Winery. A multi-award-winning winery and an iconic landmark in the Hawkes Bay. Included: B, D
TUE 24 NOV - NAPIER/TAUPO VIA GENTLE ANNIE HIGHWAY
We head to Waiouru via the scenic Gentle Annie route. Once the army's largest base, Waiouru lies at the southern end of the Desert Road – a naturally dramatic stretch of the highway. We stop at the Waiouru Army museum for lunch and then continue to Taupo. Stay Millennium Hotel, Taupo, 1 night. Included: B, L, D
WED 25 NOV - TAUPO/AUCKLAND
This morning we start with a visit to Huka Falls. This incredible waterfall is the most-visited natural attraction in New Zealand – it's hard to tear your gaze away from the endless, mesmerising torrent. Then head north through the lush Waikato farmlands to lunch at Rosenvale Gardens. Later we continue on to Auckland arriving back in the late afternoon. Included: B, L
Deposit: $500 p.p
