Inspiring Journeys
The Endless Shores
8 days | Wellington to Auckland
Travel Period
Embrace the traditional greeting of your Māori hosts, whose relationship with this unspoilt land is revealed on this journey. Experience natural wonders, from the luminous glowworms of the Footwhistle Cave and the native forests’ redwood giants, to the fantasy-land of The Lord of the Rings’ ‘Shire’.
Prices From Code: NZNI
$4196
$5001
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The Endless Shores
8 days
Wellington to Auckland
Embrace the traditional greeting of your Māori hosts, whose relationship with this unspoilt land is revealed on this journey. Experience natural wonders, from the luminous glowworms of the Footwhistle Cave and the native forests’ redwood giants, to the fantasy-land of The Lord of the Rings’ ‘Shire’.
Highlights
Immerse
Connect with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, and embrace the traditional greeting of your hosts at Te Puia
Indulge
In the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak, enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range winery in Hawke’s Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.
Explore
Walk high among giant 120 year old Redwood trees, and discover the luminous shimmer of the breathtaking Waitomo Glowworm Grotto.
Relax
Cruise the streets of New Zealand’s Art Deco capital in style in the comfort of a luxurious vintage car driven by your expert guide.
Itinerary
The Endless Shores (Travel Period: 01 Oct 2023 – 31 Mar 2024)
Upon arrival at Wellington Airport you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening, join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception, followed by dinner
Hotel: QT Wellington, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
Today see Wellington your way! Perhaps visit Weta Workshop, home to the creative wizards behind ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies or learn about New Zealand history and culture on a visit to Te Papa - Museum of New Zealand. Your Journey Director can assist in booking your optional experience.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Continue north today, travelling through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawkes Bay. Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine matching at Craggy Range Winery, one of the regions world famous wineries situated in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak.
Hotel: Porters Boutique Hotel, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed start before we venture out to explore the Hawkes Bay region. Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide a fascinating commentary as you are driven in style, through Art Deco Napier and surrounding areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city, hear stories of the people that led the rebuild, and discover the Art Deco style. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua. This afternoon visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley where you will connect with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, it’s unique history and legacy. Along the guided walk you’ll experience geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. Followed by a relaxing 45-minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana see stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat as well as rare native birdlife. Immerse in the stories of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption and the resulting dramatic landscape changes that created this amazing part of the world.
Hotel: Pullman Rotorua, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Ascending to the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 115-year-old redwood giants and the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. Next stop is Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a behind the scenes look at the National Kiwi Hatchery. Tonight, an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at Te Puia. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art forms and traditions, followed by a cultural performance. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground in the traditional way.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Begin your day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld Waitomo. Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel through the dairy farming district of Waikato, and onto Auckland. Tonight, Toast your trip together tonight at a Celebration Dinner.
Hotel: QT Auckland
Included Meals: Breakfast, Celebration Dinner
Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Surprise yourself at QT Wellington, a significant fusion of expressive and luxurious art, technology and indulgence. Loosely based in the new creative capital of the South, QT Wellington is a warm invitation to explore and define one of New Zealand’s most eclectic collections of art and character.
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant and In Room Dining
- 24-hour front desk
- Non-smoking rooms
- Swimming Pool
- Gym facilities
Features
Step into a world of luxury, comfort, and relaxation. Nestled in the heart of the charming Havelock North village and surrounded by the majestic hills of Hawke’s Bay, Porters Boutique Hotel offers unique luxury accommodation. Relax in elegantly appointed guest rooms, complete with plush, classic furnishings and adorned with original local artwork. Enjoy attentive luxury service and full amenities within a stylish, intimate space that reflects the beauty and grandeur of the breathtaking Hawke’s Bay region.
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- TV
- Desk & chair
Features
Pullman Rotorua is expected to be popular with international and domestic business and leisure travellers, due to its exclusive 5-star offering and prime central CBD location and within 500metres from the Rotorua lakefront.
Find yourself in the heart of the extraordinary. Welcome to your time to shine. Drumroll please. The heart is beating, and we’re dancing to our own tune. With a glint in the eye, we’re serving shoreline shimmer. The waterfront beckons and the bar is set for self-discovery. Here we make space to celebrate individual style and unearth hidden treasures.
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant and In Room Dining
- Gym facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
Features
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.
