Lighting the Direction of your Future Path: An Energetic Adventure in New Zealand
Your TourHero
Duration
13 days · 12 nights
Travel Date
Feb 17 – 29, 2024
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
10 – 15
Transportation
Van, boat
Tour Price
Your Local Guide
Haka Tours has been making the travel dreams of its guests come true since 2007. Today, they are proud to be one of New Zealand’s leading small group adventure operators, delivering intimate, authentic, and immersive experiences across New Zealand, Australia, and surrounding Oceania destinations. Along with valuable training and expertise to ensure your safety on a trip, Haka Tours takes it one step further with the passion and dedication of its team to help you discover hidden gems and experience unforgettable moments. Let them take care of the nitty gritty details for you — all you have to do is let the adventure unfold!
Take a fantastic journey through New Zealand's scenic North Island and experience first-hand the culture, beauty, nature, and incredible wines of this incredible land. Starting in Auckland and traveling through the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Napier, and Wellington, you'll have opportunities to see the best that each destination has to offer. Enjoy a Waiheke Island wine tour complete with lunch, embark on an excursion through the Waipoua Forest, go on an evening walk through the majestic Redwood Forest, experience a cultural evening and traditional dinner at Te Puia, go sailing on Lake Taupo to see the Maori rock carvings, go on a winery bike tour at Napier, and more!
Cancellation policy
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until December 19, 2023. If the departure is cancelled out of your control, you will be alerted by December 19, 2023 and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip by November 19, 2023 for a refund, excluding the deposit. After this date, no refunds will be given.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
Your TourHero
Duration
13 days · 12 nights
Travel Date
Feb 17 – 29, 2024
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
10 – 15
Transportation
Van, boat
Take a fantastic journey through New Zealand's scenic North Island and experience first-hand the culture, beauty, nature, and incredible wines of this incredible land. Starting in Auckland and traveling through the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Napier, and Wellington, you'll have opportunities to see the best that each destination has to offer. Enjoy a Waiheke Island wine tour complete with lunch, embark on an excursion through the Waipoua Forest, go on an evening walk through the majestic Redwood Forest, experience a cultural evening and traditional dinner at Te Puia, go sailing on Lake Taupo to see the Maori rock carvings, go on a winery bike tour at Napier, and more!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Auckland
- Arrive at Auckland airport
- Group transfer from airport to accommodation
- Check-in at CityLife Auckland (or similar according to availability)
- Free afternoon
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · Auckland
- Breakfast
- Ferry to Waiheke Island
- Visit wineries (lunch included)
- Free time
- Visit the Sky Tower
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · Auckland
- Breakfast
- Mindset activity
- Free time or optional trip to Les Mills World of Fitness
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · Auckland & Paihia
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Drive towards Bay of Islands
- Visit Waipoua Forest and Tane Mahuta
- Arrive at Paihia, Bay of Islands
- Check-in at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner over the water
- Day 5 · Paihia
- Breakfast
- Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds with 'compass walk'
- Free afternoon
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 6 · Paihia & Auckland
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Journey back to Auckland
- Stopovers at various beaches
- Arrive in Auckland
- Check-in at CityLife Auckland (or similar according to availability)
- Free time
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 7 · Auckland & Rotorua
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Journey to Rotorua
- Lunch (not included in price)
- City tour of Rotorua
- Check-in at ibis Rotorua (or similar according to availability)
- Evening walk at Redwood Forest
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 8 · Rotorua
- Group fitness session
- Breakfast
- Free time – explore Waimangu Geothermal Valley, Wai-O-Tapu, or take a day trip
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Visit Living Maori Village (includes traditional hangi dinner)
- Day 9 · Rotorua, Taupo & Napier
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Journey to Taupo
- Visit Huka Falls
- Sail on Lake Taupo & view traditional Maori rock carvings (lunch included)
- Journey to Napier
- Check-in at Scenic Hotel Te Pania (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 10 · Napier
- Breakfast
- Bike tour of wineries (various stopovers)
- Lunch amongst the vines
- Return to hotel
- Evening meditation session
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 11 · Napier
- Breakfast
- Group fitness session
- Mindset activity
- Free day in Napier
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 12 · Napier & Wellington
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- See the local Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers
- Journey to Wellington
- Check-in at Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Free time — visit Mount Victoria, Te Papa Museum, Weta Workshop, Zealandia, etc
- Farewell dinner
- Day 13 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Group transfer from accommodation to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand! Get settled into your accommodation in Auckland
Kia ora and a very warm welcome to Auckland, a bustling city highlighted by its fantastic food, vibrant culture, and waterfront views! Once you've landed, your guide will meet and greet you at the airport and whisk you away to your comfortable accommodation in the city. Get checked in, drop your bags, and stretch your legs! The remainder of the day is kept free and easy for you to relax, get your bearings, and mingle with your fellow companions on this trip! Tomorrow, the real journey begins!
Day 2
Catch the ferry to Waiheke Island, tour some of the best wineries, and enjoy lunch with some amazing views
After a workout and energy-boosting breakfast this morning, we'll hop the ferry over to Waiheke Island today to visit some of the best wineries in New Zealand! During this delectable wine tour, you'll get to enjoy lunch and take in some amazing views. We'll outline the start of your future here with some vision casting group activities--and an activity into your own self belief and trust. Where is your trust factor? We’ll find out!
Once the tour is completed and we head back to Auckland, you'll enjoy some free time on your own before we gather to head to the Sky Tower--the best view in all of New Zealand! Dinner is on your own, or we can enjoy as a group.
Day 3
Enjoy a day of freedom in Auckland today — relax, hire bikes and cycle along the waterfront, or check out the best restaurants!
This morning, we'll enjoy an early breakfast and mindset activity-- and then head over to the 'mecca' of fitness--Les Mills World of Fitness. If you wish to stay behind--you can enjoy the bikes down Mission Bay or some other activity.
We'll then enjoy a light lunch together, and you'll have the afternoon to yourself to explore and take in the city. Dinner will be on your own before we depart for the next leg of our adventure tomorrow. :)
Day 4
Journey to the Bay of Islands and visit the Waipoua Forest (and Tane Mahuta) along the way
After our early breakfast--we'll set our intentions for the next part of our journey--and we'll depart for the Bay of Islands--the birthplace of New Zealand. Along the way, we'll visit the ancient Waipouoa Forest. This is a spectacular forest on the west coast of New Zealand's Northland Region that is known for having two of the largest living kauri trees. You'll meet one of them today: Tane Mahuta — known as the “God of the Forest”.
Once we arrive at Paihia (the gateway to the beautiful Bay of Islands), get checked into your accommodation and refresh yourself from the journey. At tonight's dinner, we’ll sketch out our future directional path as a group--over the water
Day 5
Focus on vision casting with a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and enjoy free time in Paihia
Today we'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds--New Zealand's most important historic site where the signing of the first accord between the British Crown and the Maori people took place. We'll do an activity in which you map out your future direction and plans--our 'compass walk'. Once we wrap up, we'll enjoy some lunch, and you'll have some free time in Paihia to explore and vision cast.
Dinner on your own tonight.
Day 6
Return to Auckland and stop along some of the best beaches New Zealand has to offer
Today, we return to Auckland. After breakfast, we'll drive down along the coast, which means we'll get to stop at some of the best beaches New Zealand has to offer along the way! Keep an eye out for dolphins, and don't forget to take plenty of photos of the beautiful sights we'll see as we make our way to the city. Once we reach Auckland, you'll have time to get checked in and freshen up from our long journey. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure.
Day 7
Head to Rotorua (known for its geothermal activity), enjoy a city tour, and walk through the Redwood Forest
After our night back in Auckland, we'll enjoy breakfast together and examine where our 'trust factor' has grown and set our intentions for the next leg of our journey. Today we depart for Rotorua. As we make the journey, you may opt to discover the filming location of Hobbiton on the way (a must for any fans of The Lord of the Rings).
Once we arrive, we'll embark on a historical tour of the city, and we'll examine the parallels of our own history and where we are claiming a new direction for ourselves.
Tonight, we'll enjoy a spectacular tour of the Redwood Forest, and we'll wrap up with a heightened perspective on our future.
Day 8
Enjoy some free time exploring Rotorua and its surroundings; visit a Living Maori Village for a cultural performance and traditional dinner
After a light workout and breakfast together, we'll set our intentions, and set out for the Waimangu Geothermal Valley and Wai-O-Tapu. We'll spend some time together this afternoon building new trust statements for the rest of our adventure.
Tonight we'll go to a live Maori Village for a cultural experience and enjoy a traditional hangi dinner.
Day 9
Take a day trip to Taupo to visit Huka Falls and enjoy sailing on Lake Taupo; continue onwards to Napier
After breakfast this morning, we'll say goodbye to Rotorua and make the drive to Taupo. Once in Taupo, we'll visit the powerful Huku Falls, and test our own self belief and trust with some group activities. Did you know that Huku Falls sends nearly a quarter of a million liters of water per second over an 11-meter-tall waterfall?
Afterwards, we'll embark on a sailing excursion on Lake Taupo to view traditional Maori rock carvings and have a delicious lunch on board. We'll continue on to Napier this afternoon and enjoy dinner when we arrive.
Day 10
Meander through the vineyards on a bike tour of the wineries — stop at places such as Craggy Range, Mission Estate, Church Road, and more!
Today we will embark on some bike tours of the famous wineries in the Hawke's Bay Area! During this wonderful tour, we'll stop at some iconic places such as Craggy Range, Mission Estate, Church Road, and more. We'll enjoy a special lunch together, after which we'll continue on our adventures of the area. We’ll take part in a special meditation at the end of the day.
Day 11
Enjoy a free day discovering Napier, the 'Art Deco Capital' of New Zealand
Today we'll experience Napier --the art deco capital of New Zealand. We'll begin the day with breakfast, a short workout and a mindset activity, and then begin to construct our self care plans for our future.
The rest of the afternoon is free to take in the area---delve into the fascinating history of Napier and learn about the earthquake that changed the city in the 1930s.
Day 12
See the local Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, then travel to Wellington; enjoy a farewell dinner tonight
It's time to move on to Wellington today, but before you leave Napier, you'll head to Cape Kidnappers to see the local Gannett colony, an activity that wildlife enthusiasts will love. Once in Wellington, we'll head out to visit Mount Victoria and some of the other sites and examine how moving past our past vision for ourselves is different than our future--with some group activities.
You'll have some free time to take in some of the other sites, including a pilgrimage to Weta Workshop--a special effects and prop company known for their work on 'Lord of the Rings'--or a visit to Zelandia--a perfect hiking area for nature lovers.
At the end of the day--we'll enjoy a spectacular group dinner together with a closing activity reflecting and celebrating your new future direction and your adventures during our time together.
Day 13
It’s time to say goodbye and head home
We've come to the final day of your journey in New Zealand — we hope you have had a wonderful time exploring the offerings of the country's spectacular North Island! After one last breakfast this morning, it’s time to leave the hotel behind and depart for the airport. We hope to see you again — travel safe!
Please note: If you wish to extend your stay--we can help you with this. Reach out for more details.
Accommodation
CityLife Auckland (or similar according to availability)
CityLife Auckland is an upmarket hotel situated in the central business district of Auckland, just a 7-minute walk from the Auckland Art Gallery and 1 kilometer from the cafes and boutiques of Karangahape Road. The property features a gym and an indoor heated pool. Guest rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, toiletries, and safes. Room type: Double rooms (Run of house).
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands (or similar according to availability)
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands is a waterfront hotel that offers views of the Bay of Islands and Te Ti Bay. It is situated just a 9-minute walk from the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and 5 kilometers from Haruru Falls. The property features a bar, a restaurant, gardens with a tennis court, and a lagoon-style pool. Guest rooms and suites offer balconies or patios, with Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and tea/coffeemaking facilities. Room type: Double rooms (Run of house).
ibis Rotorua (or similar according to availability)
ibis Rotorua is a functional hotel located just a 13-minute walk from the hot springs in Kuirau Park and 4 kilometers from Whakarewarewa — The Living Maori Village. The property features a restaurant and a bar. Simple guest rooms are decked out in carpeted floors and offer Wi-Fi access, minifridges, satellite TV, and tea/coffeemaking facilities. Room type: Double rooms (Run of house).
