Terms & Conditions

More temperate and tropical than its neighbor to the south, New Zealand's North Island is home to the majority of the nation's Maoris, the country's largest city, a primordial and temperamental volcanic region, stunning waterfalls, pristine lakes and miles of beaches. 

You'll begin your three-day tour in Auckland, New Zealand's largest metropolis, which is blessed with two harbors, 102 beaches within an hour's drive, 23 offshore islands and a perpetually lovely climate. In Auckland you'll stay at  The Ascott Metropolis, a luxurious boutique hotel with stunning views over the city's harbor; or at The Heritage Auckland, a haven of comfort and contemporary elegance. You'll spend your first afternoon on the North Island exploring "The Queen City" where a modern mix of Polynesians, Asians, and Europeans have created a delightful metropolis beneath the skyline's 1,082-foot Sky Tower. 

The next day you'll head south to Rotorua by motorcoach, stopping along the way in Waitomo to see the "glow-worm grotto," where millions of tiny worms create a galaxy of light in subterranean caverns. After a drive through densely forested hills, you'll arrive in Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand's Maoris, set in one of the world's most active thermal areas. You'll stay at Treetops, an elegant lodge nestled into a secluded, 2,500-acre valley, or at the Royal Lakeside Rotorua, on the shores of Lake Rotorua and just minutes from the city's central business district. 

During your tour of Rotorua you'll visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, with its bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers; the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute; the Rainbow Springs Reserve; and the Agrodome, where you'll get a chance to see performing sheepdogs. Those who book the Superior trip will receive a private tour of Rotorua. The next morning you'll depart for Auckland.

The tour price includes hotel accommodations, motor coach transport, taxes  and sightseeing as noted. Treetops Lodge also includes breakfast and dinner.

Rate per person*   Please call for rates

 Deluxe 
(Ascott and Treetops)
January-April    
June-September    
October-March    

Standard
(The Heritage and Royal Lakeside)
January-April    
May-September    
October-March

* Based on double occupancy

ANTIPODES RECOMMENDS

A Helicopter Tour of Rotorua's
Volcanic Craters and Lakes
On his return from Rotorua in 1934, George Bernard Shaw remarked, "I was pleased to get so close to Hades and be able to return." With a helicopter tour of the region, you'll be able to get even closer to see the thermal wonders of New Zealand's "disturbed district": bubbling mud pools, roaring geysers, deep cragged craters, steaming lakes and the region's massive volcanoes themselves, which, though active, are capped with snow.

Rate per person     Please call for rates 

Zorb Rotorua
The latest Kiwi rage, The Zorb is, basically, a very large, clear ball riders climb inside! Then they roll head over heels downhill in either a wet zorb or dry zorb. An exhilarating thrill.

Rate per person     Please call for rates