Iconic North
Iconic North
$3550
Iconic North
7 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Wellington, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland, Auckland Waterfront, Auckland, Mission Bay, Auckland, Bastion Point, Auckland, Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, Auckland, Waiheke Island, Rotorua, Te Puia, Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa, Rotorua, Te Pā Tū Māori Experience, Rotorua, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Wellington, Wellington Cable Car, New Zealand Parliament Buildings, Mount Victoria, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Zealandia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZAAWFM25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Iconic North" tour and explore the captivating landscapes and vibrant culture of New Zealand's North Island. Begin your journey in Auckland, the "City of Sails," with a warm welcome and an introduction to its rich Maori heritage. Discover the maritime history at the New Zealand Maritime Museum and enjoy the stunning views from Bastion Point. Experience the charm of Rotorua, where you can indulge in a farm-to-table lunch and witness the geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa. Continue to Wellington, the capital city, known for its eclectic art scene and vibrant cafes. Enjoy guided tours, luxury accommodations, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. With expert guidance and a host of optional experiences, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through New Zealand's iconic northern landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Cordis
Accommodation Name: Horizon by SkyCity
Hello Auckland! Begin your New Zealand north island tour in the gorgeous “City of Sails.” (Flights to arrive prior to 4pm). At a Welcome Reception at The Grill meet your Travel Director and travel mates. Get an introduction to the city’s Maori history and melting pot of cultures from your Travel Director and get ready to start your adventures of the North.
Day 2: Explore the Sights of Auckland
Location: Auckland, New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland, Auckland Waterfront, Auckland, Mission Bay, Auckland, Bastion Point, Auckland, Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, Auckland, Waiheke Island
Accommodation: Cordis
Accommodation Name: Horizon by SkyCity
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day getting to know New Zealand’s passion for the water, sailing and Auckland’s maritime history on a private and exclusive America’s Cup tour at the New Zealand Maritime Museum with a Local Specialist. Then it’s off to experience more of this seafaring city on a sightseeing tour beginning at the Auckland Waterfront. You’ll visit Mission Bay, historic Bastion Point, and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial with views of the Auckland skyline, North Shore, and Waitemata Harbour at every turn. You have the rest of the day free to explore the city as you like. If you want tips on how to spend your afternoon post Auckland tour, we have a few ideas. Perhaps a behind-the-scenes All Blacks experience, revealing insights into this record-breaking rugby team or a ferry ride to Waiheke Island to join the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus or a visit to a winery.
Day 3: Rotorua, the Cultural Hub
Location: Rotorua, Te Puia, Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
Accommodation: Millennium
Accommodation Name: Millennium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Go from city to farm life today as you travel to the countryside for a dose of local hospitality at a Be My Guest experience in the Red Barn on a working dairy farm. Over your farm to table lunch prepared by the onsite chef, get a feel for country life as you're invited to roll up your sleeves and make your own butter - butter churners, tiny mason jars and all! The next hot-spot on your NZ holiday – in every sense of the word – is Rotorua. Visit Te Puia to see and support Maori artisans at work, then continue your Rotorua tour at the steamy Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, a staggering valley where geysers pop and thermal springs jettison skywards.
Day 4: Rotorua, Yours to Discover
Location: Rotorua, Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa, Rotorua, Te Pā Tū Māori Experience, Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium
Accommodation Name: Millennium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, choose your own adventure. We have plenty of ideas for the paths you might follow. Optional Rotorua tour sightseeing experiences include relieving NZ holiday-weary limbs in the thermal waters of the Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa or perhaps you’d prefer to zip across Rotorua’s three lakes in an amphibious WWII-era Duck. The decision is yours. Tonight, dive deep into Indigenous culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Hear about Māori history, traditions, and future aspirations across four hours of celebration and feasting. Enjoy forest kai horotai (seasonal canapé) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a three-course dinner.
Day 5: Wellington, Capital of Cool
Location: Rotorua, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Wellington
Accommodation: Rydges
Accommodation Name: Rydges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Venture out of Rotorua this morning through pine forests and farmland, to the rushing rapids of Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours into a pool 11 metres below. Then you’re on your way to the heart of the North Island and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. The surrounding countryside is one of contrast: snow-blanketed mountains and alpine deserts, ancient forests and trout-filled rivers. After a full day of sightseeing and plenty of fun, you’ll arrive in Wellington with time to explore its laneways, street art, and music or one of its many eclectic restaurants.
Day 6: See the Sights of Wellington
Location: Wellington, Wellington Cable Car, New Zealand Parliament Buildings, Mount Victoria, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Zealandia
Accommodation: Rydges
Accommodation Name: Rydges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your day in Wellington should – must – begin with a coffee. The city is known for its uber-cool cafés and with coffee in hand you will head out on city sights tour to take in highlights such as its iconic cable car, parliament, and Mt. Victoria. This afternoon is yours to discover Wellington. Your tour ends at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, so why not explore it? Or the first urban completely fenced ecosanctuary of Zealandia, where the biodiversity of 225 hectares of forest is being restored. Tonight, there are so many restaurants and bars to choose from, you'll need a guidebook. Ask us for recommendations or explore at your leisure.
Day 7: Farewell Wellington
Location: Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s been a week of epic sights and adventures in the North Island, but sadly all good things must come to an end. Enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates before your transfer to the Wellington Airport (flights anytime).
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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Porterage where hotels provide this service
Porterage is included where hotels provide this service.
What's Not Included
Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Dining Summary
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across New Zealand's North Island, with all land transport and transfers included.Accommodation
Stay in comfort at cherry-picked hotels like Horizon by SkyCity in Auckland, Millennium in Rotorua, and Rydges in Wellington, ensuring a restful retreat after each day's adventures.Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Iconic North tour?
The tour includes a private and exclusive America's Cup tour at the New Zealand Maritime Museum with a Local Specialist, a Be My Guest experience at a working dairy farm where you can make your own butter, and a deep dive into Indigenous culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience with a four-hour celebration and feasting.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys. All land transport and transfers shown in the itinerary are included.
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Are meals included in the Iconic North tour?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Additionally, there is a Welcome Reception, a Be My Guest lunch, and a Regional Dinner included.
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What is the Be My Guest experience on this tour?
The Be My Guest experience takes place in the Waikato District on a working dairy farm. Guests enjoy farm-to-table fare for lunch and have the opportunity to make their own butter.
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What are some of the highlights of the Rotorua visit on this tour?
In Rotorua, you will visit Te Puia to see and support Maori artisans at work, explore the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve with its geysers and thermal springs, and have the option to participate in various activities such as visiting the Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa or taking a WWII-era Duck tour across Rotorua's lakes.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions