Northern Experience-Auckland to Wellington

AAT Kings’ 14 day New Zealand Panorama, see the north & south island including Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Dunedin, Wellington, Rotorua & Auckland

Tour code ZABW
8 days
Priced from A$1745
Premium Escorted
Departs from Auckland, finishes at Wellington

Highlights

SPECTACULAR SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCES

• EXCLUSIVE! Enjoy a Skyline Gondola ride and breakfast with sparkling wine
• Explore Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’
• Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve
• Explore the beautiful Bay of Islands
• Cruise to Cape Brett and through the ‘Hole in the Rock’
• Tour the Glow-worm Grotto at the Waitomo Caves
• Enjoy a Maori Hangi and concert in Rotorua
• Experience The Realm of Tãne, the story of Maori culture and mythology
• Visit beautiful Paradise Valley Springs
• See the Agrodome’s Sheep Show
• Discover geysers at the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
• View kiwis at Whakarewarewa
• Enjoy a tour of Wellington
• Visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum

FIRST CLASS HOLIDAY INCLUSIONS

Transportation

• Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, reclining seats, seat belts and large panoramic windows

Professionally Escorted

• Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver

Dining Inclusions

• Full Buffet Breakfasts (7) (B)
• Exciting Highlight Dinners (1) (HD)
• Hotel Dinners (2) YOUR CHOICE

Accommodation

• Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels

Plus

• Welcome drink
• All purpose travel bag and map
• Airport transfers (Day 1 Auckland Airport to hotel – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm; Day 8 to Wellington Airport – flights to depart after 2.00pm)
• Hotel porterage included

Itinerary

Day 1 Sat: Arrive Auckland

On arrival at the hotel the remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Auckland. Perhaps you would like to visit the Sky Tower for amazing views of the city, the harbour and surrounding volcanic hills or explore the beautiful parks and gardens. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Auckland.

Day 2 Sun: Auckland – Bay of Islands

Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge, then settle back and take in the amazing scenery of the Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the magnificent Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park, then journey to the beautiful Bay of Islands.
Enjoy a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Reserve which has great historical importance, as this is where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. You will have time to explore the Reserve and take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe and traditional meeting house.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands, 2 nights. (B)

Day 3 Mon: Bay of Islands

Today is free for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands at your own pace – perhaps take a coach trip to Cape Reinga, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach; enjoy a guided sea-kayaking trip or a day of sailing. Tonight is at leisure – why not dine at a local restaurant? (B)

Day 4 Tue: Bay of Islands – Auckland

This morning take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands – see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes out for marine life. This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland, the City of Sails.
Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. (B)

Day 5 Wed: Waitomo Caves

Today we experience a guided tour of the famous Waitomo Caves and discover the incredible Glow-worm Grotto on an underground boat trip.
Tonight enjoy a special evening of entertainment presenting The Realm of Tãne, an extraordinary journey through Maori culture, mythology and our story of creation, which is followed by a delicious Maori Hangi & Concert. You will be greeted with a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, called a Powhiri, before experiencing a night of authentic traditional culture and entertainment and a delicious Hangi feast.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights. (B) (HD)

Day 6 Thu: Rotorua

We begin our day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with sparkling wine overlooking Rotorua. We also visit Paradise Valley Springs and enjoy an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome’s Sheep Show. Later, tour the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where a local Maori guide escorts us past pools of boiling mud and geysers. We also view kiwis here. This afternoon there is free time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour. (B)

FARM STAY OPTION

Spend the night with a local family on a nearby farm. Enjoy some true New Zealand hospitality.
Additional cost per person.

Day 7 Fri: Wellington

Today we travel south stopping to view the mighty Huka Falls. Travel along the eastern shore of New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo before climbing on to the vast volcanic plateau of the Tongariro National Park. Weather permitting, stop for photos of Mt Ruapehu, home of New Zealand’s longest ski field. Visit the gumboot capital of the World, Taihape. See lush farmlands of the Manawatu and enjoy a picturesque drive into the Capital City of Wellington. Tonight is free for you to explore New Zealand’s capital city.
Accommodation: Novotel Capital, Wellington. (B)

Day 8 Sat: Depart Wellington

This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington and take in the panoramic views from the top of Mt Victoria. There’s time to explore the Parliament Buildings and The Beehive, home to New Zealand’s politicians.
Visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum and explore the fascinating exhibits at your leisure, including their unique Marae or Maori Meeting House. Later, you will be transferred to Wellington Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Tour Dates & Prices

* = Guaranteed Departure