About the trip
Experience some of the North Island’s lovely hidden gems on one of our exciting new Wendy Wu ‘Local Edition’ tours. Start with the capital city’s fascinating Weta Workshop and tranquil Zealandia Ecosanctuary, then travel north by luxury coach to take in the beautiful vistas of Taranaki and New Plymouth. Head over to Tongariro National Park for a scenic gondola ride on the new Sky Waka. An art deco experience in Napier follows, with a visit to one of the wonderful Hawke’s Bay wineries. Explore the stunning and unique Hamilton Gardens, and visit the Zealong Tea Estate for lunch. Finish in Auckland with an Asian cooking class at Sachie’s Kitchen. Everything’s included – transport, accommodation, meals and a fun sociable group of like-minded travellers, all keen to experience the scenic beauty of New Zealand's North Island.
Meals
All meals included
Max. Group Size
29
Guide Languages
English
Highlights
- Weta Workshop
- Zealandia Ecosanctuary
- Pukeiti Gardens
- Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
- Huka Falls & National Trout Centre
- Ruapehu’s new Sky Waka Gondola
- Napier Art Deco Vintage Car Tour
- Hawkes’s Bay Winery
- Hobbiton & Zealong Tea Estate
Meals
All meals included
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 star
Included in the price
Wellington
- Zealandia Ecosanctuary
- Weta Workshop
New Plymouth
- Pukeiti Gardens
- Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
- Tawhiti Museum
Taupo
- Nevelea Alpacas
- National Trout Centre
- Tongariro National Park
- Sky Waka
- Huka Falls
Napier
- Art Deco Vintage Car Tour
- Orakei Korako Geothermal Park
Hamilton
- Zealong Tea Estate
- Hobbiton Movie Set
- Hamilton Gardens
Auckland
- Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple
- Sachie's Kitchen
Wellington
- Zealandia Ecosanctuary
- Weta Workshop
New Plymouth
- Pukeiti Gardens
- Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
- Tawhiti Museum
Taupo
- Nevelea Alpacas
- National Trout Centre
- Tongariro National Park
- Sky Waka
- Huka Falls
Napier
- Art Deco Vintage Car Tour
- Orakei Korako Geothermal Park
Hamilton
- Zealong Tea Estate
- Hobbiton Movie Set
- Hamilton Gardens
Auckland
- Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple
- Sachie's Kitchen
Day-wise Itinerary
ExpandDay 1: Arrive In Wellington
- On arrival, transfer to your hotel. After a welcome briefing, take a stroll to Courtney Place for a welcome dinner in the dining and entertainment hub of Wellington.
- Meals – Dinner
- Destination Information - Wellington - Nestled at the bottom of the North Island on the Cook Strait, Wellington sits at the heart of New Zealand – and so it should as the capital city. Famous for a vibrant creative culture fueled by great food, wine, craft beer, coffee and events, Wellington is a cosmopolitan city with an energetic personality.
Day 2: Wellington: Weta Workshop & Zealandia Ecosanctuary
- After breakfast head to Weta Workshop, the award winning design studio that has created special effects for many blockbuster movies such as Lord of the Rings and Avatar. Our private tour will unlock some of the movie magic! Afterwards it is a short drive to the tranquil urban forests of Zealandia Ecosanctuary for lunch and some time to enjoy a scenic walk. The Ecosanctuary is home to a huge variety of native birds and you may even spot a tuatara in the wild! On our way back to the hotel, you will have the option of being dropped off at the Botanical Gardens, for those who want to experience the Cable Car ride down to the city centre (at your own expense). Dinner tonight will include a chance to taste some famous Wellington microbrews.
- Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Destination Information - Weta Workshop – An award-winning special effects and prop company based in Wellington’s suburb of Miramar producing effects for both television and film. The company is named after the New Zealand wētā, one of the world's largest insects.
- Destination Information - Zealandia - The world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with a 500-year vision to connect people with nature and help native wildlife flourish in Wellington and beyond. The 225 hectare ecosanctuary is a ground-breaking conservation project that protects over 40 rare native wildlife species.
Day 3: Wellington To New Plymouth
- Leaving Wellington, travel north along the west coast, stopping for a tour of the iconic Foxton Windmill, a full-size replica traditional 17th century Dutch flour mill. Our next stop will be the amazing Tawhiti Museum, widely acclaimed as the best private museum in the country. The creation of artist Nigel Ogle, the museum uses life size exhibits and minutely detailed historical dioramas to present our heritage in a series of engaging displays. Enjoy lunch in the museum’s Wind in the Willows-themed café and a tour of the museum. Later this afternoon, arrive at our accommodation in New Plymouth with time for a stroll along the impressive waterfront before dinner.
- Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Destination Information - Foxton Windmill – De Molen (Foxton Windmill) was officially opened on 13th April 2003 and is a replica of a traditional 17th Century Dutch flour mill. The project was hatched in 1987 between two Dutch immigrants who had settled in Foxton because the surrounding landscape reminded them strongly of home - flat lands, lots of green grass, surrounded by water and there was always an abundance off wind. The only thing missing was a windmill!
