10-Day North Island Luxury Lodges Tour

YOUR DAY

Guided: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, a private shuttle driver will take you to your accommodation in the city. The day and night are free to spend at your leisure and your guide will meet you tomorrow morning.

Self Drive: Upon arrival at Auckland Airport you will collect your rental vehicle within the airport terminal. Make your way to your inner city accommodation where the day and night are free to spend at your leisure and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Stay at Hotel Fitzroy Curated by Fable or Similar for 2 Nights (Gold)

Immerse yourself in a relaxed stay in this carefully restored landmark villa where indulgent treats like cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the library, breakfast in bed and quiet relaxation are all part of the experience. Beautifully designed superior and luxury rooms cater to your every whim, while our discreet hosts can curate your perfect Ponsonby experience.

Your stay includes tray-service continental or cooked breakfast, including fresh-pressed juice and barista coffee.

YOUR DAY

This morning you will ferry out to Waiheke Island to enjoy a guided tour of the Island, stopping at a number of boutique wineries such as Casita Miro, Kennedy Point Winery and Stonyridge for wine tastings. You will finish your tour at Mudbrick Winery where you will enjoy a delicious lunch with incredible views out over the Hauraki Gulf towards Auckland City (lunch is additional cost). Return to Auckland in the late afternoon, and perhaps enjoy dinner at one of the wonderful waterfront restaurants that line the Viaduct Harbour.

YOUR DAY

206km, 3 hours 20 minutes driving

South you go. Leaving New Zealand’s largest city you head for the Coromandel, one of the key locations for the New Zealand gold rush in the 1800s. You follow the coast road to the town of Coromandel, where you will take a trip on ‘The Driving Creek Railway’- New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway, with a working pottery and wild life sanctuary (included activity). From there you will take the stunning 309 Road to the coastal town of Whitianga, stopping at stunning Waiau Falls and the Waiau Kauri Grove – to see ginormous anicent kauri trees up close. Arrive in Whitianga in the afternoon/evening and enjoy the beautiful Buffalo Beach.

Stay at 970 Lonely Bay Lodge or Similar for 2 Nights (Platinum)

970 Lonely Bay Lodge is a boutique lodge offering luxury accommodation in the Coromandel Peninsula. The Lodge is nestled in New Zealand native bush, and is just a couple of minutes walk to Cooks beach. Each room boasts a different outlook of ocean and bush.

Your stay includes a freshly prepared continental breakfast each morning.

YOUR DAY

Today is free to explore the beauty of The Coromandel Peninsula. Perhaps take a walk to one of New Zealand’s most stunning beaches; Cathedral Cove where you wander through ancient native forest to the pristine beach that houses striking rock formations. Other options for the day include a glass-bottom boat trip to a marine reserve, bathing at The Lost Spring, a visit to New Chum’s Beach, horse-riding at a local farm or kayaking to the idyllic other worldly paradise of Whenuakura/Donut Island.

If you choose a guided tour, today will be a legally required day off for your driver/guide.

YOUR DAY

250 km, 3.5 hours driving

This morning you will visit the world famous Hot Water Beach. This is one of the only places in the world where one can discover thermal water underneath a beach! Bring your swimming gear, as you will have the opportunity to dig your very own thermal pool and bathe in its waters (35-40 degrees Celsius in the right areas).

Following this you farewell the Coromandel and head south to Rotorua; a hot spot for Maori culture and thermal activity. En route you will visit Hobbiton and The Shire’s Rest, the only remaining film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies.

Arrive in Rotorua in the afternoon and you have the opportunity to take a city tour featuring Kuirau Park mud pool reserve and view the stunning government gardens and lakefront.

Stay at Solitaire Lodge or Similar for 2 Nights (Platinum)

Solitaire Lodge Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s premiere luxury lodges, enjoys breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera, with lush natural bush and volcanic landscape backdrop. The subtle design brings the outdoors in, inviting you to unwind and soak up the peace and quiet of this tranquil setting. Minutes from this iconic North Island resort you will discover a multitude of activities. The lodge is also the perfect place to simply relax, indulge and rejuvenate, left in the able hands of your warm, friendly New Zealand hosts.

