Connoisseur’s North Island
Duration: 8 days
Highlights: - Savour artisan flavours on Waiheke Island
- Step into sophistication at Huka Lodge
- Discover a fly-fishing paradise on the world-famous Tongariro River
- Seek cliff-top adventures at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Fishing, food, and wine – this exclusive self-drive journey through New Zealand’s North Island has it all. Discover firsthand why the Tongariro River is the country’s fly-fishing capital. View the world’s biggest mainland colony of gannets at Cape Kidnappers. And experience a thrilling jet-boat ride at the thunderous Huka Falls.
*Car hire not included.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Auckland – Waiheke Island
Collect your rental vehicle and explore this harbour city at your leisure. Make your way to your accommodation on Waiheke Island, a two-hour drive away.
Overnight: The Boatshed
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Day 2 - Waiheke Island
Enjoy a gourmet food and wine tour of Waiheke Island, tasting fresh oysters, locally produced specialities and wine from the island’s top vineyards.
Overnight: The Boatshed
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Day 3 - Taupo
Journey south to Huka Lodge on the Waikato River. Nestled in manicured grounds on the door step of the World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, this luxury lodge is your perfect base. Soak up the surrounds over pre-dinner drinks.
Overnight: Huka Lodge
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Day 4 - Taupo
Two full days’ fly-fishing on the Tongariro River. Let experienced guides introduce you to the most diverse range of rainbow and brown trout fly-fishing in the country. Later, feast on a tasting menu of sustainably sourced ingredients, such as spanner crab and John Dory, matched with the region’s finest wines.
Overnight: Huka Lodge
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Day 5 - Taupo
Enjoy another full day fly-fishing on the Tongariro River.
Overnight: Huka Lodge
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Day 6 - Hawke’s Bay
Journey upstream to the thunderous Huka Falls for a thrilling jet-boat ride. Continue to Hawke’s Bay and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. This magnificent property sits atop rolling hills and rugged cliffs with infinite ocean views.
Overnight: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
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Day 7 - Hawke’s Bay
Join your guide on a discovery of the 6,000-acre working sheep and cattle farm on which your 5-star retreat is located. Witness the highly-trained farm dogs muster sheep. Trek across hidden trails to see the largest, most accessible mainland colony of gannets in the world. If you are feeling adventurous, take a picnic and venture to the colony by mountain bike.
Overnight: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
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Day 8 - Hawke’s Bay – Depart Napier
Drive to Napier Airport for your onward flight.
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