Day 1 ARRIVE WELLINGTON

Welcome to Wellington. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 2pm). Head out on a city sights tour of Wellington taking in New Zealand's parliament buildings, and a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, for a Cultural Insight. Discover New Zealand's nature, history, art and heritage, and then enjoy some time at leisure. Indulge in Wellington's renowned coffee culture, or take a walk along Lambton Quay. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and dinner at your hotel. Welcome Reception with wine Hotel James Cook Grand Chancellor

Day 2 WELLINGTON - ROTORUA

After departing Wellington, this morning you'll travel north up the Kapiti Coast to the gorgeous historic villa, Shenandoah, for a Be My Guest morning tea. Join Simon and Claudia, who will show you their home, which includes a unique private collection of Harley Davidson motor cycles. Enjoy morning tea in their garden, then take a walk around the property to meet the animal members of the family. Journey north over the tussock plains of the Central Plateau through Tongariro National Park, view Lake Taupo and Huka Falls on your way to Rotorua. Tonight an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at the Tamaki Family Marae. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art forms and traditions, followed by a concert featuring local performers. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi Regional Meal, steamed underground in the traditional way. Be My Guest Dining Regional Meal Hotel Millennium

Day 3 ROTORUA SIGHTSEEING

Today your choice of sightseeing: join the Kiwi Encounter at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, discover Maori culture at Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, see the Agrodome Farm Show, relax in the seclusion of your own hot mineral pool or unwind with a facial treatment in the Lake Spa Retreat at the Polynesian Spa. Maybe ride the amphibious Rotorua Duck or the luge at Rotorua Skyline. Your Travel Director will assist you in booking all of your chosen sightseeing experiences. Stay at your hotel this evening or with a local family in a nearby country home. Your hosts will provide wonderful Kiwi hospitality that makes you really feel 'at home'. You'll enjoy a wholesome dinner and a cooked breakfast, comfortable accommodation and a tour to introduce you to the way of life. Please make your choice at time of booking.

Day 4 ROTORUA - AUCKLAND

This morning you will travel through the King Country region which was at the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s to Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glow Worm Grotto by boat and walk through the limestone caverns with a Local Specialist. This afternoon you will follow the meandering trail of the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, past the lush farmlands of the Waikato Region. As you journey over the Bombay Hills, the landscape changes from green, grassy meadowlands to the edges of suburbia. As you make your way into the heart of New Zealand's largest city, you will stop at Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, as you will get stunning shots of Auckland, the North Shore and the Waitemata Harbour. Tonight's Regional Meal is at The Langham. Your personal degustation menu is made from the freshest, quality ingredients, including mouth-watering seafood and desserts. Regional Meal Hotel The Langham

Day 5 AUCKLAND - BAY OF ISLANDS (2 NIGHTS)

This morning depart Auckland City and travel north over the Harbour Bridge. Journey through Orewa and along the scenic Hibiscus Coast, the birthplace of Sir Edmund Hillary. Enjoy a stop at Parry Kauri Park and take a walk among New Zealand's native forest giants, the Kauri trees. Your travels then take you into Whangarei, the northern-most city in New Zealand, where you can wander around the art galleries and through the marina in the Town Basin. This afternoon you will travel into the beautiful Bay of Islands. Experience spectacular scenery as you cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands - see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes peeled for the marine life. This evening enjoy dinner with wine at your hotel. with wine Hotel Copthorne Resort (Water View)

Day 6 BAY OF ISLANDS SIGHTSEEING

Today your choice of sightseeing: Perhaps go on a dolphin watching cruise, journey around Kerikeri on a wine tasting tour, or take a guided walk through Russell - New Zealand's first capital. This evening you can sail aboard a historic tall ship as the sunsets, or glide down the Waitangi River for a sumptuous dinner cruise. Your Travel Director will assist you in booking the sightseeing of your choice.

Day 7 BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND

Before departing the Bay of Islands today you'll have the opportunity to visit the Waitangi Treaty Reserve, where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed (own expense). This afternoon sit back and relax as you make your way down through Northland's lush farmland scenery and past the sprawling suburbs of the North Shore back into Auckland. Hotel The Langham

Day 8 DEPART AUCKLAND

Bid farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).