Discover Auckland's stunning landscapes and the hidden gems of the Mahurangi region. From a scenic flight over Auckland's city and islands to tasting New Zealand's unique honeys, blending wine, and savouring fresh oysters, this journey is a feast for the senses. Stay in luxury at Te Arai Links, surrounded by pristine coastline and native beauty, while immersing yourself in Maori culture and encountering native wildlife for an unforgettable adventure.

DAY 1

Disembark the ship in Auckland and meet your guide. See important luggage note below. Begin your tour with a drive along the northern motorway across the harbour bridge to the North Shore airfield for an Auckland city scenic flight.

A region as vast and majestic as Auckland can only truly be appreciated from the air and the flight path you will take allows you to see some of the most popular locations of Auckland from a bird’s eye view. As we fly low, you’ll be able to see into the crater of Rangitoto and learn about the history of the Auckland region while soaking in the views of Motutapu Island and Aucklands Skyline, colossal Sky Tower and view of the Harbour Bridge.

After your flight continue north to the Puhoi Honey centre, started in 1992 by a local beekeeper, the centre isn’t just about buying honey, it’s an experience, it houses the largest display of live bees and a great range of honeys for tasting including the famous New Zealand Manuka honey. Enjoy lunch at the Bridgehouse Restaurant - a cozy, historic setting with a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, fresh seafood, and classic New Zealand dishes, all overlooking the Mahurangi River.

After lunch, continue to your luxury accommodation for the next two nights at Te Arai Links, a stunning resort nestled alongside a pristine New Zealand coastline. Surrounded by native trees, sand dunes, and breathtaking coastal views, this serene retreat also features a world-class golf course, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, soaking in the tranquil surroundings or taking part in one of the resort's many activities –please see the resort’s concierge for bookings.

In the evening, you will visit Matakana Kitchen for an early dinner, before embarking on an evening adventure in Tawharanui Open Sanctuary. With your local guide, explore lush forests and coastal landscapes as you search for New Zealand's iconic Kiwi bird by red torchlight, learning to identify their distinctive calls and fascinating behaviors. With well-maintained trails, this special experience offers a high chance to spot Kiwis in their natural habitat, though sightings are not guaranteed. To top off this special experience, enjoy a hot chocolate and cookies while sitting under the stars. Each participant gets their own red lensed torch.

Notes for Kiwi Spotting:

Wear comfortable walking attire and walking shoes (no heavy hiking boots). Easy level of fitness required, but please let your guide know about any health, diet or fitness conditions which could affect your participation on this tour. Hot chocolate is vegan, and cookies are gluten & dairy free.

IMPORTANT LUGGAGE NOTE:

Prior to disembarking the ship, please pack one overnight bag to take with you on tour for the next two nights. Pier staff will assist in sending your remaining bags to your Day 3 hotel to be there upon your arrival. Please ensure your bag is clearly marked with your name. Please do not forget to bring any valuables, documents and medications

DAY 2

Enjoy breakfast at the resort at Ric’s Restaurant before making your way to the Te Hana Cultural Centre for an authentic and enriching journey into Maori culture and history. You'll experience a traditional powhiri (welcoming) into the 17th-century model village Pa site (Maori fortified village). This will be followed by a captivating Maori Cultural Kapa Haka concert and a guided village tour. To complete your experience, enjoy a delicious traditional Maori lunch – Hangi.

After lunch, step into the shoes of a winemaker and create your own wine blend. Blending is at the heart of many great wines, the timing and trails for blending can vary and can be used for a multitude of purposes to complete a wine. You’ll firstly learn how to taste wine (look, swirl and sniff, taste), then you have the opportunity to create your own blend, envision what wine you would like to make, give your wine a name as you’ll cork your own 375ml bottle to take home or drink tonight while relaxing back at your accommodation.

Return to Te Arai Links and enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Again, if you choose to partake in the retreats activities, please see the resort’s concierge for bookings.

In the evening, join fellow guests for dinner at the on-site Ocean Restaurant, which boasts stunning views of the 18th fairway, the Pacific Ocean, and beyond. The menu highlights vibrant flavors and the exceptional quality of local, seasonal produce, offering an elevated dining experience that perfectly complements the breathtaking surroundings.

DAY 3

Enjoy breakfast at the resort’s Ric’s Restaurant before settling any incidentals and checking out.

Head to Scott’s Landing, nestled in the Mahurangi Harbour, for an Oyster Shucking experience. Board the Shuckleferry to immerse yourself in the life of an oyster farmer, where you’ll visit the heart of the oyster farm, learn how oysters are caught, grown, and harvested, and collect fresh oysters straight from the water. The skipper will guide you in shucking your oysters, and we’ll even cook some on the BBQ before heading back to Scott’s Landing. If oysters aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy a morning on the water with wine and nibbles instead.

Before heading to Auckland City, enjoy lunch at Brick Bay, a picturesque restaurant set amid native bush. This unique venue combines art, nature, and wine, with dining in a stunning lakeside Glasshouse. After lunch, relax as you take a tour of Auckland City, before arriving your Auckland hotel to check in. Your luggage, sent from the pier on Day 1 will be waiting for you on at the hotel. This evening, dinner is on your own.

