SMALL GUIDED VACATIONS: Travel with luxurious comfort and ease

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

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2026

Available Dates

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

From $5,588 per person

2027

Available Dates

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

From $6,147 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.

"Multiple itineraries all over the world!"

Megan Paylor

Nashville, TN

As a travel advisor, I get requests for trips all over the world. So far Authentic Vacations has helped me plan trips for clients throughout Europe, Iceland, and Australia. And my clients always come back happy and eager to plan another! I have worked with everyone, but most extensively with Ellie and Michelle, and I can’t say enough good things about them. They are thorough, kind, knowledgeable, and always willing to help get the job done! Highly recommend the entire crew at Authentic, and will keep coming back!

"So glad we booked our UK vacation with Authentic"

Lori N.

Illinois

This review is long overdue. We booked a 2 week vacation in the UK through Authentic Vacations and are so glad that we did!! Amber was our advisor, and she took my wish list and crafted a great trip that provided exactly what we were looking for. It was so nice to have it all pre-arranged for us so that we could just go and not have to worry about anything. The hotels were great choices and the tour companies that Amber booked were really good ones. Communication was clear and easy, and the company kept all of its commitments. Thank you, Authentic Vacations! Nice job!

"A Complicated Itinerary Made Easy"

Susan G.

Scottdale

Lauren did an excellent job with my clients! She was so helpful in a very unique and complicated trip for a solo traveler. We combined it with some Air BnB that my client did and lauren was so great! Thank you again for being amazing to work with!

"Pleasure, Memory Tour in Ireland"

Howard R.

VA

YES! Joleen put together a wonderful itinerary for my return trip to Ashford and Dromoland Castles in Ireland. The drivers and transfers were very pleasant and always on time with very comfortable luxury transports. The castle hotels were exactly what I expected but I think Joleen must have said things in the booking process because it seemed as though they may have stepped their normal attention to details up a bit. The upgrade at Dromoland was unexpected but much appreciated! Truly felt like a prince at both locations and all things went as planned without any problems. Thank you, your staff and especially Joleen for all that was done to make this a trip to remember!

"My clients were SO happy with their Italy trip"

Nicole K.

Missouri

I worked with Ellie at Authentic Vacations to plan a client's trip to Italy. Not only were the clients SO happy with the itinerary that Ellie crafted, but as the travel advisor, working with Authentic made the whole process seamless and stress-free!

My clients toured around Florence, Rome, and Tuscany. They were sending me pictures throughout their trip, letting me know that I "nailed" the itinerary. Authentic Vacations and its staff really understand the destinations and what travelers are truly looking for.

On the travel advisor side, it was an absolute joy from start to finish working with Ellie. She was always quick to respond and available to help in any way. I truly can't wait to work together in the future!

"Fantastic Vacation in Scotland"

Alison E.

Louisville

My clients just returned from Scotland and Ireland and had a fantastic vacation. I appreciate the fast responses and knowledge in creating custom itineraries and have confidence that everything will be perfect for my clients. I love working with Authentic Vacations!

"Mother & Son vacation to Ireland"

Monica H.

Lynnwood, WA

Lauren was a fantastic consultant to help me craft a great trip for my clients who were a mother and son duo who wanted to travel to Ireland. They loved Dublin and their hotel was top notch, well located and she had fun learning about the history of the hotel as well. Another highlight was the horse-and-carriage ride in Killarney.

"Amazing Ireland Guided Vacation"

Douglas K.

Minneapolis

The best part of our 8-day tour of Ireland? Tour director Joan.


Joan is a perfect blend of group director, logistics manager, guide, travel buddy and fun entertainer. Her knowledge is wide and her demeanor is lively, always full of sunshine (even if the weather is not). Joan clearly understands group dynamics with the ability to easily and subtly adjust an itinerary when warranted.


Each day of our tour included historical insight from Joan with her personal lore added for context, answers to every type of question with interesting explanations, and even an occasional folk song beautifully sung. When she granted us entry into the cathedral in Killarney - her home church and school when growing up - the experience became personal and moving.


I'm certain every member of our group of 17 wants to travel again with Joan because of her gracious and fun expertise. Thank you Joan and Authentic Vacations!

1. Click the “GET QUOTE” Button Above.

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Your request will be forwarded to our team of Destination Experts, and a price quote will be prepared, based on your submitted preferences and criteria. A free Authentic Vacations online account will also be created, allowing you to view and request changes to your quote at any time. Log into your account via “LOGIN” at the top of any of our webpages.

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