- Days 1–3Auckland
- Days 3–6Bay of Islands
- Days 6–8Rotorua and Taupo
- Days 8–10Hawke's Bay
- Days 1–3Auckland
- Days 3–6Bay of Islands
- Days 6–8Rotorua and Taupo
- Days 8–10Hawke's Bay
The Best of the North Island
Experience the natural beauty and traditional culture of New Zealand’s North Island. This ten-day trip takes you from the idyllic scenery of the Bay of Islands to the lunar-like landscape of Rotorua, with plenty of world-class food and drink along the way.
Trip highlights
- Sample wonderful wine around Hawke’s Bay
- Paddle the turquoise inlets of the Bay of Islands
- Learn about Māori history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Cruise Lake Taupo and enjoy some fishing
- Discover Art Deco architecture in Napier
- Hike or mountain bike on world-class trails in native forests
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–3
Welcome to the City of Sails
It frequents the list for most liveable city year after year and after a bit of time in Auckland it’s not hard to understand why. New Zealand’s largest cosmopolitan centre is a lively mix of culture, cuisine, music and art with ample green spaces and easily accessible beaches. With influences from Asia, the Pacific islands and Europe along with traditional Māori culture, it is a fresh and vibrant city, with some of the best eateries and cafes in the country
Where you could stay
Wine tasting on Waiheke Island
It’s a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland over to Waiheke Island where you will meet your guide, a local wine expert. Explore the island’s wineries, learning what makes New Zealand wine some of the best in the world, and tasting some of their signature cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and chardonnay.
A visit to Matakana, Tawharanui Beach and Parry Kauri Park
Setting off on your private transfer to the Bay of Islands, you’ll stop first at the well-known Morris and James Pottery, who create a vast selection of colourful ceramics using clay harvested from the banks of the Matakana River. You’ll also visit the Omaha Gallery and the stunning Tawharanui Beach, set on a remote peninsula. There is the option to hike the North to South Coast Trek for approximately 8km. After lunch, you’ll visit Parry Kauri Park to view the famous Kauri Trees before heading on to your lodge.
Days 3–6
Coastal scenery in the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands encompasses 144 islands dotted between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. Take to the sparkling waters and paddle through its turquoise inlets in a sea kayak or discover the underwater world on a diving excursion. Back on dry land, explore the many walking trails that wind their way through verdant forests and past secluded beaches, and set aside some time to relax in the quaint seaside towns.
The range of activities will depend on your chosen lodge, but each has a real passion for helping guests get the very best out of this beautiful region.
We can also arrange a bespoke beaches and bays tour, taking in breathtaking views, golden beaches and visits to the serene waters of Whangaroa Harbour (the deepest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere) the small fishing village of Mangonui.
Where you could stay
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Today you’ll spend some time with Hone Mihaka. Hone is a Nga Puhi warrior descended from chiefs who signed the Treaty of Waitangi, the document signed with the British in 1840 and sometimes referred to as New Zealand’s founding document. Hone also spent some time with the New Zealand Army and today represents his people in Treaty of Waitangi negotiations with the New Zealand Government. Hone has an infectious enthusiasm for his culture and his people and is a born storyteller with an incredible depth of knowledge.
Days 6–8
The volcanic landscapes of Rotorua and Lake Taupo
Steaming mud pools, erupting geysers and Maori traditions all make Rotorua and Taupo a special area to visit and one that is distinctively unique to the rest of New Zealand. Explore geothermal parks before heading into nearby native forests for hiking or mountain biking the numerous world-class trails. Lake Taupo is actually a volcano crater, the lake’s deep blue waters draw visitors with its idyllic swimming holes, reputable fishing and adventure sports. On a clear day the views stretch out over the glassy water to the snowcapped volcanoes of Tongariro National Park in the distance.
Where you could stay
A scenic cruise on Lake Taupo
Enjoy a scenic charter on Lake Taupo and cruise around the northern bays. Enjoy breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains as you make your way to the Maori rock carvings and to Kaipo Bay, learn about the geological history and Maori mythology surrounding the lake from your friendly skipper. Should you wish there is also the opportunity to enjoy some fishing on the lake today. Lunch on board is included.
Days 8–10
Two days Exploring Hawke's Bay
The last leg of your trip takes you to Hawke’s Bay, the North Island’s wine country. You’ll find some of the country’s best food and wine here. This is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions with golden colours stretching across arid plains. The scene here is made up of vineyards and orchards laden with fruit, fertile farmlands that sweep to the perfect waves on the coast and laidback seaside settlements.
During your stay, you’ll tour Art Deco Napier in a vintage car and enjoy private tastings – a fine way to end your epic exploration.
Where you could stay
Art deco Napier and the Hawke's Bay wineries
Napier was levelled by an earthquake in 1931 and the town’s centre was rebuilt in the glamorous Art Deco style. Explore aboard a classic 1938 Packard automobile, meeting talented artists in their studios and visiting the factory of world-famous designer David Trubridge. Next up is a visit to Craggy Range vineyard for wine tasting and lunch. The chief winemaker here was voted one of the top 50 winemakers in the world. After a leisurely meal your guide will drive you up to the summit of Te Mata Peak for stunning vistas out to Hastings and the Heretaunga Plains, Napier, Cape Kidnappers and the sea beyond.
Fantastic New Zealand Honeymoon! We had an excellent experience working with Jacada to plan our honeymoon in New Zealand. They listened to us when we told them what types of activities we wanted to do, how many places we wanted to visit, etc., and we got to hit everything on our NZ bucket list. They also found the most wonderful…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
