North Island WINTER ESCAPES
Explore & Discover
Thermal wonders, vibrant culture, and winter adventures on New Zealand’s North Island.
North Island Winter Escape: A Season to Reconnect with Self, Nature, & Aotearoa
As winter wraps New Zealand’s North Island in its cool, crisp embrace, a different kind of magic unfolds — one of misty mornings, soul-soothing hot springs, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil escapes that invite you to slow down and reconnect.
This is not a season for hibernation, but for healing and exploration, where the stillness of winter sets the perfect stage for personal restoration and meaningful discovery. Whether you’re seeking moments of quiet reflection, shared joy with family, deep cultural connection, or indulgent food and wine journeys, our curated winter escapes offer a pathway to wellness in all its forms.
Soak in steaming geothermal pools as the world fades into gentle silence. Wander through story-rich landscapes guided by the warmth of Māori manaakitanga. Dine on gourmet creations paired with local wines. Let nature, history, and hospitality nourish your spirit.
Soulful Escapes
Indulge your senses on a soul-nourishing escape through New Zealand’s North Island — from soothing hot pools and serene lake views to lush gardens and tranquil stays, all at your own pace behind the wheel.
Breathe In, Bliss Out
This isn’t just an escape. It’s a gentle return—to yourself.
Whether nestled in quiet countryside or perched by the sea, the North Island offers winter travellers a chance to truly exhale. Here, wellness isn’t a destination—it’s an invitation. To slow down. To reconnect. To embrace the quiet beauty of the season.
Let crisp mornings guide you into gentle movement, where yoga mats unroll beside crackling fires and breath meets stillness. Nourishing meals, crafted with care from local ingredients, offer warmth that lingers beyond the plate. Thoughtfully designed retreats blend comfort and calm, with hosts who understand the art of making you feel at ease.
This is the North Island at its most restorative — where the cool air sharpens your senses and
the silence of winter clears space for reflection. Whether you’re drawn to meditative walks, spa rituals, holistic therapies or simple moments of solitude, the experiences here are shaped by nature and slowed by intention.
Wellness in this season is not about doing more. It’s about doing less, more meaningfully. It’s about presence over pressure, and discovering that the truest luxury is time to care—for your body, your mind, and your spirit.
This isn’t just an escape. It’s a gentle return — to yourself.
Good for the Soul Getaway
Inclusions:
• 7 Day Car Hire in a Mitsubishi Eclipse or similar
• 2 Nights at Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter in a Guest Room
• 1 Night at Trinity Wharf Hotel Tauranga in an Urban King Room
• Private Pool Entry with Towel Hire at the Mount Hot Pools
• 2 Nights at Sudima Hotel Rotorua in a Deluxe King Room
• Lake View Private Pool Entry at Polynesian Spa
• 1 Night at Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton in a Superior Room
• 75 Minute Hamilton Gardens Guided tour
Let the restorative rhythm of the North Island guide you on a winter escape designed to refresh mind, body, and soul. This 7-day self-drive journey leads you from harbourside calm to geothermal serenity, weaving together natural beauty, soothing waters, and quiet moments of connection.
Begin in Auckland with a night to settle in and unwind by the waterfront. Then follow the coast to Tauranga, where the renowned Mount Hot Pools offer a soul-soothing soak beneath the winter sky. In Rotorua, spend two tranquil nights immersing yourself in the healing warmth of the Polynesian Spa’s lakeview pools, and breathe in the geothermal steam that rises from the earth itself.
End your wellness retreat with a guided stroll through the award-winning Hamilton Gardens—a journey through global landscapes and peaceful design.
This is winter at its gentlest. A season not just for slowing down, but for tuning in—to the land, to your breath, and to the simple joy of stillness.
