SMALL GUIDED VACATIONS: EUROPE AWAITS!

This New Zealand vacation is an exceptional opportunity to experience the best of the country’s Northern Island. Your travels begin in Auckland, a diverse city with the world’s largest collection of Māori and Pacific artifacts. You’ll spend one full day with a gourmet food and wine tour on Waiheke Island, just off the coast. Also known as The City of Sails, make time to enjoy the beautiful waters. Auckland is quite large but outdoor adventure and scenic wonders are all nearby.

After picking up your car, you’re on the road to Matamata and a tour of the Hobbiton movie set. Get into the Lord of the Rings! Continue on to Rotorua, a geothermal miracle. A Polynesian spa, in a private deluxe pool, awaits. Soak up the beauty of wildly-colored sulfur springs, northern lakes, and volcanoes on a helicopter tour over land that few people are privileged to see.

Your next stop is Napier. Along the way, go to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park and Haku Falls. Be prepared for a thrilling, jet-boat ride. In Napier, take advantage of a self-guided bike tour from the port village of Ahuriri to the city center. (Napier is an Art Deco treasure.) You might also explore the sacred grounds of Te Urewera or a colony of 13,000 wild gannets at the Cape Kidnappers Reserve.

Your final day is spent in Wellington, capital of New Zealand. On a brilliant blue harbor, you’ll have time on your own to discover a wealth of culture, including the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Head to Willis or Cuba Street to shop, and when the evening rolls around, check the Cuba Quarter for great nightlife. This tour of New Zealand is ideal for an insider’s view of the North Island.

PLAN AND BOOK

Included Unique Activities

  • Experience Locally-produced Foods & Wines on a Full Day Gourmet Food & Wine Tour of Waiheke Island
  • Experience the Real Shire From the Lord of the Rings and the 'Hobbit' Trilogies with a Visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Relax and Unwind on the Tranquil Shores of Lake Rotorua at Polynesian Spa in Your Own Private Mineral Pools
  • Experience a Helicopter Sightseeing Tour over Volcanos and Pristine Lakes
  • See the Most Colourful Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Park & Experience the Eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser
  • Enjoy a Thrilling Jet Boat Ride Down the Waikato River to the Base of Huka Falls
  • Cycle Through the Orchard-dotted Countryside and Sophisticated Villages of Ahuriri and Havelock North
Full Day Gourmet Food & Wine Tour

Full Day Gourmet Food & Wine Tour

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Polynesian Spa Private Deluxe Pools

Polynesian Spa Private Deluxe Pools

Rotorua Lakes, Mount Tarawera, Orakei Korako by Helicopter

Rotorua Lakes, Mount Tarawera, Orakei Korako by Helicopter

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park

Huka Falls Jet Boat Experience

Huka Falls Jet Boat Experience

Ahuriri to Havelock North Self-Guided Scenic Bike Ride

Ahuriri to Havelock North Self-Guided Scenic Bike Ride

Take the Ferry to Waiheke Island

Take the Ferry to Waiheke Island

Accommodations

2 Nights

Stylish Designer Hotel

2 Nights

Stunning Attractions Hotel

2 Nights

Waterfront Village Hotel

1 Night

5-Star City Heart Hotel

Transportation and Guides

  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Auckland
  • Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in Wellington
  • Rental Car with Automatic Transmission for 5 Days

Meals Included

  • 6 Full Breakfasts
  • Platter Lunch and Wine Tastings on Waiheke Island

Points of Interest

  • Auckland
  • Waiheke Island
  • Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Rotorua
  • White Island
  • Mt. Tarawera
  • Rainbow Mountain
  • Waiotapu Thermal Region
  • Huka Falls on the Waikato River
  • Ahuriri Village
  • Napier City Centre
  • Te Mata Estate
  • Black Barn Vineyard
  • Havelock North Village
  • Wellington

Mount Eden, North Island

Auckland Art Gallery, North Island

Sky Tower, North Island

Auckland, North Island

Lake Taupo, North Island

2024

Available Dates

Dec

From $4,838 per person

2025

Available Dates

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

From $5,080 per person

Your Price Includes

ACCOMMODATION

  • 7 Nights in Authentic Superior Hotels

TRANSPORTATION

  • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Auckland
  • Private Transfer From Hotel to Airport in Wellington
  • Rental Car with Automatic Transmission for 5 Days

