Tailormade tour Best of New Zealand’s North Island tour New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland and settle into the time-zone, and your luxury accommodation. Soak up the sights and sounds of the iconic city of Auckland. For the best of the views, visit the 328-meter Sky Tower, or otherwise hike up Mount Eden, a volcanic peak that casts views over the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, and the iconic Eden Park – home of the All Blacks. For a different sense of perspective, you could choose to sail in the gloriously protected water of the bay on a real America’s Cup Yacht. With the wind ruffling your hair, and the skyline of Auckland as a backdrop, this is a fantastic way to introduce yourself with what a holiday in New Zealand is all about.

Today could be spent living as a true New Zealander by journeying to one of the classic city escapes from Auckland. To the east lie the Hauraki Gulf Islands, and the largest, Waiheke Island, offers something for everyone, with both beautiful beaches, fashionable streets and some excellent vineyards. Take a stroll on one of island’s trails which take you from cliff top vistas into the cool and dense envelope of the native forest. To the west, volcanic beaches and great surfing await in Piha, a fantastic climax to an easy day’s road trip.

Picking up your 4x4 hire car, your first taste of rural New Zealand awaits. Today you drive north through the lush vegetation, spectacular coastline, orchards of citrus trees and roadside fruit stalls, bumpy volcanic peaks, and, of course, pastures of sheep. Arrive in the Bay of Islands to find your spectacular panoramic accommodation perfectly positioned to make the most of the evening sunshine. Spotting dolphins playing in the ocean below you whilst unwinding on your private deck or in a jacuzzi, sundowner in hand.

A stay in the Bay of Islands really is about exploring the idyllic coastline that surrounds you. Lush fern filled valleys turn to cliffs, bays, inlets and beaches, and into the crystal-clear waters of the Southern Pacific. Choose from a range of activities including sea kayaking, swimming with the resident dolphins, or sailing. Land lovers may choose to admire the vistas on horseback, or by hiking. Otherwise, simply get onto the beaches and soak up the Southern Hemisphere sunshine.

Driving to Kerikeri Airport in the Bay of Islands, you will drop your hire car and board your flight to Rotorua. This flight will take you deep into the volcanic heartland of the North Island, where geothermal wonders, bubbling hot pools, exploding geysers, and lush rainforest. Pick up your new hire car, and perhaps join an evening Maori cultural display in a local Maori village. Rotorua is often considered the heart of Maori culture in New Zealand, so there is no better place to learn of their historic traditions and watch fascinating song and dance before settling down to an authentic feast cooked beneath the ground on hot stones.

Today would be best spent uncovering the geothermal wonders of the region. To do so, visit Te Puia – a 70-hectare park that contains the world famous Pohutu geyser, as well as mud pools, hot springs and silica formation. Indeed, here you will also find the Kiwi bird, and national schools of Maori wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. The highlight of the experience is undoubtedly Pohutu geyser, an ancient geothermal feature, and the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. She erupts twice every hour and sometimes reaches heights of 30 metres. Next, travel to Whirinaki forest, where lush rainforest supports a great diversity of wildlife including many rare birds. A network of trails makes walking and mountain biking a joy amongst the awe-inspiring trees.

A short and easy drive South will take you past yet more steaming geothermal sites before arriving at the pretty shores of the majestic Lake Taupo. Here, you could enjoy an afternoon sail to the ancient Maori rock carvings on a beautiful yacht and marvel at the scale of the mountain fringed Lake. For those feeling a bit more active, head out on the Tongariro Crossing in the Tongariro National Park. This volcanic hike casts incredible views over the Central North Island, and hikers can even scale ‘Mount Doom’ from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It’s a tough hike, but absolutely worth the views from the top.

Meander South East through the forested hills of Kaimanawa and Kaweka before reaching the art deco treasures of Napier and the fertile and sunny plains of Hawke’s Bay. This afternoon could be rightly spent exploring the architectural treasures of Napier, which was rebuilt in a striking art deco design following a catastrophic earthquake in the 1930s. Also of interest would be to pay visit to Napier’s aquarium and dolphin displays, or pop to the pretty village of Havelock North.

Having appreciated architecture and villages yesterday, turn your attention to the highlights of Hawke’s Bay today: its wine, food and landscape. The best way to do this would be through a self-tour of some of the wineries in the region, which could be done by car or by bicycle on one of three Hawke’s Bay Trails. Many of these wineries offer fantastic restaurants and al-fresco dining, or for an alternative stop for lunch at Sileni or Black Barn. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the Tukituki River. The rolling green hills will charm as they contrast romantically with sparkling blue of the Pacific Coastline.

Follow the wild and green line of the mountainous Ruahine and Tararua Forest parks, stopping in Greytown for a quick rest and a stroll around the stunning architecture, before arriving in Martinborough for lunchtime. Famous for its stunning pastoral scenery, and its rich pinot noir wines, take your time to drink in the best of the landscape before exploring the pleasant town centre. Many of the best vineyards of Wairarapa are walkable from Martinborough and present a very pleasant way to while away a sunny afternoon. Alternatively, experience true Kiwi life by visiting one of the many working sheep farms in the area.

New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, is located on a picturesque harbour at the southern tip of the North Island. The city prides itself as a centre for culture and the arts and has a plethora of restaurants, cafes, nightlife and activities, as well as being home to the country’s parliament and national treasures. Enjoy a leisurely final day in New Zealand perhaps learning about this magical country at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Alternatively, head South West to the superb Zealandia, where you can come face to face with the elusive symbol of New Zealand – the Kiwi!

With memories to last a lifetime, drop your hire car at Wellington Airport and catch your flight home.