Best of the North Island

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Bay of Islands, Taupo & Rotorua, Hawke's Bay

Experience the diversity and grandeur of New Zealand's North Island—scenic coastlines and beautiful lakes, active geothermal regions, outstanding food and wine, Maori history, super-luxury lodges and more—on this private luxury tour.

Begin at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, a plantation-style luxury lodge on 6,000 acres of rugged coastline overlooking the spectacular Bay of Islands. One day, enjoy a scenic helicopter and vehicle excursion to Cape Reinga at the tip of the North Island, including flying over Ninety-Mile Beach and the Cavalli Islands, seeing the iconic lighthouse where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, and perhaps swimming off beautiful beaches or sledding down huge sand dunes. During leisure time, perhaps enjoy a picnic on a private beach, a walk to a hidden waterfall or a game of golf on the lodge's highly rated course.

Next, fly to Auckland and transfer to Taupo, with a private tour of Hobbiton en route. Continue to Huka Lodge, an acclaimed luxury lodge in a park-like setting along the Waikato River. Enjoy a private cruise on beautiful Lake Taupo while taking in views of the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park and fishing for the lake's abundant trout. Also enjoy time at leisure to relax at your lodge or walk along the river to Huka Falls. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities in the region, such as excursions to geothermal highlights, helicopter excursions to nearby volcanoes, visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a traditional Maori hangi lunch, kayaking or sailing on local lakes, fly fishing on local streams, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and hiking in Tongariro National Park.

Continue to Hawke's Bay, a beautiful region of vineyards, orchards, rolling hills and golden beaches. Stay at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, an exclusive lodge on a vast ranch atop cliffs high above the sea. During private touring with your expert local guide, visit top local wineries and artisanal food shops, learn about Maori culture during a visit to a marae (Maori meeting ground), and tour Napier, a charming seaside town filled with Art Deco architecture. One day, visit a kiwi habitat in search of New Zealand's famous flightless birds, and also take a tour of the Cape Kidnappers sheep and cattle ranch. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional activities such as playing golf, biking through the vineyards and visiting a colony of gannet seabirds.

This tour can easily be customized with additional days, activities or destinations.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Bay of Islands Private arrival transfer to luxury lodge for 2 nights Day 2 Bay of Islands Full-day private helicopter excursion to Cape Reinga Day 3 Bay of Islands – Taupo Private transfer to airport for flight to Auckland. Private transfer to luxury lodge for 2 nights, with private tour of Hobbiton en route Day 4 Taupo Half-day private boat charter on Lake Taupo Day 5 Taupo – Hawke's Bay Private scenic transfer to luxury lodge for 3 nights, with touring en route Day 6 Hawke's Bay Full-day private food, wine and scenic touring in the region Day 7 Hawke's Bay Kiwi experience and ranch tour Day 8 Hawke's Bay – Depart Auckland Private transfer to Napier airport for flight to Auckland. Connection assistance to international flight

Hotels

Bay of Islands: Rosewood Kauri Cliffs Taupo: Huka Lodge Hawke's Bay: Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Cost

Upon request