New Zealand - November 2025
I was a guest of Tourism New Zealand on an 9-day Familiarization trip to the North Island of that unique country.
If you ever decide to take a trip to New Zealand, I do recommend taking more time as it was a very intense itinerary and there are lots of think to do and explore.
I flew direct from Vancouver (YVR) with Air New Zealand in Premium Economy to Auckland (AKL) and arrived at 05:30 AM
Itinerary
1st DAY:
From Auckland Airport we drove for about three hours to Ferry Landing in Mercury Bay, Coromandel with a quick stop to Tairua at the Two Tides Bakery for breakfast/lunch.
There, we took a Glass Bottom Boat Tour.
They offer a one-of-a-kind experience that is a must to while in the Coromandel. The glass panels in their custom-built vessels allow them to take us below the surface and explore the underwater world. This feature makes the tour unique, as they are the only tour to offer this amazing view. The professional and friendly team have many qualifications, including marine biology, environmental science and tourism degrees. With extensive knowledge of the area and history, they provide guests with a fun, factual, exhilarating Cathedral Cove tour. The Glass Bottom Boat is run by an experienced, passionate, energetic yet professional team. With years of experience of water, working with wildlife and within the tourism industry, everyone works hard to ensure every trip is one to remember.
Then, we drove to Mercury Bay Discovery for a boat tour to Hauraki, Coromandel. And this boat trip brought us to Mautohe Cathedral Cove and Te Whanganui a Hei marine reserve.
After that we drove to Hot Water Beach and Puka Park, Pauanuifor a visit of only two hours either side of low tide and dig your own natural hot pool. At high tide the Pacific Ocean will wash away your pool. Depending on the tides, it’s a great opportunity to visit the beach, breathe the air and perhaps dip your travelling toes in the water. Pop into the gallery and get the local vibe.
And finally, we arrived at the Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort. Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is a secluded hideaway located at Pauanui Beach. Situated 800m away from the 3km long sandy beach and nestled onto the slopes of Mt. Pauanui, the resort consists of 48 romantic chalets surrounded by native bush. The Miha Restaurant, offers an intimate ambience, superb local cuisine and beautiful views, while other facilities include an outdoor swimming and spa pool, gym, tennis court and bikes for hire, with an international 18-hole golf course and excellent fishing nearby.
2nd DAY:
We departed for Karangahake where we took a Waihi Gold Discovery Centre & Mine Guided walk Tour. Waihi has been famous for its gold since 1878. Get the inside story at the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre - rattle the drill, crank the handles, push the plunger and become immersed in the interactive experiences. If your time allows it, experience the Waihi Gold Mine Tour which takes you "inside the fence" of the massive Martha Mine where you can get up close to gigantic trucks, and feel the power of huge machines as they crush the ore to extract precious gold and silver.
After lunch at local cafes and bakeries, we drove to the Coastal Bay of Plenty. This stunning region stretches from Waihi Beach to Pukehina and is known for its natural beauty, offering pristine beaches, scenic hikes, waterfalls, and world-class cycling trails. Enjoy outdoor adventures like surfing and kayaking, along with fresh local produce such as kiwifruit, avocados, and seafood at vibrant restaurants and cafes. The Bay also boasts a rich cultural history, explored through guided tours with local Māori (Manawhenua), connecting people to place and sharing practices that have been sustained for generations.
There, we visited the Avocado Orchard Tour and the experienced guide, Tim, took us on a journey through the orchard, providing us with an in-depth understanding of this delicious and healthy fruit as we delved into the fascinating world of avocados – learning about tree development, seasonal management, and the vital role of bees in pollination.
Then from there, we went for a Muirs Cookout Experience.
Muirs Tours pride themselves in sharing Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view) whilst living by and demonstrating cultural values of manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga in all. It was a cultural home hosted dinner experience & tour with Deon Muir, a passionate New Zealander, has spent most of his professional career representing both his country and the mighty Waikato. Captain of the New Zealand Māori All Blacks and Super captain of the Chiefs Rugby Team. The cultural tour did include an introduction to significant landmarks and historic locations belonging to the Ngāti Whakaue kī Maketū tribe including the significant landing site of Te Arawa Waka and the tour concluded with an intimate and interactive cooking and feast experience.
