Arrive in Auckland and begin your North Island escape in New Zealand’s vibrant City of Sails. After collecting your rental car, make your way to your hotel and settle in for the journey ahead. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, perhaps wandering along the waterfront, exploring the lively Viaduct Harbour or simply relaxing after your flight and soaking up your first taste of Auckland.

This morning, leave the city behind and board the ferry across the sparkling Hauraki Gulf to beautiful Waiheke Island. On arrival, join Ananda Tours for the Waiheke Naturally Tour, discovering an island celebrated for its rolling landscapes, picturesque coastline, boutique producers and relaxed way of life. Enjoy a memorable day immersed in Waiheke’s natural beauty and local flavours before returning by ferry to Auckland.

Discover a completely different side of Auckland today on a Half Day Wilderness Experience with Bush & Beach Tours. Travel west from the city into a dramatic landscape of lush native rainforest, rugged coastline and sweeping black-sand beaches. Learn about the region’s unique flora, fauna and Māori heritage as you explore this spectacular wilderness, where ancient forest meets the wild Tasman Sea. Return to Auckland with the remainder of your day free to enjoy the city at your own pace.

Set out on your self-drive journey south to Rotorua, travelling through the rolling green countryside of the Waikato before arriving in one of New Zealand’s most fascinating geothermal regions. After checking into your accommodation, spend the evening unwinding at Secret Spot Hot Tubs. Nestled amongst native forest beside the Whakarewarewa Forest, your private cedar hot tub offers a wonderfully peaceful setting to relax in warm spring water and reflect on the day's journey.

Immerse yourself in Rotorua’s extraordinary geothermal landscapes this morning on an Eco Thermal Morning Tour with Elite Adventures. Discover steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, colourful mineral formations and otherworldly scenery while learning about the powerful natural forces that have shaped this remarkable region. Afterwards, slow the pace with a 2.5 Hour Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, where therapeutic waters, hot and cold experiences and Māori-inspired wellness traditions combine for an indulgent afternoon of relaxation and renewal.

Begin your day with a guided visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery, where you’ll gain a fascinating insight into conservation efforts helping protect New Zealand’s treasured national icon. Learn about the kiwi life cycle and the important work being done to support the survival of this remarkable native bird. This evening, experience the warmth and spirit of Māori culture at Te Pā Tū, where storytelling, performance, tradition and seasonal cuisine come together for an immersive cultural experience and a memorable final evening in Rotorua.

Depart Rotorua this morning and make your way north, stopping in Hamilton to explore the internationally renowned Hamilton Gardens. With your audio tour as your guide, journey through an extraordinary collection of themed gardens inspired by different civilisations, traditions and moments in garden history. Afterwards, continue on to Auckland and check into your hotel for your final night. Enjoy one last evening in the City of Sails, perhaps with dinner overlooking the harbour as you toast an unforgettable North Island journey.

Enjoy a relaxed final morning before checking out of your hotel and making your way to Auckland Airport. Return your rental car and check in for your onward flight, departing New Zealand with wonderful memories of volcanic landscapes, rejuvenating hot springs, native wildlife, Māori culture and the natural beauty of Auckland, Waiheke Island and Rotorua.