This 11-day tour is designed especially for the intrepid traveler who enjoys a blend of active exploration and relaxing time to explore on your own. Boasting a distinctive identity and charming culture, New Zealand holds a special place for those wishing to visit the Southern Hemisphere. From Auckland to Wellington, the North Island will be your playground as you visit the many places that keep visitors thrilled.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Auckland – The City of Sails
Like an Italy of the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand's distinctive boot shape is divided by the Cook Straight and presents visitors with an abundance of outdoor recreation and beautiful landscapes. You will step into this world on your first day of this tour of the North Island. Upon your arrival at the main Auckland airport, a comfortable transfer will convey you from the outskirts of the city into the beating heart of the City of Sails. After settling in to your conveniently located hotel, you will have the remainder of the day to explore the scenic waterfront and downtown area.
What's Included:
Day 2
Matauri Bay – Magic of the North Island
Day 3
Matauri Bay – Through the Outback
Day 4
Matauri Bay – Through the Coastal Skies
Day 5
Auckland – Departing Northland
Day 6
Rotorua – Finding Your Rhythm
Day 7
Rotorua – The RIng of Fire
Day 8
Hawke's Bay – Arriving at Cape Kidnappers
Day 9
Hawke's Bay – The Fruits of the Volcanic Soil
Day 10
Wellington – New Zealand's Breadbasket
Day 11
Wellington – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Stroll through the ambient warmth of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, to enjoy the stunning architecture, great cuisine, and warm hospitality of the locals
- Discover the coastal beauty of the Northland region as you venture to Matauri Bay to delight in sandy beaches, secrets coves, and alluring trails
- See the sights from the saddle as you explore New Zealand's Northland region on horseback, offering a relaxing way to find your bearings in this lush landscape
- Take to the skies on a guided helicopter trip over the islands, bays, coves, and other stunning features of the Northland coast
- Drive through the Waipoua National Forest, where alluring trails will attempt to seduce you onto their paths to find untold adventures
- Bask in the ambient comfort of your hotel on the picturesque shores of Lake Tarawera and find comfort in the glaring attention of the staff
- Savor the fertile and volcanic heritage of the North Island on a visit to a local winery, where experienced growers will provide a tour of the vineyards and wines
- Recline in the thermal embrace of one of the many mudbaths or hot springs that frequently appear through this geologically charged land
- Meander along the charming lanes and waterfront promenades of the world's southernmost capital at Wellington, where New Zealand's vibrant character is proudly displayed
Starting Price
$9,700 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of this Travel Agency
4.81 stars based on 80 reviews.
We very much enjoyed our time in New Zealand and Australia. The tours were all very good. Zicasso's travel agent and our tour partner were very responsive and helpful throughout the planning phase and while we were on vacation.
The only feedback we have is that the hotels selected, other than the hotels in New Zealand, did not have the amenities we were hoping to get from four-star properties. We'll do a better job of indicating what we need in hotel selections moving forward, but we thought the hotels could have been a notch better than they were.
Reviewed By Tim G.
I had planned this trip for my parents, in their 70s, as an anniversary gift. Zicasso's travel agent presented a few tour options initially. When we talked on the phone about the proposed itinerary, she was very open and attentive to hearing my thoughts on the type of trip I was hoping to plan for my parents. She then customized an itinerary to fit my parents' needs. My parents had a wonderful time. Thank you so much to our agent and the folks at Zicasso's travel company.
Reviewed By Marlene A.
Zicasso's trip planner worked with us to create a once-in-a-lifetime trip. The result was a truly enjoyable experience. We felt like we saw the best of Australia and New Zealand while we were there. Of course, you can't see everything, but we really saw the highlights!
Reviewed By Holly W.
Zicasso’s tour partner put together a terrific four-week itinerary for us and we thoroughly enjoyed our vacation. She took input about likes, dislikes, and how much physical activity we were up for, and balanced seeing a lot and doing a lot.
The accommodations were appropriate and the excursions were great. All the reservations worked without incident. Communication was excellent; we had questions along the way and they were answered promptly and thoroughly. She made good judgments of what activities were appropriate, to the point that she signed us up for things we may not have considered.
Reviewed By Michael Z.
We received great, professional, timely service and advice from Zicasso’s tour company before and during the trip!
Reviewed By Phillip P.
Thank you Zicasso, thank you to the team who organized this super discovery journey on the South Island. Top organization, exchanges, documentation, advice, and responsiveness. Our agent's kindness and availability convinced us to go with you
in the preparation of our two-week stay, self-drive holiday.
Thank you again and I wish you all the best for the future.
Reviewed By Ildiko E.
