Best Buys
Northern Spotlight
8 Day Guided Vacation | Auckland to Wellington
Travel Period
Maori culture is celebrated across the North Island, whether through traditional hangi feasts or in galleries in Wellington and Auckland. Delve into the rich Indigenous culture of New Zealand with this North Island tour. History of another kind is revealed in the Bay of Islands, a blissful archipelago of 144 islets, the landing point of the first European fleet. A wonderland of attractions awaits in between, from thermal springs to waterfalls, immense lakes to national parkland.
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$2972
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Northern Spotlight
Best Buys
8 Day Guided Vacation
Auckland to Wellington
Maori culture is celebrated across the North Island, whether through traditional hangi feasts or in galleries in Wellington and Auckland. Delve into the rich Indigenous culture of New Zealand with this North Island tour. History of another kind is revealed in the Bay of Islands, a blissful archipelago of 144 islets, the landing point of the first European fleet. A wonderland of attractions awaits in between, from thermal springs to waterfalls, immense lakes to national parkland.
Highlights

Flexible Vacations
Golden sandy beaches, charming towns, fishing, and boating all await in the Bay of Islands. Enjoy a full day here at your leisure.

Iconic Sites
Huka Falls thunder over an escarpment into the Waikato River, leaving a lasting impression. Lake Tekapo is calmer, but equally memorable.

Time For You
Free nights in Wellington and Auckland are well spent in the country’s most innovative restaurants and bars. Hundreds of options await.

Sustainable Travel
Many Kiwi kids go to school hungry. We’re helping Eat My Lunch ensure they’re fed, donating a lunch for every guest lunch served.
Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails. Flights can arrive any time prior to 4.00pm. After check-in, you can explore Auckland. Take a walk down Queen Street, to the main shopping precinct or to the Viaduct Harbour and the Auckland Waterfront region. This recently developed area of central Auckland has cafes and restaurants galore. Take a seat in the sunshine, enjoy a glass of one of New Zealand’s famous Sauvignon Blanc’s and watch the maritime activity on Waitemata Harbour. This evening, meet your fellow travelling companions and your AAT Kings Travel Director at a welcome reception back at your hotel.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express, Auckland
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, Garden Rooms, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Experience a day of sailing aboard a historic tall ship, enjoy wine tasting on a wine tour of the region, 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. Your AAT Kings Travel Director will assist you in booking all your optional experiences.
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.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express, Auckland
Included Meals: Breakfast
A city sights tour will start your morning in Auckland. Travel to the Auckland War Memorial Museum for views across Auckland City and the Waitemata Harbour. After leaving Auckland you will follow the meandering trail of the Waikato River to Waitomo Caves. Tour the amazing limestone caverns and sail through the still waters of the sparkling Glow Worm Grotto. From Waitomo to Rotorua you will venture through the King Country region which was at the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s. On arrival in Rotorua an orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. Tonight, 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 concert featuring local performers. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground in the traditional way.
Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Today is your chance to experience the scenic wonders of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. You could 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 all of your chosen optional experiences.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Say Haere Ra (goodbye) to Rotorua this morning and journey out through pine forests and farmland to a little hidden spot, the turquoise torrent of rapids known as Huka Falls. 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. You will then journey south over the Central Plateau, New Zealand’s main volcanic area. In a country of contrasts, perhaps nothing is more striking than the three peaks of Tongariro National Park rising starkly from the surrounding plateau of tussock and near desert. Pass through several small towns along the road to Wellington, each with their own personality and quirks. Probably the quirkiest of all would have to be Taihape… the self-proclaimed gumboot capital of the world. Travel along the Kapiti Coast, the traditional summer playground of the inhabitants of Wellington city. And as you follow the state highway, the Kapiti Coast becomes New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington.
Hotel: Travelodge Wellington
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a city sights tour of Wellington taking in New Zealand’s parliament buildings, and a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, enjoy some time at leisure. Indulge in Wellington’s renowned coffee culture or take a walk along Lambton Quay - the heart of the central business district of Wellington. You’ll have lunch included today provided by ‘Eat My Lunch’. ‘Eat My Lunch’ is a charity organisation that provides lunch for New Zealand school children who otherwise would be going to school without. By having lunch today, you are giving a lunch to a child in need. Your AAT Kings New Zealand holiday concludes this afternoon. Your flights will need to depart after 2.00pm.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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:


Holiday Inn Express, Auckland is 3 km from Auckland Airport. Featuring balconies or direct garden access, rooms provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, iPod docks and minifridges. All have tea and coffeemaking facilities. Suites add living rooms and/or whirlpool tubs. Room service is available. Amenities also include a casual restaurant, bar, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.


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
- Hair Dryer
- Iron / Ironing Board
- In-room safe
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Phone
Features


Holiday Inn Express, Auckland is 3 km from Auckland Airport. Featuring balconies or direct garden access, rooms provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, iPod docks and minifridges. All have tea and coffeemaking facilities. Suites add living rooms and/or whirlpool tubs. Room service is available. Amenities also include a casual restaurant, bar, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.


Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views. Our central location is easily accessible to cafés, restaurants and the Energy Events Convention Centre. Stunning natural scenery and geothermal wonders makes this the ultimate destination.
- Ensuite
- Air-conditioning
- Telephone - Voice Mail
- Soundproofed Windows
- TV
- In-house movies
- Pay TV
- 220/240 V AC
- Data port in room
- High speed transmission line (pay)
- Work Desk
- Manual temperature control
- Iron
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Hairdryer
- Automatic wake up call
Features


With close proximity to the city’s financial hub as well as many Wellington attractions, such as Wellington Zoo, the Wellington Cable Car, the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, and the Wellington Botanic Gardens, Travelodge Hotel Wellington is perfectly located for both business and leisure travel.
- Hair Dryer
- Pay TV
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Individual heater control
- LCD TV
- Refrigerator
- Internet Access
- Microwave
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
- • 1 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Fiordland National Park
- • Centrally located premium 3.5-star hotels
What to Bring
- • Camera
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Water bottle
- • Warm layers in cooler months
Fitness Requirements
- • Low level of fitness required
Dining
- • 7 Full Breakfasts
- • 1 Lunch
- • 1 Dinner
- • 1 Highlight Dinner
Flight Information
- • Day 1: Flights to arrive by 4:00pm into Auckland airport
- • Day 8: Flights to depart after 2:00pm from Wellington airport