Pacific Contrasts From New Zealand to the Fiji Islands

Days 1 & 2 Flight to Auckland

Night on board. Arrival two days later.

Day 3 Auckland

The largest city in New Zealand, often referred to as the City of Sails, lies between the Hauraki Gulf on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other. Upon arrival, private transfer and stay for two nights in Viaduct Harbour, in the city centre. Mid century furnishings, freestanding bathtubs and kiwiana artwork turn the modern building into a design hotel. In some of the rooms, Kiwi music can even be heard drifting from the record players. There's a swimming pool and a sauna, and bicycles are available. It’s a great place to recover from your flight and prepare for what’s coming next.
Not to be missed - The Auckland War Memorial Museum. The museum is home to the largest permanent exhibition showcasing Pacific cultures. Its collections feature Maori culture, geology, wildlife, and the country's flora. It’s a perfect introduction to the country.

Day 4 Auckland

In your itinerary - Scrum with the All Blacks. Regardless of whether you’re a rugby fan or not, it’s impossible to ignore the local sport, an integral part of the national heritage and a source of national pride. At the All Blacks Experience centre, you become one of the team, with the guide, who acts as captain. Expect plenty of interesting stories and memorable match moments, before you have a go yourself in one of the interactive zones. You’ll experience the full force of the haka.
Optional extra , with one more night - Take the ferry to Waiheke Island.

Day 5 Auckland - Taupo

Pick up your rental car and head to Taupo. Stay for three nights at Acacia Bay. A pretty flower garden surrounds the cottage. Inside, the rooms and common areas have a very pleasant old-fashioned elegance. The rooms have plenty of space and beds with heated blankets. The common areas are welcoming with a tasteful simplicity. The owners’ positive attitude and attentiveness makes your stay even more pleasurable. All this is just a short walk from the lake.
Already booked - Your tickets for a self-guided tour of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, with its remarkable colours and diverse landscapes. The lakes, caverns, bubbling mud, geysers, steaming fumaroles and rainbow-hued silica terraces are like a sound and light show in broad daylight. It’s a tour that won’t fail to arouse all your senses.

Day 6 Taupo

In your itinerary - Sailing tour on Lake Taupo. The Taupo Volcanic Zone, which stretches from Mount Ruapehu to Whakaari (or White Island) in the Bay of Plenty is still active A gigantic eruption 26,000 years ago created the conditions for the lake to form. Explore it in style aboard a beautifully restored 1920s yacht. It's a wonderful opportunity to chill Kiwi-style, with some swimming, contemplating the views and relaxing.
Things to see and do - Take a road trip round the lake; make a detour to the thunderous waterfalls (220,000 litres [48,393 gallons] per second, no less); admire the lush vegetation that thrives in this delightfully humid climate; slip into a steaming, relaxing hot pool and let it all go.

Day 7 Taupo

Unmissable - Tongariro National Park. The first park to be created in New Zealand is the most popular, with 1 million visitors each year. The park extends over an area 800 square kilometres (309 square miles). Three volcanoes dominate the landscape. Mount Ruapehu is the highest point on the island. Mount Tongariro, after which the park is named, is home to Emerald Lake and Blue Lake. Mount Ngauruhoe, the youngest and most active volcano was used as the setting for untamed Mordor in The Lord of the Rings films. The mountaintops are sacred Maori sites. Down below, the rainforest and native bush are just as revered, this time for their beauty.

Day 8 Taupo - Napier

Drive to Napier - or rather Napier-Hastings. What to expect: a 140 kilometre (87 mile) drive on a quiet road winding through hills, valleys and plains, leading to the twin cities set on the ocean’s edge. Upon arrival, stay for two nights on Marine Parade, the seafront esplanade. Your new accommodation is a bed & breakfast filled with the aroma of homemade cakes and the warm welcome of its owners. In the rooms there are king-size beds with beautiful headboards. In the lounge, fascinating conversations continue late into the night. What about the city centre and the beach? They're both a few minutes away on foot.

Day 9 Napier

In your itinerary - Napier vintage car tour. The driver opens the door, wearing a cap and period costume. Then, you get slowly driven through the streets, listening to the fascinating commentary about the places you pass. It's like a journey through time, watching the pastel-painted houses and Art Deco buildings pass by, before leaving the city centre to venture into the suburbs, where even more treasures await you.

Day 10 Napier - Wellington

You might not be the only ones travelling to the capital. No matter, the route winds through the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay and skirts Ruahine Forest Park, to reach the mouth of the Manawatu Gorge. It’s a feast for the eyes. Next comes the Kapiti Coast. There's a few more towns here until you finally reach "the" city, the vibrant and energetic capital of New Zealand. Return the rental car and stay for two nights in the business district. With its simple and functional appearance, your accommodation fits perfectly into its surroundings. The modern style of the interiors is in this same vein. At the restaurant, contemporary New Zealand cuisine is served, and the hotel has a spa, a sauna and a swimming pool. You’ll want for nothing here.

Day 11 Wellington

From the botanical garden to Jervois Quay, Wellington has a host of attractions overlooking the sea. As the capital city, it has a museum worthy of its status in the shape of Te Papa Tongarewa. What does Te Papa Tongarewa mean? It means "the treasure box" in Maori. There is an entire floor showcasing Aotearoa New Zealand’s Indigenous heritage. The museum is vast and highlights include the world’s largest squid specimen, lifelike recreations of earthquakes and lava flows and holograms.
In your itinerary - Zealandia Ecosanctuary night tour. Discover the unique native wildlife of Aotearoa New Zealand, with a select few as the sun begins to set. Rare species such as the kaka, the tuatara, and the kiwi (the national symbol), only come out at night. The long-beaked, flightless birds, about the size of a chicken, thrive here so it's a perfect opportunity to observe them.

Catamaran crossing to Matamanoa. Stay for three nights in a bure on a white sand beach. The traditional Fijian bure has a stylish and colourful twist that blends in well. It is impeccably equipped and has everything you need to enjoy the setting. There’s a private plunge pool, a daybed, an outdoor shower and a covered deck. The light-filled open sided restaurant has a welcoming sea breeze. It serves international and Fijian inspired cuisine. The cocktails such as Island Affair and Voroki Au, pair perfectly with the golden shades of the sunset. The luxury spa has a range of wellness treatments provided with the gentle touch and warmth unique to your host island.
Optional extra - Swap your bure for an overwater bungalow on a nearby island.

Days 14 & 15 Matamanoa (Fiji)

Are you wondering what to do today? First of all, do nothing and don’t rush anything. Relax and let yourself be stunned by the beauty of the island. It is in fact a volcanic cone poking out of the ocean, skirted by lush green vegetation, coconut palms and sandy beaches. In the clear water you can see the beautiful coral reefs. A dazzling array of brightly coloured fish come and go. Slip on a mask and snorkel to get a closer look. You can also swim a few lengths in the hotel’s lap pool. There’s a tennis court on the grass, in the English style. On the beach you can play beach volleyball, beach cricket or beach boules, or even try your hand at coconut bowling! Boat trips will take you to stunning dive sites or to other enchanting islands. And Fijian culture will never cease to amaze you. You’ll never get bored in paradise.

Day 16 Matamanoa (Fiji) - Denarau (Fiji)

Return catamaran crossing to Denarau. Spend the last night in the same hotel as when you arrived in Fiji.

Days 17 & 18 Denarau (Fiji) - Return flight

Private transfer to Nadi Airport to catch your flight home. Night on board, arrival the next day.