Luxury Escape into Wellness
Inclusions:
• 8 Day Car Hire in a Haval Jolion Hybrid or similar
• 5x Breakfasts & 3x Dinners
• 1 Night at Castaways Resort Auckland in a One Bedroom Villa
• 2 Nights at On The Point Rotorua in a Lodge Suite
• 2 Hour Hosted Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki Hot Springs
• 2 Nights at Whakaipo Lodge Taupo in a Suite Room
• 1 Night at Matu Purepod Waitomo
• 1 Night at Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport in a Superior Room
Package Code:
8 Day From $4,255pp
Indulge in a winter escape where luxury meets the elemental beauty of New Zealand’s North Island. This 8-day journey blends premium stays, curated wellness experiences, and the quiet richness of the season—designed for travellers who value comfort, elegance, and deep restoration.
Begin at Auckland’s Castaways Resort, where clifftop villas and sea breezes offer a dramatic welcome. In Rotorua, stay at the exclusive lakeside sanctuary On The Point and surrender to a 2-hour hosted Restorative Journey at Wai Ariki Hot Springs—an immersive experience steeped in Māori wellness tradition.
Taupō invites tranquil luxury at Whakaipo Lodge, where fireside dining and forest calm create a perfect winter retreat. A night at the glass-encased Matu PurePod near Waitomo offers pure eco-luxury—off-grid, under the stars, and utterly serene.
Finish in style at Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport, with every detail tailored for a seamless, soothing departure.
Sip & Savour
From vineyard valleys to city flavours, this journey through New Zealand’s North Island blends gourmet indulgence with scenic charm. Discover local stories through wine, cuisine, and culture — all wrapped in style, comfort, and culinary adventure.
From Fire to Fork
Here, food and wine aren’t just part of the journey—they are the journey.
Winter in New Zealand’s North Island is a feast for the senses—and there’s no better way to explore it than through the flavours that define it. From rolling vineyard hills to buzzing urban eateries, the North Island’s food and wine scene tells stories of passion, place, and tradition.
This is a journey that tempts the curious and rewards the refined. Discover cellar doors where winemakers share their latest pours beside roaring fires. Taste seasonal dishes that showcase the region’s best—from coastal seafood to farm-fresh produce, all paired with thoughtful hospitality and unforgettable views.
In cooler months, the pace slows and the experience deepens. Intimate tastings, long lunches, and scenic drives become the backdrop to a winter of indulgent discovery. Whether you’re sipping bold reds, uncovering local gems, or learning the stories behind the flavours, every bite and glass brings you closer to the culture and creativity of the land.
Here, food and wine aren’t just part of the journey— they are the journey.
Inclusions:
• 12 Day Car Hire in a Mitsubishi Eclipse or similar
• 3 Nights at Sudima Hotel Auckland City in a Premium Room
• The Gourmet’s Food & Wine Tour
• Return Fullers Ferry tickets to Waiheke Island
• The Flavours of our City
• Hobbiton Movie Set Tour & Lunch
• 2 Nights at Distinction Rotorua in a Superior Room
• TE PA TU Evening Cultural Experience
• Hot Tub for 2 people at Secret Spot
• 2 Nights at Scenic Hotel Te Pania in a Superior Room
• Full Day Wine & Dine Tour with Lunch
• 2 Nights at The Claremount Motel & Apartments Martinborough in an Executive Studio
• Half Day Wine Tour
• 2 Nights at TRYP by Wyndham in a King Hotel Room
• Capital Flavours Tour
North Island Food Odyssey
12 Day
From $3,929pp
Embark on a 12-day journey where every stop is seasoned with taste, story, and scenery. Designed for foodies and wine lovers alike, this North Island road trip captures the rich diversity of New Zealand’s culinary landscape—made even more inviting in the quiet embrace of winter.
Start in Auckland, where city flavours and island escapes collide. Discover the hidden gems of the city with The Big Foody, then sail to Waiheke for an indulgent day of wine and artisan tastings. Along the way, visit Hobbiton for a cinematic feast before heading into Rotorua for cultural warmth and geothermal relaxation—including the enchanting Te Pā Tū experience and a soak at Secret Spot.