Your stay includes complimentary mini bar with extensive selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, pre dinner drinks & canapés, five course evening meal, full country breakfast and light lunch and the use of Lodge dinghies and kayaks.

YOUR DAY

This morning you will explore the untouched, sacred land of the Ngāti Pikiao tribe, in an intimate, small group three-hour 4WD experience. Guided by a local and highly knowledgeable Māori guide, you’ll explore a stunning marae, landscapes and never-before-seen views that look over Rotorua’s lake district. En route, you’ll learn the myths and legends of the Māori people, their rich history and fascinating ways of life.

Following this experience, the rest of your day is free to spend as you wish in Rotorua. Options include: A trip to The Buried Village of Te Wairoa to explore the stories and discover treasures left behind from the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, a walk through the world class canopy walk at the Whakarewrewa forest, or a dip in the famous Polynesian Spa, situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua. Of course you could instead relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds of your beautiful secluded accommodation on Lake Tarawera. Perhaps take a kayak out on the lake or take a 15-minute private launch excursion to the natural hot springs of Lake Tarawera where you can enjoy soaking in the thermal waters rising gently through the lake.

YOUR DAY

81 km, 1 hour 10 minutes driving

Your first stop for the day is Waimangu Volcanic Valley – a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. You will see the world’s largest hot spring, sinter terraces and stunning hot and cold pools of many different colours. You’ll also enjoy a cruise above the once famous Pink and White Terraces, buried by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886.

Heading south and stopping at the mind-blowingly powerful Huka Falls en route, you will reach Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake where you will be spending the night. Lake Taupo is famous for it’s biking, hosting the Round Taupo Road Race every year, as well as a number of Mountain Bike events as well. This afternoon you will have the option to hire a bike and hit the local trails! (optional).

Stay at Huka Lodge or Similar for 2 Nights (Platinum)

Long regarded as one of the world’s most revered and inspirational luxury accommodations, Huka Lodge is set among established gardens along the banks of the surging Waikato River near Lake Taupō on New Zealand’s North Island. With humble beginnings nearly a century ago as a fishermen’s camp made famous for its trout-rich waters and featuring white canvas tents along the river’s edge, today Huka Lodge has secured its place as one of the country’s oldest and celebrated luxury lodge with an impressive heritage, welcoming some of the world’s most influential guests to the region.

Your stay includes daily country breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés and gourmet dinner daily. Showcasing New Zealand’s finest, often sustainably produced ingredients and complemented by a magnificent selection of wine, the menus at Huka Lodge are daily changing and reflect the seasons and the environment outdoors.

YOUR DAY

Today is free to spend in Taupō. Lake Taupo is famous for it’s biking, hosting the Round Taupo Road Race every year, as well as a number of Mountain Bike events as well. This afternoon you will have the option to hire a bike and hit the local trails! (optional). Perhaps enjoy a walk up Mt Tauhara for epic views of Lake Taupō from a higher vantage point, try out a bungy jump or skydive! If you choose the platinum option, spend the day enjoying the luxuries of the stunning Huka Lodge, nestled on the banks of the mighty Waikato River.

YOUR DAY

341km, 4 hours 10 minutes driving

Today you will drive to Auckland via the famous Waitomo glow worm caves. Waitomo is New Zealand’s most extensive underground caving network. Here you will take a one hour tour where you will see these native glow worms light up the cave roof, including a boat trip in the caves. Following this you continue to Auckland, where the rest of the evening is free to spend at leisure.

Return to Hotel Fitzroy Curated by Fable or Similar and Stay for 1 Night (Gold)

YOUR DAY

Today you will transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward travel arrangements. We trust that you’ve had an excellent time in New Zealand and wish you safe travels to your next destination.

Onward flight is not included.