And to finish our day we spent the night at Trinity Wharf. Tauranga’s premier over-water hotel, uniquely positioned on the harbour’s edge, provides stylish rooms, versatile conference and event spaces, and stunning waterfront views — the perfect blend of business and leisure.
3rd DAY:
After breakfast, we had a Tauranga Moana Experience.
A journey tracing the path of ancestors and the pre-European Māori and settlers who laid the foundation for Tauranga Moana. We gained insight into Tauranga's rich history as we delved into the stories of an ancient Māori fortified village and the profound impact of missionaries and European settlers on the Māori people. Our guide, a descendant of those who were present at the historic battle, led us to the very grounds where remarkable events unfolded, sharing tales of bravery and honor. Stood within a Polynesian navigational compass used by ancestors to navigate the vast Pacific Ocean. To conclude this remarkable tour, we visited a local marae and admired the breathtaking vistas of the Tauranga harbour from the nearby hills. Truly a captivating experience!
Then from there, we took a drive to the Hobbiton Movie Set.
After lunch we took an amazing tour. We experienced a slice of the ‘real Middle-earth” with a visit to the picturesque Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata and saw the living film set as featured in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies on a guided tour. We enjoyed an exclusive Southfarthing brew at the Green Dragon Inn, while hearing spell-binding tales of how the set came to be.
After that we drove to Hamilton Gardens for a very nice, guided tour with one of the experienced guides who shared their behind-the-scenes knowledge and revealed the secrets of the most popular themed gardens. The award-winning Hamilton Gardens is the city’s most popular visitor attraction and has a truly unique concept. A collection of gardens like no other on earth, this gem is a living museum of 18 gardens spanning 4000 years of human culture and civilization. Perfect for a half-day visit, but with enough to easily fill a whole day, Hamilton Gardens is a must-see inclusion on any itinerary.
And then we went to check-in at the Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments.
Hidden Lake is a luxe new Hotel with a broad palette of natural, sustainable and design aesthetics. Comfort is defined in its leisurely manner. Rooms and apartments reflect the woodland setting with floor to ceiling windows and splashes of color. Features and facilities show creative flair and a commitment to sustainability. Organic produce is a passion. The expansive barn-like shops, cafes and heritage spaces of Lakewood characterize this astonishing and unique new destination, with pathways leading into the Waikato right outside the door.
We had a nice dinner at the Alpino Cambridge, an Italian restaurant. They pride themselves on creating an enjoyable dining experience that combines delicious food with a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The interior is tastefully decorated with Italian-inspired elements, giving the restaurant a warm and welcoming feel. Whether you're looking for a romantic night out or a casual dinner with friends, Alpino Cambridge is the perfect place for dinner.
4th DAY:
After Breakfast, we drove to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and took a guided tour.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is an ancient, vibrant and Eco-system, surrounded by a 47km predator-proof fence, making it the largest mainland fenced sanctuary in New Zealand. It is home to many of New Zealand’s most endangered species. They have a range of tours available to book to learn more about this stunning conservation story and the Maunga's flora and fauna, guided by a knowledgeable guide along the gently graded walking tracks. Keep an eye out for the North Island robins, tomtits, kākā, tūī, bellbirds, hihi, tieke, fantails, kererū and wētā. Their guides also share stories about the history of this ambitious conservation project.
Then we drove to Waikato to Skyline Rotorua.
Here we took the gondola up to the mountain, had a buffet lunch, and experienced the Luge.
Rotorua is the original tourism destination of New Zealand, where the manaakitanga (respect for guests) is part of the legacy of unique place. We experienced the warmth and passionate heart of its people wherever we went. Whatever you're seeking, you'll find it here; Rotorua can be invigorating, exciting, inspiring, relaxing, recharging and renewing. Conveniently located in the centre of the North Island, Rotorua is always original, with its own sense of fun and style. With geothermal wonders, pristine lakes, lush native forests, rich Māori culture and an abundance of adventure activities to choose from, Rotorua offers some of the country's most iconic natural attractions and epic experiences. So, whether you want to recharge in natural hot springs, feel the thrill of racing downhill in a Luge or ZORB, ride the world's best year-round mountain biking trails, run into the crater of a volcano, raft the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, experience true connection with Māori culture, or all of the above, it’s all found in Rotorua. Jump onboard one of the eight-seater Gondola cabins and experience spectacular views of Lake Rotorua, the city and steaming geothermal vistas. The 900-metre long Doppelmayr cableway system will transport you on a gentle, scenic ride up to the Skyline Rotorua complex. Once up top, you can choose Luge, Mountain Bike, Zoom Zipline, Skyswing, check out the nature trails, shop at the INZPIRED Store or the Jelly Belly Store, enjoy Volcanic Hills wine tasting and dine at Market Kitchen or Stratosfare Restaurant.
