Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to New Zealand!

In Auckland, you're greeted by your Black Sheep guide who whisks you off to the stunning Bay of Islands for the start of your adventure.

Day 2: Coastal Splendour
Spend the day walking beneath giant, ancient kauri trees and along magnificent coastline. Congratulate yourself on taking this vacation.

Day 3: Set Sail on the Bay
Sail amongst the picturesque islands of the bay. Take the helm, climb the rigging, or just sit back and enjoy the sea breeze and a bit of penguin-spotting. Wash away the last remains of jetlag in the emerald waters of a secluded island bay.

Day 4: Birdlife to Nightlife
Return to Auckland, taking a detour to New Zealand's largest gannet colony, perched above black volcanic sands. Study these birds in their natural habitat before settling into your own nest in the heart of Auckland's vibrant waterfront district.

Day 5: Rainforest Retreat
Walk with an award-winning naturalist through the lush, subtropical rainforest of the Coromandel Peninsula. Take an evening stroll from your lodge to one of New Zealand's prettiest beaches. At dinner, wonder how your guide knew that it was your birthday and that your favorite flavor is chocolate.

Day 6: Sea and Sand
Hike to a remote and beautiful cove guarded by towering sandstone formations. Nearby, dig your own natural hot pool in the sand and soak as you listen to the waves crash against the shore. Contemplate the wonders of nature.

Day 7: Maori Immersion
Arrive in Rotorua and visit the historic Bath House, Rotorua's Museum of Art and History. Test the healing theories of the water in a nearby spa and decide the theories are true. Emerge from the pools and immerse yourself in ancient and contemporary Maori culture as a guest on a marae, or Maori meeting house.

Day 8: Volcanic Wonders
Boat to White Island and peer into the belly of an active volcano. So this is what Dante was on about. If conditions preclude a White Island visit, take a scenic flight over the giant volcanic crater of Mt Tarawera and visit boiling lakes, turquoise pools, hot streams and other active geothermal features on land.

Day 9: Capital Culture
Fly to New Zealand's picturesque capital city, Wellington, and enjoy a day exploring on your own. Visit Te Papa, the country's extraordinary national museum; tour the city's government buildings; ride the historic cable car to the botanical gardens; or stroll through the galleries and along the busy waterfront--all within an easy walk of your hotel in the heart of the city.

This is the departure point for those touring the North Island only, and the kick-off for those doing the South Island portion of this tour. We gather this evening to swap stories, farewell departing friends, and welcome any new arrivals to our fold.

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