The Endless Shores

Upon arrival at Wellington Airport you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening, join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception, followed by dinner.

Discover Wellington your way. You could visit the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne, home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife. Go on a guided city walking tour around Wellington or explore the country’s fascinating culture, nature, heritage and art at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.

Travel through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawke’s Bay. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine at Craggy Range winery, in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak. Spend the evening in your accommodation surrounded by the area’s majestic hills.

Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide fascinating commentary as you are driven in style through Napier and surrounding areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and hear stories of the people that led the rebuild of Napier in the Art Deco style.

Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua. This afternoon you will have a guided cultural eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Armed with a packed lunch and with your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rainforest on a guided cultural walking tour, including Rongoa trail, rakau rangatira, history, possibly sight some native and endangered birds, whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end.

Ascending to the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 120-year-old redwood giants and view the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. Next stop is the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, the national leader in kiwi husbandry, and learn about their kiwi hatchery programme that is proudly supported by TreadRight. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and complementary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Make your way to the famous Caveworld Waitomo for an exclusive 5-star Eco Glowworm experience. Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glowworms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel through the dairy farming district of Waikato, and on to Auckland. This evening, toast your tour together at a Celebration Dinner.

Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and we transfer you by private car to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.