Connoisseur’s North Island
Duration: 8 days
Highlights: - Savour artisan flavours on Waiheke Island
- Step into sophistication at Huka Lodge
- Discover a fly-fishing paradise on the world-famous Tongariro River
- Seek cliff-top adventures at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Fishing, food, and wine – this exclusive self-drive journey through New Zealand’s North Island has it all. Discover firsthand why the Tongariro River is the country’s fly-fishing capital. View the world’s biggest mainland colony of gannets at Cape Kidnappers. And experience a thrilling jet-boat ride at the thunderous Huka Falls.
*Car hire not included.
**Please note that Huka Lodge will be closed from April 30 2024 - December 01 2024 for renovation.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Auckland – Waiheke Island
Ferry transfer to Waiheke Island, a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches.
Overnight: The Boatshed
Day 2: Waiheke Island
Enjoy a gourmet food and wine tour of Waiheke Island, tasting fresh oysters, award-winning olive oil and other locally produced specialities and wine from the island’s top vineyards.
Overnight: The Boatshed
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 3: Taupo
Ferry transfer to Auckland, collect your rental vehicle* and journey south to Huka Lodge on the Waikato River. Nestled in manicured grounds on the door step of the World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, this luxury lodge is your perfect base. Soak up the surrounds over pre-dinner drinks.
Overnight: Huka Lodge
Meal Plan: B,D
Day 4: Taupo
Enjoy a full day of fly-fishing on the Tongariro River. Let experienced guides introduce you to the most diverse range of rainbow and brown trout fly-fishing in the country. Later, feast on a five-course gourmet dinner.
Overnight: Huka Lodge
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 5: Taupo
Journey upstream to the thunderous Huka Falls for a thrilling jet-boat ride. The afternoon is at your leisure. Heli touring, lake cruising or golf are nearby. Or relax within Huka Lodge’s 17-acre manicured grounds to play tennis, pètanque and croquet, swim, soak in a spa pool or enjoy in-room massages and beauty treatments.
Overnight: Huka Lodge
Meal Plan: B,D
Day 6: Hawke’s Bay
Self-drive* to Hawke’s Bay and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. This magnificent property sits atop rolling hills and rugged cliffs with infinite ocean views.
Overnight: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Meal Plan: B,D
Day 7: Hawke’s Bay
Join your guide on a discovery of the 6,000-acre working sheep and cattle farm on which your 5-star retreat is located. Witness the highly-trained farm dogs muster sheep. Trek across hidden trails to see the largest, most accessible mainland colony of gannets in the world. If you are feeling adventurous, take a picnic and venture to the colony by mountain bike.
Overnight: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Meal Plan: B,D
Day 8: Hawke’s Bay – Depart Napier
Return your rental car to Napier airport.
Meal Plan: B
