Myths & Mountains - New Zealand's North Island in Classe - Anthony Smith Travel
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Myths & Mountains – New Zealand’s North
Island in Classe
Uncover the hidden and untrodden reaches of New Zealand’s North Island. This exclusive journey
hosted by our expert guides, entwines storytelling, Indigenous culture and New Zealand’s contrasting
nature seamlessly offering the traveller a handcrafted adventure unlike any other. Sip on the finest
wines and embrace exclusive meet the maker experiences. Be privy to a rare opportunity to gain access
to the sacred land of the Waimārama people. Pockets of the North Island are a foodies heaven – shuck
your own oysters and cycle between cheese tastings. Kayak to the luminous glow worms lighting your
way in silence as you paddle through millennia old caverns. A journey for those seeking the finer things
in life with an adventurous spirit.
Crooked Compass Pty Ltd
www.crooked-compass.com
Phone: 1300 855 790 (AU)
info@crooked-compass.com
ABN: 91 608 054 646
Day 1 – Arrival, Auckland
Welcome to Auckland! On arrival, you will be met at the plane’s gate by your personal concierge as
you are assisted through the priority passport control and assisted with your luggage collection. Take
the scenic road to Matakana (approx. 1.5hrs) with your driver and transfer to your luxury
accommodation.
The picturesque Matakana region, is a foodie's heaven, known for its weekend farmers market,
boutique food shops and spectacular vineyards. Only an hour and a half north of Auckland city and
close to a myriad of stunning east coast beaches, Matakana is a popular getaway spot for locals.
On the way to Matakana, you will have time to stop off at The Tasting Shed, an award winning gem.
This gourmet restaurant strives to create the ultimate dining experience with their food, service, and
ambience. Take note though, you won’t get a set meal here, only an entree -style gastronomic voyage.
If you’re looking to give your taste buds an unforgettable experience, then this is the place to go.
(Tasting menu payable locally).
Plume Villas offer boutique luxury serviced accommodation where you can relax and rejuvenate in a
peaceful country setting. The 12 villas are set in a beautifully landscaped environment, at one with
nature in the heart of the country. You will have access to the cellar door, cuisine and conviviality on
hand at Plume Restaurant, a relaxed stroll from your private and comfortable luxury villa. (B,D)
2 nights Plume Villas – One Bedroom Villa or similar
Day 2 - Matakana
This morning, you will be collected from your accommodation as you set off on an exclusive tour to
visit Brick Bay winery for a wine tasting. You will also have the option to explore their sculpture trail,
which showcases contemporary New Zealand sculpture set in a stunning, natural environment
featuring native trees, wildlife and ponds bursting with waterlilies.
You'll then make your way to Scott's Landing, where you will cruise to the Historic G Browns Bay for
an oyster tasting. Try your hand at shucking fresh oysters straight from the water. Your skipper will
teach you how to open the oysters yourself. After you make your way back to shore, it is time to
discover the world of pottery. During your pottery factory tour, you’ll gain an overview of the various
stages of creating a pot, including how to harvest the clay, right through to throwing, drying, firing and
glazing. Get behind the scenes and see first-hand what it takes to produce large-scale pottery from
locally sourced clay, as your hosts tell their Morris & James story. (B)
Day 3 - Glow Worm Kayaking at Dusk
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Cambridge (approx. 3hrs). Cambridge is 'the town of
trees and champions'. It is memorable for its leafy streets, heritage buildings, antique shops and
thoroughbred horse studs. Cambridge is in the heart of rural Waikato, a picture -perfect town
characterised by quaint charm and tree-lined streets. You will love the choice of chic cafes and
restaurants, boutique shopping, characterful heritage, and art trails around the town centre. A wander
Crooked Compass Pty Ltd
www.crooked-compass.com
Phone: 1300 855 790 (AU)
info@crooked-compass.com
ABN: 91 608 054 646
through the main street will spoil you for choice with everything from gourmet producers and artisan
delis, to art galleries and
designer outlets.
This evening, set off on a magical experience. Paddle along the southern edge of Lake Karapiro, over
the old submerged Horahora Dam that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfields. Learn the
history of the Horahora village and enjoy the twilight & silence of being on the water as the day draws
to an end.
