2023: The Magnificent North Island with Bay of Islands (3326)
12 Days from Auckland to Wellington

From the iconic city sights of Auckland and Wellington, to the gastronomical delights of Waiheke Island and the Hawkes Bay, discover the best of New Zealand's North Island on this 12-day Cosmos getaway.Nature-lovers will find plenty to get excited about on this tour, from the unique thermal mineral pools at Hot Water Beach to the stunning native forests found at Karangahake Gorge. As you make your way down the island, pay a visit to the mighty Huka Falls with its turbulent turquoise-hued rapids, and be sure to have your camera at the ready for the dramatic coastal views of Cape Kidnappers, home to the world's largest mainland gannet colony.You'll also get a taste of New Zealand's finest food and world-class wines throughout your tour. Savor lunch overlooking magnificent ocean views at Stonyridge Winery on Waiheke Island; enjoy a craft beer tasting at Coromandel's Hot Water Brewery; sample local specialities at Hawkes Bay Brewing Co. and Mission Estate Winery; and delight in a celebratory progressive farewell dinner showcasing Wellington's vibrant food scene.Start your time in New Zealand with a visit to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Your time here includes a full day excursion to Cape Reinga, a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, and the scenic Hole in the Rock cruise. There's plenty of time for you to kick back and relax or explore on your own. It's the perfect start to your visit to wonderful New Zealand!
Call (636) 978-5510 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17275734
- Tour Operator
- Cosmos
- Offer
- Offer valid through 6/30/2023
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
Day | Destination | Description |
Day 1 | Auckland | Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand! The remainder of the day is at leisure to start exploring this exciting city on your own. Your Cosmos Local Host will be on hand to answer any questions and make suggestions for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. |
Day 2 | PAIHIA (BAY OF ISLANDS) | Today, travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands region. Discover the cultural heritage of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and enjoy a traditional Maori welcome. This evening is at leisure. (B) |
Day 3 | Paihia | Explore the top tip of New Zealand where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. See the iconic lighthouse, visit Ninety Mile Beach, and experience sandboarding, or digging for shellfish (conditions permitting). Return to Paihia where the remainder of the day is at leisure. You can choose to take a stroll on the beach, enjoy fresh seafood at a waterside restaurant, or take a scenic flight to see more of the area. (B,L) |
Day 4 | Paihia | Embark on a sightseeing cruise to view the 'Hole in the Rock.' Have the chance to see dolphins, penguins, and sea birds, and learn more about the rich history and culture of this region. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to spend more time on the water with a kayak or paddle board hire, browse the harbor shops, or take the Opua Forest Paihia Lookout Walk. (B) |
Day 5 | Auckland | This morning, return to Auckland. Later, please join your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome meeting and drink featuring New Zealand wines and spirits. (B) |
Day 6 | Auckland | Take a short ferry ride to stunning Waiheke Island, home to beautiful beaches, boutique vineyards, and olive groves. Sightseeing includes tastings at a local vineyard, brewery and olive oil distillery. Lunch is served overlooking the vineyard at Stonyridge Winery. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Return to Auckland or you may also choose to explore more of Waiheke Island on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B,L) |
Day 7 | Devonport | Start the day with a ride on New Zealand's steepest railway. Enjoy a captivating journey and be inspired by the story of one man's passion to bring art, conservation and engineering together to create the Driving Creek Railway. Afterward, visit the pottery studio of artist, Barry Brickell, for a demonstration. Next, experience the unique thermal mineral pools at Hot Water Beach. Here's your chance to relax and experience the natural phenomenon of creating your very own "hot tub" in the beach sand. Enjoy a stop for a craft beer tasting at Hot Water Brewing Co. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. (B,D) |
Day 8 | Taupo | Enjoy a walk at the Karangahake Gorge, take in the stunning views of the Waitawheta River and learn about the gold mining history of the area. Arrive in Rotorua and visit Te Puia to see bubbling mud pools, soaring geysers, and Maori craftwork. Be treated to a traditional Maori concert. Spend this evening just steps from the shores of beautiful Lake Taupo. (B,L) |
Day 9 | Napier | Start the day with a visit to a glass blowing studio where you'll witness a demonstration and have time to wander the sculpture garden. Next, enjoy a walk at Huka Falls, New Zealand's most visited natural attraction. In Napier, join a Local Guide for a tour of the city's famous art deco sites and learn how a tragic earthquake in 1931 resulted in Napier being one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. Later, sample local specialties at Hawkes Bay Brewing Co. and Mission Estate Winery, New Zealand's oldest winery and the birthplace of New Zealand wine. Your evening is at leisure. (B) |
Day 10 | Napier | This morning, take a walk along the Ahuriri Estuary Boardwalk past Maori totems and the home of over 70 species of water birds. Afterward, enjoy high tea at a heritage cafe overlooking the spectacular Hawkes Bay. The remainder of your day is at leisure. You may wish to cycle or take a stroll on the Marine Parade, hike to Bluff Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the sea, take a swim at Sandy Bay, or hear the fascinating stories at the historic Napier Prison. (B) |
Day 11 | Wellington | This morning, enjoy dramatic coastal views at Cape Kidnappers, home to the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Arrive in Wellington and enjoy an orientation tour of this capital city. Join your Tour Director for a celebratory farewell dinner this evening. The perfect ending to your holiday! (B,D) |
Day 12 | Wellington | Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Wellington and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B) |
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Cosmos, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Cosmos, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
Important Notes- Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Cosmos to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
- The following charges are not included in the land vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; Intra-vacation air unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.00 per segment, and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas (except on Cuba programs) and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Cosmos menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.
Booking your Vacation with Air
For air departure dates within 331 days, you'll be offered a choice of carriers and flight schedules as well as price points to choose from when selecting your flights. Your schedule will be provided to you at the time of booking (schedules are subject to change by carriers). Cosmos offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Flex Air allows flexibility if you want to make changes to your vacation schedule. Instant Purchase Air may offer additional airline options but has more restrictions. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. Guaranteed air-inclusive prices: air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $300 per person non-refundable air deposit is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Cosmos in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus non-refundable per person service fee ($30 for North/Central America, $50 for Europe/Middle East and $80 for all other destinations. Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Cosmos has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
Air-Inclusive Vacations - Applicable Taxes & Fees
Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.
"Starting at" Disclaimer
The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) - please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).