Top North Island Holidays - page 5

Immerse yourself in the living traditions, stories and landscapes of Māori culture on Waiheke Island. Travel with our Māori ambassador, Paora, who shares his whakapapa (genealogy), personal stories and deep connection to the island. Visit sacred sites and a local village, hear powerful tales of land wars, resilience and present-day Māori life, and see how ancient customs sit alongside modern New Zealand. Along the way, you’ll step inside a contemporary art studio to see how local artists respond to the land and culture through their work. Between stories and art, you’ll enjoy a relaxed day of kai (food), wine and waiata (song). Taste boutique Waiheke wines, and sit down to a seafront lunch with beautiful island views. This small-group experience is welcoming, conversational and respectful, giving you space to ask questions, connect with the people behind the culture and leave with a richer understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide.Hamilton is nestled on the banks of the mighty Waikato River and is known for its walks, gardens, cafes and nightlife. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. Hamilton Gardens is a conceptual garden based in the Waikato that explores the context, history and meaning of gardens through time, and from around the world. It is internationally recognised for its unique concept and is the Waikato region's most popular tourist destination. This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

Escape the ordinary with an evening adventure across Waiheke’s acclaimed wine region. As Auckland’s skyline begins to twinkle in the distance, you’ll be savouring premium wines and indulging in gourmet cuisine in some of the island’s most spectacular settings. Exclusive evening access to premier vineyards Expert-guided wine tastings at two world-class wineries Gourmet two-course dinner with breathtaking views – Take the 3 PM ferry from Auckland to Waiheke. If you plan to stay on the island, we can arrange a pick-up from your accommodation. Wine Tastings at Batch Winery, the highest vineyard on the Island, with 360-degree views of the Hauraki Gulf and the Coromandel Peninsula. Tasting small batch boutique wines Cable Bay Vineyards offers spectacular views & premium, hand-crafted wines. Two-course dinner at Mudbrick’s iconic Vineyard, or KI Maha, restaurant right across from Onetangi Beach Catch the 8 pm back to Auckland or be dropped off at accommodations.

Your dog is welcome on this Island Adventure! The day is designed to meet your specific needs so that we get to do exactly what you would like to do on your special day out on Waiheke with the best local host for inside tips and luxury transport.

This fine wine tour in Hawke’s Bay is designed for those serious about wine that are looking for a more intimate experience of the region’s wineries. Wine education, regional history. Taste classic red varieties such as Syrah/Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, and Pinot Noir. Hawke's Bay vintners are also renowned for such white varieties as Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Viognier. Semillon and Riesling are generally found in Noble dessert wines. Depending on availability, you may also taste a sherry, ports, and even a dessert red or two.

There’s more to Auckland than the busy center but it can be stressful to rent a car. Simplify a day out on a private tour to Muriwai Beach, known for its black sand and gannet colony. Walk along the beach to see the birds, then enjoy wine tasting at one of the area's oldest wineries. The tour includes lunch and bottled water, to keep you energized for sightseeing.

Experience the perfect blend of nature and wine on this unique Muriwai Gannet Colony & Soljans Wine Tasting Tour. Begin on Auckland’s rugged west coast, where dramatic cliffs overlook the Tasman Sea at Muriwai. From safe viewing platforms, watch Australasian gannets soaring, nesting, and caring for their chicks (seasonal), set against black sand beaches, crashing waves, and wild coastal scenery. This rare wildlife encounter so close to the city offers unforgettable photo opportunities and insight into New Zealand’s natural environment. The tour then transitions to the peaceful Kumeu countryside at Soljans Estate Winery, a family-owned winery rich in heritage. Enjoy a guided tasting of premium local wines while learning about regional winemaking traditions. The contrast between untamed coastline and relaxing vineyard charm makes this experience truly special, showcasing two very different yet equally beautiful sides of New Zealand in one memorable journey.

Discover the incredible hidden paradise of Waiheke Island with this wine tour. Board the ferry from Auckland City to arrive at the local Matiatia wharf to launch your adventure. Explore hidden beaches, and the town centre's art, before heading to local vineyards. Taste the wine of multiple vineyards, including Mudbrick, and sample olive oils on the Rangihoua Estate. After indulging in a delicious lunch, board the convenient return ferry.

