Inspiring Journeys - The Endless Shores 24/25

Upon arrival at Wellington Airport you'll be transferred to your hotel by private car. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening, join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception, followed by dinner.

Staying in:

• QT Wellington (1 night)

Discover Wellington your way. You could visit the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne, home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife. Go on a guided city walking tour around Wellington or explore the country’s fascinating culture, nature, heritage and art at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.

Staying in:

• QT Wellington (1 night)

Continue north today, travelling through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawkes Bay. Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine at Craggy Range Winery, one of the regions world famous wineries situated in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak.

Staying in:

• Porters Boutique Hotel (1 night)

Enjoy a relaxed start before we venture out to explore the Hawkes Bay region. Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide a fascinating commentary as you are driven in style, through Art Deco Napier and surrounding areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city, hear stories of the people that led the rebuild, and discover the Art Deco style.

Staying in:

• Porters Boutique Hotel (1 night)

Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua. This afternoon you will have a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest. Armed with a packed lunch and with your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest on a guided cultural walking tour, including Rongoa trail, rakau rangatira, history, possibly sight some native and endangered birds, whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end. Learn also the story behind this family-owned business and the massive community and social responsibility arm they have, and how your visit is positively impacting on the local community.

Staying in:

• Pullman Rotorua (1 night)

Ascending the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 120-year-old redwood giants and view the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. Next stop is the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, the national leader in kiwi husbandry, and learn about their kiwi hatchery programme that is proudly supported by TreadRight. 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) and complementary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Staying in:

• Pullman Rotorua (1 night)

Begin your day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld Waitomo.  Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel through the dairy farming district of Waikato, and onto Auckland. Tonight, Toast your trip together tonight at a Celebration Dinner.

Staying in:

• QT Auckland (1 night)

Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and we transfer you by private car to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.