Nature Wellness Escape New Zealand North Island

Welcome to Auckland, where your North Island adventure begins.  Upon arrival, enjoy a smooth private transfer to your hotel and take time to relax or start exploring at your own pace. Perhaps wander along the waterfront, discover lively neighbourhoods, or simply unwind and recharge after your journey.

This easy first day sets the perfect rhythm for the nature-filled experiences, scenic trails, and moments of wellbeing that await. Overnight in Auckland, resting up for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, you'll check out of your Auckland hotel and set out to discover the city's volcanic soul and vibrant neighbourhoods on a small-group morning tour.

Your guide collects you at your hotel and heads up Queen Street through the heart of the city, past Auckland University and into the historic precincts before reaching The Domain, a sweeping urban parkland that offers some of the city's finest photo opportunities. The journey continues through Ponsonby, a charming suburb of heritage villas and boutique cafés, before crossing the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore. Here, a stroll along a beautiful beach reveals views across the Waitematā Harbour to Rangitoto Island.

A short drive through historic Devonport leads to the summit of one of the area's extinct volcanoes, widely regarded as offering the most spectacular panorama of Auckland's city and harbour. The tour concludes at Westhaven Marina — one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere — where the city skyline frames itself perfectly through a forest of yacht masts, with the Harbour Bridge arching behind. Along the way, your guide weaves in the Māori history of the region, sharing the legends and stories behind many of the place names you encounter.

After the tour, you'll make your own way back to the hotel to collect your luggage, and a quick cab ride will get you to the ferry terminal to board the ferry to Waiheke Island. 

On arrival in Waiheke Island, hop on local public transport to reach your island accommodation and settle in for a well-earned rest.

Today is all about freedom, fresh air, and a touch of adrenaline on beautiful Waiheke Island.   

With your e-bike ready and fully equipped, you'll set off to explore the island at your own pace, following coastal roads and rolling hills with sweeping sea views at every turn. Ride through the relaxed charm of Oneroa, continue on to the golden sands of Palm Beach, and reach stunning Onetangi Beach, the island’s longest and most scenic shoreline—perfect for a swim, a coffee, or a leisurely time beachside.  

In the afternoon, the adventure shifts from wheels to wings as you soar above vineyards and native forests on an exhilarating zipline experience, followed by a guided walk through regenerating bushland. It’s a thrilling new perspective on the island’s natural beauty and a wonderful contrast to the morning’s easy ride.  

Later, you'll enjoy a relaxed ride back to the ferry terminal, returning the bike and walking to the hotel, feeling energized, accomplished, and full of unforgettable moments.

This morning, your island indulgence begins right here on Waiheke Island. You’ll be warmly welcomed by your local guide, ready to lead you through a day of exceptional wines, relaxed elegance, and unforgettable scenery.  

Your first visit is to Cable Bay Vineyards, an iconic estate perched above the Hauraki Gulf. Here, beautifully crafted wines are paired with sweeping coastal views that stretch all the way to Auckland’s skyline—an inspiring introduction to Waiheke’s celebrated wine culture.

You'll continue to the golden sands of Onetangi Beach for a leisurely lunch at Restaurant 372. With the ocean just steps away, enjoy a thoughtfully prepared main course accompanied by a glass of local wine, all served with effortless island charm and uninterrupted sea views.

The afternoon takes you inland to the heart of the Onetangi Valley, where you'll visit Postage Stamp Wines. This intimate cellar door showcases small-batch wines full of personality, offering a deeper connection to the island’s diverse terroir and creative spirit. Premium tastings at three award-winning vineyards.

You'll conclude the day at the legendary Stonyridge Vineyard, nestled among olive groves and rolling vines. With its timeless, Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for a final tasting and a moment to simply savour the beauty of Waiheke.

The tour, the tour ends at the wharf, where you can spend the rest of your day exploring at leisure.

After breakfast, you'll check out of the hotel on beautiful Waiheke Island, and make your way to the ferry terminal to enjoy a scenic ferry ride back to Auckland on the 8AM departure,  watching the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf fade into the city skyline.  

Upon arrival at the pier in Auckland, you will meet your driver for your transfer to Rotorua to begin a memorable journey south toward Rotorua, travelling through the lush rolling countryside of the Waikato region—an area famous for its green pastures, charming rural landscapes, and cinematic scenery.

