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Tour · AAT Kings · 7 nights

Northern Wonders

  • Guided tours of Rotorua's geothermal valley and Waitomo Caves
  • Immersive Te Puia Indigenous Experience and cultural performance
  • Explore the stunning Bay of Islands and Whangarei's forward-thinking culture
From
$3,974 pp twin share
7 nights
Departs 7 October 2026 Returns 12 April 2028
Duration7 nights
OperatorAAT Kings
StyleTour
HighlightDiscover the highlights of New Zealand's North Island in just one week, from Wellington's cool capital to the Bay of Islands' stunning coast
Discover Wellington's vibrant culture and Rotorua's geothermal wonders. Explore the Waitomo Caves and Auckland's harbour-side lifestyle. Experience Maori history and culture at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

While you could spend months exploring the North Island of New Zealand on a tour, if you’re travelling in the right company, you can immerse yourself in the highlights in a week. Discover Wellington’s coolest wine bars, drop in on Rotorua’s hot springs, find a pretty perch on a Bay of Islands tour, get your glow on during a Waitomo Caves tour, then ease into Auckland’s harbour-side lifestyle.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
7 October 2026
Returns 12 April 2028
Returns
12 April 2028
Duration
7 nights
From pp twin share
$3,974 pp
  • 07 Oct 2026 - 14 Oct 2026
    from $4,814 pp twin share *
  • 25 Nov 2026 - 02 Dec 2026
    from $4,814 pp twin share *
  • 16 Dec 2026 - 23 Dec 2026
    from $4,720 pp twin share *
  • 23 Dec 2026 - 30 Dec 2026
    from $4,720 pp twin share *
  • 06 Jan 2027 - 13 Jan 2027
    from $4,476 pp twin share *
  • 13 Jan 2027 - 20 Jan 2027
    from $4,865 pp twin share *
  • 20 Jan 2027 - 27 Jan 2027
    from $4,476 pp twin share *
  • 27 Jan 2027 - 03 Feb 2027
    from $4,865 pp twin share *
  • 03 Feb 2027 - 10 Feb 2027
    from $4,476 pp twin share *
  • 10 Feb 2027 - 17 Feb 2027
    from $4,865 pp twin share *
  • 17 Feb 2027 - 24 Feb 2027
    from $4,476 pp twin share *
  • 24 Feb 2027 - 03 Mar 2027
    from $4,865 pp twin share *
  • 03 Mar 2027 - 10 Mar 2027
    from $4,476 pp twin share *
  • 10 Mar 2027 - 17 Mar 2027
    from $4,865 pp twin share *
  • 17 Mar 2027 - 24 Mar 2027
    from $4,476 pp twin share *
  • 24 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2027
    from $4,865 pp twin share *
  • 31 Mar 2027 - 07 Apr 2027
    from $4,476 pp twin share *
  • 07 Apr 2027 - 14 Apr 2027
    from $4,476 pp twin share *
  • 14 Apr 2027 - 21 Apr 2027
    from $4,094 pp twin share *
  • 06 Oct 2027 - 13 Oct 2027
    from $3,974 pp twin share *
  • 20 Oct 2027 - 27 Oct 2027
    from $3,974 pp twin share *
  • 27 Oct 2027 - 03 Nov 2027
    from $3,974 pp twin share *
  • 03 Nov 2027 - 10 Nov 2027
    from $3,974 pp twin share *
  • 10 Nov 2027 - 17 Nov 2027
    from $3,974 pp twin share *
  • 24 Nov 2027 - 01 Dec 2027
    from $3,974 pp twin share *
  • 01 Dec 2027 - 08 Dec 2027
    from $3,974 pp twin share *
  • 08 Dec 2027 - 15 Dec 2027
    from $3,974 pp twin share *
  • 15 Dec 2027 - 22 Dec 2027
    from $4,320 pp twin share *
  • 29 Dec 2027 - 05 Jan 2028
    from $4,320 pp twin share *
  • 05 Jan 2028 - 12 Jan 2028
    from $4,450 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Welcome to Wellington

    New Zealand’s cool little capital, Wellington is the kind of place you could easily lose yourself in for a day. Good thing you arrived early. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travel companions this afternoon for an orientation tour of Wellington where you will visit the peak of Mount Victoria, and short stroll will reward you with 360-degree views of the surrounding harbour and city. After the tour you may like to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts, including an eye-opening exhibit dedicated to Māori history (entrance fee applies). Later, meet up with your fellow adventure-seekers for a drink before your tour of the North Island of New Zealand.

