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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Auckland & Travel to Northland
Arrive at Auckland where you will be met on arrival and begin your journey north into the sub-tropical beauty of Northland, a region steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful coastline. As you travel, the scenery turns into rolling farmland, native bush and glimpses of the Pacific. Your home for the next three nights is The Landing Residences, an extraordinary private estate set on a secluded peninsula. Surrounded by vineyards, historic sites and pristine beaches, this is a place of complete tranquillity. Settle into your private villa and enjoy your first evening absorbed in the stillness and natural beauty of the Bay of Islands.
Overnight: The Landing Residences
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Day 2 Northland Vineyards & Coast
Wake to birdsong and spectacular views across the bay. Today is yours to enjoy entirely at your own pace. Perhaps begin with a privately guided vineyard experience, exploring The Landing’s award-winning wines while learning about the estate’s fascinating history and commitment to sustainability. Spend the afternoon strolling hidden beaches, walking along coastal trails, or enjoying a leisurely lunch overlooking the vines. This is a place designed for slowing down, whether that means kayaking along the shoreline, reading on your terrace, or simply enjoying the sense of exclusivity.
Overnight: The Landing Residences
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Day 3 Bay of Islands
Today brings one of Northland’s most memorable experiences as you step aboard a private yacht to explore the Bay of Islands. Cruise through turquoise waters scattered with emerald islands, dropping anchor in secluded bays accessible only by boat. Swim, snorkel or relax on deck as dolphins play in the wake. For those with a deeper interest in marine life, there is the option to spend time with a leading orca expert, gaining rare insight into these remarkable creatures. Return to shore in the evening for a magical kiwi spotting experience, heading out at dusk to search for New Zealand’s elusive national bird.
Overnight: The Landing Residences
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Day 4 Travel to Auckland
Leaving the Northland behind, journey back to Auckland, a city framed by harbours and volcanic landscapes. Check in to The Hotel Britomart, a stylish and design-led property in the heart of the revitalised waterfront. The contrast to Northland is immediate, with creativity, cuisine and culture coming alive. This evening, dine at one of the city’s leading restaurants, where menus celebrate New Zealand’s exceptional produce with a contemporary edge.
Overnight: The Hotel Britomart
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Day 5 Māori Culture & Heritage in Auckland
Begin your day with a deeply moving Māori dawn welcome, a powerful introduction to the traditions and stories of Aotearoa. This intimate experience offers a connection to the spiritual and cultural foundations of New Zealand. Continue to the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a fascinating tour with a private guide, bringing to life key moments in New Zealand’s history from the times of its early Polynesian settlers to the present day. The afternoon is yours to wander, perhaps along the waterfront, through boutique galleries or simply enjoying the city’s relaxed atmosphere.
Overnight: The Hotel Britomart
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Day 6 Art & Culinary Exploration in Auckland
Today reveals Auckland’s creative soul. Join a private guide to explore the city’s vibrant art scene, from cutting-edge galleries to hidden artist studios. This insider’s perspective offers a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s contemporary identity. Early evening, embark on a progressive dining experience along Karangahape Road – an ever-evolving neighbourhood known for its energy and innovation. Move between a series of carefully selected venues, each offering a different flavour and perspective.
Overnight: The Hotel Britomart
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Day 7 Private Sailing Experience in Hauraki Gulf
This morning, step aboard your private yacht and set sail into the Hauraki Gulf, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful marine playgrounds. As the city skyline fades, a scattering of islands emerges, each with its own character and charm. Spend the day cruising between anchorages, swimming in clear waters and enjoying fresh, seasonal cuisine onboard. As evening approaches, settle into life at sea, surrounded by nothing but open water and the quiet rhythm of the ocean.
Overnight: Private Yacht
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Day 8 Island Exploration in Hauraki Gulf
Wake to gentle waves and uninterrupted views across the gulf. Today is dedicated to exploration: kayak into hidden coves, walk along untouched beaches, or simply relax on deck with a glass of wine in hand. With no fixed schedule, the day unfolds entirely at your pace, offering a rare sense of freedom and escape in one of New Zealand’s most idyllic settings.
Overnight: Private Yacht
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Day 9 Sanctuary Mountain & Taupō
Return to shore this morning and journey inland to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, a groundbreaking conservation project protecting some of New Zealand’s most endangered species. Accompanied by an expert guide, walk within this ancient forest, alive with birdsong and rare wildlife. Continue to Taupō, where the landscape opens into vast lake views and volcanic terrain. Arrive at Huka Lodge, one of the country’s most iconic retreats, set beside the rushing waters of the Waikato River.
Overnight: Huka Lodge
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Day 10 Taupō’s Geothermal Wonders
Enjoy a slow morning at Huka Lodge, perhaps with a riverside walk or relaxing in the lodge’s beautiful grounds. Later, travel into the geothermal heart of the North Island to explore Wai-O-Tapu, where vivid mineral pools, steaming vents and bubbling mud create an otherworldly landscape. To gain a deeper understanding, spend time with a volcanologist, or choose a restorative spa experience for something more relaxed. Return to the lodge for an evening of exceptional cuisine.
Overnight: Huka Lodge
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Day 11 Wilderness & Culture in Taupō
Today offers a deeper connection to the land through a guided outdoor experience in remote and untouched landscapes. Led by knowledgeable local guides, explore rivers, forests and hidden valleys while learning about Māori traditions and the natural forces that shape this region.
Overnight: Huka Lodge
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Day 12 Private Sailing & Volcanic Landscapes of Lake Taupō
Today invites you onto the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Taupō, a place of immense scale. Board your private sailing yacht and glide across New Zealand’s largest lake, framed by distant volcanic peaks and ever-changing skies. Cruise to secluded inlets and hidden bays, accessible only by water, where you may choose to swim in crystal-clear conditions or relax on deck. Along the way, your skipper will share stories of the lake’s volcanic origins and cultural significance, adding depth to this deeply memorable experience. Return to Huka Lodge in the afternoon for a relaxed evening of exceptional dining.
Overnight: Huka Lodge
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Day 13 Hawke’s Bay’s Vineyards & Coast
This morning, journey east to Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine regions, where warm sunshine, fertile soils and ocean breezes create ideal conditions for world-class vintages. Enjoy a series of privately curated wine tastings, offering access to boutique estates and winemakers, before arriving at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers. Set above the ocean on a working sheep station, the lodge offers coastal views and a sense of seclusion. Settle in and enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps with sunset drinks overlooking the cliffs.
Overnight: Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
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Day 14 Coastal Experiences at Cape Kidnappers
Wake to ocean views and spend the day entirely as you wish. Perhaps take a guided walk across the rolling headlands, visit the nearby gannet colony, or enjoy a round of golf on one of the world’s most spectacular cliff-top courses. Alternatively, indulge in a spa treatment or enjoy time at the lodge, where attentive service and exceptional cuisine define the experience. In the evening, dine on seasonal produce sourced from the surrounding land and sea.
Overnight: Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
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Day 15 Depart
Begin the day exploring Napier, a city renowned for its beautifully preserved Art Deco architecture. A guided walk reveals stories of resilience and design, offering a fascinating contrast to the landscapes that follow. This afternoon, transfer to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home or onward arrangements.
Option: you may choose to end your journey here or fly south to the Abel Tasman region, where golden beaches, lush forest and turquoise waters create one of New Zealand’s most idyllic coastal environments.
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Depart
