New Zealand | North Island Photography Adventure

Today, begin your journey from your home departure city - destination: Auckland, New Zealand!

Cross the International Date Line today.

Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be taken to your hotel by a local representative. Early check-in has been arranged for your comfort. Spend the day relaxing before joining your fellow travelers and guide this evening for a welcome dinner at Orbit 360° Dining, a restaurant at the top of the Sky Tower with a commanding 360-degree view of Auckland and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Start the day early with breakfast at 7 am before visiting Auckland Botanic Gardens. Home to an extensive native plant collection, Auckland Botanic Gardens also features a forest walk, palm garden, and New Zealand's largest salvia and magnolia collections. ABG focus on creating unique gardens and landscapes that provide visitors with spectacular views and a distinctive South Pacific experience. Have a light lunch along the way today to spend a full afternoon at Domain Wintergardens. Built in the early 1900s by Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jeckyll, it is one of Auckland's historic jewels and a highlight of your journey. Discover rare and spectacular plants like the Medinilla magnifica, commonly known as Rose Grape, a large collection of chrysanthemums, and much more on display inside the Wintergarden's two barrel-vaulted Victorian style glass houses. One house is heated to display lush, tropical flora, while the other displays temperate flora that changes with the seasons. In the middle of both glass houses, visitors can also find an extensive courtyard with marble statues that were added in the 1920s and 30s. This evening, enjoy time at leisure to explore the surroundings on your own.

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, travel through the rich Waikato countryside to Hamilton Gardens. The unique theme of Hamilton Gardens is "The Story of Gardens," which is explored through a series of five garden collections. Enjoy viewing the roses, as well as Camellia spp., Clivia spp., Xeronema spp., Niphidium spp., and Darmera spp., to name just a few. Hamilton Gardens was awarded the prestigious International Garden Tourism Award at the International Garden Tourism Network (IGTN) conference in France in October of 2014. Enjoy lunch at the wonderful Hamilton Gardens Cafe before continuing to Rotorua, the "Geothermal Capital of New Zealand." In the afternoon, there is an optional opportunity, at an additional cost, to relax at Polynesian Spa and enjoy everything from a massage to a soak in natural mineral waters. Later tonight, have dinner on your own in Rotorua.

Rise in the darkness in order to be transported to Lake Tarawera for a sunrise shoot. The beautiful lake, mountains, and hills in the distant background provide good landscape photography opportunities. Return to the hotel for breakfast and some leisure time. In the early afternoon, take in the Redwoods Treewalk experience. Suspended high above the forest floor, encounter 245-feet-tall redwoods while taking eco-walks across suspension bridges and platforms intricately designed to honor and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Return to the hotel to freshen up before traveling a short way to begin your Te Pa Tu experience, a Maori cultural evening with a traditional Maori welcome followed by a wonderful performance where you will learn about the Maori stories of long ago and take part in the ceremony. After, enjoy dinner cooked in an earth oven; a unique and tasty experience. Return to the hotel for overnight.

This morning, venture across the rich Waikato farmland to Taranaki and its largest city, New Plymouth. The area is dominated by the perfect cone of Mount Taranaki, with New Plymouth being the largest city in the region and known for its wonderful gardens. After arrival and check-in at the hotel, enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure. You may wish to visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Center, located just around the corner from your hotel. This world-class, architecturally unique building is home to a contemporary art museum that features an interactive art gallery and various exhibitions, as well as a comprehensive archive of the works of pioneering filmmaker and kinetic sculptor Len Lye. Another opportunity close to your location is Puke Ariki, a museum, library, heritage site, and cultural center. Puke Ariki may be of special interest, as it features many exhibitions and activities that explore the region's history, Maori culture, and the natural world. You may also like to visit the Taranaki Research Centre, which holds a significant collection of books, images, and archives about the history of Taranaki. Enjoy dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Wake up before dawn today to catch the sunrise at the stunning Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, as Mount Taranaki is visible through the bridge's intricate arches. After breakfast, go on a city tour of New Plymouth, featuring the gardens and beaches of this unique town. Enjoy visits to three beautiful gardens, starting with Pukekura Park and its many displays. Continue to the historical Tupare, which has a rich variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, and much more and is now owned by the community through the Taranaki Regional Council. Lastly, take in the world-renowned Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust and its rhododendron and bush gardens, grass walks, mountain streams, and glass houses. Have lunch at the beautiful rainforest café in the center of the garden before returning to the hotel. Then, enjoy the remainder of the late afternoon and evening at leisure.

This morning, depart New Plymouth and travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. En route, visit Otari Wilton Bush Native Botanic Garden. This unique plant sanctuary of forest reserve and botanic garden covers over 247 acres and contains many threatened species. Some of Wellington's oldest trees are here, including an 800 year old rimu, Dacrydium cupressinum. Walk along the magical treetop Canopy Walkway, 59 feet above the forest floor, or get down in the undergrowth on the Nature Trail. We have time to explore the city before this evening's celebratory dinner at the hotel, beginning at 7 pm.

This morning, you will be taken to Wellington International Airport to take a domestic flight to Auckland and connect with your international flight(s) home. If you are continuing your New Zealand journey on the South Island portion of Jackie's photography adventure, enjoy your breakfast and begin the next tour. Please see October 15 on the South Island tour page.

Welcome home!