As night arrives over the lake, paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua Stream and through the canyon
carved out by water over many hundreds of years. Native ferns and trees drape over you, bird life is
all around. When darkness falls, you float silently back downstream, being guided by the glow worms
on either side sparkling like Christmas lights overhead. A truly enchanting experience.
Transfer to your accommodation. Staying at Henley Hotel is a bit like staying with good friends with
great taste who are excited to have you stay. Henley Hotel has all of the character and charm of a
boutique-hotel hideaway, served up with heartfelt personal service and an easy-going at home
atmosphere. Best Rooms at the Henley Hotel come complete with an Escea gas fire and divine soaker
bath. The Best Rooms also come with either a balcony, a large window seat, or tables for romantic in-
room fireside dining and a workspace. Grand in scale, design and detail…. A magnificent way to escape
to the country. The Best Rooms are perfect to snuggle in and enjoy the views of our grounds, just the
perfect break. (B,D)
Overnight Henley Hotel – Best Rooms or similar
Day 4 - Orakei Korako
This morning, you will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Orakei Korako.
Wander through the Hidden Valley and visit the thermal Ruatapu Cave which extends more than 36m
down into volcanic tuff to the 'Waiwhakaata' or 'Pool of Mirrors' hot pool at the bottom. Orakei Korako
boasts the most active geysers of any geothermal park in New Zealand. Up to 23 active natural geysers
play freely through the area, which is constantly changing. Marvel at the number of boiling hot springs
and the vibrant colours all around you or take a native bushwalk through this untouched geothermal
paradise.
The naturally fault-stepped silica terraces that form the base of Orakei-Korako Geyserland and
Thermal Park, are believed to be the largest of their kind since the destruction of the famous Pink and
White Terraces in 1886 on the edge of Lake Rotomahana beneath Mount Tarawera.
Continue on to Taupo. Taupo bustles with cafes and restaurants, dramatic mountain views and a
beautiful clean freshwater lake. Lake Taupo is known over the globe for its all-season trout fishing.
As you arrive into Taupo, discover the beauty of the Huka Falls. You’ll hear the Huka Falls well before
you see them – it’s the sound of nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second erupting from
a natural gorge and thundering 11m into the Waikato River below. This incredible waterfall is a must-
Crooked Compass Pty Ltd
www.crooked-compass.com
Phone: 1300 855 790 (AU)
info@crooked-compass.com
ABN: 91 608 054 646see natural attraction of New Zealand – it’s hard to tear your gaze away from the endless, mesmerising
torrent.
For the next three nights, you will call The Kinloch Manor and Villas your home. This property offers
award winning designer accommodation. A spectacular welcoming whiskey and champagne bar, with
floor to ceiling windows overlooking the golf course to Lake Taupo, two restaurants with cuisine
featuring the philosophy of ‘Estate to Plate ’ - organic and 100% pesticide free produce from the
owners private estate. The inside space of the Junior Suite features beautiful oak floors, a New Zealand
handmade rug and a stand-alone bathtub in the luxurious bathroom. The single key villa offers 1
bedroom, 1 bathroom and a coffee machine. (B,D)
3 nights Kinloch Manor and Villas – Junior Suite or similar
Day 5 - Kawakawa Bay
This morning, you will be met at your accommodation by our experienced guide and transferred to
the start of a spectacular two-hour hike to Kawakawa Bay in the beautiful Western Bays. Your launch
awaits them at the end of the hike and once on board, you will enjoy a sumptuous BBQ luncheon, NZ
wines & beverages, trout fishing, and a viewing of the Maori rock carvings.
The rock alcove at Mine Bay became the canvas for one of the most extraordinary contemporary
artworks New Zealand has ever seen. Sculpted over the course of four years and completed in 1980,
Matahi led a team of four artists, Jono Randell, Te Miringa Hohaia, Dave Hegglun and Steve Myhre, to
create a spectacular carving of Ngatoroirangi on the rock face. Cruise back to the Taupo Marina. (B,L)
Day 6 - Whirinaki Forest
This morning, you will be collected from your accommodation and driven to Whirinaki Forest. This
nature and culture experience starts with a nature walk. Feel the breath of life, the song of Tāne,
transcend time, walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs, in the shadow of giants, be welcomed and
embraced by the Whirinaki. This is a stunning forest, home to giant trees, a fantastic community
organisation that has established a strong kiwi and kokako population in the forest. We focus on
community conservation.
