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Tour New Zealand's North Island from Wellington to Auckland

  • history
    DURATION
    8 days, 7 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
    8 days
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    7 nights
  • calendar_month
  • calendar_month
    DEPARTURE MONTHS
    January 2024 - April 2026
  • T​aste the many flavours of New Zealand
  • Lush forests & rugged mountains
  • Breathtaking gorges!

There’s attractions abound on this North Island tour. The first: the Bay of Islands, a gem-like archipelago of 144 drops of land. The second: steamy Rotorua, with its geothermal hot springs and spas. The roll-call continues: glow-worm caves, immense waterfalls, mirror lakes and the opportunity to delve into Maori culture over a hangi meal.

    Why you'll love this trip:

    • Experience an adventure through the North Island of New Zealand
    • Taste the many flavours of New Zealand dining with delicious dinners including a Regional Dining Experience - Hangi (food cooked underground) at the Tamaki Maori Village.
    • See the Icons of New Zealand with more free time
    • Explore the Bay of Islands and Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Photos

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Your tour commences in Wellington

Inclusions/Exclusions

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What's Included?:

  • Comfortable accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts, 1 highlight dinner, 2 dinners
  • Travel by luxury coach
  • Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
  • Airport transfers (see flight information below)

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Wellington

Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital City. Flights can arrive any time prior to 2.00pm and you will be transferred from the airport to your Wellington hotel. This afternoon you will head out on a city sights tour of Wellington taking in New Zealand’s parliament buildings, and a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Discover New Zealand’s nature, history, art and heritage, and then enjoy some time at leisure. Indulge in Wellington’s renowned coffee culture or take a walk along Lambton Quay. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and your Tour Director at a welcome reception.

Day 2: Wellington – Rotorua

Follow the state highway out of New Zealand’s capital city this morning and along the Kapiti Coast, the traditional summer playground of the inhabitants of Wellington city. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. The stunningly blue fresh water of Lake Taupo is home to some of the best trout fishing in the world. On arrival in Rotorua an orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. Later, an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at the Tamaki Maori Village. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art forms and traditions, followed by a cultural preformance. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground in the traditional way.

Day 3: Rotorua - Free Time

Today is your chance to experience the scenic wonders of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Choose from one of the varied Optional Activities on offer. Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park & The National Kiwi Hatchery, take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour through the working kiwi nursery and hatchery. Visit Te Puia and join a guided tour through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, home to famous Pohutu Geyser and the bubbling beauty of the mud pools. Later, why not spend a little more time experiencing the thermal wonders, with a soak in the hot mineral waters of the Polynesian Spas. Your AAT Kings Travel Director will assist you in booking your chosen optional activities.

Day 4: Rotorua – Auckland

This morning you will travel through the King Country region which was at the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s to Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glow Worm Grotto by boat and walk through the limestone caverns. This afternoon you will follow the meandering trail of the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, past the lush farmlands of the Waikato Region. As you journey over the Bombay Hills, the landscape changes from green, grassy meadowlands to the edges of suburbia. As you make your way into the heart of New Zealand’s largest city, you will stop at the Auckland War Memorial Museum for views across Auckland City and the Waitemata Harbour.

Day 5: Auckland – Bay of Islands

This morning, we depart Auckland City travelling north over the Harbour Bridge and 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.

Day 6: Bay of Islands - Free Time

Today is a completely free day for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Perhaps take a coach trip up to Cape Reinga - the very top of New Zealand via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach or experience a day of sailing aboard a historic tall ship. Enjoy wine tasting in Kerikeri or join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands. Tonight, you are free to dine as you wish.

Day 7: 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.

Day 8: Farewell from Auckland

Your New Zealand holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. Your flights can depart any time today, and you will be transferred to Auckland Airport.

Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.

Dates and Prices

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T​ravel dates are from January to April in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

B​elow pricing is based 09 October 2024 Departure

  • Twin Share - from $3,800 per person
  • Single traveller - from $4,922 per person

Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your seat NOW!

Accommodation

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Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands

Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort. The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:

  • Travelodge Wellington
  • Ibis Rotorua Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express, Auckland
  • Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands

FAQs

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Flight Information:

  • Day 1 - Flights to arrive prior to 2.00pm into Wellington Airport
  • Day 8 - Flights to depart anytime 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

T&Cs

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Share this holiday with your friends!

Prices per person from

A$3,800

A$4,922

Share this holiday with your friends!
Simply click any of the buttons below to share this holiday with your favourite travel buddy/group!

Prices per person from

A$3,800

A$4,922