Auckland never fails to turn on the charm, as you’ll discover while exploring the city at your leisure.

Staying in:

• Radisson RED Auckland (1 night)

Hit the road this morning for a scenic sojourn to the Bay of Islands. This pocket of the country deserves its name – there are more than 140 subtropical islets off the coast here, lined with blissful undeveloped and unpeopled beaches. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance; this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs, officially denoting New Zealand as a member of the Commonwealth, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your local specialist at the Treaty Grounds, quite possibly a descendant of one of the original signatories, will explain the importance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. These are just some of the Māori artefacts that characterise this part of the north coast.

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. Today, trip the light fantastic and head off on an Optional Experience* in whatever direction you please. Perhaps, cruise through the Bay of Islands, glass of New Zealand wine in hand. Or maybe on a mini jaunt around the romantic town of Russell, the country’s first permanent European settlement and seaport. Fun fact: the town’s streets retain their original names and layout from 1843. Ask your Travel Director for touring tips – and places to wine and dine in between. Wherever your NZ holiday takes you today, we recommend finding somewhere special to salute the end of the day – this part of the country is known for its for blazing sunsets.

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

Meals included: Breakfast

If you’ve never heard of Whangarei, you’re probably not alone. But today, New Zealand’s most northerly city is well and truly on your radar. A place where galleries meet museums, Whangarei is the country in a tantalizing snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Stroll the picturesque Town Basin – before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerizing commute back to Auckland.

Meals included: Breakfast