As the journey unfolds, the landscape gradually transforms, hinting at the geothermal forces beneath the earth. Steam rising in the distance and the scent of minerals in the air signal your arrival in Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s most fascinating and culturally rich destinations.

Rotorua sits in the heart of an active volcanic region and is renowned for its bubbling mud pools, dramatic geysers, steaming lakes, and vibrant geothermal parks. The city is also a center of Māori culture, where traditions, stories, and hospitality are proudly shared with visitors.

By the time you arrive, the sense of discovery is undeniable—your journey has taken you from the peaceful island atmosphere of Waiheke into the powerful geothermal heart of New Zealand, where extraordinary natural wonders await.

This morning in Rotorua, slow the pace and surrender to a wellness experience found nowhere else in the world. Rooted in the traditions of Ngāti Whakaue, this immersive, multi-sensory journey draws on the healing power of geothermal heat, mineral-rich waters, mud, and steam to restore mind, body, and spirit.  

Guided through a thoughtfully curated seven-step ritual, you'll move from blessing stones and cascading waterfall showers to fire-and-ice caves, serene lake-view pools, a warm geothermal mud lounge, and enveloping steam. Each stage is designed to cleanse, relax, and reconnect you—honouring centuries-old Māori knowledge while offering deep, modern rejuvenation. Spa essentials are included, allowing you to fully relax and remain present in the experience.

As afternoon fades into evening, you'll transfer to Te Pā Tū for an unforgettable cultural immersion. Set within a forest Pā surrounded by towering tawa trees and glowing bonfires, this experience unfolds according to the Māori lunar calendar. Through song, storytelling, ritual, and powerful performances, Māori culture comes vividly to life.  

During the summer season, Tū Te Rā celebrates the energy of the sun, the abundance of harvest, and ancient stories of warfare and peace. The evening begins with indigenous canapés and a complimentary aperitif, followed by a torch-lit walk to a lavish Māori-fusion feast. Traditional hāngi meets seasonal ingredients and contemporary techniques in a beautifully presented, multi-course dining experience—plentiful, soulful, and unforgettable.

At the end of the evening, complimentary transport returns you to your hotel in Rotorua. You'll overnight enriched, relaxed, and feeling connected to the land, its people, and its living traditions.

Step into a living fairytale where nature and science come together in the most enchanting way. Hidden within damp caves and shaded forests, thousands of tiny glowworms create one of New Zealand’s most magical light displays. These little creatures aren’t worms at all, but the larvae of a gnat — and their secret weapon is a shimmering blue-green glow produced from their tails. As they dangle delicate silk threads to catch their prey, the result is breathtaking: a miniature starry sky glowing softly above you.

You’ll experience this natural phenomenon up close in a purpose-built, bio-engineered eco-cave, designed to protect and nurture the glowworms while giving you an unforgettable moment of wonder. It’s intimate, immersive, and utterly spellbinding.

The journey continues into the towering beauty of the Redwoods Forest, where conservation and creativity walk hand in hand. Developed in collaboration with renowned explorers Bridget Thackwray and Topher Richwhite, this experience showcases pioneering eco-design and a deep respect for nature. From elevated walkways, you'll stroll among 120-year-old giant redwood trees, enjoying birds-eye views of the forest floor, lush treetops, and iconic New Zealand silver ferns. The walk is peaceful, accessible, and suitable for all fitness levels — a gentle way to feel completely immersed in nature, at any time of year.

As night falls, the forest transforms once again. The award-winning Nightlights Treewalk™ invites you to wander a softly illuminated pathway suspended up to 20 metres above the ground. Floating between the trees are 34 stunning lanterns designed by world-renowned designer David Trubridge, turning the forest into an open-air art gallery. Crossing suspension bridges and platforms, we move slowly through this glowing wonderland, soaking in an atmosphere that feels both serene and otherworldly.

Whether by day or by night, this is one of the most magical experiences in Rotorua — a celebration of nature, and imagination that leaves you inspired long after the lights fade.

At the end of the day, you will be transported back to your hotel.

Following breakfast, you'll leave the geothermal wonders of Rotorua behind and travel in comfort by private transfer toward the serene beauty of Lake Taupō. The journey itself is a visual delight, unfolding through rolling farmland, native forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes that reveal the powerful forces that shaped New Zealand’s North Island.

