Step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the untamed beauty and rich culture of Aotearoa’s island gems. Our guided tour of Great Barrier Island and Waiheke Island offers a unique blend of breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant local art scenes, and deep-rooted Māori and colonial history. Explore lush native forests, pristine beaches, and hidden coves, then connect with local artists and storytellers who bring each island’ s heritage to life. Whether you are a nature lover, history enthusiast, or art admirer, this unforgettable journey invites you to experience the islands in a truly meaningful way.
Day 1: Wednesday 18 February 2026 – ARRIVE GREAT BARRIER ISLAND (D)
The tour commences at Auckland Domestic Airport. Commence with a scenic 30-minute flight to Great Barrier Island, with the flight departing Auckland in the mid-afternoon (group may be split across aircraft). We fly into Claris where we are met by our local driver-guide and head off to begin our exploration of Great Barrier Island. We view the beautiful Medlands Beach and explore the Tryphena area before checking in to our accommodation.
Sunset Waterfront Lodge is located near the water’s edge in Tryphena and is a fantastic base from which to explore the beauty of Great Barrier Island. It’s also the perfect spot to relax and watch the famous Tryphena sunsets. Tonight, we enjoy a welcome dinner.
Following dinner, we enjoy a tour highlight – Stargazing on Great Barrier Island! Our friendly local guide entertains us with interesting facts and fascinating stories about the stars. Lean back in a comfy moon chair, look up and see the thousands of stars visible in the Dark Sky Sanctuary. We take a closer look at the Milky Way, maybe see a planet, or even spot a satellite, a meteor, or a distant galaxy. Excursion subject to suitable weather.
Accommodation: Sunset Waterfront Lodge Standard Room – 3 nights
Day 2: Thursday 19 February 2026 – GREAT BARRIER ISLAND (CB,D)
We enjoy a leisurely morning at our lodge after our late-night gazing at the stars. Perhaps sit back and relax enjoying the sea views or stroll along the beach.
In the late morning, we head for an easy 10-minute bush-walk to explore a stunning Great Barrier Island Nīkau Palm grove. We stop in at Claris on our way through to purchase some lunch to eat later today (own cost). We call into Okupu Beach to check out the ancient Pōhutukawa trees and tour around to the ‘Forgotten Wharf’ at Blind Bay, a very scenic route with lovely old stone bridges and deep gullied streams.
We enjoy lunch on the shores of the beach before travelling to Jacques Haven; birds, bees, flowers, trees, and yummy honey tasting. We enjoy a lovely, guided tour of the property with the owner, with Jacques explaining the work he has done. We take a scenic drive up to Awana Bay and Kaitoke Beach before retracing our steps back to Tryphena.
Tonight, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Friday 20 February 2026 – GREAT BARRIER ISLAND (CB,D)
After breakfast this morning we travel to Whangaparapara Wharf to board the ‘Sundancer’ for our private spectacular coastal cruise. Our driver introduces us to our skipper who will look after us on the cruise. We look at the old Kauri Sawmill and Whaling Station sites before heading up the west coast and through the spectacular Broken Islands. Once through the Man O’War Passage, enjoy a scrumptious on-board lunch in the sheltered waters of the beautiful Port Fitzroy Harbour.
After lunch, we disembark from the Sundancer at the Glenfern Sanctuary – Fitzroy House, where staff give us, an informative presentation explaining what they are doing at the sanctuary regarding pest control, native plants and bird reintroduction. Fitzroy House sits on the water’s edge and is home to Kākā parrots, wood pigeons, banded rail and much more. After the presentation, we are transferred to Sunset Rock for an amazing panoramic view of Port Fitzroy Harbour and beyond. Our driver meets us here and we travel back down the east coast enjoying great views of Rakitu Island, The Windy Canyon and Pacific Ocean Panoramas. Stopping at Awana, take an optional walk along this spectacular east coast surf beach.
Tonight, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Saturday 21 February 2026 – GREAT BARRIER ISLAND / AUCKLAND (CB)
Following breakfast, we visit the famous Milk, Honey & Grain Museum and the Community Arts Village in Claris. A local resident shares his passion for Great Barrier Island’s incredible history which is generously displayed at his quaint and quirky museum, situated on the main road into Claris.
Our time on Aotea/Great Barrier Island concludes with a flight from Great Barrier Island to Auckland (group may be split across aircraft).
In Auckland, begin your afternoon with a visit to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, where art and architecture come together in a breathtaking celebration of creativity. Join a guided tour through four floors of exhibitions that span centuries and continents, led by passionate guides who bring each artwork to life with stories, context, and insight. Nestled beside leafy Albert Park and framed by soaring kauri columns, the Gallery is a masterpiece in itself—New Zealand’s largest and most inspiring visual arts experience. Encounter bold contemporary works, treasured Māori and Pacific art, and the evolving expressions of Aotearoa’s diverse communities.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Auckland at your leisure.
Accommodation: M Social Hotel, Auckland Social Room – 3 nights
Day 5: Sunday 22 February 2026 AUCKLAND (B)
Begin your day with visiting the Auckland Museum. Discover the museum’s treasures with insights from experienced guides. They will share their stories of the Museum’s most important and fascinating objects in one of New Zealand’s most outstanding historical buildings, boldly situated in The Domain. Encounter exhibitions that will excite you with the artistic legacy and cultures of the peoples of the Pacific; the monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori; and the diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is modern New Zealand.