- Destination Information - Tawhiti Museum – Widely acclaimed as the best private museum in the country, the museum uses life size exhibits and scale models to present NZ heritage in a series of super realistic and engaging displays. All the displays are designed and built on the premises in the 'Body Shop' and accompanying studios.
- Destination Information - New Plymouth – New Plymouth is the largest city of the Taranaki region on the North Island’s west coast. It is named after the English city of Plymouth in Devon as it is here that known for its dormant volcano – Mt Egmont.
Day 4: New Plymouth - Pukeiti Gardens & Govett-brewster Art Gallery
- After breakfast this morning, take an optional bike ride along the beautiful coastal cycleway to Te Rewa Bridge to meet our coach. If you do not cycle, you can opt for a scenic waterfront walk at the Bridge, a New Plymouth landmark that is reminiscent of a whale skeleton or a breaking wave. Drive to the famous Pukeiti Gardens at the foot of Mt Taranaki, for lunch in the Founders Café and a tour of the rhododendrons and exotics garden. This afternoon, drive back to New Plymouth to visit the architecturally stunning Govett-Brewster Gallery, that celebrates the extraordinary work of Len Lye, modernist filmmaker and kinetic artist.
- Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Destination Information - Pukeiti Gardens – Pukeiti hosts one of the world’s biggest and most diverse collections of rhododendrons and other exotic plants, creating an explosion of colour among lush, native rainforest and mountain streams. It is located in a gap between two sections of the Egmont National Park, to the northwest of the main cone of mesmerizing Mount Taranaki.
- Destination Information - Govett-Brewster Gallery - The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is NZ’s most courageous museum of contemporary art and the global home of Len Lye’s art and ideas post filmmaking.
Day 5: New Plymouth To Lake Taupo
- Relax and enjoy a scenic drive through some of the most untouched parts of New Zealand. Our first stop will be for a unique lunch and alpaca experience at Nevelea Alpacas, nestled in the hills of the King Country on the adventure highway. Before arriving at our hotel in Taupo this afternoon, we will stop and take a short walk to the magnificent Huka Falls where more than 220,000 litres of water per second barrel over an 11 m high waterfall. Dinner tonight will be in Taupo itself.
- Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Destination Information - Nevelea Alpacas – This is the largest alpaca farm in New Zealand and is home to over 950 friendly alpacas. Alpacas have been valued for their soft luxurious fleeces for generations, their fleece has been called ‘the fibre of the gods’. At one time, South Americans also used their fleeces as a form of currency.
- Destination Information - Taupo – A town in the central part of the North Island which sits adjacent to the vast waters of Lake Taupo, an old volcanic caldera. Water based activities, such as trout fishing and jetboating, are popular – as well as volcanic hot springs and other natural wonders.
Day 6: Tongariro National Park
- On our drive to Tongariro National Park this morning, we will make a stop at the National Trout Centre - a fascinating museum, aquarium and hatchery near Turangi. Afterward, we will continue on our journey into the National Park and ascend Mt Ruapehu on the new Sky Waka, New Zealand’s largest gondola, enjoying the panoramic views of its three volcanos. Lunch will be at the Knoll Ridge Chalet - New Zealand’s highest dining experience. Later this afternoon, enjoy some free time back at the hotel (perhaps in the pool!) before heading to dinner in the township of Taupo again.
- Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Destination Information - Tongariro National Park – Home to three active volcanic mountains, as well as iconic and majestic landscapes, Tongariro National Park is NZ’s oldest, attracting adventurers of all ages since 1887.
- Destination Information - National Trout Centre – Learn about the history of Trout and Fly fishing on the Tongariro River, one of the best fishing rivers in the world. View one of NZ’s best collections of native freshwater fish in the Aquarium and walk through the working trout hatchery with up to 16000 baby trout or "trout fry" in residence.
- Destination Information - Sky Waka - Ride 1.8 kms through the sky on the most advanced gondola in NZ, with floor to ceiling, 360 degrees views. Journey over waterfalls and ancient lava flows and take in the majestic scenery of Mt Ruapehu and it's neighbouring volcanoes, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
Day 7: Taupo – Napier / Havelock North
- After an early breakfast, take a scenic drive to Napier where you will enjoy an Art Deco Vintage Car Tour of the city plus some free time to wander round the waterfront, botanical gardens and boutique shops. We will head to Havelock North for lunch at the picturesque Birdwoods Gallery & Café whilst also ensuring there is enough time for a stroll through their sculpture garden and a browse through their unique store. After checking into your hotel later this afternoon, there will be time for a wander around the charming village of Havelock North. Dinner tonight will be at a stunning local winery.
- Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Destination Information - Napier – A coastal city set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke's Bay. Rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake, Napier is known for art deco landmarks like the zigzag-patterned Daily Telegraph Building. Along the tree-lined waterfront promenade the Marine Parade, the Pania of the Reef statue depicting a Maori maiden, is a symbol of the city.
