DAY 1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND

On arrival in Auckland, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Today is at leisure to enjoy the many sights of Auckland. Overnight: Auckland, SKYCITY Auckland (standard), SKYCITY Grand (first class) or Mollies (boutique hotel)

DAY 2: AUCKLAND-BAY OF ISLANDS (144 miles/3 hrs)

Pick up your rental car from the central city depot and drive north to Whangarei. Stop en route to see the Whangarei Falls and take a small detour to Tutukaka and Matapouri before continuing north via Hikurangi and Kawakawa to Paihia. Overnight: Bay of Islands, Scenic Circle Bay of Islands Hotel (standard), Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands (first class) or Bay of Islands Lodge (B&B) for 2 nights

DAY 3: BAY OF ISLANDS HOLE IN THE ROCK CRUISE

Board your cruise this morning and enjoy informative commentary highlighting Maori legend, historical features, plus flora and fauna of the area. Dolphins, seals, whales and bird life are often encountered. Returning to Paihia, stop at Urupukapuka Island to walk or relax on the beach and take a Nautilus subsea adventure (optional). Tour concludes at 1:00pm. The afternoon is at leisure.

DAY 4: PAIHIA-AUCKLAND (225 miles/41/2 hrs)

Drive from Paihia to Auckland via the Hokianga Harbor and Waipoua Forest. Overnight: Auckland, SKYCITY Auckland (standard), SKYCITY Grand (first class) or Mollies (boutique hotel)

DAY 5: AUCKLAND-ROTORUA VIA WAITOMO CAVES (228 miles/41/2 hrs)

Depart Auckland and travel south through Waikato to the Waitomo Caves. Travel by boat through the dark caves lit by thousands of tiny Glow Worms. Continue on to Rotorua. Overnight: Rotorua, Sudima Hotel (standard), Millennium Rotorua (first class) or The Springs (B&B) for 2 nights

DAY 6: ROTORUA AT LEISURE & MAORI CONCERT

See sheep shearing at the New Zealand Farm Show or boiling mud pools, geysers and traditional arts and crafts at Te Puia Thermal Reserve/Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. Perhaps visit the Polynesian Spa, New Zealand's leading thermal bathing complex (activities, own expense). Tonight is an evening of fun and entertainment as you take a trip back in time through a Maori Village. Concert and hangi (feast) included. (D)

DAY 7: ROTORUA-NAPIER (139 miles/3 hrs)

Travel south via Taupo to Napier. Perhaps explore one of the area's many vineyards, or discover the art deco features of this seaside city. A gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is worth a visit. Overnight: Napier, Quality Inn (standard), Te Pania Hotel (first class) or The Country Hotel (B&B)

DAY 8: NAPIER-WELLINGTON (195 miles/4 hrs)

Depart Napier and travel south. Continue south via Greytown over the Rimutaka Hills into Wellington. If time permits, we recommend you visit the Te Papa Museum. Take the 45-minute "Highlight Tour." Drop off your rental car at the city depot this afternoon. Overnight: Wellington, Ibis Hotel (standard), Duxton Hotel (first class) or Lambton Heights (B&B)

DAY 9: DEPART WELLINGTON

Depart Wellington for your flight to your next destination (make your own way to the airport).