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Northern Spotlight
8 Day Guided Vacation | Auckland to Wellington
Travel period
Northern Spotlight
8 Day Guided Vacation
Auckland to Wellington
Follow the path of pioneer settlers as you travel the North Island of New Zealand, the birthplace of the country’s European history. This journey takes you from the shores of the beautiful Bay of Islands to Rotorua, rich in Māori culture and traditions, and on to the spectacular scenery of Tongariro National Park the thriving modern capital, Wellington.
- Cruise through ‘Hole in the Rock’ to Cape Brett
- Relax in the Bay of Islands
- Explore Auckland’s city sights
- Discover the fascinating Glowworm Grotto at Waitomo Caves
- Immerse yourself in Māori culture at a Hangi & concert
- Experience farm life at the Agrodome Farm Show
- View mighty Huka Falls
- Marvel at crystal clear Lake Taupo
- Journey through spectacular scenery of Tongariro National Park
- Discover New Zealand’s capital Wellington on a city tour
- Breathtaking views over Wellington from Mt. Victoria
- Explore Te Papa Museum of New Zealand
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
After checking in to your hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure. Enjoy a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director this evening.
Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
Travel along the scenic Hibiscus Coast to the Bay of Islands. See spectacular scenery as you cruise to Cape Brett, and the ‘Hole in the Rock’. As you return to Paihia past through picturesque islands with deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays.
Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
You have a free day in the Bay of Islands. Perhaps enjoy a day of sailing on a tall ship. Your Travel Director will assist you in booking your chosen optional experiences.
Included Meals: Breakfast
After a morning at leisure, drive through lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.
Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After a sightseeing tour of Auckland journey south through the Waikato district. Enjoy a guided tour of the famous Waitomo Caves and cruise through the incredible Glowworm Grotto. This afternoon travel to Rotorua, the cultural centre of New Zealand.
Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Visit the entertaining Agrodome Farm Show for a sample of Kiwi farm life. You then have the option to visit Rainbow Springs, a native wildlife sanctuary. Or perhaps head out to Te Puia for a guided tour through the Geothermal Valley, home to the famous Pohutu Geyser, mud pools and bubbling springs. Gain an insight into traditional Māori culture with a concert followed by a delicious Hangi Feast Highlight Dinner at the Tamaki Māori Village.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Travel south to Wairakei and on to Taupo, in the heart of the North Island. View mighty Huka Falls and then follow the eastern shore of Lake Taupo. Discover the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the farmlands of Manuwatu, before arriving in the capital city of Wellington. Celebrate your holiday at a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director.
Hotel: Travelodge Wellington
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington, including panoramic views from Mt. Victoria. There’s time to explore the Parliament building and the ‘Beehive’. Later visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, where you’ll have time to explore fascinating exhibits revealing great insights into New Zealand’s art, history, cultural and natural heritage. B
Included Meals: Breakfast
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
A BRAND New 4.5 Qualmark rated apartment Hotel & Suites with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well-appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD. This brand new hotel offers excellent convenience of being in the heart of the business, shopping and food district of Auckland.
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Wireless Internet access
- Hair Dryer
- TV
Features
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
A BRAND New 4.5 Qualmark rated apartment Hotel & Suites with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well-appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD. This brand new hotel offers excellent convenience of being in the heart of the business, shopping and food district of Auckland.
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Wireless Internet access
- Hair Dryer
- TV
Features
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. Find out more
- Comfortable accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Airport transfers (see flight information below)
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.
NZ$60 Adult NZ$30 Child
Enjoy a relaxing tour of Kerikeri, showcasing the rich history of the North. This tour takes a look at the importance of wine-growing in the region and visits a small family-run boutique vineyard, Ake Ake to sample some of their organic wine. And then take a step back in time with visits to the Historic Stone Store and Kemp House. And then conclude the tour with a stop-off at the local chocolate factory – Makana – where you can watch the delicious chocolates being made, and of course, taste a few samples!
NZ$30 Adult / NZ$15 Child
This intimate one-hour coach tour visits many of Russell’s iconic locations that make it so significant in New Zealand’s early history. See Christ Church (the oldest church in New Zealand, famed for the bullet-holes in its walls); historic Pompallier House, home to Bishop Pompallier’s Catholic Mission and the oldest industrial building in New Zealand; and even the country's oldest licensed pub! Your tour will be led by an engaging guide whose combination of historical knowledge and local insight will bring the culture and history of the area to life.
NZ$45 Adult, Under 18 years are free of charge
Take a wander through the grounds of New Zealand’s most important historic site, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, rich in history and stories of the momentous events which shaped a nation. The grounds are where Maori chiefs first signed their accord with the British Crown – the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document. Visit treasures such as the Treaty House, Meeting House, Flagstaff and Ceremonial War Canoe. Roam the grounds on your own, or enhance your visit with a guided tour. Many of the guides descend from signatories to the Treaty which will give your visit a personal connection to Waitangi.
NZ$155 Adult / NZ$110 Child
Drive along the shores of Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Visit Cape Reinga and hear the stories of this significant site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic lighthouse, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean come crashing together. This trip includes lunch.