The luge is the world’s first, proudly designed and built in Rotorua, three-wheeled cart with a unique braking and steering system that gives riders full control and allows them to ride. Return to the top of the luge on double-seater chairlifts and go for another ride following by a sumptuous buffet lunch with 180 degree views out over the city.
From there we drove to Redwoods for a Daytime Treewalk.
We experienced the Redwoods Treewalk, a self-guided 700-metre walkway through the Redwoods Forest that uses eco-friendly engineering to suspended bridges and platforms from 100-year-old majestic redwoods. The series of suspension bridges take you from 6 meters high, up to 20 metres. Designed for use without harnesses or protective gear, Treewalk is suitable for all ages and provides a bird's eye view of an already world-famous forest setting. It's an inspiring, refreshing and rejuvenating nature experience. By night, it becomes a magical wonderland as thirty David Trubridge lanterns and thousands of fair lights are illuminated.
A daytime discovery experience like no other, walk high amongst giant 120-year-old redwood trees and open your eyes to the natural beauty of our forest. A peaceful haven for you to discover above the forest floor, surround yourself with gentle giants, native fauna and sweeping silver ferns. The tree top walk takes an average of 40 minutes to complete.
And then spent the night at Rydges Rotorua. Rydges Rotorua is close proximity to the edge of the Redwood forest, overlooking the glistening waters of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and surrounded by nature’s best work. Switch on for the day with a morning visit to our gym or dive straight in with our heated outdoor swimming pool. Bring your own bike and hit the road two-wheel style thanks to our secure bike storage facility, tick off your must-dos and have-to-sees and bring home a memento of your trip from the Lobby Shop.
At night we went for a Te Pa Tu Experience.
Tū Te Rā - Summer Matariki Harvest Celebration (Nov-Apr) is a journey into the heart of Māori culture for an experience you will never forget! Te Pā Tū celebrates seasonal kai (food) and Māori culture. Te Pā Tū shares a four-hour evening feast aligned to and changing with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). For Māori, kai is integral to any special gathering, so you’ll experience the mystical Ahi Taitai (fire ceremony) before stepping in to the tawa forest canopy for seasonal kai horotai (canapés) and a lantern-lit walk to a lavish three-course family-share hākari (feast).
Tū Te Rā - Summer Harvest Matariki Celebration - reflects a time of year when the sun expresses its optimal energy. It is when days are the longest, and the sun’s energy and light nourish the natural world.
Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pā (village) – blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed Amphitheatre.
Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4 hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.
5th DAY:
After Breakfast we drove to Wai Ariki and had a restorative journey at Wai Ariki Hot Spring & Spa.
Wai Ariki, situated on the beautiful foreshore of Lake Rotorua, embraces the rich legacy of Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing practices, and manaakitanga—the renowned tradition of welcoming visitors. Its name, meaning 'Chiefly Waters,' reflects its location and significance. Wai Ariki provides two architecturally captivating and culturally authentic spaces for exploration, unwinding, rejuvenation, and relaxation.
Owned and curated by the local iwi, Ngāti Whakaue, this unique destination offers a sensory feast that truly captivates the essence of the region.
Restorative Journey (Wai Whakaora) is a two-hour wellness experience, grounded in te ao Māori principles and Ngāti Whakaue culture, traditional healing practices and manaakitanga.
Here, we followed a pathway of five, multi-sensory, unforgettable spa experiences that moved us from heat to cool, mud to water, air to steam to maximise therapeutic benefits.
Then we drove to Taupo and after lunch at the Mudcake Cafe, we explored the Orakei Karako Geothermal Park and Cave, a volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world. Wander through the Hidden Valley and visit the thermal Ruatapu Cave which extends more than 36m down into volcanic tuff to the 'Waiwhakaata' or 'Pool of Mirrors' hot pool at the bottom.
