We depart Auckland early for 8 fun-filled days of Christmas spirit and great places to visit. On our way to Napier, we stop at the lakeside town of Taupo to enjoy a relaxing lunch on-board the Ernest Kemp. This replica steam boat takes us across the lake to view the famous Maori Rock Carvings, only accessible by boat. Afterwards, we continue on our way to the Scenic Circle Te Pania Hotel in Napier. This hotel is directly across the road from the beach and the well known ocean spa and heated outdoor pools. Upon arrival we unpack and settle in for a 4-night stay. 

In the early evening, we meet in the bar for a pre-dinner drink and get to know the fellow travellers before dining in-house tonight.

(Lunch, Dinner).

This morning we step back in time as we are treated to an Art Deco Tour in a beautiful vintage car and learn about this amazing re-built city. We then enjoy lunch at the beautiful Hygge Café at Clifton Bay over-looking the water before we head off on an amazing 4WD Safari to the worlds largest most accessible gannet colony. The views and countryside on this trip are truly stunning. Tonight, we enjoy dinner in-house. 

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

A Sunday drive on Friday is the order of the day as we drive to Hastings, known as the Fruit Bowl of NZ and then on to Havelock North. Both of these towns are surrounded by beautiful vineyards and orchards. Our lunch stop today is at the beautiful Birdwood Gallery and Sculpture Gardens. The gallery’s home is the original church hall from St Peters in Waipawa built in 1894. 

Back at the hotel, you may like to browse the shops and enjoy the local Christmas atmosphere or wander across the road to the ocean spa and enjoy a swim in their outdoor pools. 

We venture a little further to Linden Estate where Greg the owner and chef indulges us in a delicious Christmas Eve dinner. The bar specialises in craft beer and cider as well as the well known Linden Estate Wines. 

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Wake up, wake up you sleepy heads,

Santa is coming so get out of bed.

Christmas lunch… at a surprise destination,

picnic and bubbles for a great celebration.

Then back at the hotel you might want a rest,

before a festive dinner in your Sunday best.

With lots of surprises and a fun filled day,

we enjoy our Christmas in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay!

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

We enjoy a relaxed start to the day before we check-out of our hotel and make tracks for a 3-night stay in Gisborne. We stop for lunch at Mahia Peninsula on the East Coast - a popular spot for surfing, fishing and diving. It’s also home to the Rocket Lab Launch complex on the southern tip of the peninsular – sorry travellers, no visitors allowed.

On our arrival in Gisborne, a favourite city of mine, we check into the waterfront Senator Motor Inn. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.

(Breakfast, Dinner).

Anchors Away! This morning we board the M.V. Takitimu for a cruise along the coast while our skipper regales us with stories from the past! This boat is believed to be the oldest pilot vessel in New Zealand. Afterwards we enjoy lunch and an afternoon relaxing at a private estate just outside of Gisborne - our hosts have a lovely pool so bring your togs if you think you might feel like a dip! Tonight, we dine at a local restaurant. 

(Breakfast, Dinner).

Today, we explore Eastwoodhill Arboretum. Founded in 1910 it covers 131 acres and boasts the largest collection of trees in the Southern Hemisphere from the temperate climate zone of the Northern Hemisphere and includes 4,000 different trees, shrubs and climbers – including 170 species on the world endangered list. Don’t panic – we’ll be driven through this stunning Arboretum with a very knowledgeable guide. Afterwards we visit the wonderful Tairawhiti Museum and Art Gallery. We dine at a local restaurant tonight. 

(Breakfast, Dinner).

All good things must come to an end as we head back to Auckland with our cameras and hearts full of wonderful memories and new friends. And of course, its all been done with Seemore Tours where you see more, eat more, do more and have more fun.

(Breakfast).