Make your own way to Auckland and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. The city is New Zealand's largest, both in area and population and hence is often mistakenly thought of as the country's capital. Spend some time exploring the gardens and open spaces of The Domain, wander through the fascinating War Memorial Museum for a glimpse into Maori history and culture, visit the Sky Tower for spectacular 360 degree views, visit an art gallery, cruise the harbour, wander the foreshore or explore the shops. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with a multitude of cafes, restaurants and bars to suit all budgets and tastes.

Meals:  Nil

Take the 9:00am ferry this morning from Auckland to Waiheke Island. On arrival at the Matiatia wharf, your guide will meet you. (You will need to be prepared with your requirements for the day already packed in your daypack.) After introductions and a short trip briefing, the walk today follows the coastline around headlands and rolling hills, beside secluded bays and along beautiful sand beaches. There’s time for wine tasting at two of Waiheke’s best loved vineyards, both with award winning wines. Take in stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf islands and the Coromandel Peninsula, enjoying a picnic lunch, and indulge in a refreshing swim at one of several beaches along the way. Your guide will ensure you are returned to your starting point in time for the journey back to Auckland. Your ferry departs from Matiatia wharf at 3pm. Enjoy dinner at one of the many Auckland restaurants (own expense).

Meals:  B,L

After being collected from the meeting point in Auckland, stop for morning tea at a quaint country cafe and art Gallery, before arriving at our first trail at Waiomu. A gentle walk in this diverse ecological area containing regenerating forest allows a glimpse into the past with some of the most impressive Kauri stands that remain in the country. Here, we bath in the serenity and share a picnic lunch before the return walk out. Then onward to Matatoki for a tasting with an award winning organic cheese-maker. Finally we set out north, to the coastal settlement of Waihi Beach where your Luxury Lodge retreat awaits. Unpack and unwind here, for two nights. Take the chance to relax with nibbles and a drink this evening, while the local chef prepares your meal with the freshest local produce of the season.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while admiring the setting, before travelling a short distance to the coast where the Homunga Bay Track begins. Stunning views are a theme today as you follow the coast alongside three different bays to Waihi Beach. With turquoise-coloured water, white sand beaches and magnificent Pohutakawa trees, the contrast is superbly picturesque. A picnic lunch by the beach along the way allows time to absorb the beauty of Nature's canvas. Once you have had your fill of coastal views, we return to the lodge where you can relax in the hot tub, or get lost in a book. Freshen up before dinner and the first of our tour's two gin tastings at the historic Kiwi pub, the Waikino Hotel.

Meals:  B,L,D

With an earlier start this morning, we take a short drive to a hidden valley that leads to the Waitawheta River. Meander along the banks and follow the footsteps of pioneers of the old logging trail as it passes through the spectacular cliffs and bluffs of the gorge. We stop to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch with locally roasted Pinnacles coffee. During the walk, historical landmarks are dotted throughout with a suspension bridge, waterfall and old logging site along the way. This is a varied track with many photographic opportunities. Take the time to kick off your boots and bathe your feet, or have a refreshing dip as there are a few fresh water swimming pools along the way. We arrive back to our transport on the same track for the return trip to Auckland, for the last night of your stay.

Meals:  B,L

After a buffet breakfast this morning, your arrangements conclude.

Meals:  B