Orakei Korako boasts the most active geysers of any geothermal park in New Zealand. Up to 23 active natural geysers play freely through the area, which is constantly changing. Marvel at the number of boiling hot springs and the vibrant colors all around you or take a native bushwalk through this untouched geothermal paradise.
Travelling from Taupō to the Ruapehu region via the scenic Desert Road as we made our way to the mountain town of Ohakune as your local base for exploring the UNESCO Dual World Heritage Site of Tongariro National Park.
Ruapehu is an off-the-beaten track destination for slow travel, nature lovers and intrepid travelers and allows you to enjoy an amazing network of walking, hiking and mountain biking trails throughout the UNESCO Dual World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park at your doorstep and the remote wilderness of Whanganui National Park. From the iconic mountains to sacred rivers, you are invited to connect with people and place. Get to know the communities and reason for being by learning about Tahia Ko Puanga Ruapehu Destination Management Plan.
We had a chance to get an express Guided Tour of the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa, New Zealand’s most comprehensive army museum and provides access to a unique collection of military exhibits, vehicles, memorabilia, and public research material. Must see attractions at the museum include the Roimata Pounamu – Tears on Greenstone memorial wall – the largest jade (nephrite) structure in the Southern Hemisphere. There is also an extensive medal collection, iconic military vehicles, lifelike displays, and an interactive KidZ HQ space, research center and The Mess Tent Cafe.
Then we drove to Ohakune and spent the night at the Powderhorn Chateau and had dinner at the Powderkeg Restaurant & Bar.
The Powderhorn Chateau is a fantastic retreat for all seasons, and for those travelling between Auckland and Wellington or visiting the Central Plateau it provides the perfect stopover. Whether you’re seeking adventure, a family holiday or a romantic getaway, they have a variety of accommodation available to suit your needs. Only a two-minute walk to the dual heritage Tongariro National Park and the closest accommodation to Turoa ski field, the Powderhorn Chateau is hard to match for its location and facilities - two indoor heated pool, dart boards, pool tables, and board games for those post-mountain winter nights. Also, the Powderkeg Restaurant & Bar is an Ohakune institution.
The Powderhorm Chateau is exactly what you'd expect in a ski resort town, with the building itself all in time; timber has been used extensively throughout the complex, the majority of the materials sourced locally. Douglas Fir Beams, Macrocarpa, Redwood and Douglas Fir linings, Rimu tables, bar-tops and benches are all major features exhibited throughout the building.
After dinner, we were offered to soak at the Ohakune Hot Tubs. Soak up the serenity of this charming mountain town and the nature of Tongariro National Park literally at your doorstep. Enjoy a soak under the stars at the wood-fired Ohakune Hot Tubs - just 500 m from Powderhorn Chateau, a short 7 min walk.
6th DAY:
We had Breakfast at the Powderkeg Restaurant.
Established in 1989, this is “the place” to experience New Zealand après ski. The Powderkeg is the heart of the Powderhorn Chateau and is where most of the fun tends to begin! Situated at the start of The Old Coach Road, The Powderkeg guarantees a fun and hospitable atmosphere! Many tall stories are told over a cold beer seated at the unforgettable wood furniture. “The Keg” as it is fondly known, is famous for its generous portions of fresh, seasonal cuisine.
After that we went exploring Te Ara Mangawhero. I took a mountain e-bike Tour to do it, and others went on a walk, and it was so much fun! They are planning to expand their trails, so there are more to come.
Starting from the bottom of Ohakune Mountain Road, you can walk or bike the beautiful Te Ara Mangawhero trail. E-bikes were provided to us with a local host as our guide.
