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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Auckland
Arrive in Auckland from your international flight and meet your Red Savannah representative who will transfer you by road to the port to board the ferry to Waiheke Island. After just 40 minutes, you will arrive on the beautiful island, which is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland. Your home for the next three nights is the Boatshed, a gorgeous boutique property that offer delicious home-made food, sea views and a very special kiwi welcome. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure as you relax after your long journey.
Overnight: The Boatshed
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Day 2 At Leisure
Spend the day independently exploring the island. Waiheke has an abundance of incredible natural wonders, but if you are feeling energetic, there is mountain biking, sea kayaking, fishing, sailing and surfing all just a stone’s throw away. The deserted beaches are crying out for someone to stroll along them and enjoy a delicious picnic of locally grown salad and freshly caught shrimps and crab. You might also decide to visit one of the many wineries, explore the art galleries and perhaps enjoy dinner at Stonyridge Vineyard, before you return to The Boatshed to unwind.
Overnight: The Boatshed
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Day 3 Private Winery Tour
After breakfast, meet your private guide who will join you as you visit some of the best-known vineyards. The subtropical marine climate, favourable soil structure and protective topography combined with incredible wine makers and enthusiasts have turned this island into a haven for lovers of all types of wine. Cable Bay, Mudbrick and Batch Winery are among a few that are must-see locations on this day. Lunch will be taken at the winery of your choice before you are driven back to The Boatshed for a well-earned siesta!
Overnight: The Boatshed
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Day 4 Bay of Islands
Bid your farewell and ferry back to Auckland to pick up your rental car. Today you will self-drive to one of the most beautiful and spectacular locations on the North Island. Russell, formerly known as Kororareka, was the first permanent European settlement and seaport in New Zealand and is now a gorgeous coastal town full of seaside cafes, art galleries and where you will find New Zealand's first licensed hotel. The drive north will take around 3 ½ hours. Your accommodation is First Light Temple Villa with spectacular views over the bay through the floor to ceiling windows and has a stunning balcony that opens out on three sides of the property. Enjoy all the trappings of a gourmet kitchen, an outdoor shower and a jacuzzi on your private terrace.
Overnight: First Light Temple
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Day 5 Private Sailing Around The Bay Of Islands
Spend the day on board Ataahua, a luxury yacht that was designed by one of New Zealand's leading yacht designers, Bruce Farr, then subsequently launched in 2018. Anchor in sheltered spots in pretty bays, cast a line out to catch your lunch, enjoy a swim and a snorkel, and laze on deck in the sunshine to admire the incredible scenery whilst feasting on fresh fish and sipping on a crisp Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Your excellent hosts will also share their knowledge of the early pioneers, mariners and settlers before you are taken back to the port and driven back to First Light Temple.
Overnight: First Light Temple
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Day 6 - 7 At Leisure
Spend two full days doing as much or as little as you please. We can highly recommend visiting the award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds to discover the history of New Zealand. Explore the contemporary museum and enjoy a cultural performance before continuing to the lush native forest and gardens, the inspiring art gallery and a carving studio. In the evening head to the Duke of Marlborough, which began its life in 1827 as 'Johnny Johnston's Grog Shop' for exceptional cuisine.
Overnight: First Light Temple
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Day 8 Hawkes Bay
Make you way to the airport to drop off your vehicle and fly south to Napier, the gateway to Hawkes Bay wine country. On arrival, collect your vehicle and travel the short distance to The Manse, a working farm and two-room guesthouse that was originally built in 1910. The Manse offers incredible hospitality, gourmet-style cuisine and the opportunity for trout fly-fishing due to its exceptional location overlooking the Ngaruroro River. Spend the rest of the day exploring the three-acre farm with it’s free-roaming kunekune pigs and cattle that come when they are called.
Overnight: The Manse
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Day 9 Sightseeing
After breakfast, your private guide will meet you at The Manse. The day will be curated around your interests, so it might include visiting some of the region’s award-winning golf courses, a winery or two or perhaps you prefer to visit the art deco town of Napier or wander through privately owned historic homes. When you are ready, return to The Manse to relax.
Overnight: The Manse
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Day 10 At Leisure
A full day at leisure. The Manse offers a huge amount of activities that will keep you busy all day from 4WD tours to clay-pigeon shooting, cookery lessons, jet-boating or perhaps you might decide to spend a day by the pool.
Overnight: The Manse
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Day 11 Wharekauhau Country Estate
Leaving Hawkes Bay, your final stop on your epic tour of North Island is at the truly magnificent Wharekauhau Lodge (pronounced furry-co-ho). Fly from Napier to Wellington then transfer to the helipad for a swift 10-minute spectacular flight, landing right on the lawn at the front of the lodge, where you will be met by the lodge’s Manager. After a brief introduction to the estate, you will be delivered to your gorgeous cottage, with an open-plan lounge, open fire, four-poster bed and French doors onto a terrace with incredible far-reaching views.
Overnight: Wharekauhau
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Day 12 Private guided Half Day Farm Tour
After a delicious breakfast, join your private guide for a half day to explore the 5,000-acre working farm. Venture over rolling fields, lakes, woodland and 12 miles of rugged coastline, private beaches and watch the sheep shearers hard at work. Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon in one of the various lounges with the huge windows overlooking Palliser Bay.
Overnight: Wharekauhau
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Day 13 At Leisure
Today is your final day to take advantage of all there is to offer in this incredible region. Ask the team to take you down to a pristine and deserted beach to surf cast (fishing from the beach) with a professional instructor. The ancient sport of archery has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity on the back of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films and is fully available here, or perhaps you might decide to explore on a mountain bike and go it alone.
Overnight: Wharekauhau
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Day 14 Home
At the appropriate time, board the helicopter and enjoy the short flight back to Wellington Airport to check-in for your flight home.
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Depart
