First Choice
Jewels of the Bay
3 Day Guided Holiday | Auckland Return
Travel Period
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.
Prices From Code: UBOI
$1150
$1430
Child prices are available on request
Secure your trip with a deposit
Jewels of the Bay
First Choice
3 Day Guided Holiday
Auckland Return
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
Insider Knowledge
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 to acknowledge New Zealand as a member of the Commonwealth. Any visit here is humbling, particularly in the company of a signatory descendent
Local Connection
The Bay of Islands naturally attracts creatives, inspired by the bucolic surrounds. Meet them – artists, makers and producers – on an optional experience.
Cultural Immersion
Free day in the Bay of Islands? An optional mini tour of Russell takes you to iconic locations that make it so significant in New Zealand’s early history.
Wildlife and Nature
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.
Itinerary
Jewels of the Bay (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2023 – 31 Mar 2024)
the road in the morning for a scenic sojourn to the Bay of Islands. This pocket of the country deserves its name – there are more than 140 subtropical islets off the coast here, lined with blissful undeveloped and unpeopled beaches. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical secret; this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs, officially denoting New Zealand as a member of the Commonwealth. Your guide, likely an ancestor of one of the original signatories, will explain the importance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. These are just some of the Māori artefacts that characterize this part of the north coast. You wanted an introduction to New Zealand heritage on day one – you got it.
Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Water View Rooms, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Dinner
If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. Today, trip the light fantastic and head off in whatever direction you please. Perhaps out onto the water to ride the waves on a Bay of Islands tour aboard a historic tall ship, glass of New Zealand wine in hand. Or maybe on a mini-jaunt around the romantic town of Russell, the country’s first permanent European settlement and seaport. Fun fact: the town’s streets retain their original names and layout from 1843. Just ask your Travel Director for touring tips – and places to wine and dine in between. Wherever your NZ holiday takes you today, we recommend finding somewhere special to salute the end of the day – this part of the country was made for blazing sunsets.
Included Meals: Breakfast
If you’ve never heard of Whangarei, you’re probably not alone. But today, New Zealand’s most northerly city is well and truly on your radar. A place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums, Whangarei is the country in a tantalizing snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure – perhaps a NZ tour to Mount Parihaka, which features a war memorial and the remains of Māori fortified settlements – before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerizing commute back to Auckland.
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:
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.
- 42" flat screen TV with Sky channels
- Wi-Fi
- Refrigerator
- Mini Bar
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Phone
- Work 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 Travel Director and Driver
- • Centrally located premium 4 star hotels
- • 1 included attractions/experiences
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
- • 2 Full Breakfasts
- • 1 Dinner
Flight Information
- • Day Prior: Flights to arrive any time into Auckland Airport
- • Day 3: Flights to depart after 7:00pm from Auckland Airport
Jewels of the Bay
First Choice
3 Day Guided Holiday
Auckland Return
Some 144 subtropical islands, untrodden beaches, abundant wildlife and rich Maori culture – the Bay of Islands region at the tip of New Zealand’s North Island is as wild and wide as it is wonderful. This is your backdrop to this 3 day Bay Of Islands tour, where you’ll be visiting wineries, soaking up sunsets, and experiencing soul-stirring historic sites and cruising calm coves.
Highlights
Local Connection
Free day in the Bay of Islands? Enjoy immersive expeditions like cruising through the Hole in the Rock or a Russell Mini Tour.
Insider Knowledge
The best way to get an insider’s perspective of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds? With a guide descended from the original document’s signatories.
Cultural Immersion
Nature and Maori culture unite at the country’s northernmost city, Whangarei. Explore at your own pace.
Itinerary
Jewels of the Bay (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2022 – 31 Mar 2023)
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.
Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Water View Rooms, 2 nights
Included Meals: Dinner
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
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 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:
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.
- 42" flat screen TV with Sky channels
- Wi-Fi
- Refrigerator
- Mini Bar
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Phone
- Work 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.
Optional Experiences
To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The excursions can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.
Adult: $210.00 NZD
Enjoy a guided Bay Of Islands Tour.
The Bay of Islands is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand. With an abundance of breathtaking, picturesque views, there are plenty of fantastic photo opportunities. Create lasting memories with a Bay Of Islands Highlights Tour
$135 Adult, $67.50 Child
This is the most popular dolphin watching cruise in the Bay of Islands, and for good reason! Board your cruise in Paihia or Russell and take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island/Motukōkako, or as it is popularly known the ‘Hole in the Rock’. This four-hour cruise includes an island stopover, dolphin viewing and the Hole in the Rock.
Optional Experiences indicated are Australian or New Zealand dollars. Please note that occasionally weather or seasonal conditions may not permit their operation. Some also depend on a minimum number of participants and suitable time being available. Please see your Travel Director for a full list of experiences.
Trip Details
What's included
- • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver
- • Centrally located premium 4 star hotels
- • 1 included attractions/experiences
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
- • 2 Full Breakfasts
- • 1 Dinner
Flight Information
- • Day Prior – flights to arrive anytime into Auckland Airport
- • Day 3 – flights to depart after 7.00pm from Auckland Airport
