Bay of Islands Short Break Tour
This adventure may be short, but it’s certainly sweet. Think of it as a travel amuse bouche – a taster to inspire further trips to New Zealand. In just 72 hours on this NZ holiday you pack in a lot of attractions, from Auckland’s windswept harbour, dotted with yacht sails, to the gem-like Bay of Islands, its archipelago of subtropical islets ideally explored on a cruise. Wherever this NZ tour takes you, expect a dose of heritage and Māori culture. Discover how and where New Zealand became a member of the Commonwealth and explore the streets of the country’s first European settlement and seaport
Highlights:
- Meet the artists, makers and producers that call the Bay of Islands home, as well as descendants of Traditional Landowners who signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
- From its 20-million-year-old volcanic dome to its spectacular waterfall, Whangarei feels more like an oasis than New Zealand’s most northerly city.
What's Included?:
- 2 nights in premium 4 star accommodation
- 2 full buffet breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- Travel by luxury coach
- Sightseeing as shown in itinerary
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
Please note: This holiday departs Auckland at 7.30am, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the night prior.
Day 1 -Auckland – Bay of Islands
This morning, depart Auckland City and travel north over the Harbour Bridge past the sprawling suburbs of the North Shore of Auckland. Our travels then take you through Northland’s lush farmland scenery before arriving into the beautiful Bay of Islands. This afternoon discovers the stories, people and events that shaped the past, present and future of Aotearoa New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. During your tour you will view the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe, the historic Treaty House and carved Meeting House. Stand on the spot where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was first signed in 1840. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.
- Stay: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Water View Rooms, 2 nights
- Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Bay of Islands Free Time
Today is a completely free day for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Perhaps head back out on to the water and experience a day of sailing aboard a historic tall ship, enjoy wine tasting, or join a Russell Mini Tour and learn a little more about the settling of the Bay of Islands. We offer a wide range of activities for you to choose from. Your AAT Kings Travel Director will assist you in booking all your chosen optional experiences. Tonight, you are free to dine as you wish.
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Bay of Islands – Auckland
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the Bay of Islands before you travel back to Auckland. Our journey south takes us to Whangarei, the northern-most city in New Zealand, where you can wander around the art galleries and through the marina in the Town Basin. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Rodney District before arriving into Auckland late afternoon.
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This holiday ends at 5.00pm in Auckland, unless you have a flight booked or have made your own arrangements, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for this night.
Advertised price is based on travel 20 October 2024
Various departures available from February 2024 to March 2026! Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your short break now.
Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
During your holiday, you will stay at the following hotel:
Copthorne Hotel & Resort
This welcoming Bay of Islands hotel commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Please note: Day 1 departs Auckland at 7.30am and Day 3 arrives back in Auckland approx 5pm, accommodation is recommended to be pre booked prior and at the end of the tour. Ask your travel consultant to provide you a quote for additional accommodation today.
Flight Information:
- Day Prior – Flights to arrive anytime into Auckland Airport
- Day 3 – Flights to depart after 7:00 pm from Auckland Airport
Fitness Requirements:
- Low level of fitness required
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Jacket in cooler months