Regions: Wellington, Hawke's Bay

Recommended length: 5 days 

Highlights: Minecraft reality, Capital city charm, Food and wine

Day 1: Wellington

Touch down into New Zealand’s compact capital, Wellington. Spend the next few days savouring the incredible dining scene and soaking up the city’s creative spirit. 

After checking into your boutique hotel, take a ride on the iconic red cable car and be rewarded with panoramic views at the top. Make your way along the harbour to New Zealand’s national museum, joining a guided tour to learn about the country’s history and culture.  

Spend the evening exploring the city’s excellent restaurants and bars.

Day 2: Wellington

Delve into the magic of movie making at an award-winning workshop that’s behind famous film franchises like The Lord of the Rings and join a guided tour to discover what goes into creating costumes, make-up and props.  

Then head out onto the water aboard the southern hemisphere’s first (and only) fully electric passenger ferry during a fully commentated harbour cruise.

Day 3: Kāpiti Coast

Pick up your rental car and drive 40-minutes north of Wellington to the Kāpiti Coast. Uncover the stories behind conservation efforts at one of New Zealand's oldest island nature reserves during a guided tour, spotting native birds like the rare takahē (not bookable through Explore). 

Stay the night on the Kāpiti Coast in a glass eco-cabin located within a secluded hilltop setting. Lay back in bed, look up at the stars and wake to the sound of birdsong.

Day 4: Kāpiti Coast - Hawke’s Bay

Hit the road heading towards sunny Hawke’s Bay. The drive takes just under four hours, passing through rural landscapes and small towns – stop and stretch your legs with a short walk through native forest in Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge. 

When you arrive in Napier – the largest town in the Hawke’s Bay – head straight to the oceanfront aquarium. Get up close with kororā (little penguins), hand-feeding these cute birds and learning about rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Spend the night in an elegant homestead in rural Hawke’s Bay, 90 minutes' drive from Napier. Inner-city accommodation is also available (not bookable through Explore).

Day 5: Hawke’s Bay

Embark on a quest to sample the region’s famous wine and discover for yourself why it's been named one of the world’s Great Wine Capitals. Learn about the winemaking process and enjoy an in-depth wine tasting at a highly acclaimed winery recognised for its eco-friendly initiatives. 

Or hire a bike and explore the Hawke’s Bay Trails, one of the Ngā Haerenga’s 23 Great Rides of New Zealand. The nearly 200 kilometres of flat, easy riding passes through picturesque landscapes, heritage sites and award-winning wineries. 

At the end of your trip, extend your stay in the Hawke’s Bay by another night, explore another region in New Zealand or return home.

Most experiences mentioned in this itinerary can be booked through the Explore New Zealand Discount Programme.