Auckland Wineries visit, tasting & Lunch Private tours Visit Auckland's winery, Muriwai Beach & countryside tours with lunch Don’t miss the chance to savour an Auckland wine tasting and lunch experience in the historic rural setting of Kumeu. Your chauffeur will pick you up from the hotel and drive to three wineries just 30 minutes away from downtown Auckland City. Kumeu is Auckland’s heritage wine region, renowned for its fabulous vineyards and restaurants. Tour includes: Wine tastings at 3 locally owned vineyards Vineyard lunch with a glass of wine Muriwai Black Sand Beach Viewing of gannet colony at Muriwai Beach (Sep-Apr) Knowledgeable professional driver Pick up and drop off at inner city accommodation

Drive Auckland's wine country yourself, with a GPS audio guide that plays automatically as you go. Your booking unlocks the whole region in the free Wine Trails app: pick your date and starting point — Auckland CBD, Kumeu — choose the cellar doors you want, and the app builds your personal route with turn-by-turn narration. 35 stories cover 10 cellar doors and the people behind them: as you pass Henderson Valley you'll hear how the Dalmatian families behind names like Babich, Soljans and Nobilo dug kauri gum out of Northland swamps to pay for the land where New Zealand's wine industry began. No group, no schedule, no guide — spend an hour at one cellar door and five minutes at another, replay anything, and the audio keeps working when the signal drops. You'll need a car and a designated driver; tastings are booked and paid directly with the wineries.

See parts of Wellington most visitors never discover! Explore Wellington’s beautiful landscapes on a guided scenic trail walk or run tailored to your pace. Ascend to stunning peak viewpoints, soaking in panoramic vistas before descending through lush trails that lead to a local café or craft beer bar for a well-deserved treat. This unique experience offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the vibrant local scene. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy Wellington’s trails with a local touch. - Guided trail run or walk suitable for all fitness levels - Ascend to breathtaking peak viewpoints - Descend through Wellington’s picturesque trails - End the run at a local café or craft beer bar for refreshments

This tour combines a guided coastal kayak experience with post-paddle hospitality — the perfect mix of light adventure, connection, and a well-earned drink or meal together. Explore Auckland's scenic North Shore on a guided kayak tour from Waiake Beach to Browns Bay. Paddle past stunning coastal cliffs, rocky reefs, and caves while enjoying panoramic views of Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf. This easy route is perfect for beginners, with experienced guides ensuring a smooth experience. After your adventure, unwind at Browns Bay with options for swimming, relaxing, or dining at local cafés and bars, including Browns Bay Brewing Company.

Enjoy the views over the Remutaka Ranges. Savor the taste of award-winning wines at 3 boutique wineries in Martinborough. Enjoy a gourmet lunch platter to complement your wine tasting experience. Learn about the history of the wines and the winemaking process from the experts Visit 3 of the favorite wineries and listen to the wine makers explain with passion the history of their wines and inviting you to taste a variety of them. Your wine tasting will be matched with a delightful gourmet lunch platter that will leave your taste buds tingling.

Join us for a place at our table and come home to Vineyard Cottages for local wine, and a classic Kiwi BBQ and meet a bunch of locals. On this full day away from the city we travel out to the heart of the original New Zealand wine country, Kumeu. It’s a short trip out of town to visit a local farm shop. We begin with coffee and a classic Kiwi morning slice and stock the shopping basket with local produce for the BBQ. We head out to the stunning Muriwai Beach then it’s off for a taste of local wines, and beer. You’ll visit the vineyard and the grounds of Vineyard Cottages before either getting stuck in and helping in the kitchen for the BBQ or just enjoy a wind-down and relaxing in the gorgeous surroundings. Lunch is served on the deck and after we’ve enjoyed a taste of everything local it’s dessert time! This tour is perfect for those who want to experience a taste of local, meet the locals, and hear the history of not only the wine region but it’s significance to the rest of NZ wine.

Escape the city for a relaxed afternoon in Auckland’s wine country. Enjoy boutique cellar-door tastings, a behind-the-scenes visit inside a working family winery, and time to unwind among the vineyards just 30 minutes west of Auckland. This half-day experience visits welcoming cellar doors and boutique wineries where generations of winemaking families have built a reputation for producing excellent wines. The region’s wine story began in the late 1800s, when Dalmatian immigrants first planted vines in the fertile soils of West Auckland. Travelling with your own local guide, you’ll visit local vineyards and enjoy cellar-door tastings surrounded by vines and countryside. Along the way you'll step behind the scenes inside a working 5th-generation family winery, offering insight into where grapes from the surrounding vineyards begin their journey from vine to glass. Time among the vineyards offers the chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic wine region.

