9-Day North Island Food & Wine

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There is one special Highlight waiting for you today, a tour to Waiheke Island. Waiheke boasts an impressive array of gorgeous galleries, quirky craft stores and tempting cafes. Here, you'll enjoy an exclusive Waiheke Island Vineyard Tour and the rest of the day will be at your free disposal and you can continue exploring Auckland or the island if you wish. In Auckland, take a stroll through Albert Park or take a scenic flight over Auckland and the surrounding area.

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Today, you'll continue your self-drive journey to Rotorua. This region is not only the centre of Maori culture but also famous for its geothermal activity. Geysers, steaming lakes and rivers, bubbling mud holes and multicoloured hot mineral springs, known for their healing properties, can be admired here. In the evening, you will visit the Maori village and be greeted with a traditional challenge at the gate of the Marae and then experience Maori rituals.

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Today, you will be heading further south. On your way, it is recommended that you stop at the famous Hobbiton Movie Set and experience the real Middle-earth, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. You'll continue driving passed Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, until you reach your next destination, Napier, located in the Hawke's Bay. Napier has beautifully preserved 1930s architecture and that is the city's special point of difference.

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Today you will spend the day exploring Napier and Hawke's Bay. First, you'll head out on an Art Deco guided walk. Your local guide will tell you stories of the earthquake that destroyed the city and the remarkable recovery and rebuild that was completed in less than two years. After the walking tour, you will head to Mission Estate Winery to enjoy a wine and cheese tasting. The perfect way to spend a day in Hawke's Bay.

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Today you will be heading off further north to the beautiful Wairarapa region until you reach your next destination, the wine village of Martinborough. Some of New Zealand's best pinot noirs come from its family-owned vineyards. Peppers Parehua estate offers guests a unique form of relaxation. Soak in the countryside with sweeping Wairarapa views and be sure to enjoy leisurely activities like retro bike rides, tennis, petanque, croquet and swimming.

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Today, you'll make the short journey to Wellington. However, before you leave Martinborough, it is essential that you explore the vineyards on a wine tour. Specialising in relaxed yet exclusive luxury tour experiences of discerning Martinborough wineries and the unique features of the region, Jill and Simon your wine tour hosts will ensure your memories of Martinborough, its people and the local wines will be pleasurable. Upon arrival in Wellington, you'll have the afternoon free.

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Today, you'll explore New Zealand's capital city, also known by "the windy city". At the Te Papa National Museum, you will get an interesting insight into the history and culture of New Zealand. You can also take a cable car up to the botanical garden for a walk and a fantastic view of the city. The Weta Workshop, Peter Jackson Workshop, is also worth a visit for The Hobbit fans. In the evening, you can take an easy evening walk through Zealandia with a local guide.