In Napier, enjoy a full-day wine and dine tour amid Hawke’s Bay’s vines and art deco charm. Then on to Martinborough’s boutique cellars and finally to Wellington, where the capital’s creative energy comes alive through local bites and bold brews.
This is winter done deliciously—slower, deeper, and full of shared stories across the table.
Package Code: NI2511NNIFO
Ancient Grounds & Living Culture
Beneath rising steam and centuries of tradition, the North Island tells a story of deep connection. From powerful landscapes to living Māori culture, this is a journey shaped by earth, enriched by heritage, and alive with spirit.
Steam, Story & Spirit
The North Island doesn’t just tell stories. It lives them.
This is the North Island at its most elemental — a place where culture and nature are inseparable. Here, the land lives and breathes, from steaming vents and bubbling mud pools to the ancient pūrākau (stories) passed down through generations.
In winter, the geothermal warmth takes on a deeper meaning. Soaking in naturally heated waters beneath a rising mist isn’t just restorative—it’s part of a legacy that honours the healing power of the earth. Visit living Māori villages, stand in the presence of carved wharenui, and witness cultural expressions that connect past to present in powerful, moving ways.
This is not a place to simply observe—it’s a place to listen, learn, and feel. Let the rhythms of kapa haka, the scent of hāngī cooking in the ground, and the warmth of manaakitanga (hospitality) welcome you into an experience that’s both grounding and unforgettable.
The North Island doesn’t just tell stories. It lives them—in every geyser, every greeting, every guided step across this sacred, simmering land.
Inclusions:
• 8 Day Car Hire in a Mitsubishi Eclipse or similar
• 2 Nights at Sudima Hotel Auckland City in a Deluxe Room
• Museum Entry & Maori Cultural Experience at Auckland Museum
• All Blacks Experience Tour
• 2 Nights at Regent of Rotorua in a Superior Room
• Hells Gate Experience including Thermal Walk, Mud Bath and Spa
• 1 Night at Millennium Taupo in a Standard Lakeview Room
• Entry to Wairakei Terraces Thermal Pools
• 2 Nights at QT Wellington in a QT Superior Room
• 60 Minute Te Papa Tour including 2 Day Admission Entry
Package Code: NI257NNICH
North Island Cultural Highlights
8 Day From $2,255pp
Discover the heart of Aotearoa on this 8-day cultural and geothermal journey through the North Island—where winter mist rises from sacred lands, and every experience brings you closer to the stories beneath the surface.
Begin in Auckland, where Māori culture and national identity take centre stage.
Explore the treasures of the Auckland Museum and witness a powerful cultural performance, then step into the legacy of sport at the All Blacks Experience.
In Rotorua, geothermal wonders come alive. Soak in the healing muds and mineralrich waters of Hells Gate, where earth and tradition meet in unforgettable ways. Journey on to Taupō for lakeside calm and a soothing soak at Wairakei Terraces.
End your journey in the capital with two nights in creative Wellington. A guided tour of Te Papa Tongarewa offers a powerful lens into the stories, peoples, and history that shape Aotearoa today.
From steam to spirit, this winter escape is rich in warmth, meaning, and manaakitanga—New Zealand hospitality at its most heartfelt.
Inclusions:
• 9 Day Car Hire in a Mitsubishi Eclipse or similar
• 2 Nights at Hotel Indigo Auckland City in a Deluxe Room
• Return Fullers Ferry Tickets to Waiheke Island
• 6 Hour Waiheke History & Heritage Tour with Terra & Tide
• 2 Nights at Rydges Rotorua in a Superior Room
• Hells Gate Experience including Thermal Walk, Mud Bath and Spa
• Guided Experience + Indigenous Evening Experience at Te Puia
• 1 Night at Kohutapu Lodge Murupara in a Self-Contained Cottage including Activities, Breakfast, Dinner and a Whirinaki Forest Footsteps Tour
• 2 Nights at Millennium Taupo in a Standard Lakeview Room
• Scenic Cruise Lake Taupo to Maori Rock Cravings
• 1 Night at Hotel Indigo Auckland City in a Deluxe Room
• Admission Entry to Auckland Museum
History and Cultural North Island Journey
9 Day From $3,419pp
Step into a season of warmth, wonder, and deep connection on this 10-day winter journey across the North Island. Designed for the culturally curious, this itinerary weaves together rich traditions, geothermal power, and unforgettable encounters with land and people.