Explore the artistic and culinary wonders of Waiheke Island on this immersive day tour. Begin with a scenic ferry ride from Auckland and visit the private studio of renowned artist Gabriella Lewenz. Discover contemporary art at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery before indulging in a two-course vineyard lunch at Stonyridge, surrounded by olive trees. In the afternoon, enjoy a premium wine tasting paired with Te Matuku oysters at Cable Bay Vineyards, all while soaking in stunning coastal views. This experience is perfect for travelers seeking authentic local connections and elevated experiences in art and wine. - Scenic ferry ride from Auckland to Waiheke Island - Visit artist studio and community gallery showcasing local talent - Enjoy a leisurely lunch with wine at Stonyridge Vineyard - Exclusive oyster and wine pairing at Cable Bay Vineyards overlooking the ocean

Our guests enjoy traveling in the comfort and luxury of new electric Tesla SUVs. We provide a private tour to you, taking you to scenic locations and vineyards that large tour buses do not. Tours are fully inclusive with no added extra charges. They include morning refreshments, lunch, and all wine-tasting fees. Complimentary Antipodes artesian mineral water, along with HEPA air conditioning, and if you wish your choice of music on Tesla's Spotify system on the way back to Wellington. Please note vineyards visited may vary as a result of their opening hours.

Led by a qualified wine educator, this tour explores boutique producers beyond the Martinborough Terrace — a premium journey through the wider Wairarapa, one of the most diverse and character‑rich regions of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Each day is shaped around the season, the day of the week, and your interests, allowing access to small, reputation‑driven wineries that most visitors never reach.

Visit Rotorua, a city of culture and sulfur located on New Zealand's North Island, on a private tour. Come face to face with the biggest, naturally active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere Pōhutu Geyser, and enjoy the up-close experience with the New Zealand Kiwi. Be mesmerized by exploding mud pools all throughout the valley and gaze at beautifully crafted Māori-made artwork and sculptures visible throughout Te Puia. Then take a scenic gondola ride up the base of Mt Ngongotaha to the summit for a great wine tasting. Volcanic Hills wine tasting room offers the ultimate New Zealand wine tasting experience, with spectacular views of Lake Rotorua and the surrounding region. Finally, explore Rotorua's most spectacular natural asset and one of the city's greatest treasures: the redwood forest. These towering trees, along with numerous other species and the fresh forest air, combine to create an invigorating atmosphere and a truly unique and special environment.

Experience Waiheke Island through an exclusive journey that blends creativity, world-class wine, fine dining, and inspiring coastal landscapes. Begin with a hands-on jewellery-making workshop, where you'll work alongside a skilled artisan to design and create your own piece to take home. Continue to Stonyridge Vineyard for an immersive estate tour and the prestigious Larose Vertical 2 tasting, discovering the craftsmanship behind one of New Zealand’s celebrated Bordeaux-style wines. Afterwards, indulge in a three-course lunch at the iconic Mudbrick Vineyard, with stunning views across the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding vineyards. Complete your experience with a leisurely walk through the Headland Sculpture on the Gulf trail, where contemporary artworks are positioned among dramatic coastal landscapes. Combining artistic expression, premium wine, gourmet dining, and breathtaking scenery, this unforgettable experience showcases Waiheke Island at its finest, creating lasting memories.

Your local guide will host you on a scenic journey through stunning landscapes, visiting two hand-picked boutique vineyards for intimate wine tastings, each paired with exquisite bite-sized food matches that elevate the unique character of each wine.Tastings may include local delicacies such as Waiheke honey, Te Matuku oysters, or artisan New Zealand cheeses. Enjoy an additional visit to either a renowned olive oil mill, where you’ll sample award-winning extra virgin oils and learn about the production process, or opt for a stop at a craft whisky distillery (on request) for a tasting of small-batch spirits made right on the island. The experience is completed with a relaxed two-course lunch at one of Waiheke’s top vineyard restaurants, where seasonal dishes are perfectly paired with local wines and served with vineyard views. This tour is the ultimate indulgence for food and wine lovers seeking a refined and intimate island experience.

Cultivate your knowledge of wine with our Sommelier Tour while enjoying the panoramic scenery of Waiheke Island Visit three of Waiheke’s most distinguished top wine producers with premium tastings hosted by senior sommeliers who will guide you through rare, boutique wines crafted in such limited quantities that they’re impossible to find anywhere else on Earth; Indulge in a meticulously crafted 2-course lunch at an iconic venue where every bite is perfectly paired with breathtaking panoramic vistas. Discover the island’s captivating history and hidden secrets through your local guide’s engaging commentary, which transforms the beautiful scenery into unforgettable memories. Ferry tickets are included in the price, ensuring a seamless journey from the moment you step aboard.