- Destination Information - Havelock North - A recent winner of New Zealand's most beautiful suburb, Havelock North is a quaint township offering boutique shopping, a thriving café culture, and breath-taking wineries.
Day 8: Napier / Havelock North - Hamilton
- On our journey to Hamilton today, we will stop and explore one of the best thermal reserves in New Zealand, Orakei Korako. Before lunch at their lakefront café, we will take a short boat ride across the lake to explore the thermal park itself. Dinner tonight will be in the city, walking distance from our hotel.
- Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Destination Information - Orakei Korako Geothermal Park – A boat-accessible geothermal area featuring geysers, hot springs and mud pools, as well as a riverside cafe. Also known as ‘Hidden Valley’, the park area is highly active and a must see attraction.
- Destination Information - Hamilton - New Zealand’s fourth largest city, Hamilton is a thriving metropolitan hub on the banks of the mighty Waikato River. The area now covered by the city was originally the site of several Maori villages, including Kirikiriroa, from which the city takes its Māori name.
Day 9: Hamilton Gardens, Zealong & Hobbiton
- Explore the themed gardens at the award-winning Hamilton Gardens, including their recently completed surrealist garden. Lunch will be at New Zealand’s premier tea plantation, Zealong Tea Estate, in their luxuriously appointed restaurant. This afternoon we will visit the enchanting village of Hobbiton – one of the locations used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Dinner tonight is back in Hamilton.
- Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Destination Information - Hamilton Gardens – The 54-hectare park is based on the banks of the Waikato River and includes enclosed gardens, open lawns, a lake, a nursery, a convention centre and the Hamilton East Cemetery. It tells the Story of Gardens through themed gardens only most dream about.
- Destination Information - Zealong Tea Estate – Zealong is the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand, producing 100% organic award-winning tea, and is a world-leading destination for tea, art and hospitality.
- Destination Information - Hobbiton Movie Set - An aerial search in 1998 led Sir Peter Jackson’s team of location scouts to the Alexander farm, a stunning 1,250 acre sheep farm in the heart of the Waikato. They quickly realised that the Hobbits™ had found a home here, and the region featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Day 10: Hamilton To Auckland
- Our last day of touring takes us up to Auckland, where we will stop at the tranquil Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, located in Flat Bush. Designed in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty, the temple is one of Auckland’s hidden gems. Head over to Half Moon Bay Marina for lunch before we board our ferry to Auckland. After checking into our Auckland CBD hotel, enjoy a farewell dinner that we will cook ourselves at Sachie's Kitchen, famous for their awardwinning Asian cooking classes.
- Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Destination Information - Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple – A large temple and community centre of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist movement in the Flat Bush suburb of Auckland. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the country having been built over seven years at a cost $20 million. It was designed in the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. The temple also includes a large Buddha statue and a two-tonne bell.
- Destination Information - Auckland – Based around two large harbours and encompassing 48 volcanic cones, Auckland is NZ’s largest city. Also known as “The City of Sails’ Auckland is a multi-cultural hub of food and wine, music, art and culture.
Day 11: Auckland
- After breakfast, your tour officially ends, and we will transfer you back to Auckland Airport, if required.
- Meal – Breakfast
Exclusions
Expand- Personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, tipping, early check in or late check out and other items not specified on the itinerary.
Terms and Conditions
Expand- CANCELLATION BY YOU Group Tours: Cancellations must be made in writing to Wendy Wu Tours and are subject to the following cancellation charges (Cancellations are also dependent upon other additional charges imposed for air/rail/cruise tickets as referred to below) from the date the written cancellation is received.
- More than 75 days prior to departure; deposit put in credit
- Between 74 and 59 days prior to departure; 25% of total cost
- Between 58 and 46 days prior to departure; 50% of total cost
- 45 days or less prior to departure 100% of total cost
- Any ‘no show’; 100% of total cost Airfare, Cruise & Rail Tickets. If airline, cruise and rail tickets have been issued, the rules of the fare airfare will determine cancellation and/or amendment charges. Note that it is often the case the air, cruise and rail tickets once issued are non-refundable. You agree that these cancellation charges are reasonable, represent a genuine pre-estimate of our loss and are required to protect our legitimate business interests. For group departures, a transfer of a confirmed booking to another departure date is deemed to be a cancellation of the original booking. Following the commencement of your tour, no refunds will be made for any services which you choose not to use or which you cannot use for any reason other than a reason within our control. Regrettably, cancellation charges and fees cannot be waived. Please note that employees of any overseas or domestic company or staff of Wendy Wu Tours outside New Zealand are not authorised to give any guarantees or agreements to customers in respect of refunds or any other matters. Please note Special Groups, Short Stays, Extensions & Tailormade tours may have differing cancellation fees, these will be communicated in writing at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions visit: www.wendywutours.co.nz/before-you-go/booking-conditions/
