- Pricing From TBC*
- Single Supplement TBC*
- From Wellington
- Duration 7 Days
- Max Group Size 18
- Activity Level Easy Going
- Departs 2025
- Returns 2025
Travel through the heart of the North Island of New Zealand with Bill Peach Journeys. The wonder of the North Island not only lies in its dramatic landscapes, but also beats in the heart of the country’s culture. Travel past sprawling farmlands, World Heritage National Parks, seaside towns and geothermal wonders all side by side. Starting in the country’s capital Wellington, this journey will make its way through the centre of the North Island.
One of the many highlights of this journey will be travelling on board the Northern Explorer train from Wellington to Tongariro National Park, a truly stunning train journey.
Other highlights include an exploration of Lake Taupo – the largest volcanic crater that was created from one giant explosion. Travelling on to Napier learn about the fascinating history which led to this town’s very unique Art Deco architecture. The journey concludes in the ever changing and dynamic city of Auckland.
As always with a Bill Peach Journeys luxury short break, you will enjoy excellent accommodation, insightful touring and of course superb food and wine all with a distinctly New Zealand twist.
Highlights
- A spectacular rail journey from Wellington to Taupo on-board the Northern Explorer
- Cruise on Lake Taupo and learn about its history and Mauri mythology
- Explore Napier and its rich Art Deco history
- Visit the world’s largest mainland Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers
- Indulge in superb New Zealand wines and cuisine including the famous Logan Brown in Wellington and Mission Estate in Napier
- 6 nights in excellent accommodation, including the Sofitel Auckland and Wellington
- All meals included, breakfast lunch and dinner
- Escorted throughout by a dedicated Journey Director
Tour Departures
Your journey begins today in Wellington where you will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation. The Sofitel Wellington is located in the heart of the city. Tonight’s welcome dinner will be at the famous Logan Brown’s restaurant.
Overnight: Sofitel Wellington or similar
An early morning start sees the group boarding the Northern Explorer train. Sit back and relax as you witness the extremes of New Zealand’s scenery, from the sparkling Kapiti coast, to the volcanic peaks of the Central Plateau to the fertile farms of the Southern Waikato. Our arrival destination is New Zealand’s first National Park – Tongariro National. Today explore the many facets of this park, including volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls and lakes. Late afternoon continue on to Lake Taupo and the Millennium Hotel located on the shores of the lake.
Overnight: Millennium Taupo or Similar
This morning enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Taupo. Cruise to the famous Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings and around the picturesque bays of Lake Taupo. Learn about the volcanic history and Maori mythology surrounding Lake Taupo. After lunch we transfer to Craters of the Moon – this incredible geothermal walkway wanders through a weird, other-worldy landscape featuring bubbling craters and steaming vents. Our last stop is a visit to Huka Falls, the largest falls on the Waikato River. The Waikato river is one of New Zealand’s longest rivers and it drains Lake Taupo – the largest freshwater lake in all of Australasia.
Overnight: Millennium Taupo or Similar
Today we travel from Lake Taupo to the Art Deco town of Napier in the Hawke’s Bay region. Rebuilt in 1931 after a massive earthquake, the town of Napier celebrates the Art Deco style in kiwi fashion. The architecture symbolises optimism in the wake of disaster. Hawke’s Bay’s warm maritime climate and varying landscapes also produce some of New Zealand’s richest and most complex Chardonnays. Today Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s second biggest wine producing region with over 100 vineyards and more than 80 wineries producing both innovative and classic wine styles.
Overnight: The Crown Napier or similar
Today we visit Cape Kidnappers, an extraordinary sandstone headland to the east of Hastings. It was named by Captain Cook after an attempt by local Maori to abduct one of his crew. The cape is home to the largest Gannet colony in the world. Enjoy a guided 4WD tour through Cape Kidnappers Station – traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines. There is a stop on the way at a spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke’s Bay right across to the Mahia Peninsula. Continuing on we stop for lunch at Mission Estate – one of the areas oldest vineyards.
Overnight: The Crown Napier or similar
This morning we fly on commercial aircraft to Auckland. Today we visit the Auckland War Memorial for a very interesting tour of this stunning building. The Museum protects and cares for an outstanding and significant collection of Māori treasures. After a lovely lunch, enjoy an afternoon at leisure before the farewell dinner.
Overnight: Cordis Auckland or similar
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport. Say farewell to new friends and take away memories of another delightful Bill Peach Journeys Sojourn.
About Sojourns
Our Sojourn programmes are short break journeys put together in conjunction with themes, events or experiences. These programmes range from cruising New Zealand’s North Islands to world-class sporting events and unique experiences throughout Australia and New Zealand.
About Single Traveller Journeys
We recognise the specific requirements of single travellers and that’s why a number of our journeys are single supplement free, affording you the benefit of your own single room, without any, or with significantly reduced extra cost. In fact, over 40% of our guests travel alone and return to Bill Peach Journeys again and again. In this way, you can enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travellers during the day, along with the safety and security of travelling with an escorted group, but still retire to your own personal room in the evening. Note: The single supplement free offer cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer.
Fully inclusive
This journey includes accommodation, all meals as specified, touring throughout, transfers, services of a dedicated Journey Director.
Coaches
The coaches that we use for the ground component of this journey are fully air-conditioned.
Pre / Post Tour
Flights from your home port to Wellington are not included in the journey price. Should you require flights to Wellington and from Auckland, we can provide a competitive quote on airfares and pre and post tour accommodation in both Wellington and Auckland, at the commencement and conclusion of your journey.
Level of Fitness Required – Moderate
This journey is more challenging and designed for the more active traveller who is looking to venture off the beaten path. To fully participate in all activities, the traveller must be able to walk up to 1km on even surfaces unaided, travel by four-wheel drive vehicles along ungraded roads and walk up steps unassisted. It is a requirement that all children are able to swim confidently.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover you against such things as personal illness or accident, cancellation, loss of baggage etc. Please make sure you carry a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with you at all times.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the T&C’s for more information. Terms & Conditions (PDF)
* Free Single Supplement Offer – Conditions apply, please contact Bill Peach Journeys for details.