  2. 2

    Wellington - Rotorua

    The Kapiti Coast is the summer playground of Wellingtonians – for good reason. You’ll follow in local footsteps as you make your way along a road that unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, the largest (and perhaps bluest) of its kind in the country. It’s a landscape almost as otherworldly as Rotorua, where mud pops and jettisons from bubbling geysers, and steam rushes skywards from cracks in the Earth. This evening explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley, and learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience. It includes a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua, followed by views of the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands, and ends with a delicious buffet dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine.

  3. 3

    Rotorua Free Time

    If there’s a New Zealand city where you want free time, Rotorua is it. Go your own way today, perhaps booking an optional experience blissing out at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Who knew nature was this relaxing? Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of the opportunity to tour the sights featured in The Lord of the Rings movies at Hobbiton Movie Set. These beautiful landscapes are not only a bucket list tour for Hobbit fans, but a gorgeous countryside getaway.

  4. 4

    Rotorua - Auckland

    The Waitomo Caves are radiant – quite literally. While cruising cavernous underground waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. It’s a fairytale start to your day. One that only gets better as you descend on Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. You’ll discover how it got its moniker while gazing over its two yacht-studded harbours from the lookout at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. What a city, as your tour of Auckland reveals.

  5. 5

    Auckland - Bay of Islands

    Your journey north to New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is not short of drama – discover 140 islands ringed by turquoise sea at the top of the country. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. Take a tour of the Treaty Grounds, your local specialist, perhaps a descendant of original signatories, will explain the significance to New Zealanders.

  6. 6

    Bay of Islands Free Time

    Go as fast or as slow as you like today – there’s no rush, and no agenda. Talk to your Travel Director about organising an optional experience. Perhaps a day trip up to Cape Reinga, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach, or a trip to the iconic Hole in the Rock. If you’re a history buff, you may want to join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands. The choice is yours.

  7. 7

    Bay of Islands - Auckland

    Head to Whangarei – the county’s northern-most city. This is a place where, galleries like the Hundertwasser Arts Centre, meet museums. It’s like the country in a tantalising snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure before sinking back into your coach seat for the mesmerising commute back to Auckland. Tonight, join your Travel Director and companions to toast your adventure with drinks and dinner.

  8. 8

    Farewell from Auckland

    It’s not farewell, it’s ka kite/see you later! On your journey home, just remember how much pleasure you have packed into this last week.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Share in the Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia Explore the Geothermal Wonders of Rotorua Guided Tour of Waitomo Caves including Glowworm Cruise Guided tour and cultural performance at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Explore the Bay of Islands, a stunning coastal paradise with golden beaches, and lush islands Visit NZ’s northernmost city of Whangārei.
  • Day 1 highlights Welcome to Wellington: New Zealand’s cool little capital, Wellington is the kind of place you could easily lose yourself in for a day. Good thing you arrived early. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travel companions this afternoon for an orientation tour of Wellington where you will visit the peak of Mount Victoria, and short stroll will reward you with 360-degree views of the surrounding harbour and city. After the tour you may like to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts, including an eye-opening exhibit dedicated to Māori history (entrance fee applies). Later, meet up with your fellow adventure-seekers for a drink before your tour of the North Island of New Zealand.
  • Day 2 highlights Wellington - Rotorua: The Kapiti Coast is the summer playground of Wellingtonians – for good reason. You’ll follow in local footsteps as you make your way along a road that unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, the largest (and perhaps bluest) of its kind in the country. It’s a landscape almost as otherworldly as Rotorua, where mud pops and jettisons from bubbling geysers, and steam rushes skywards from cracks in the Earth. This evening explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley, and learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience. It includes a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua, followed by views of the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands, and ends with a delicious buffet dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • Copthorne Hotel and Resort
  • Grand Millennium, Auckland
  • Ibis Rotorua Hotel
  • James Cook Grand Chancellor
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 07 Oct 2026 and 12 Apr 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Ready to lock in?

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this tour
Travel at 60 Social Getaways

Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.

  • A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
  • Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
  • Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.

Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

— The team at Travel at 60

A Travel at 60 host with travellers on a Social Getaway
From (twin) $3,974 pp
Enquire