As you approach Taupō, the scenery opens up to reveal the lake itself — vast, calm, and shimmering like an inland sea, framed by distant mountains and endless skies. Nearby, the mighty Huka Falls puts on a spectacular show, with turquoise waters surging through a narrow volcanic gorge in an unforgettable burst of energy.

The experience continues by water with a relaxed and scenic two-hour cruise across Lake Taupō. Gliding along the lakefront and into peaceful, tree-lined bays toward one of the North Island’s most iconic sights: the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings. Towering 14 metres above the water, these remarkable carvings are a true masterpiece of Māori craftsmanship and storytelling — and getting up close offers the perfect opportunity to capture stunning photos and appreciate the intricate details.

Throughout the cruise, your skipper shares live, informative commentary, bringing the lake’s history and the cultural significance of the carvings to life. 

By late afternoon, you'll return to shore with lasting memories of culture, nature, and relaxation. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure — perhaps a lakeside stroll, a cozy dinner overlooking the water, or simply unwinding as the sun sets over Lake Taupō, marking a truly unforgettable day.

This morning, you'll bid farewell to the peaceful shores of Lake Taupō to begin the scenic transfer toward the sunny east coast and the charming city of Napier.

The journey is rich in contrasts and ever-changing scenery. Leaving the lake behind, you'll travel across open volcanic plains shaped by ancient eruptions, with sweeping views of rugged countryside and distant mountain ranges. The road winds through rolling farmland, quiet rural settlements, and sun-drenched valleys that gradually hint at the wine-growing region of Hawke’s Bay. Along the way, you'll notice the landscape softening — greener pastures, orchards, and vineyards begin to appear as you approach the coast.

Arriving in Napier, you’ll immediately sense its relaxed seaside atmosphere and unique character. Known for its elegant Art Deco architecture and coastal charm, the city offers a wonderful blend of culture, history, and ocean views.  After checking in to your accommodation, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure to stroll along the waterfront, explore Napier’s distinctive streets, or simply unwind and soak up the laid-back vibe.

Today is all about slowing the pace while soaking up the very best of Hawke’s Bay, blending gentle adventure, stunning scenery, and well-earned relaxation. You'll begin the morning with a delicious breakfast to fuel up and ease into the day for the journey ahead.

Take the e-bikes  and the map provided to effortlessly explore the region’s famous cycling trails at your own pace. Gliding along easy, well-maintained paths, you'll ride through sunlit vineyards, coastal landscapes, and peaceful countryside. Sea breezes, wide open skies, and postcard-worthy views accompany us as we discover why Hawke’s Bay is celebrated for both its natural beauty and world-class food and wine. Along the way, there’s time to pause, take photos, and perhaps stop for a tasting or two, letting the region’s flavours and relaxed lifestyle sink in.   

After an invigorating ride, it’s time to completely unwind at Ocean Spa. Sink into warm pools overlooking the ocean, soothe tired muscles in the sauna and steam room, and enjoy the sound of the waves as the day gently slows. Best of all, there’s nothing to worry about — the team from Tākaro Trails will collect your e-bikes directly from the spa, leaving you free to relax for the rest of the day.   A short walk away and you’re back at the hotel.

This is Hawke’s Bay at its finest: fresh air, beautiful landscapes, indulgent flavours, and pure relaxation — all perfectly balanced in one unforgettable day.

After checking out of your hotel, you say goodbye to the relaxed seaside atmosphere of Napier and transfer to the airport for your flight north to New Zealand’s vibrant metropolis, Auckland.

Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you comfortably to your hotel, where you’ll check in and have time to freshen up before heading out to discover the city at your own pace. The energy here is unmistakable — a dynamic blend of harbours, modern architecture, and lively neighbourhoods set between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Later, you'll make your own way to one of Auckland’s most iconic landmarks, the Sky Tower. Rising high above the city skyline, it offers breathtaking panoramic views across the harbour, sparkling waterways, and the city’s constellation of volcanic cones. As daylight fades and the city lights begin to glow, the view becomes truly unforgettable — a perfect introduction to Auckland’s cosmopolitan charm.

This evening is yours to enjoy as you wish, whether that means dining nearby, taking a gentle stroll through the city, or simply relaxing after a day of travel. Overnight in Auckland.

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to Auckland and the unforgettable journey that has carried you through New Zealand’s ever-changing landscapes. 

Meet your driver in the hotel lobby to enjoy a comfortable transfer to Auckland Airport for your departure flight back to Canada.