New Zealands North Island is home to rich Maori culture and jaw-dropping scenery. This 5 day experience takes you to Rotorua where you have the rare chance to stay at a traditional Maori Marae. 

Check out this sample itinerary:

DAY 1: AUCKLAND TO PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
Our journey begins in Auckland, We head across Auckland’s scenic harbour and travel north. Our first stop today is at Parry’s Kauri Park to check out a magnificent Kauri tree, whose ancestors once covered the island. Continuing north we reach the seaside town of Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. Once settled into our motel, we’ll get to know our fellow travellers over a refreshment on the beach?

DAY 2: PAIHIA, BAY OF ISLANDS
Today is yours to explore this fascinating region by way of a range of optional activities – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Alternatively you can explore the town or take a step back in time and learn a little of the history of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty House*. Maybe take a boat to swim with the local dolphins* or a fast boat out to, and through, the “Hole in the Rock”*. If chilling on the beach is your scene, then relax - the day is yours!! We’ll gather for dinner and swap stories at the end of our day in the Bay!

DAY 3: PAIHIA TO ROTORUA MARAE STAY 
This morning we start our journey southwards onto Auckland - “the city of sails”. There is time to grab some lunch in the city before we meet additional fellow passengers and head to Rotorua – the cultural heart of NZ. Tonight we will be staying in a traditional Maori Marae and on arrival, we will be welcomed onto the Marae by the elders in traditional style. Tonight is yours to enjoy the company of your friends, learn some maori songs or star gaze when the lights go down.
Traditional Maori Marae Stay – open plan multi-share accommodation

DAY 4: ROTORUA
After breakfast we will depart the Marae and head to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve. Learn of the Maori lifestyle, history and customs on our tour and concert in this unique village. The afternoon is yours to explore Rotorua or you have time for an optional tour*, mudbaths and massages might be for you, or if you feel a bit more active hire a mountain bike and explore the fantastic Redwood Forest or try white water rafting. After dinner you might want to relax under the stars as you soak in the natural thermally heated waters of the motel spas and pool.

DAY 5: ROTORUA TO WELLINGTON
We’ll journey past Wairakei Geo-thermal area and visit the raging waters of Huka Falls before reaching Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. On the road again, we head around the beautiful Lake Taupo and travel past the very active Mt Ruapehu. We reach the nation’s capital late this afternoon where it’s time to explore the many cosmopolitan cafes of the capital. Otherwise, try out the scenic cable car down to the Botanic Gardens above the city*. This is where your journey with us sadly comes to an end.

Cost: From $495