Scenic Hotel Te Pania (or similar according to availability)
Scenic Hotel Te Pania is a modern, glass-fronted hotel that offers views over Hawke's Bay. It is situated just 2 kilometers from the National Aquarium of New Zealand. The property features a contemporary restaurant with a seasonal terrace, as well as a sleek bar. Guest rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with bay views and feature complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea/coffeemaking facilities. Room type: Double rooms (Run of house).
Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar according to availability)
Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman is a laid-back hotel set amongst shops and restaurants, just a 6-minute walk from the City Gallery Wellington. The property features a cosy restaurant with a bar, a fireplace, and a patio. Guest rooms offer flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, minifridges, and tea/coffeemaking facilities. Room type: Double rooms (Run of house).
Included
- 4 nights at CityLife Auckland (or similar)
- 2 nights at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands (or similar)
- 2 nights at ibis Rotorua (or similar)
- 3 nights at Scenic Hotel Te Pania (or similar)
- 1 night at Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman (or similar)
- Shared double occupancy in accommodations
- All breakfasts
- Waiheke Island wine tour & lunch
- Group Dinner in Paihia
- Waipoua Forest entrance
- Redwood Forest evening walk
- Te Puia cultural evening & dinner
- Lake Taupo sailing & lunch
- Napier winery bike tour
- Farewell dinner in Wellington
- One group airport arrival transfer
- One group airport departure transfer
- Local driver during local city tours
Not included
- Flights
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Available add-on
Single supplement
Want a little more privacy during your trip? Select this single supplement add-on and have a room all to yourself.
Price: USD 1,875
15 spots left
Cancellation policy
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until December 19, 2023. If the departure is cancelled out of your control, you will be alerted by December 19, 2023 and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip by November 19, 2023 for a refund, excluding the deposit. After this date, no refunds will be given.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
- Single supplement add-on - Unsplash: Rhema Kallianpur
- Welcome to Auckland, a bustling city highlighted by its fantastic food, vibrant culture, and sparkling waterfront views! - Sulthan Auliya
- A major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland has plenty of hidden treasures. - Sulthan Auliya
- CityLife Auckland - Facebook: CityLife Auckland Hotel
- Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands - Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
- ibis Rotorua - ibis Rotorua
- Scenic Hotel Te Pania - Scenic Hotel Te Pania
- Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman - Mercure Wellington Abel Tasman
- Enjoy a day of freedom in Auckland today — the city is your oyster! - Kishan Modi
- We'll start the day at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand's most important historic site where the signing of the first accord between the British Crown and the Maori people took place. - Wikimedia Commons
- On the way back to Auckland, we'll stop at some of the best beaches New Zealand has to offer! - Douglas Bagg
- On arrival in Rotorua, embark on an insightful city tour to learn more about this unique city and its most iconic sites. - Koon Chakhatrakan
- Get the chance to walk among the giants at the Redwood Forest! - Daniel Hopper
- It's all aboard the ferry as we cross the waters to Waiheke Island! - Unsplash: Look Up Look Down Photography
- At Waiheke Island, go on a delectable wine tour, complete with lunch and amazing views. - Unsplash: Kelsey Knight
- Visit the ancient Waipoua Forest and say hello to Tane Mahuta (the “God of the Forest”). This giant kauri tree is a sight to behold! - Yathursan Gunaratnam
- The Bay of Islands is your next destination. - Linde Lanjouw
- With free time in Paihia, you can opt to explore the many islands on a sailing tour! - Unsplash: Look Up Look Down Photography
- Discover the Waimangu Geothermal Valley or Wai-O-Tapu. - Wikimedia Commons
- Enjoy a sailing excursion on Lake Taupo to view traditional Maori rock carvings and have a delicious lunch on board! - Callum Parker
- Meander through the vineyards on a bike tour of the wineries — stop at places such as Craggy Range, Mission Estate, Church Road, and more! - Zach Kirby
- You'll get a chance to taste some of the best wines in New Zealand! - Jeff Siepman
- See the local gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. - Sylvain Cleymans
- Visit a Living Maori Village to experience a cultural performance and traditional hangi dinner. - Wikimedia Commons
- Visit the powerful Huka Falls, which sends nearly a quarter of a million liters of water per second over an 11-meter-tall waterfall. - Brad Halcrow
- Discover the best that Wellington has to offer. - Sulthan Auliya
- Napier is known as the 'Art Deco Capital' for a reason. - John Hayler