DAY 4

Following breakfast at the hotel, please check out by 11:00am and clear any incidentals before departing.

A private transfer will be arranged to take you from the hotel to the airport as per the flight details provided. Please confirm you transfers and departure flight details on the Welcome Letter you will receive and advise ground staff if these are incorrect.

If you are checking out late, your luggage can be stored at reception until your transfer time.

Private van transfers will be used for 2 or more guests travelling together on the same booking. Private sedans will be used for solo travelers. Vans hold a maximum of four large suitcases and two carry-on’s and sedans hold two large suitcases and one carry-on. Should you have more luggage, a larger vehicle at additional cost may be required.

Extra Nights:

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.

•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 11:00am (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.

Transfers:

•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.

•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 11:00am.

DAY 1

8:30am Disembark the ship in Auckland and meet guide on pier

9:00am Depart for North Shore Airport

10:15am Check in, briefing and scenic flight over Auckland – weather dependent

11:30am Depart for Puhoi Honey Centre

12:00pm Honey tasting and free time for shopping

12:45pm Depart Puhoi

1:00pm Arrive Bridgehouse Warkworth for lunch

2:30pm Depart for Te Arai Links Resort accommodation

3:20pm Check in – free time

Afternoon at leisure

Activities could include golf, massage, beauty treatment – see concierge to pre-book.

4:45pm Meet guide at concierge desk

5:00pm Depart for Matakana

5:45pm Arrive Matakana Market Kitchen – early dinner

7:00pm Travel to Tawharanui for evening Kiwi spotting tour

10:45pm Arrive back at Te Arai Links

Overnight at Te Arai Links

DAY 2

From 7:00am Breakfast at Ric’s Restaurant (on-site)

9:00am Depart for Te Hana Cultural Centre

9:30am Cultural Centre Tour including lunch

12:00pm Depart for Matakana Estate

12:30pm Arrive Matakana for Wine Blending Experience

1:45pm Depart for Te Arai Links

2:15pm Arrive Te Arai Links

Afternoon at leisure

Activities could include golf, massage, beauty treatment – see concierge to pre-book.

7:00pm Dinner at Oceans Restaurant (on-site)

Overnight at Te Arai Links

DAY 3

7:00am Breakfast at Ric’s Restaurant (on-site

8:30am Check out and settle any incidentals

9:00am Depart for Scott’s Landing

10:00am Oyster shucking experience

11:30am Depart for Brick Bay Restaurant

11:45am Lunch at Brick Bay

1:15pm Depart for Auckland City

2:15pm Sightseeing Tour of Auckland

3:15pm Arrive at Horizon Hotel to check in

Evening and dinner at leisure

Overnight at Horizon Hotel

DAY 4

From 7amEnjoy breakfast at the hotel before settling incidentals, checking out and being transferred to Auckland International Airport.

11:00am Check out time

For guests with late flights, luggage storage is available at the hotel.

Expected Weather

New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that the warmest months are December, January and February, while the coldest are June, July and August.

What to Bring

As it will be summer light clothing is suggested. However, as the weather can be changeable is recommended that a rain proof jacket be carried. Sunscreen is considered essential.

Dress is informal and relaxed on this program. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night spots. Men are generally not expected to wear suits and ties, except in a few of the top formal bars and restaurants in major cities.

Currency

U.S. dollars are generally accepted only in establishments such as souvenir stores; however, credit cards are widely accepted.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied throughout New Zealand at 230/240 volts, 50 hertz. Most hotels provide 110-volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electric razors only. Power outlets only accept angled two- or three-pin Type I plugs (as used in Australia) depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. Bring a travel adaptor for electric devices. We recommend brining a universal travel adaptor for any electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States do not generally require a visa to visit New Zealand, however, refer to your local New Zealand embassy for details and requirements for your nationality. Guests should have a passport that is valid for at least six months after travel.

Sightseeing Aircraft type (subject to change):

Island Aviation operates a versatile fleet tailored for scenic flights, transfers, and charters in New Zealand. Their aircraft include:

•Britten-Norman Islander: A twin-engine aircraft accommodating up to 9 passengers, ideal for short regional flights.

•Cessna 172: A single-engine, four-seat plane suitable for scenic flights and smaller group transfers.

Hotel addresses:

Horizon Hotel

85 Hobson Street, Auckland

Phone: 0064 9 363 6000

Te Ara Links

11 Te Ara Whenua Miharo Kotiti, Tomarata

Phone: 0064 9 883 4600

*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.

Program Includes for guests

•1 night at the Horizon Hotel or similar including breakfast – Elite King

•2 nights at Te Arai Links including breakfast – Suite - Super King

•Lunch on Days 2, 3 and 4 with 2 beer or a glass of wine

•Dinner on Days 2 and 3

•Tours, transport and entrances as per the itinerary

•Excess luggage storage and transport from the ship to your hotel on Day 1

•Private airport transfer

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Program Excludes for guests:

•Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar, laundry and room service

•Any meals or beverages not listed above

•Additional sightseeing and meals not mentioned in the itinerary

•Gratuities to drivers and tour guides

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.

Price: $2,999 per guest based on double occupancy.

Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.