Begin in Auckland with a visit to the city’s cultural heart, the Auckland Museum. Then ferry to Waiheke Island for a day of storytelling on a guided History & Heritage Tour—where sacred sites and colonial legacies reveal the layers of the land.
In Rotorua, soak in the geothermal beauty of Hells Gate and embrace the spiritual power of Te Pō at Te Puia—an evening of culture, kai, and powerful performance. Journey to Murupara for an immersive stay with Māori hosts at Kohutapu Lodge, including a walk beneath the ancient canopy of Whirinaki Forest.
End with lakeside serenity in Taupō and a scenic cruise to the Māori Rock Carvings— guardians of the lake and symbols of spiritual legacy.
This is winter travel rooted in story, soul, and connection.
Package Code: NI259NHCJ
Made for Memories
The North Island is a playground for every generation—where wild landscapes, friendly locals, and hands-on adventures turn family time into story time. Laugh louder, roam wider, and make memories you’ll talk about long after the trip ends.
Adventures Wrapped in Wool
The North Island turns simple moments into treasured memories.
Every family getaway should be more than just a trip—it should be a story you carry home. In the North Island, winter adds a touch of magic to every shared moment. Think hot chocolates after glowworm cave adventures, wildlife encounters that wow all ages, and cozy nights spent stargazing or storytelling.
From geothermal parks to interactive museums, ferry rides to forest trails, there’s space here for everyone to explore, imagine, and unwind—at their own pace. Winter makes things feel more intimate, more special. Fewer crowds mean more connection, and the slower season invites you to savour each discovery.
This is a place where the curious are rewarded, the energetic are embraced, and every laugh echoes a little louder against the open skies. Whether it’s your first family holiday or a cherished tradition, the North Island turns simple moments into treasured memories.
Because here, family isn’t just welcome—it’s woven into the experience.
Family Fun in the Winter Sun
Inclusions:
• 6 Day Car Hire in a Mitsubishi Outlander or similar
• 1 Night at Marsden Suites Nautilus Orewa in a Two Bedroom
• 2 Nights at Seaspray Suites Paihia in a Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite
• Hole in the Rock Cruise with Fullers Bay of Islands
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds Entry
• 1 Night at The Sands Hokianga in a Beachfront Two Bedroom Apartment
• Footprints of Waipoua Twilight Tour
• 1 Night at the President Hotel in a Two Bedroom Executive Suite
• 1 Hour All Blacks Experience tour
6 Day From $3,860pf
Create lasting memories with your whānau on this 6-day winter road trip through Northland—a region steeped in history, natural beauty, and heartwarming hospitality. With wide open spaces, rich stories, and coastal calm, this is a journey made for connection.
Start in Orewa before heading north to the Bay of Islands, where a cruise to the iconic Hole in the Rock offers wildlife encounters and epic scenery. Explore New Zealand’s founding history at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where hands-on exhibits bring the past to life for all ages.
In Hokianga, stay right on the sand and experience the magical Footprints of Waipoua twilight tour—where towering kauri trees and ancient stories come alive in the forest’s hush. Return to Auckland for a final dose of Kiwi pride with the interactive All Blacks Experience—a family favourite that inspires all generations.
Winter here is mild, welcoming, and made for shared discovery. It’s not just a holiday—it’s a story you’ll tell together.