The Signature Flavourful North is a 9 day guided journey celebrating the tastes, textures, and traditions of New Zealand’s North Island. Travelling from Auckland to Wellington, guests explore the island’s vibrant culinary culture while journeying through its scenic heartlands by rail and coach. From tea estates and lavender fields to vineyards and ancient forests, this tour blends local produce, fine dining, and Māori heritage into one seamless experience.
Begin in Auckland with a welcome dinner before sailing to Waiheke Island for a day of wine tasting and gourmet indulgence. Continue south to discover the tranquil beauty of Sanctuary Mountain, the refined elegance of Zealong Tea Estate, and the botanical wonders of Hamilton Gardens. Experience the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus train as it crosses volcanic plateaus and deep river valleys before arriving in Wellington, where New Zealand’s creative food scene and Māori storytelling come alive.Each day unfolds with new flavours, landscapes, and insights, combining local charm with the comfort of premium rail travel. It’s the perfect escape for travellers who want to experience New Zealand’s North Island through its people, culture, and cuisine.
Arrive in Auckland and settle into your hotel before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Enjoy local flavours and a relaxed evening introduction to New Zealand’s largest city.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Sail to Waiheke Island and visit boutique vineyards surrounded by olive groves and coastal views. Enjoy lunch and wine at Stonyridge Vineyard, followed by time to explore before returning to Auckland.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Travel south through the rolling countryside to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari for a guided forest walk and cultural insight into Māori herbal traditions. Arrive in Hamilton and spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Hamilton
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Enjoy a tea ceremony and Signature High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate before visiting the beautifully themed Hamilton Gardens. Spend the afternoon exploring Hamilton’s museums or riverside cafés at your own pace.
Overnight in Hamilton
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Board the Northern Explorer Scenic Plus train and travel across viaducts and volcanic landscapes toward Ohakune. Savour onboard dining as you journey through the heart of the North Island. Dinner included this evening.
Overnight in Ohakune
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Travel to Taumarunui and enjoy a fragrant lunch at Lauren’s Lavender Farm, surrounded by fields of colour. Return to Ohakune for a peaceful evening or optional local hot tub soak.
Overnight in Ohakune
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Enjoy breakfast before heading to Tūroa for mountain views, then board the Northern Explorer to Wellington. Relish afternoon tea and dinner onboard while crossing stunning valleys and river gorges.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Join a Māori cultural experience at Te Papa Museum, learning about Aotearoa’s heritage through storytelling and food. Spend the afternoon exploring cafés, galleries, or the waterfront before a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: 4–4.5 Star Hotel
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your included transfer to the airport. Farewell your guide and new friends as you reflect on the flavours, landscapes, and culture of the North Island.
Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Minimum Age: 16 years and over. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 65 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 60 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.