Travel north towards the Bay of Islands to the town of Paihia. The ‘Jewel of the Bay Islands’ features golden beaches, a huge variety of water activities and is near the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Visit the Kauri Museum to learn about the history of the local pioneers and their inventive uses for the amazing kauri, “the greatest tree in New Zealand”.
Scenic Enrich: The sense of awe you feel as you see the mighty T-ane Mahuta kauri tree for the first time is unforgettable. Listen to stories from your local Maori guide about the ‘Lord of the Forest’.
Scenic Sunset Drinks: Watch the sunset with a drink on the terrace of your hotel.
Inclusions: Breakfast
Elevate your stay in Paihia with your choice of these insightful Scenic Freechoice activities.
Scenic Freechoice:
- Darryl’s Lunch Cruise
- Russell Mini-Tour
- Discover the Bay Cruise
- Taste the Bay Tour
Day 5: Paihia
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, enjoy breakfast in this seaside town before venturing to the very tip of the North Island, Cape Reinga.
Scenic Enrich: Journey to the top of New Zealand – Cape Reinga. Enjoy the thrill of travelling along Ninety Mile Beach and marvel at the immense sand dunes.
Day 6: Paihia > Auckland
Inclusions: Breakfast
Scenic Enrich
This morning, discover the birthplace of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Maori guide. This is considered the most important historical site in the country. Find out why on this meaningful tour.
Afterwards, bid farewell to Paihia as you depart for Whangarei, where you’ll learn first-hand the connection between art and nature at the Hundertwasser Art Centre. On display are works by the eponymous artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser as well as contemporary Maori artists that showcase architecture in harmony with nature and individual creativity.
Day 7: Auckland > Rotorua
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a trip to Middle earth and step inside a fully furnished Hobbit hole with a visit to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Built for the filming of director Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, a Hobbiton™ tour takes you behind the scenes of the phenomenally successful movies and into a world of magic and adventure. Set in the heart of the picturesque Waikato region, Hobbiton™ is a must for fans of the Tolkien universe. Then head to Rotorua, home of Maori culture and bubbling hot springs. Be immersed in both as you explore this geothermic hotspot, located within the Pacific Rim of Fire. Unique cultural experiences, such as hangi feasts cooked underground or village tours, provide deep insights into Maori history and lifestyle. The thermal pools themselves are an integral part of Maori healing. Later, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery, the largest and most successful hatching and rearing centre in the world. The National Kiwi Hatchery hatches close to 120 chicks every year as part of a breeding program designed to protect this national icon.
Day 8: Rotorua
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, take a nature discovery treewalk along Rotorua’s mighty redwoods. Visit Te Puia Rotorua Geothermal Park, where you’ll witness bubbling mud ponds and powerful geysers of steam erupting from deep below.
During your time in Rotorua, enjoy your choice from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.
Scenic Freechoice:
- City and Lakes Tour
- Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
- Gondola Ride & Volcanic Hills Winery
Scenic Enrich
Tonight, immerse yourself in a Maori fusion dining experience, including songs, dances, and storytelling.
You may choose to take a floatplane flight over the volcanic Mt Tarawera (additional expense, book prior to departure).
Day 9: Rotorua > Napier
See the force of nature at Huka Falls, New Zealand's most-visited natural attraction. More than 220,000 litres of water flow down the 11-metre-high waterfall every second. Visit the magnificent Lake Taupo. Created by a volcanic eruption almost two thousand years ago, Lake Taupo’s prodigious size means it’s closer to an inland sea than a lake. Swimmers will discover warm currents flowing through the lake, a reminder of its geothermal origin. Afterwards, you'll head to Hawke’s Bay and the beachside city of Napier. Filled with gorgeous Art Deco architecture from the 1930s, Napier is an architect’s dream. It’s also home to wineries, phenomenal dining and boutique shopping.
Be immersed in Napier’s culture and visual splendour with your choice of these Scenic Freechoice activities.
Scenic Freechoice:
- Art Deco Walking tour
- Vintage Car Highlight tour
- Aquarium tour
Scenic Enrich
Meet the makers at a special wine tasting and dinner tonight at the multi award-winning Mission Estate Winery, an iconic New Zealand landmark.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Napier > Wellington
Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner
Head south to the town of Greytown in the Wairarapa region. Here, the stunning architecture continues. Greytown is well known for its carefully restored Victorian buildings, as well as a vibrant shopping scene and a wide variety of cafes and restaurants. Continue on to the nation’s capital Wellington, for your two-night stay overlooking Wellington Harbour close to many of the city’s finest attractions.
Day 11: Wellington
Inclusions: Breakfast
Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. This colourful waterfront city lies on the southern end of the North Island, and provides a compelling mix of nature, creativity and culture. Street art abounds, and the story of New Zealand is told across a range of world-class museums. The Wellington Cable Car is a great way to take in the scope of this compact city.
Scenic Enrich
Take an in-depth journey of Te Papa, New Zealand's interactive and immersive national museum, to discover the treasures and stories of the country and its people.
Day 12: Wellington
Inclusions: Breakfast
It’s time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand and head home with stories for life.
Itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