A truly captivating experience awaits visitors to Auckland’s Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it is the tallest structure in New Zealand and on a clear day, offers breathtaking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction. At the base, experience a visual encounter with Auckland’s history then step into the high-speed elevator and travel at high speed to the main observation deck. Stand on the glass floor and see Auckland at your feet – an amazing experience.
This afternoon visit The New Zealand Maritime Museum is the place where the stories of people and the sea are preserved, shared and explored with our visitors. New Zealand is one of the most maritime nations in the world and the story of every one of us is affected by the sea – through immigration, trade, design, innovation and leisure. Your admission to the Maritime Museum will give you access to a wealth of stories expressed them in galleries, and through a programme of events, special exhibitions, heritage sailings and more. The Museum houses one of the nation’s most important heritage collections which covers the breadth of our relationship with the sea; from the Great Pacific Migration a thousand years ago to the cutting edge of modern technology and design used in America’s Cup and modern yachting.
Note: The New Zealand Maritime Museum is within walking distance (Approx 250m) from your hotel, so transport for this visit has not been included.
Day 6: Monday 23 February 2026 – WAIHEKE ISLAND (BL)
Depart Auckland on a ferry to Waiheke Island. Upon arrival at Matiatia Wharf, a privately guided tour of the island begins. The journey features diverse landscapes and scenic coastal views, accompanied by informative commentary on Waiheke’s history, geography, culture, and local produce.
Visit the Church Bay studio of Gabriella Lewenz, an artist known for her vivid abstract oil paintings. Her works are displayed in a handcrafted, architecturally designed earth-brick home and gallery, set against the backdrop of Church Bay’s coastal scenery. The adjoining marble courtyards occasionally feature contemporary sculptures by guest artists. Artworks are available for viewing and purchase, with larger pieces priced to include international shipping.
Continue to Oneroa Village, with opportunities to explore local art galleries featuring sculptors and jewellery makers, browse boutique shops, or take a walk along Oneroa Beach.
Then, visit Allpress Olive Oil, the site of the first olive oil production in the North Island. The experience includes an overview of the oil-making process and tastings of various oils, such as the Greek-style Koroneiki, Spanish-style Picual, Tuscan-style Frantoio, and unique island blends. A scenic drive to Whakanewha Bay may offer sightings of native dotterels in their natural habitat.
Lunch is served at Casita Miro, a Mediterranean-style restaurant offering a tapas menu made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The venue features an art deco-style pavilion with expansive views of the sea and surrounding vineyards.
The day concludes with a return journey to Auckland by ferry.
Day 7: Tuesday 24 February 2026 – WAIHEKE ISLAND / END OF TOUR (BL)
Departing from Auckland, this morning’s journey begins with a scenic ferry cruise across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. Upon arrival at Matiatia Wharf, a privately guided tour continues, focusing on the island’s varied landscapes and accompanied by commentary highlighting Waiheke’s history, geography, culture, and local produce.
Visit the Whittaker’s Musical Museum, home to a distinctive collection of over 100 rare instruments. The experience includes a live presentation featuring instrument demonstrations and stories about the museum’s unique holdings. Adjacent to the museum, the Waiheke Community Art Gallery presents a curated selection of works by both local and national artists, offering insight into the island’s creative community.
Then continue to the eastern end of the island to Passage Rock Wines, a boutique winery located in the Te Matuku Valley. Known for producing a range of varietals including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Rosé, and Merlot-Cabernet blends, the winery is especially recognised for its award-winning Syrah, which has received over 18 gold medals and six major trophies. A guided tasting is followed by a relaxed lunch among the surrounding vineyards.
On the return route, a stop is made at Nikau Art Gallery. Established in 2004 and set within semi-tropical gardens, the gallery features the resident artist’s work alongside pieces by selected New Zealand artisans.
The day concludes with a ferry ride back to Auckland, marking the end of a two-day exploration of Waiheke Island.
You may need to store your luggage in the hotel’s storage room until you return from Waiheke Island, as you’re checking out today.
From here, you will continue with your own onward arrangements.
TOUR INCLUSIONS & COSTS:
• Accommodation as listed, all with private facilities. Prices are based on twin share, single rooms are available with single supplement
• All tour admissions and excursions as per itinerary
• Continental breakfast (CB), Breakfasts (B), Lunches (L) and Dinners (D) where indicated on the itinerary (other meals at own expense)
• Return flights Auckland – Great Barrier Island
• Return ferry tickets Auckland – Waiheke Island
• Private coach charter in modern air conditioned coach
• Commentary provided by driver
• Expert local guides as per itinerary
• Tour escorted by Claudia Moir – NZ Travel Brokers
Price: $5,690 per person twin share. Single supplement: $1,150
Based on a maximum of 12 people, minimum of 10.
A deposit payment of $500 per person is required to secure your place on this tour, this is refundable up to 90 days prior to departure. The deposit payment is nonrefundable within 90 days of departure unless the minimum numbers for the tour are not reached. The balance payment is due 60 days prior to departure, this is non-refundable. Travel insurance is highly recommended, please ask me for a quote.
This tour is operated by Leisure Time Travel.
To book contact:
Claudia Moir – NZ Travel Brokers. Phone:
Phone: 09-431 5899 Mobile: 021-431 589 Email: [email protected]
Trading as a member of NZ Travel Brokers Ltd, TAANZ Bonded & IATA Accredited, PO Box 842 Palmerston North 4410