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

Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure and meals are on your own. Transfer time is approximately 45 minutes. Check in time is at 3:00pm.

Should you have an early morning arrival, you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee room availability upon arrival otherwise guests are welcome to leave luggage at Reception and use the facilities of the hotel or set out for some independent exploration.

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.

This evening pack one overnight bag to take with you for the next two days. Any excess luggage will be stored at the hotel. Please do not forget to bring any valuables, documents and medications. These bags will be transported to the ship on Day 4. Please ensure your bag is clearly marked with your name and ship suite number.

DAY 2

Following breakfast at the hotel, settle any incidentals and check out before meeting your guide in the hotel lobby. Today your tour will begin 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 follow allows you to see some of the most popular locations of Auckland from a bird’s eye view. As you 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.

Next, 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 - Te Arai Links. This stunning resort is 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 check with the hotel’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 while on this tour.

Hot chocolate is vegan, and cookies are gluten and dairy free.

DAY 3

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 the hotel.

Return to Te Arai Links and enjoy your afternoon at leisure. Again, if you choose to partake in the retreats activities, please see the 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 4

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

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 panoramic tour of Auckland City, before arriving at the pier to board your ship. Your luggage, left at the hotel on Day 2, will be waiting for you on board. Your sightseeing tour will include a stop at the Harbour Bridge for photos, Bastion Point stop for photos, a drive through Auckland Domain and a drive along the Auckland Waterfront.

Land Program Details Step by Step:

•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

Extra Nights

•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program

•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.

•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm

•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.

DAY 1

Upon arrival at the Auckland Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is on your own. Meals are on your own today.

3:00pm Check in time at your hotel

Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.

Overnight at the Horizon Hotel or similar hotel

Meet and Greet and transfers

•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•When you exit the customs / baggage claim area in the arrivals lounge in the Auckland International Airport - please look for someone holding a sign with your name and/or cruise line logo close to the arrivals area. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers.

•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.

•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.

DAY 2

From 6:30am Breakfast at Horizon Hotel – The Grill Restaurant

8:45am Meet your driver / guide in hotel lobby

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 3

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 4

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 port to embark on your ship

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.

Accommodations:

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 to the ship for embarkation

•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 arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival 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. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.

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

Hotel and Land Program pricing is not combinable with FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package. If applicable, please contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel agent for multi-night pre-cruise hotel pricing information. Land program promotions are subject to terms.