Journey through the heart of the North Island on this tour from Auckland to the capital city of Wellington, and catch the Northern Explorer Scenic Train back to Auckland. Along the way, enjoy such highlights as Waitomo Caves, unique Maori cultural experiences, and the art deco city of Napier.
Independent tour (bus & coach)
This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,070 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Auckland, finishes in Auckland
4 days/3 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
Viewed 188 times in the last 7 days
Day 1: Auckland to Waitomo Caves and Te Puia to Rotorua
Accommodation: Asure Rotorua International Motor Inn
Day 2: Rotorua to Napier by Intercity coach
Accommodation: Bella Vista Napier
Day 3: Time to explore Napier this morning, then to Wellington by Intercity coach
Accommodation: Quest On Lambton
Day 4: Hop aboard the Northern Explorer and journey back to Auckland
Travel from Auckland and visit Waitomo Caves on the way to Rotorua. This tour covers the most iconic destinations in the Northern island. You will visit Rotorua which is famous both for its thermal activity and its rich Maori Heritage. In addition, you will enjoy guided tour in the world renowned Waitomo Glow worm Caves and geothermal wonderland Te Puia. Your tour will finish in Rotorua.
New Zealand’s Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.
Your accommodation: Asure Rotorua International Motor Inn
Beautifully appointed and comfortable motel accommodation just a short drive from central Rotorua - the cultural hub of New Zealand!You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Rotorua Intercity Coach Depot.
From Rotorua you travel along the geothermal highway and past the edge of the largest man-made radiate pine forest in the world - the Kaingaroa Forest towards Taupō. Your coach travels past Taupō which sits on the shores of New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupō. From Taupō you'll travel over the Ahiminawa Ranges to Napier. Napier has the highest concentrations of Striped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco building styles in the world. The commercial centre was completely rebuilt following a catastrophic earthquake in 1931. Napier is also at the centre of one of the largest and most vibrant wine-producing areas in New Zealand.
Hawke's Bay offers a variety of scenic walks, from coastal paths to forest trails, perfect for exploring the region's natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a more challenging hike, there's something for everyone. Be sure to check with the Department of Conservation for current conditions before heading out.
You will be collected from Napier Coach Depot and transferred to your accommodation. On the way to your accommodation, you will be taken on a one-hour tour of Napier
Your accommodation: Bella Vista Napier
Bella Vista Motel Napier invites you to experience its friendly service and modern motel units. Located close to shops, restaurants and the renowned Marine Parade with its majestic Norfolk pines.This 2 1/2 hour tour takes in all the history, from early settlement, through to the huge 1931 earthquake and the rebuilding of the City to the Art Deco Capital of the World to what it is today. You also visit the historic area of Ahuriri, National Tobacco Building and the famous Mission Estate Winery. As you return to Napier City, you will also tour an Art Deco Housing Estate. Experience many stops for photos from lookouts to famous landmarks etc. This is a compact tour, it is really for those that are spending the one night here in Napier and still wish to see the City highlights.
Leaving the 1930's inspired city of Napier you will travel through the countryside of the Hawke's Bay and Manawatu. Travelling along the Kāpiti Coast line into the capital city of Wellington. Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around 1 square kilometre) and exploring on foot is relatively easy. You can easily stroll the famous cafes and restaurants within the city and New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, is also close by.
Your accommodation: Quest On Lambton
Quest on Lambton hotel rooms offer a relaxed and comfortable Wellington accommodation experience. Located within walking distance of the Wellington Cable Car, Queens Wharf Events Centre and Victoria University, and minutes from Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, Westpac Trust Stadium and the Botanical Gardens.You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Wellington train station to meet your train.
The Northern Explorer is a journey through the heart of the North Island, travelling between Wellington, New Zealand's arts and culture capital and Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Along the way you pass the Central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune. You also see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges - all from panoramic windows or open air viewing decks. All carriages feature large panoramic windows giving sweeping views of the magnificent North Island. The Observation Carriage includes a mix of seating including lounge-style seating. The lounge-style seating is arranged at the very rear of this glass-backed carriage enabling you to enjoy a totally unique Northern Explorer experience.
Feel like luxurious service, exclusive meals, inclusive drinks and priority check in and boarding? The Scenic Plus add-on option is for you. Enjoy per...
Read moreFeel like luxurious service, exclusive meals, inclusive drinks and priority check in and boarding? The Scenic Plus add-on option is for you. Enjoy personal service with panoramic windows, spacious carriages and comfortable seating. The exclusive open-air viewing carriage is available if you feel like capturing the ultimate photo or simply wish to experience the great outdoors whilst travelling through the Southern Alps. Your food is prepared exclusively in a kitchen carriage, with paired drinks and a paddock to plate regionally inspired food menu all your senses will be fully engaged on this journey.
HideStarts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | ||
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Nov 10, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 11, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 12, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 13, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 14, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 15, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 16, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 17, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 18, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 19, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 20, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 21, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 22, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 23, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 24, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 25, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 26, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 27, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 28, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 29, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Nov 30, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Dec 1, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Dec 2, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Dec 3, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Dec 4, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Dec 5, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Dec 6, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Dec 7, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Dec 8, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Dec 9, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 | |||
Dec 10, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$2,070 | NZD$2,790 |