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 meet your Travel Director and travel mates. Then it’s off to dinner at Eight, an interactive restaurant named for its eight kitchens where you can choose from international cuisine options including sushi, fresh oysters, Indian curry and Italian pasta. 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.

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 Harbor at every turn. You have the rest of the day free to explore the city as you like. Amble down Queen Street to Viaduct Harbor’s main shopping precinct and relax with a glass of New Zealand’s crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Or, if you’re looking for more than views of the city, you’ll find it aboard the ferry to the charming maritime village of Devonport. You could walk to to he summit of Mt. Victoria, visit Devonport Chocolates where you can watch chocolatiers handmaking their sweet treats or simply relax on Cheltenham Beach.

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 at the home of former champion jockey, Lance O’Sullivan, and Bridgette. 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! After a fun and insightful morning, head out to Tauranga's beautiful beaches in the Bay of Plenty. Explore Mauao, an extinct volcano, or kick back on its secluded beach, considered to be one of the best in New Zealand. More stunning waterfront awaits you as you make your way to your Stays With Stories accommodations in the family-run Trinity Wharf.

Kick off your day in Kiwifruit Country in Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand. Join a Local Specialist to learn about kiwi’s seasonal production cycle, how it’s grown, and finally harvesting and exporting the fruit as you tour this family-owned 60-hectare working orchard. After trying fresh kiwifruit and perhaps kiwifruit ice cream continue to Rotorua for an orientation tour showcasing the town and lake before the first of your two Dive Into Culture Experiences. Feel good travel, you’ll appreciate how today’s experience contributes to the important work of preserving Māori culture for future generations. Visit Te Puia to see the steaming hot springs and geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and learn about the various onsite education facilities for Māori students to train in Māori arts and culture. Then tonight, at Te Pa Tu Māori Experience, you’ll be welcomed by a powerful ‘Powhiri’ ceremony before learning the Poi and Haka dances (you can even have a try yourself). Top off this fun night with forest kai horotai (summer season canapés) and chef-choice aperitif followed by a seasonal three-course dinner and live music under the stars.

With a full free day in Rotorua, you'll have plenty of options of how to explore. If you’d like to adventure by land and water, see the area in an amphibious WWII-era Duck. These land and water vehicles used during the war will take you to three of Rotorua’s most stunning lakes (splashdowns included!) for views and commentary on the beautiful scenery. Or, see the area from above on an ancient forest zipline adventure, zipping through the trees while learning about local flora and fauna as well as New Zealand’s conservation efforts. Lastly, Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of today’s opportunity to tour the sights featured in the Lord of the Rings movies at Hobbiton. These beautiful landscapes offer not only a bucket list trip for Hobbit fans, but a gorgeous countryside getaway. Wherever you venture today, there’s something for every traveler and plenty of memories to be made.

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 meters below. Then you’re on your way to the heart of the North Island and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. Have a look strolling the shoreline and basking in the gorgeous freshwater lake that’s home to geothermal valleys with hot springs, alpine deserts, and world-class trout fishing. Journey south over the volcanic Central Plateau to the town of Taihape. This quirky little town is known for its yearly gumboot throwing competition, proudly celebrated since 1985. Get in the spirit and take a photo in front of the massive metal boot before joining in a friendly gumboot throwing game on the lawn with the group. 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.

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.