Then from the hotel we had a very short drive to Ohakune town, a very Charming town and the carrot capital of New Zealand and the southern gateway to Tongariro National Park to grab a coffee/tea and the world-famous chocolate eclair, we also had a chance to check out at the local shops, and the Ohakune isite, before popping by Ohakune Carrotland Adventure Park, an ode to New Zealand's carrot capital and must-do attraction. Opus Fresh is a local premium merino brand for beautiful NZ made outerwear located at the Ohakune Train Station. Ohakune Railway Museum is another wee gem located at the Ohakune Train Station showcasing the region's rich rail history. Strange Dog for local crafts, gifts and souvenirs. Wild Forest Collective showcases a gorgeous range of local, unique handmade gifts, art, clothing and skincare. Kombi Ohakune for great coffee and super fresh squeezed juice. Honeycomb for delicious Philly Cheesesteaks, burritos, salads and fresh sandwiches. Utopia Cafe offers a delicious menu and cabinet food including a delicious slice of scrumptious carrot cake. Mountain Rocks Cafe provides delicious food and great coffee. Johnny Nation's Chocolate Eclair Shop for world famous chocolate eclairs freshly made daily.
Then we drove to Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu, where local landmarks and points of interest along the way are Young's Honesty Box, Smash Palace in Horopito, Makatote Viaduct, Waimarino, Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre and Whakapapa Village.
We took the Sky Waka gondolaride, to soar above the unique volcanic terrain of Tongariro National Park on the Sky Waka gondola – a 1.8 km journey with stunning landscapes to the highest dining experience in New Zealand sitting at 2,020 m above sea level at the award-winning Knoll Ridge Chalet, where we were able to explore the heart of New Zealand’s North Island at its most raw and real from above the ground and on foot. We had a nice lunch there just before taking a nice walk to look at the nice view.
From there we drove to Taupō.
I fell in love with Taupō. Aroha ki Taupō. The heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Taupō is a stunning blend of natural beauty and adventure. At its centre is the vast, sparkling Lake Taupō, born from a massive volcanic eruption. The region offers legendary fly-fishing in its trout-filled rivers, scenic walks and bike trails through ancient forests, and rejuvenating geothermal valleys with natural hot springs. Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features awe-inspiring volcanoes, including Mt Ruapehu with its ski fields and hiking trails. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers an unforgettable hike across a volcanic landscape, while Mt Ngauruhoe starred as Mt Doom in The Lord of the Rings. Taupō’s resorts, villages, and accommodations offer adventure and discovery just outside your door.
From there we took a private charter tour of the Taupo Maori Rock Carving Cruise.
Chris Jolly Outdoors boasts an array of offerings, from scenic cruises on Lake Taupō, private charters & corporate events, fishing trips, hiking & biking trips with some of the region’s best experienced guides.
The business was built on good boats and a great team who know how to show you a great time while you’re in town. It’s all about New Zealand’s natural environment, the native bush, the clear water, the fish and animals that live here.
From absolute relaxation, team-bonding experiences, to throwing unforgettable celebrations... The possibilities are truly endless.
Year round, these boats are the perfect option, providing heating in winter and open plan entertainment in summer, stunning viewing decks and a team of specialists to take care of you.
The fleet can entertain groups as small as two and for as large as 140 delegates.
And then drove to the Suncourt Hotel & Conference Centre to spend the night and have dinner.
Taupō’s 'best' local, family owned and operated accommodation, conference, event and wedding venue in Lake Taupō, New Zealand.
Enjoy the stunning vista of Great Lake Taupō and the mountains of Tongariro National Park from our lake front accommodation and the stylish year-round Terrace of our fabulous onsite restaurant & bar, Lionel's.
With 40 out of 52 rooms capturing the magnificent lake and mountain views, there is an array of accommodation options to suit all travellers. Choose from studio rooms to one-, two- or three-bedroom units.
7th DAY:
We drove to Hilton Lake Taupō for breakfast and had a chance to get a site visit of this charming property. Located on the north-eastern shore of Lake Taupō, Hilton Lake Taupō offers elegant accommodation combining heritage charm with modern comfort. All rooms and suites feature stylish en-suite bathrooms and efficient geothermally sourced heating.
Enjoy 5-star facilities and services, a rich cultural heritage and a wide range of outdoor activities including tennis courts, a thermally heated pool and spa-pool, sauna, steam room and fitness centre, 113 rooms in total, with a wide variety of room and suite configurations.
Then we drove some more to Huka Honey Hive for a visit.
The unforgettable honey experience offers free honey, mead and liqueur tastings, live beehive viewings and fascinating interactive displays. At Café Hive@65, enjoy delicious gourmet ice creams, that I highly do recommend trying as it is delicious, hot and cold drinks and a great range of divine sweet treats, Aotearoa’s largest selection of artisan honey products. Be tempted by an amazing array of 100% pure New Zealand and mānuka honey, mead, natural health and wellbeing products and unique gift ideas.
