DAY 1 - Leaving Tauranga we head south and make our first stop for morning tea (it's our shout) and a chance to get to know each other. Suitably refreshed we continue towards Taupo, for a short stop at Lava Glass, chance here to view the extensive range of glassware on display and stretch our legs before continuing into Taupo.

​

Lunch today is at a Taupo lakeside hotel where we have great views of the largest of New Zealand's lakes and the volcanic peaks in the distance.

​

After lunch we head east to Hawkes Bay to our first nights acommodation in Napier. Located on Marine Parade, the Te Pania hotel offers great views from our high level sea view rooms and is ideally located if you want to explore this beautiful Art Deco style city before dinner.

​

DAY 2 - After a lovely breakfast, we depart the hotel and head south through the Wairarapa region to our first stop at Dannevirke for morning tea at one of the many cafes along the main street (your cost) or time to just browse the shops if you prefer.

​

Suitablely refreshed we continue to Greytown, our destination for lunch today. Greytown is a real gem of the Wairarapa region, with beautifully restored Victorian wooden buildings that house stylish and interesting specialty stores, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.

​

Today we lunch at a local icon, the White Swan Hotel, or as locals call it, "The Swan" - This historic hotel, set in the heart of Greytown, celebrates the best of what the Wairarapa has to offer, with great food and warm rural hospitality. It also has a very interesting story of how it ended up in Greytown. Time after lunch for some retail therapy, or if you prefer just relax in the bar.

​

Departing Greytown, we have one more stop to make before taking the scenic drive over the Remutaka Hill and into Wellington, just an hour away, to our city central hotel, overlooking Wellington Harbour, with plenty of time to freshen up before dinner.

​

​

Day 3 - The main event - the day many have been waiting for, the amazing World of Wearable Arts Awards Show, but before the performance this evening we have some great sights planned for the day.

​

After a leisurely breakfast we head across town, past the Parliamentary precinct to the Old St Pauls Cathedral, one of New Zealand’s great heritage buildings. The church was built by the Anglican Church between 1865 and 1866 on what was originally the site of Pipitea Pā, a Māori settlement on Wellington’s waterfront. After a short introductory talk ,  you are free to look around this stunning building. An interactive exhibition helps visitors delve deeper into the building’s finer details, plus there’s a gift shop as well!

​

Our next destination is the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, which translates literally to ‘container of treasures’. To make the most of our visit today, we have included a private one hour guided tour of the museum. Our informative and entertaining guide will show us some of the highlights of the museum and what the national art collection has to say about living in New Zealand. You then have time to explore on your own, visit the very moving Scale of War Exhibition and have a light lunch at one of the on-site cafes before we depart.

​

A literal highlight of Wellington is Mount Victoria, standing 196m high, it offers truly stunning views (weather permitting) of the city, the harbour and surrounding region, even as far as the South Island. A twisty and narrow road leads us to the summit where we can enjoy the 360 degree views, a great photo opportunity, lets hope for good weather.

​

Our final destination today before we return to the hotel, is to the 'Wellywood" district of the city, the Miramar peninsula, location of much of New Zealand's movie industry.

We will pass by the studios, backlots and offices of the world famous Sir Peter Jackson's film operation, as we head to Weta Workshop for a behind the scenes guided tour.

​

Chance for us to discover how imaginary movie worlds are brought to life, right here in Wellington. Our tour shows how movie effects, from armour to weapons, creatures to costumes, make-up to miniatures, and more are all created. Even if you are not a LOTR movie fan, you will still be impressed by work being done right here in New Zealand.

​

We then head back to our hotel for an early dinner before we depart to see the World of Wearable Arts Award Show this evening, just a short coach ride from our hotel. 

​

Please note: If you would prefer a day to yourself in Wellington to hit the shops or catch up with friends, you can opt out of the day time activities above on day 3 if you wish. Please advise when making your reservation.

​

Day 4 - Today we must return home, after what will have been a great few days exploring some of New Zealand's stunning landscapes and its capital city, all topped of with the WoW show last night, no doubt you will still be re-living the spectacle today.

​

After an early breakfast its just a short coach ride the Wellington Station to board the Northern Explorer train for a spectacular scenic train journey home. Settle in to your reserved seats in the Scenic Class carriages, which offer panoramic windows to watch  the New Zealand landscape roll by. The buffet car offers a good selection of food and drink for the journey but be sure to place your food orders early.

​

You will experience the extremes of New Zealand’s scenery, from the sparkling Kapiti coast, the deep river valleys and white cliffs of Rangitikei, the Central Plateau with its three iconic volcanic cones dominating the desert plains of Tongariro National Park.  You'll soar over the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, before winding down the historic Raurimu Spiral into the King Country and the fertile farmlands of Waikato to Hamilton, where we depart the train mid afternoon, what a relaxing way to travel.

​

The Hinterland coach will be waiting at Hamilton for the transfer back to Tauranga by early evening where our shuttles will be waiting to take you right to your door.

​

Should you prefer to fly home instead of taking the train, or want to stay longer in Wellington, this can also be arranged.  Additional costs may apply.

​

If you would like to travel back with us by coach this is also an option - and your train ticket cost will be refunded.  Please contact us for details.