NZ$149 Adult / NZ$119 Child
Canopy tours zipline adventure activity is an experience of a lifetime. You’ll be transported to a long forgotten ancient forest just like the whole of New Zealand once was. Experience a low impact mode of transport to get you high in the ancient canopy! In total there are 6 ziplines totalling more than 650 metres, the highlight for most being the jawdropping 220 metre tui song zipline that departs from 22 metres up a 1000 year old tree. Beat that for a setting! There are numerous treetop platforms at varying heights above the forest floor where you can observe and take in the magic of the environment around you.
NZ$119 Adult NZ$77 Child
Discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland near Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand, where you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy in a fascinating two-hour guided tour.
From NZ$50 Adult NZ$30 Child
Set in 22 acres of beautiful native trees and streams, Rainbow Springs is home to a huge variety of New Zealand’s most precious inhabitants. Experience the adrenalin rush of The Big Splash, explore the many free flight aviaries, come face to face with pre-history in the eyes of the tuatara, and experience the wonder of the bird show featuring some of the funniest feathered performers you will ever see. Includes Kiwi Encounter
NZ$89 Adult NZ$55 Child
Discover Rotorua’s spectacular lakes area from the comfort of a fully restored World War II amphibious vehicle, able to travel on land and water. A 90 minute fun-filled and scenic journey that ventures onto the three Rotorua lakes, and is accompanied by an entertaining and informative commentary.
NZ$56 Adult NZ$28 Child
Take a wander through Te Puia, New Zealand’s Maori Culture Centre, where you will have the opportunity to view the awesome power of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley… and much more!
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.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Jacket in cooler months
Fitness Requirements
Dining
- 7 Full buffet breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- 1 Highlight Dinner
- 1 Farewell Dinner
Flight Information
| Day 1 | Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland Airport | |
| Day 8 | Flights to depart 2.00pm from Wellington Airport |
Northern Spotlight
8 Day Guided Vacation
Auckland to Wellington
Early Bird Savings Available
This intriguing Northland journey takes you from the shores of the beautiful Bay of Islands to Rotorua, with its rich Māori culture and traditions, and on to the spectacular scenery of Tongariro National Park and the country’s thriving modern capital, Wellington.
Northern Spotlight (Travel Period: 01 Oct 2019 – 28 Mar 2020)
- Cruise through the ‘Hole in the Rock’ in the spectacular Bay of Islands
- Glide silently through the Glowworm Grotto at the Waitomo Caves
- Immerse yourself in local culture at a Māori Concert and Hangi
- Visit the Agrodome Farm Show for an insight into local agriculture
- Journey through spectacular scenery of Tongariro National Park
- Explore Te Papa Museum of New Zealand in Wellington
The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore before meeting your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception.
Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
Depart Auckland for Paihia in the Bay of Islands and experience spectacular scenery as you cruise towards Cape Brett and through the ‘Hole in the Rock’.
Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms, 2 nights
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner
Today is free for you to explore the beautiful Bay of Islands at your own pace.
Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the Bay of Islands before your return trip to Auckland. Your journey takes you 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. Later, enjoy a stop at Parry Kauri Park and take a walk among New Zealand’s native forest giants, the Kauri trees, before arriving into Auckland late afternoon.
Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner
After a tour of Auckland’s city sights this morning, journey south through the fertile Waikato agricultural district. Explore the amazing Waitomo Caves, and tour the famous Glowworm Grotto by boat. From here your journey continues to Rotorua.
Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
Spend your day at leisure or explore Rotorua at your own pace. Later, visit the multi-awardingwinning Agrodome Farm Show. This evening, a very entertaining cultural experience awaits you at the Tamaki Family Village. Experience a powerful Haka challenge, witness a concert showcasing traditional Māori culture, and dine at a traditional Māori Hangi feast Highlight Dinner.
Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Journey through tall pine forests and verdant farmland today to spectacular Huka Falls and serene Lake Taupo. Continue through the rich farming lands of the Manuwatu to Wellington, the nation’s capital, and join your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Farewell Dinner.
Hotel: Travelodge Wellington
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Farewell Dinner
This morning enjoy a city tour of Wellington, taking in panoramic views from the summit of Mt. Victoria. There’ll be time to explore the Parliament buildings and the ‘Beehive’, home to New Zealand’s politicians, as well as the many fascinating exhibits at Te Papa Museum of New Zealand. Say farewell to your fellow-travellers when your holiday ends in the early afternoon.
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
A BRAND New 4.5 Qualmark rated apartment Hotel & Suites with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well-appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD. This brand new hotel offers excellent convenience of being in the heart of the business, shopping and food district of Auckland.
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Wireless Internet access
- Hair Dryer
- TV
Features
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
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
A BRAND New 4.5 Qualmark rated apartment Hotel & Suites with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well-appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD. This brand new hotel offers excellent convenience of being in the heart of the business, shopping and food district of Auckland.
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Wireless Internet access
- Hair Dryer
- TV
Features
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
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. Find out more
- Comfortable accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Airport transfers (see flight information below)
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Jacket in cooler months
Fitness Requirements
- Low level fitness required
Dining
- 7 Full buffet breakfasts
- 1 Highlight Dinner
- 2 Dinners
- 1 Farewell Dinner
Flight Information
- Day 1 - Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland Airport
- Day 8 - Flights to depart 2.00pm from Wellington Airport
Reviews
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