7 Day Good for the Soul Getaway

Arrive in New Zealand’s City of Sails, where urban energy meets harbourside calm. As you step off the plane, take a moment to exhale—the pace slows here. Settle into your accommodation and spend the evening unwinding by the waterfront. Watch the sunlight fade over the boats in the Viaduct, enjoy a quiet meal at a cosy eatery, and let the gentle rhythm of the city welcome you into your winter retreat.

Wake to a leisurely morning in Auckland and ease into the day however you choose. Explore the city’s coastal walks, boutique galleries, and artisan markets, or enjoy a coffee with a view in one of its laid-back neighbourhoods. If you’re feeling adventurous, a visit to the Sky Tower or a harbour cruise (optional extra) offers a fresh perspective. Today is about soft exploration and discovering what grounds you.

Depart Auckland and trace the coast eastward, driving through lush countryside and glimpses of ocean until you arrive in the Bay of Plenty. In Tauranga, the seaside town at the foot of Mauao (Mount Maunganui), you’ll find your sanctuary for the night. As dusk settles in, slip into a private pool at the Mount Hot Pools, letting the mineral-rich waters soothe your muscles and the crisp winter air heighten your senses. It’s a simple yet profound ritual—just you, the water, and the sky.

After a slow morning in Tauranga, continue your journey inland to Rotorua, where geothermal energy pulses just beneath the earth. Upon arrival, check in and prepare for a signature moment of the trip: a private soak in the lakeview pools at Polynesian Spa. The warm, healing waters and rising steam create a cocoon of calm, while views across Lake Rotorua bring a sense of quiet wonder. Let the stillness linger long after you step out.

Take the day to rest, explore, or simply breathe. Stroll through the manicured Government Gardens, visit local artisan shops, or discover the ethereal beauty of geothermal parks like Wai-O-Tapu or Te Puia (optional extras). Alternatively, spend more time at the spa, or in the comfort of your accommodation. Rotorua invites reflection, restoration, and being fully present in the moment.

Today’s drive leads you north through rolling farmland to the city of Hamilton. Here, you’ll step into the world of the Hamilton Gardens, where a guided tour reveals a story told through design. Wander through Italian Renaissance elegance, tranquil Japanese zen, and bold modernist lines—all without leaving the grounds. Each garden is a world within a world, offering space to slow down and connect with the beauty of balance and order in nature.

On your final morning, take your time returning to Auckland. Reflect on the journey—the warmth of the waters, the hush of the gardens, the spaces between moments that allowed you to reconnect with yourself. Depart with a sense of renewal, carrying the stillness of New Zealand’s North Island winter gently home with you.