Today we drive to Napier for a 2-night stay at the Iconic Art Deco Masonic Hotel on the waterfront. 

After our lunch stop in Taupo we head around the lake to the Desert Road and onto “a road less travelled”. The now sealed Gentle Annie boasts spectacular views as we gently climb the central plateau. Tonight we enjoy dinner in-house. 

Dinner.

Choose to either relax for the morning and wander around town or join the rest of the crew and jump on the iconic Art Deco Car Tour of Napier - a fun and fabulous way to experience the area and get your bearings (optional extra).

We enjoy lunch at the beautiful Hygge Café at Clifton Bay over-looking the water (own expense).

Then, you’re never too old to bird watch, so we drive to the majestic Cape kidnappers where we head off on an amazing Safari to the worlds largest most accessible gannet colony, all the while, travelling through spectacular Hawkes Bay scenery. On our return to Napier we take you on a tour of the town including a drive to Mission Estate Vineyard, where you may like to partake in some wine tasting.

Breakfast. Dinner.

Enjoy some free time to do your own thing this morning – you may choose to walk across the road to the famous ocean spa and heated pools or just wander around the town and shops. This afternoon, we drive to Palmerston North for a further three night stay. 

Breakfast. Dinner.

This morning we meet John Vickers for a guided tour of three historical homes. John is a widely recognised expert on the history and architecture of New Zealand’s early homesteads. On each day of the Historical Home visits we enjoy lunch with the proud owners of these homesteads, who share stories of their wonderful families and their homes.

Later, back at the hotel, we meet for a pre-dinner drink and dine in-house. 

Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

We enjoy our second day visiting historical homes before we say a fond farewell to John Vickers after enlightening us with his wealth of knowledge. 

Tonight we indulge in our final farewell meal together. 

Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.

After checking out, we take the Northern Explorer train journey back to Auckland – a trip that never fails to please even if you’ve done this before. The dining carriage has a great food and beverage selection and you’ll watch the countryside slip by, relaxed and happy, after an insightful and interesting trip away. 

Breakfast.