After your forest experience, enjoy an interactive presentation with a contemporary Māori artist who
specialises in wood carving and sculpture. He has forged a unique style and direction in carving, with
commissioned pieces residing in collections both locally and internationally. He will share his story of
how his nature and culture inspires his art practise. (B,L)
Day 7 - Napier
Enjoy a scenic drive to Napier, Hawkes Bay (approx. 2hrs) - one of New Zealand's warmest and driest
regions, making it one of the country's leading producers of wine. The region is the first stop on the
Classic New Zealand Wine Trail and is a popular place for bicycle wine tours.
Crooked Compass Pty Ltd
www.crooked-compass.com
Phone: 1300 855 790 (AU)
info@crooked-compass.com
ABN: 91 608 054 646Hawke's Bay is New Zealand’s Art Deco centre, rebuilt in the 1930’s after a huge earthquake. It hosts
the country’s most elaborate celebrations of Matariki – the Maori New Year.
This afternoon, journey from coast to cape, to the world’s largest most accessible Gannet (seabird)
colony in beautiful Hawke’s Bay New Zealand.
From our base at Te Awanga, our modern fleet of 4x4 vehicles will transport you through pristine
coastline, working farms, native bush and to New Zealand’s largest privately-owned nature reserve.
An adventure in itself, you will safari in style and comfort over picturesque Cape Kidnappers Station
traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, steep gullies and the most breath-taking views of Hawke’s
Bay and beyond. With no walking required, you are whisked away to New Zealand’s largest privately-
owned nature reserve – an untouched paradise for wildlife including gannets and a predator free
space for kiwi birds and other rare birds to roam.
Watch champion seabirds soar, swoop, dance and dive right before your eyes. This experience is the
only tour that takes you overland within metres of these magnificent seabirds.
Continue on to your accommodation for the evening. Located at the foot of Te Mata Peak, the
architecturally designed Giants winery complex, offers a second-to-none experience. Here, the Cellar
Door offers relaxed and intimate seated tastings, whilst the restaurant serves the best local and
seasonal produce prepared by Head Chef Casey McDonald. Your on-site boutique accommodation
offers luxury in the vines. The Vineyard Cottages offer boutique accommodation, each with their own
private terrace overlooking the vineyard. The cottages have well-appointed kitchens and living areas,
all with free-standing wood burners to keep you warm amongst the vines. Dinner this evening is
included along with a wine tasting. (B,D)
2 nights Craggy Range – Vineyard Cottage or similar
Day 8 - Cheese, Wine and Cycling Experience
This morning you will enjoy a guided winery tour by bike offering a unique, one-day cycling experience
with the opportunity to enjoy tasting some of Hawkes Bay’s finest foods and wines while taking in the
superb scenery of the region. Cycle past vineyards, olive groves, orchards and farmland - all on flat
terrain with wonderful vistas.
With your guide, you will visit up to four fine wineries and also enjoy cycling on some stunning, off-
road, limestone trails following the Tuki Tuki River and the coast. The route starts at th e boutique
winery of Black Barn in Havelock North where you are invited to taste their wines and also visit the
vineyard’s ‘We Love Local’ gourmet food store.
It’s a short ride to the Origin Earth Store to taste some of their excellent, artisan cheeses with Juliet
Harbout. From here you join the Landscapes Trail for the 15km cycle to the coast through stunning
orchard country. On arrival in the coastal village of Haumoana, visits are made to Elephant Hill and
Clearview Estate wineries. Walk and Talk Winemakers Experience with Tim Turvey (Clearview Estate
Crooked Compass Pty Ltd
www.crooked-compass.com
Phone: 1300 855 790 (AU)
info@crooked-compass.com
ABN: 91 608 054 646winemaker) Enjoy a tour and a seated tasting. Lunch is recommended at Clearview Estate. (Not
included). For those not comfortable riding a bike, our private vehicle can transfer you from point to
point.
At the end of your excursion, you will be transferred back to your accommodation. (B)
Day 9 - Te Kōripitanga o Tama-nui-te-Ra & Wellington
This morning, you will depart early for a unique sunrise experience. You will visit Te Kōripitanga o
Tama-nui-te-Ra – the place where the stars and the sun emerge from the waters of the great Lake of
Kiwa, the Pacific Ocean. It is a celestial disc that looms large over the cultural landscape of the
Waimārama people. People gather here to remember the past and make plans for the future. Stars in
the firmament remind us of loved ones lost; others track the trail of discovery that bought the first
ancestors to this land. The guardians tell of the of the lore of the land; of battles won and blood spilt.
