In partnership with
Fishing, food, golf and two of New Zealand’s most prestigious lodges – it’s all on offer during this exclusive private journey through the North Island
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, and view the world’s biggest mainland colony of gannets at Cape Kidnappers. Seek adventures on foot, bicycle or horseback for the ultimate New Zealand Experience. Journey highlights include roaming along black sand beaches on Auckland’s wild west coast, relaxing with food and wine at Huka Lodge, discovering a fly-fishing paradise on the world-famous Tongariro River and seeking cliff-top adventures at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.
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.
- Stay at The Boatshed
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.
- Stay at The Boatshed
- Breakfast and lunch
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.
- Stay at Huka Lodge
- Breakfast and dinner
Days 4-5
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.
- Stayt at Huka Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
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.
- Stay at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
- Breakfast and dinner
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.
- Stay at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
- Breakfast and dinner