DINING OPTIONS INCLUDED

  • 6 Full Breakfasts
  • Platter Lunch and Wine Tastings on Waiheke Island

INCLUDED UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

  • Experience Locally-produced Foods & Wines on a Full Day Gourmet Food & Wine Tour of Waiheke Island
  • Experience the Real Shire From the Lord of the Rings and the 'Hobbit' Trilogies with a Visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Relax and Unwind on the Tranquil Shores of Lake Rotorua at Polynesian Spa in Your Own Private Mineral Pools
  • Experience a Combination Helicopter Tour Landing on Both Mount Tarawera and White Island
  • See the Most Colourful Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Park & Experience the Eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser
  • Enjoy a Thrilling Jet Boat Ride Down the Waikato River to the Base of Huka Falls
  • Cycle Through the Orchard-dotted Countryside and Sophisticated Villages of Ahuriri and Havelock North

POINTS OF INTEREST

  • Auckland
  • Waiheke Island
  • Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Rotorua
  • White Island
  • Mt. Tarawera
  • Rainbow Mountain
  • Waiotapu Thermal Region
  • Huka Falls on the Waikato River
  • Ahuriri Village
  • Napier City Centre
  • Te Mata Estate
  • Black Barn Vineyard
  • Havelock North Village
  • Wellington
Prices Based On
  • All Taxes & Fees Included
  • Prices are Per Person based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room.
  • Traveling Alone? No Problem. Just Ask Us for a Single Supplement Price.

"Ireland & Scotland Tour Sampler"

Melisa S.

10

Jennifer, Gary and want to thank you so much for all you did in planning our trip to Ireland and Scotland. We had the time of our lives and will be forever grateful. Everything was beyond our expectations and we have decided we will definitely ask for your services the next time we decide to travel somewhere special!

"Exploring Italy with Friends"

Melanie G.

Fuga Travel

From my clients: "We had a fabulous trip. Hotels were amazing-tour guides were fantastic! Again you did an amazing job! Thanks a fantastic vacation! We all had a great time!"

"Milestone Birthday in Britain"

Ann Nelson

Illinois

I am a Travel Advisor who planned a Britain self drive trip for my clients. They were absolutely thrilled with the tours, hotels and activities that we planned with Authentic Vacations. As an agent, I also love working with a company that takes such good care of my clients from start to finish!

"Incredible time in Italy"

Kelly H.

AZ

My clients were thrilled with their Italy vacation:

"We had an incredible time and want to THANK YOU for setting us up with an amazing experience. For our first time to Europe we had little to no knowledge of how we travel or what we liked so most of this trip was a learning experience. We loved it all! Sorrento is not to be missed! Thank you Ellie for your expertise, once again!"

"50th Anniversary In Italy"

Jim C.

Palm Harbor, FL

Communication was excellent before and during our trip. Although there was one day there was a snafu with scheduling, Authentic did make up for it - we would recommend Authentic Vacations to help plan your trip!

"An unforgettable honeymoon in Italy"

Kelly H.

AZ

From my clients: 9 Night Custom Italy

"An unforgettable honeymoon! We saw so many unique and unusual places that each was ranked at the top for various reasons. But, the Colosseum and history were fascinating. The architecture throughout the country leaves me speechless. The hotels and tours were amazing!

Thank you for a great experience and being so accommodating and honest with us. The idea of traveling abroad for the first time was a bit intimidating, but you armed us with invaluable information that made the trip easy and completely stress-free."

This is what keeps me returning to Ellie & Authentic!

"Family Chauffeur Tour in Ireland"

Paula M.

Arizona

My clients have been having a great time in Ireland. Jackie and John just turned 60, and George proposed to his girlfriend Grace at the Cliffs of Moher.It's been a big celebration tour! Their driver has been fantastic and deserves a special shout out. I'll have the full post trip debrief for you in the coming weeks, but just wanted to let you know the clients are happy.

"Amazing Group tour in Ireland"

Patricia Hand

Florida

Another outstanding experience! Thank you, Michaela and Authentic Vacations. Our group of 11 had an amazing time exploring the beauty of the Emerald Isle! The accommodations were stellar properties and perfectly located in the middle of each destination. Unique experiences awaited us everywhere and I was thrilled to be able to be on this special tour.

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