Entry in to this sacred and spiritual place is not guaranteed to all persons, however, we have sought
exclusive permission. There are customs and protocols that you will be talked through.
The guides for this tour are all members of the local Waimārama Tribe, and they will clear our way.
This is their sacred knowledge and we are privileged that they are willing to share it with us. The site
visit ends with a moving greeting to the new day. As is the custom of the tribe we will conclude the
tour by sharing food together. Return to a family home and enjoy a cup of medicinal kawakawa tea,
and time with the family and have a light breakfast.
Continue on to Wellington (approx. 5 hours). Wellington is a compact city with a powerful mix of
culture, history, nature and cuisine. Fuel your visit with strong coffee and world-class craft beer.
Wellingtonians are masters of casual dining, with plenty of great restaurants, night markets and food
trucks.
During your time in Wellington, you will be staying at QT Wellington, a significant fusion of expressive
and luxurious art, technology and indulgence. Loosely based in the new creative capital, QT Wellington
is a warm invitation to explore and define one of New Zealand’s most eclectic collections of art and
character. This is the ideal hub for cultural connoisseurs from around the world, framed in designer
opulence and showcased at a gallery opening that never closed.
The QT Harbour View Gallery rooms take bespoke art to the next level. Each room features a unique
artwork created by some of New Zealand’s most dynamic artists. Whether it’s a distinctive bedhead
mural, a quirky sculpture or a custom-made wallpaper - you will be sure to delight in the artistic flair
of your surrounds, and the postcard-worthy Wellington Harbour view from your window. With
gorgeous colour palettes and plush QT luxuries included, this room is in a class of its own. (B)
Overnight QT Wellington – Harbour View Gallery Room or similar
Day 10 – Departure
Crooked Compass Pty Ltd
www.crooked-compass.com
Phone: 1300 855 790 (AU)
info@crooked-compass.com
ABN: 91 608 054 646This morning, you will make your way across the road from your hotel to Te Papa
Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. Discover the treasures and stories
of New Zealand’s land and people under one roof. Immerse yourself in the
country’s Maori ancestry. At the heart of this national
treasure centre, you will experience a private hosted cultural tour. Weave your way through the Maori
exhibition spaces to learn the unique history. Make your way behind the scenes to a restricted access
area. Your experienced curator will take your through the treasures that are not on display to the
general public which is more than 75% of the collection! Items that are too delicate, or too historical
to be put on general display will be presented to you, making this intimate and exclusive experience
truly special.
After your tour, you have free time to explore the rest of the museum. Enjoy six floors of engaging,
interactive displays, Māori and Pacific cultural treasures, New Zealand’s extraordinary natural life, its
most important works of art, and its unique history. One exhibition that stands out like no other is the
Gallipoli ANZAC exhibition. The ground-breaking exhibition tells the story through the eyes and words
of eight ordinary New Zealanders, who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Each is
captured frozen in a moment of time on a monumental scale – 2.4 times human size.
You will then be transferred to Wellington Airport where you will start your onward journey. (B)
End of Services
An itinerary may at times be altered by our guides due to local conditions, the skill of participants
and other unexpected circumstances such as indigenous community requirements, practices and
customs and weather. Our priority is always the experience and safety of our clients.
Our Services Include:
• Return airport transfers
• 9 nights accommodation
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Entrance fees and national park fees
• Private transportation
• Services of an expert local guide
• Kayaking equipment and expert kayaking guide
Our Services Exclude:
• Visas
• International and domestic airfares not mentioned above
Crooked Compass Pty Ltd
www.crooked-compass.com
Phone: 1300 855 790 (AU)
info@crooked-compass.com
ABN: 91 608 054 646• Optional excursions
• Travel and medical insurance
• All services, meals other than those indicated above
• Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.
• All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips
etc.
For full terms and conditions, please refer to http://www.crooked-compass.com/terms-conditions/
Crooked Compass Pty Ltd
www.crooked-compass.com
Phone: 1300 855 790 (AU)
info@crooked-compass.com
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