Auckland, known as Tamaki Makaurau, is one of the world's most livable cities and a marine playground with two harbors—Manukau on the Tasman Sea and Waitemata on the Pacific Ocean. Its warm climate and diverse geography foster a vibrant lifestyle with a multicultural blend of cuisine, music, art, and culture.

Upon your arrival, you are greeted at Auckland Airport and taken directly to your hotel by a private transfer. To kick the jet lag, get ready for a unique experience on the water after you have settled in. The America's Cup sailing excursion is a different take on Auckland! Board an ultra-high-tech America’s Cup yacht. Usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional sailors, this experience allows you to sail these grand-prix racing machines without any sailing experience. With guidance from the professional crew, you will become part of the team sailing this authentic race vessel. Take the helm, exert energy on the grinders to hoist the mainsail, or sit back, relax, and enjoy the action as you cruise the beautiful Waitemata Harbor. The duration of this intimate, shared group experience is roughly two hours.

Make yourself at home at your hotel after today's events. This luxury boutique hotel is superbly situated in the heart of Auckland’s Queen Street, the most vibrant and dynamic precinct.

Please note that the check-in time at the hotel is 3:00 pm. Early check-in can be requested for an additional fee in advance. 

After breakfast, you will be taken to pick up your rental car, and then head out on your adventure. Drive into the Waikato region on your way to Rotorua. First, head to Waitomo in "King Country," an area rich in history and natural beauty. King Country was once a stronghold of independent Māori and resisted European influence until 1883. Explore the famous Waitomo Caves, where underground rivers disappear into the earth.  Although they are not strictly speaking "worms," they are a type of fungus gnat that is native to the area. They are luminescent both during the larval stage and imago. Your local Māori guide will explain the history of these sacred grounds and the biology of the glowworms that will lead you onto a spectacular boat ride through the majestic ‘Cathedral’ with millions of luminescent larvae—a truly magical experience.

From Waitomo, continue east on the "Thermal Explorer Highway." Depending on the weather, you will likely smell Rotorua well before you arrive. The Rotorua region is rich with geothermal activity releasing hydrogen sulfide, giving the area its distinctive smell. Rotorua is surrounded by mountains, rivers, native forests, and 18 freshwater lakes. Rotorua is also known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, all due to its unique location within the Pacific Ring of Fire. This part of New Zealand is one of the world’s most concentrated and accessible geothermal areas. There is no better place in New Zealand to experience well and alive Maori culture, hospitality, and food. 

This evening, experience a traditional Māori evening at Mitai Village for an introduction to Māori culture and food. Mitai Village is nestled in a natural bush setting just outside of Rotorua. You witness the arrival of the ‘waka’, the ancient warrior canoe on the Wai-O-Whiro stream and your Māori guides explain all the secrets to cooking a traditional ‘hangi’ and the traditional ‘ta moko’, Māori tattoo art. A cultural performance displaying weaponry and combat, coupled with the beauty of the poi dance, will finish with the highlight – the spine-tingling ‘haka’. A traditional hangi dinner rounds off an unforgettable evening with the Mitai family.

Auckland to Waitomo and Rotorua (330 km / 205 miles, 4.5 hours)

After breakfast, explore Te Puia Geothermal Park, home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest active geyser, Pohutu, and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. On a guided walk, uncover the hidden beauty of geothermal landscapes, mud pools, and native bush. Feel the rush as Pohutu erupts, hearing its roar before seeing the spectacle. Visit the Māori arts school to witness skilled carvers and weavers training the next generation of Indigenous artists.

This afternoon, enjoy a 1-hour scenic overland drive from Rotorua to Taupo. Stop by any geothermal wonders along the way, such as Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu Valley, or Craters of the Moon near Taupo. Reaching Taupo, you will enjoy splendid views of Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in the southern hemisphere, and, weather permitting, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ngaurohoe in the distance.

This evening, experience the beauty of Lake Taupo, the largest volcanic crater in the world, with a scenic sunset cruise. Sail around the well-known Māori Rock Carvings under the floodlights, sipping wine and enjoying traditional Kiwi music. Relax on a cozy, covered catamaran and take in the stunning views on this all-weather evening tour. Perfect for unwinding in a picturesque setting. Stay at a cozy hotel on the shores of Lake Taupo to cap off your day.

Welcome to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual World Heritage site. Home to three active volcanoes and rich in Māori cultural significance, it offers iconic landscapes and world-class hikes, including the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This adventure-filled destination provides stunning natural wonders and a range of accommodations in National Park, Whakapapa, and Raurimu villages, catering to explorers seeking both thrill and tranquility.

On this day, get ready to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Your guide will meet you at the trailhead parking area before you begin. This 19-km trek is New Zealand’s best one-day walk. The track leads up to the saddle between Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro. The landscape on Tongariro is peppered with different colored and shaped craters that have been active at different periods, scoured volcanic rocks, mountain springs, and brightly colored emerald lakes.

During summer, it offers a majestic landscape of recent resultant volcanic activity. There is a vast array of colors and textures created from sulfur, aluminum, silica, and many other mineral deposits released from within the earth’s crust. In summer, this track can get crowded, and where possible, your guide will take you away from the masses while ensuring that the popular sights are still experienced.

The winter season offers the opportunity to walk through the magnificent snow-covered landscape without the summer crowds. No outdoor experience is necessary; all training and safety information are given on the day. Crampons and ice axes are supplied by your guide for a fantastic alpine experience.

Savor the breathtaking 4-hour land journey from Tongariro to Wellington after breakfast. Enjoy majestic views over Mt Tongariro on the left as you depart. Waiouru sits at 800m above sea level and is home to New Zealand’s National Army Museum. From Waiouru, the road gently descends into the Manawatu-Wanganui region, home to the heartland of dairy farming, passing through small rural towns such as Taihape, Hunterville and Levin. You will notice more vehicles on the road as you enter the greater Wellington region and Wellington’s harbor basin.

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, blends culture, history, and nature in a compact city perfect for walking. Nestled between a sparkling harbor and green hills, it offers vibrant dining, craft beer, and a rich arts scene. Ride the cable car to Kelburn Hill for stunning city views. Don’t miss Te Papa, the renowned interactive National Museum. After your drive, unwind in a boutique hotel close to cafes, restaurants, and the waterfront and explore the city at your leisure.

He toi whakairo, he mana tangata—Where there is excellence, there is human dignity. On this day, experience the living and breathing culture of the Māori people through the taonga (treasures) in New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa. Experience the living and breathing taonga of te iwi takekate (first peoples of the land). From great journeys across vast oceans to hopeful visions for the 21st century, these taonga speak to historical and contemporary Māori perspectives. This is the ideal tour for those looking for an introduction to Māori culture to hear intimate stories and gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s Indigenous people.

In the afternoon, explore Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary at twilight as the sanctuary shifts from day to night. Listen to the evening chorus of native birds and watch as they return to their nests. As night falls, spot kiwi and ruru (morepork) awakening in the serene forest. This immersive twilight tour is a refreshing and unforgettable experience.

After breakfast, travel to Wellington Airport to return your rental car. Catch your international flight and return home.