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Journey to Cape Reinga, where the North Island reaches towards the horizon and the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. According to Māori legend, this sacred place is where spirits begin their journey to Hawaiki. Travel along the sweeping sands of Ninety Mile Beach (Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe), stand beneath the iconic lighthouse and feel the thrill of sandboarding down the dunes. Along the way, a knowledgeable local guide brings the Far North’s rich history, culture and landscapes vividly to life.

Cruise through the pristine waters of the Bay of Islands and along the dramatic Cape Brett Peninsula, passing its historic lighthouse before reaching the famous Hole in the Rock. Weather permitting, glide through the rock into Grand Cathedral Cave. Along the way, your skipper shares stories of the bay as you watch for dolphins, whales and seabirds. Pause at Otehei Bay to swim, stroll or enjoy lunch, then return to Russell for a guided tour filled with colourful tales of its rip-roaring past, historic buildings and sweeping views from Flagstaff Hill.

Walk through the extraordinary landscape created by the devastating 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, which buried local Māori villages and destroyed the world-famous Pink and White Terraces. Follow self-guided trails through the world’s youngest geothermal system, passing native bush filled with native birds, volcanic craters, jewel-coloured lakes and rare thermal plants. Then cruise across Lake Rotomahana, taking in its geothermal scenery while hearing the story of Guide Sophia and the colourful history of the eruption, the lake and its lost terraces.

Step into the enchanting world of the Shire at Hobbiton™ Movie Set, created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Follow your guide through the rolling green hills, hearing fascinating stories of how this beautiful Waikato farmland was transformed for the screen. Wander among the Hobbit Holes and discover familiar landmarks including The Millhouse and Green Dragon Inn. At Bagshot Row, step inside one of two beautifully detailed Hobbit Holes for an immersive glimpse into everyday Hobbit life and the magic behind the films.

Take a 2-hour Whale Watch cruise experience, aboard a modern, purpose-built catamaran for an exciting chance at close-up encounters with the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment. The upwelling of nutrient rich waters around Kaikōura supports an abundant and diverse fauna of vertebrates, fish, and marine mammals. At times you may also see Dusky Dolphins and the rare Hector Dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, sea lions, and a large variety of seabirds, including the smallest of the penguins, the Little Blue Penguin.

Take to the skies on a 30-minute “flightseeing” tour over Kaikōura’s spectacular marine environment, enjoying unobstructed viewing from a high-wing fixed-wing aircraft. Look down into the clear Pacific waters for whales and dolphins, with an aerial perspective revealing their true size in the ocean below. Your pilot’s commentary adds fascinating insight along the way, while sweeping views take in the dramatic coastline and towering Seaward Kaikōura Range, where rugged mountains rise remarkably close to the sea.

Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Wānaka with a passionate local eco-guide to predator-free Mou Waho Island. From the beach, follow a guided nature walk through native vegetation alive with native birdsong to discover the island’s hidden lake, where you can relax, swim or continue to the summit for sweeping panoramic views across Lake Wānaka and the surrounding mountains. Encounter native birds, geckos and wētā, including the endangered buff weka, then help protect their island home by planting a native tree in this important conservation refuge.

Venture off-road into an authentic New Zealand High Country farm, exploring remote tracks surrounded by snow-capped peaks, wild river valleys, and sweeping views over Lake Wānaka. Get up close to deer, cattle, and sheep while discovering historic sites and the stories of the region's early farming life. With optional walks through alpine meadows and ancient lakeside forests, this experience offers an immersive glimpse into Wānaka's landscape, heritage, and way of life.