9 Day North Island Tour

Grand Pacific Tours

9 Day North Island Signature

Daily Itinerary

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner.

DAY 1: Arrive Auckland (D) 

On arrival into Auckland, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner. 

Hotel Sudima Auckland City

DAY 2: Auckland - Bay of Islands (B,D) 

Depart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Mãori tribes and the British Government in 1840. 

Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) 

DAY 3: Bay of Islands (Free Day) (B) 

Today is a free day to explore the stunning Bay of Islands. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader will be on hand to assist with the many optional activities available including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach, a spectacular scenic flight over the crystal-clear turquoise waters found in the Bay of Islands or a tour of historic Russell. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). 

DAY 4: Bay of Islands - Auckland (B) 

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Return to Paihia and travel south via Whangarei to Auckland. This afternoon includes a visit to Sky Tower at leisure, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions. This evening is also free to explore the many eateries surrounding your hotel. 

Hotel Sudima

DAY 5: Auckland - Rotorua (B,L,D) 

Today enjoy a city sights tour of Auckland. Continue through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. This is followed by a guided tour of the Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will recount details of how this beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle Earth. 

Hotel Pullman Rotorua (City View Room. 2 nights)

DAY 6: Rotorua (B,SD) 

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening enjoy a Hãngi feast, prepared in the traditional way, over hot coals and buried in the ground. This is followed by an entertaining Mãori cultural performance which features the graceful poi dance and ferocious haka.

DAY 7: Rotorua - Napier - Masterton (B,D) 

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where a city tour will showcase an impressive collection of art deco buildings. Enjoy some free time to explore the fascinating architecture before travelling through the Wairarapa, an emerging cool-climate wine region. 

Hotel Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park Wairarapa

DAY 8: Masterton - Greytown - Wellington (B,SD) 

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Greytown to see the most complete example of original Victorian wooden architecture. Drive through the scenic Rimutaka Mountain Range into Wellington, enjoy a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel. 

Hotel James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (Executive Room) 

DAY 9: Depart Wellington (B) 

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.