The Endless Shores - 8 days Wellington to Auckland

Feel the warm hospitality of New Zealand's capital city, as you join your travel companions for a delicious Welcome Dinner hosted at GPO.

Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.

Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 500+ acre ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area. Take a 2-hour walking tour with a passionate expert guide.

Indulge in wine tasting and an intimate dinner at the award-winning restaurant of Craggy Range Winery. Feast on local produce as you sit in the shade of Te Mata Peak and drink wines from one of the region’s world-famous vineyards.

Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with plush, classic furnishings and local artwork, all moments away from the charming village of Havelock North.

Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you climb into a luxury vintage car with a discerning local guide for your personal tour of Napier. Uncover the highlights of this world-famous town’s 140 art deco buildings and sculptures from the comfort of your 1930s vintage vehicle, while learning how the Trust safeguards these treasures. Hear how it preserves a collection of art deco buildings constructed after the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake and fire, tells the stories of courageous locals who rebuilt with creativity and optimism. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Journey from coast to cape in Hawke’s Bay for a rare, close encounter with the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Take in sweeping coastal views as you witness these magnificent birds up close. As part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, a donation is made on your behalf to support conservation at Cape Sanctuary. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a guided cultural walk through Whirinaki Native Forest. Begin with a traditional Māori welcome before venturing into pristine Whirinaki Forest, discovering ancient trees, waterfalls, native birds, and rich cultural stories. Guided by proud locals, you’ll enjoy forest bathing, a packed picnic lunch, and Kawakawa tea. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. The hatchery has grown to become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs, helping the North Island population considerably. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés), complimentary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Discover the landmarks of New Zealand’s largest city on your afternoon tour. See the diversity of the city from bustling Queen Street and the rejuvenated Viaduct Harbour to the historic buildings around the city’s university and the striking Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Enter the subterranean Footwhistle Cave for a private tour. Your guide will lead you down to the entrance of the cave, where on this intimate, private tour you will discover the beauty of the New Zealand Glowworm, and learn about the cave formations and beauty of Footwhistle Cave. A cup of locally brewed Kawa Kawa tea is the perfect finish.   

The Trivet dining experience draws inspiration from Aotearoa’s rich cultural tapestry, blending global culinary traditions and techniques with the finest locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the sharing-style Auckland cuisine, where every dish tells a story and creates a sense of connection.