From there we drove to Hukafalls jetand took a tour onboard ajet boat for some good fun.
We experienced the unforgettable Hukafalls Jet: incredible views of Huka Falls, heart-pumping 80km/h rides, exhilarating 360-degree spins, and expertly maneuvered journeys down the river. See steam, landmarks, and rock cliffs up close. Hukafalls Jet is the only jet boat company permitted to take you to the base of the mighty Huka Falls.
Then we drove to have a nice lunch at Dine at Pateau Bar + Eatery.
Located on the shores of Lake Taupo, Plateau Bar & Eatery is an award-winning New Zealand meeting place that serves the finest craft beers and kiwi inspired cuisine.
The menu offers a fusion of fresh, vibrant and exciting flavors from Polynesia and beyond. From Aotearoa to Japan, Peru to the Philippines, we invite you to enjoy a culinary journey incorporating tastes inspired by countries of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Experience exciting cuisine complemented by a great selection of craft beers, boutique wines and professional, friendly service.
Then we drove to Hawke’s Bay Region.
Hawke’s Bay shines as New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country and one of only 11 Great Wine Capitals of the World. This culinary haven, the nation’s oldest wine-growing region, thrives on its diverse terroir, where award-winning winemakers, chefs, and artisans create unforgettable paddock-to-plate and grape-to-glass experiences. The temperate climate ensures visitors can savor long vineyard lunches, explore vibrant farmers’ markets, or dine at urban restaurants showcasing local produce. Pedal the Hawke’s Bay cycle trails, part of New Zealand’s Great Rides, along scenic limestone paths linking vineyards, stunning coastlines, and cultural and heritage sites. Year-round events, from the dazzling Art Deco Festival to the Hawke’s Bay Marathon, as well as numerous food, wine, and music celebrations, add to the region’s vibrancy. Steeped in Māori heritage as Te Matau-a-Māui, named by the navigator Māui over 1,000 years ago, Hawke’s Bay offers rich cultural stories through immersive experiences.
We checked-in for the night at Porter Boutique Hotel.
Porters Boutique Hotel offers 4.5-star accommodation located near Hastings and Napier cities, New Zealand.
Unwind in elegantly appointed guest rooms, complete with plush, classic furnishings and adorned with original local artwork. Enjoy attentive service within a stylish, intimate space that reflects the beauty and grandeur of the breathtaking Hawke’s Bay region.
And we went to Euchre Lodge, part of Black Barn Retreats.
Euchre Lodge is a three-bedroom en-suited property with the option of adding the pool pavilion as a 4th en-suited bedroom. With a generous living area that is open plan, there is a lovely relationship between the living, kitchen and dining area that creates a grand yet welcoming and comfortable environment. Euchre Lodge is 'modern country' in style and the height of luxury with high-end New Zealand made art and furnishings, bedding and fabrics. Enjoy the elevated views of the Tuki Tuki River and back to Mount Erin in addition to the established landscape gardens. In summer, spend hours poolside sipping on Black Barn's latest rosé.
In winter, head out for a walk within Euchre Farm and down to the river or curl up in the sitting room in front of the large roaring fireplace with a glass of Black Barn's latest red.
From there we went to visit Craggy Range Vineyards for a wine tasting and dinner before going back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Craggy Range is a family-owned winery established in 1998 and situated in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak in Havelock North. The architecturally designed Giants winery complex offers a second-to-none cellar door and restaurant visitor experience.
The Cellar Door offers relaxed and intimate seated tastings of Craggy Range’s premium wines, while the award-winning Craggy Range Restaurant serves the best local and seasonal produce prepared by Head Chef Casey McDonald.
Craggy Range experienced Cellar Door staff will take you through a tasting of the latest release wines and talk you through their winemaking philosophy and great estates in Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough.
8th DAY:
After breakfast at the Maina Café across the road from the hotel, we drove to Art Deco Trust in Napier for a guided walk tour.
Napier City is considered the Art Deco Capital with the highest concentration of art deco buildings anywhere in the world, while Hastings is also home to an impressive collection of Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical buildings. Take a tour in a vintage car or join a guided walk to discover the best examples of Art Deco buildings you’ll see anywhere.
A 1.5 hour guided walking tour of Napier’s Art Deco highlights. Discover the fascinating story of Napier’s heritage on this easy walking tour. The original town of Napier was levelled by a dramatic and devastating earthquake in 1931 but was completely rebuilt within a remarkable two-year period in the contemporary style of the time: Art Deco. The city is now recognized as the most complete Art Deco city in the world. The tour will start at the Art Deco Centre for a viewing of the 1931 Earthquake film where you will hear of the devastation of the city and the stories of the people it left behind. Then you will embark on a one-hour walk with a professionally trained Art Deco Trust guide.
Then, we went to Church Road Winery for lunch and a wine tasting.
Since their journey began in 1897, the winemakers at Church Road have been at the forefront of the Hawke’s Bay winemaking region. And while our traditional techniques hold great importance, we have always balanced this with innovative ways to hone our skills and continue to create exceptional wines.
After that, we drove to Gisborne with a quick stop in Wairoa, a stop by the river. Osler’s Bakery is a location that would work, and a better option is Eastend Café, but it closes 2.30pm, so depending on the timing you can make your choice.
Then we went to Matawhero Wines to check-in and have a wine tasting.
If you are looking for a unique place to stay in Gisborne, New Zealand, the Matawhero luxury cabin accommodation is situated only a 10-minute drive from Gisborne City. With beautiful views over the vines, each studio cabin offers lovely accommodation for leisure or even a business stay.
The ideal location next to our beautiful Cellar Door allows you to enjoy a platter and wine tasting on-site or on your own private deck.
We experienced a premium wine tasting at the Winery Cellar Door which faithfully portrays the history of their winery. We enjoyed gourmet platters and wine tasting nestled amongst the vines and olive trees or enjoyed a game of pétanque. A highlight when visiting our Cellar Door is to explore the underground cellar which is home to many older vintage Matawhero wines, as well as other iconic New Zealand wine producers.
Other good options to spend the night are Ocean Beach Wainui and Tatapouri Bay.
From there we went to Crawford Road Chicken for a very nice dinner. Lunch and dinner menus offer a range of meals to suit your mood, from light bar snacks to full lunch or dinner. Our food is designed to be shared, over a glass of something, with great company.
And went back to Matawhero for the night.
9th DAY:
We went to FlagShip Cafe for breakfast and drove to Waipaoa Bridge, Railbikes Adventure for a very enjoyable and fun experience, an amazing new cycling adventure on the very scenic 90 kilometers of coastal railway between Gisborne and Wairoa.
A totally unique tandem cycle that allows you to pedal side-by-side along the actual rails! The Beach Loop Scenic is a relaxed half day excursion for all visitors to Tairāwhiti, and the best thing to do while you are in Gisborne!
This is a relaxed one-hour return journey that takes you out through rural plains, past vineyards and across the picturesque Waipaoa Bridge. Suitable for all fitness levels, this is a fantastic option for those with a limited schedule who want a taste of the unique ‘Gisborne Railbike’ experience.
Then we drove to Tatapouri to have a Reef Ecology Tour. Dive Tatapouri Reef Ecology Tour is famous in New Zealand and abroad, interacting with wild stingrays, eagle rays and otherreef creatures.
The fantastic guides introduced us to the whai (stingrays) in their natural habitat.
The Reef Ecology tour allowed us the opportunity to walk out at low tide under the guidance of their guides to observe and interact with the Stingrays, Eagle Rays and other marine dwellers of Tatapouri. A must-do activity for anyone visiting Gisborne as we were able to pet and feed them.
Then we had a very good lunch before heading to Gisborne Airport for the domestic flight to Auckland.
From there I flew directly with Air New Zealand in Premium Economy to Los Angeles as I had another family vacation planned.
My experience with Air New Zealand in Premium Economy from Vancouver to Auckland was not great as my seat was barely reclining but from Auckland to Los Angeles, it was excellent.
I have been told by Air New Zealand that it is because they sometimes use leased Cathay Pacific aircraft between Vancouver to Auckland which I did not know and there is no way to know in advance.
So, even if there are direct flights from Vancouver to Auckland, I do recommend the layover in Los Angeles or San Francisco as there are very long flights.
