07 Day North Island Luxury Itinerary

Our New Zealand vacation packages are carefully designed to take advantage of the best luxury experiences and accommodation the country has to offer.

With our 7 Day North Island Luxury Itinerary, visit boutique wine regions, explore the geothermal landscape by helicopter and enjoy stunning lakeside townships with hiking and boating on offer.

In addition, stay at a number of New Zealand’s most renowned luxury lodges. The North Island is home to several highly acclaimed lodges, including Huka Lodge. We can also customise our New Zealand vacation packages to include 5-star hotels or luxury holiday homes and villas.

Our 7 Day North Island Luxury Itinerary is as follows:

• Day 1 – Arrive in Auckland & Waiheke Island
• Day 2 – Ananda Waiheke Island Wine Tour
• Day 3 – Rotorua
• Day 4 – Rotorua & Mt Tarawera Helicopter Tour
• Day 5 – Taupo
• Day 6 – Taupo
• Day 7 – Auckland
• Day 8 – Depart Auckland

Read on for more details on this luxury New Zealand North Island itinerary for 7 days.

7 Day North Island Luxury Itinerary: New Zealand Vacation Packages

Day 1 Auckland – Waiheke Island

Your exclusive New Zealand experience begins in Auckland, the gateway to the North Island. Get a glimpse of the city before being whisked away to Waiheke Island a haven of beaches, picturesque vineyards and olive groves, just 40 minutes from downtown Auckland by boat or 10 minutes by helicopter.

Stay at The Boatshed, offering chic luxury Waiheke accommodation, sitting just above the sun-drenched bay and white sandy beaches of Oneroa. Experience designer luxury hotel suites, each totally private with panoramic ocean views. Private all day dining for hotel guests is a wonderful way to make the most of the hotel’s beautiful design, architecture, art and the local surrounds, as well as the beautiful bay and ocean views. Walk on the beach, read a book, relax and be pampered.

Stay 2 nights in Waiheke Island.

Accommodation: The Boatshed Hotel Waiheke Island 

Day 2 Waiheke Island Wine Tour

Wake up to glistening sea views and gentle bird song. If you are feeling energised take a morning stroll to start your day, exploring the island’s trails which meander along cliff tops, down to beaches and into cool enclaves of native forest.

Spend the day tasting the best of this boutique region on a gourmet wine and food tour with Ananda Tours, the ideal New Zealand holiday experience. Visit award-winning vineyards; sample local specialties such as olive oil, wild honey, and oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay; and indulge in a platter lunch at one of the island’s top vineyard restaurants.

Please enquire for private tour options.

Day 3 Rotorua

Driving time Auckland to Rotorua 3 hours  

Rotorua is known for crystal-clear streams and magical forests, bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Maori culture.

Rotorua also offers an adventure scene with an epic network of biking trails, walking trails and adventure activities such as rafting and tree-top zip lining.

Unwind at Solitaire Lodge, one of New Zealand’s premiere luxury lodges. Set in lush forest with a volcanic backdrop, Solitaire Lodge enjoys breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera and is a highlight. The subtle design brings the outdoors in, inviting you to unwind and soak up the peace and quiet of this tranquil setting. While you are located within easy access of the multitude of activities on offer in Rotorua, the lodge is also the perfect place to simply relax, indulge, and rejuvenate. During your stay, take part in the daily changing menus that showcase the seasonal highlights of the region. Includes pre-dinner drinks and canapés, a five course evening meal, a complimentary mini bar, an extensive breakfast and a light lunch.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Accommodation: Solitaire Lodge Rotorua

Day 4 Rotorua + Mt Tarawera by Heli

Fly to Mt Tarawera by helicopter with Volcanic Air, stand on the crater’s edge of this sacred mountain with sweeping panoramic views and experience a thrilling walk along the crater’s edge.

Later, discover Rotorua’s captivating geothermal landscapes with colourful sinter terraces, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pools. Or learn about our history and Maori culture.

Day 5 Taupo

Driving time Rotorua to Taupo 1 hour

Taupo is home to two of New Zealand’s iconic luxury lodges, world-class fly-fishing experiences and two of the country’s top 10 golf courses.

Immerse yourself in style on the shores of the Waikato River at Huka Lodge, long considered one of the top retreats in the world. Huka Lodge is set among established gardens along the banks of the surging Waikato River near Lake Taupō on New Zealand’s North Island. Relaxation will come easy as you soak up the serenity with a glass of New Zealand wine expertly paired with cuisine by your executive chef. There are over 20 private dining options, from an intimate riverside pavilion to the atmospheric underground wine cellar.

For the active relaxer, what better way to experience the vast natural landscape than a stay at Poronui, the ultimate luxury wilderness retreat hidden in the secluded Taharua Valley. Take a scenic helicopter flight deep into the mountains and fine-tune your casting skills with a skilled fly-fishing guide.

If golf is your passion, you will find two premier golf clubs to explore: Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary and The Kinloch Club.

Stay 2 nights in Taupo.

Accommodation: Huka Lodge Taupo

Featured: Huka Lodge 

Day 6 Taupo

Today is spent at your leisure, either relaxing at your luxury lodge, or exploring what Taupo has to offer.

Visit the Huka Falls, where you can witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power with more than 220,000 litres of water per sec barreling over an 11meter high waterfall.  Take a kayak or boat tour around the scenic Western Bays of Lake Taupō to see the huge Māori rock carving at Mine Bay. Get active and hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with a private guide – often described as New Zealand’s greatest day walk; lava flows, an active crater, steam vents, emerald-coloured lakes and magnificent views combine to make this an unforgettable walking journey. Or fuel your adventurous side by skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boating or rafting.

Featured: Privately Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike

Day 7 Auckland

Driving time Taupo to Auckland 4 hours

Your exclusive New Zealand experience ends in Auckland City. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the city and sampling the exciting culinary scene, or venture to vast black sand beaches.

Park Hyatt Auckland is perfectly located on the water’s edge and offers expansive views across Wynyard Quarter’s Lighter Basin and out to the Waitematā Harbour. The sophisticated waterfront residence has 195 guestrooms, four restaurants and bars, versatile and elegant event spaces, a day spa, 25-metre infinity pool, and a full fitness center. Enjoy a luxurious, 5-star experience.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Accommodation: Park Hyatt, Auckland

Day 8 Depart Auckland

As your unforgettable holiday draws to a close, soak in the views one last time before departing Auckland at your leisure.

Explore our other New Zealand vacation packages

If you wish to spend more time on the North Island, we also offer a 10 Day North Island Luxury Itinerary and a 14 Day North Island Luxury Itinerary.

Alternatively, browse our full range of holidays, including special interest itineraries.

In addition, every one of our New Zealand vacation packages is fully customisable. Use one of our recommended itineraries as a starting point, or work with our expert team to design a bespoke holiday.