Trip Details
What's included
- • Specialist team of two highly experienced Journey Director and Driver Guide
- • Local Specialists (Guides)
- • Mixture of boutique, unique and 5-star hotels
What to Bring
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Water bottle
- • Warm layers in cooler months
- • Camera
Fitness Requirements
- • Low level of fitness required
Dining
- • 7 Full Breakfasts
- • 2 Dinners with Wine
- • 2 Highlight Dinners
- • 1 Celebration Dinner
Flight Information
- • Day 1: Flights to arrive by 4:00pm into Wellington Airport
- • Day 8: Flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport
The Endless Shores
Inspiring Journeys
8 days
Wellington to Auckland
Embrace the traditional greeting of your Māori hosts, whose relationship with this unspoilt land is revealed on this journey. Experience natural wonders, from the luminous glowworms of the Footwhistle Cave and the native forests’ redwood giants, to the fantasy-land of The Lord of the Rings’ ‘Shire’.
Highlights
Immerse
Connect with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, and embrace the traditional greeting of your hosts at Tamaki Maori Village
Indulge
In the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak, enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range winery in Hawke’s Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.
Explore
Walk high among giant 120 year old Redwood trees, and discover the luminous shimmer of the breathtaking Waitomo Glowworm Grotto.
Relax
Cruise the streets of New Zealand’s Art Deco capital in style in the comfort of a luxurious vintage car driven by your expert guide.
Itinerary
The Endless Shores (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2022 – 31 Mar 2023)
Upon arrival at Wellington Airport you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening, join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception, followed by dinner
Hotel: QT Wellington, 2 nights
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
Today see Wellington your way! Perhaps visit Weta Workshop, home to the creative wizards behind ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies or learn about New Zealand history and culture on a visit to Te Papa - Museum of New Zealand. Your Journey Director can assist in booking your optional experience.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Continue north today, travelling through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawkes Bay. Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine matching at Craggy Range Winery, one of the regions world famous wineries situated in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak.
Hotel: Porters Boutique Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed start before we venture out to explore the Hawkes Bay region. Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide a fascinating commentary as you are driven in style, through Art Deco Napier and surrounding areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city, hear stories of the people that led the rebuild, and discover the Art Deco style. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua. This afternoon visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley where you will connect with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, it’s unique history and legacy. Along the guided walk you’ll experience geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. Followed by a relaxing 45-minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana see stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat as well as rare native birdlife. Immerse in the stories of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption and the resulting dramatic landscape changes that created this amazing part of the world.
Hotel: Pullman Rotorua, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Ascending to the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 115-year-old redwood giants and the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. Next stop is Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a behind the scenes look at the National Kiwi Hatchery. Tonight, an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at Tamaki Maori Village. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art forms and traditions, followed by a cultural performance. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground in the traditional way.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Begin your day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld Waitomo. Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel through the dairy farming district of Waikato, and onto Auckland. Tonight, Toast your trip together tonight at a Celebration Dinner.
Hotel: QT Auckland
Included Meals: Breakfast, Celebration Dinner
Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Surprise yourself at QT Wellington, a significant fusion of expressive and luxurious art, technology and indulgence. Loosely based in the new creative capital of the South, QT Wellington is a warm invitation to explore and define one of New Zealand’s most eclectic collections of art and character.
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant and In Room Dining
- 24-hour front desk
- Non-smoking rooms
- Swimming Pool
- Gym facilities
Features
Step into a world of luxury, comfort, and relaxation. Nestled in the heart of the charming Havelock North village and surrounded by the majestic hills of Hawke’s Bay, Porters Boutique Hotel offers unique luxury accommodation. Relax in elegantly appointed guest rooms, complete with plush, classic furnishings and adorned with original local artwork. Enjoy attentive luxury service and full amenities within a stylish, intimate space that reflects the beauty and grandeur of the breathtaking Hawke’s Bay region.
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- TV
- Desk & chair
Features
Pullman Rotorua is expected to be popular with international and domestic business and leisure travellers, due to its exclusive 5-star offering and prime central CBD location and within 500metres from the Rotorua lakefront.
Find yourself in the heart of the extraordinary. Welcome to your time to shine. Drumroll please. The heart is beating, and we’re dancing to our own tune. With a glint in the eye, we’re serving shoreline shimmer. The waterfront beckons and the bar is set for self-discovery. Here we make space to celebrate individual style and unearth hidden treasures.
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant and In Room Dining
- Gym facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
Features
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.
Trip Details
What's included
- • Specialist team of two highly experienced Journey Director and Driver Guide
- • Local Specialists (Guides)
- • Mixture of boutique, unique and 5-star hotels
What to Bring
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Water bottle
- • Warm layers in cooler months
- • Camera
Fitness Requirements
- • Low level of fitness required
Dining
- • Breakfast (7)
- • Dinner (4)
- • Highlight Dinner (1)
Flight Information
- • Day 1: Flights to arrive by 4:00pm into Wellington Airport
- • Day 8: Flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport
