Northern Spotlight
8 Day Guided Vacation | Auckland to Wellington
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Northern Spotlight
8 Day Guided Vacation
| Auckland to Wellington
Travel period
Northern Spotlight
8 Day Guided Vacation | Auckland to Wellington | Travel Period: 1 Apr 2021 – 31 Mar 2022
Northern Spotlight
8 Day Guided Vacation
Auckland to Wellington
Follow the path of pioneers as you travel across the North Island of New Zealand. From the first European settlements on the shores of the beautiful Bay of Islands, to Rotorua – rich in Maori culture and traditions, through spectacular scenery of Tongariro National Park and down to the modern capital city of Wellington.
Why you'll love this trip:
- Experience an adventure through the North Island of New Zealand
- Taste the many flavours of New Zealand dining with delicious dinners including a Regional Dining Experience - Hangi (food cooked underground) at the Tamaki Maori Village.
- See the Icons of New Zealand with more free time
- Explore the Bay of Islands and Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Northern Spotlight (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2021 – 31 Mar 2022)


Flexible Vacations
With free evenings in Auckland and Wellington its up to you on where to dine. Your Travel Director will give you the best recommendations.

Iconic Sites
Experience the Glow Worms at Waitomo caves where you will be escorted by a local guide.

Time For You
With a full day to explore Rotorua you'll be spoilt for choice - you could go ziplining through native forest or relax in your very own hot pool at Polynesian Spa.

Sustainable Travel
Lunch will be supplied by AAT Kings though Eat My Lunch, and by doing so our guests are supporting New Zealand children that may have gone to school without lunch.
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails. Flights can arrive any time prior to 4.00pm; you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. After check-in, you can explore Auckland. Take a walk down Queen Street, to the main shopping precinct or take a bus (leaves from outside the hotel) down 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: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
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: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
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 90 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, and you will be transferred to Wellington Airport.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
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
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- 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$155 Adult NZ$115 Adult
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.
NZ$163 Adult NZ$81.50 Child

A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to the very top of the North Island – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Drive along the sand on Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Your off-road journey continues up Te Paki Stream, stopping at the massive sand dunes where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand-boarding. Clambering up and surfing down the dunes (if you dare!) is sure to get your heart pumping. Enjoy a lunch of delicious fresh fish and chips at the historic Wagener Museum at Houhora. A vegetarian option is available and can be selected when booking.
NZ$159 Adult NZ$129 Child

Lord of The Rings Scenic Tour: Visit the stunning locations from Lord of The Rings. Encounter lsengard, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains, Ithilien and many more. Experience the absolute beauty of the Dart River Valley and our closest world heritage area. Learn about the remarkable history and unique culture of Glenorchy. Our tour feature’s some of the world’s most spectacular scenery visiting Mt Aspiring World Heritage Area, Glenorchy, The Dart River Valley and Paradise. Encounter ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier carved valleys.
From NZ$30 Adult NZ$15Child

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.
Rotorua City and Lakes Tour - NZ$85 Adult NZ$50 Child

Our Rotorua City and Lakes tour is a fantastic sightseeing experience. Combine learning about a historically significant area with the thrill of riding in New Zealand’s only genuine operating WW2 landing crafts. Beginning in the heart of Rotorua, you’ll see historic buildings, hot springs, geothermal wonders and more. Then, head out to Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), our most recreational lake, and Lake Okareka – nestled in the heart of a vibrant community – for two fun Splashdowns.
NZ$60 Adult NZ$30 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!
$122 Adult, $61 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.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Jacket in cooler months
Fitness Requirements
- Low level of fitness required
Dining
- 7 Full Buffet Breakfasts
- 1 Lunch
- 1 Dinner
- 1 Highlight Dinner
Flight Information
- Day 1 - Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland Airport
- Day 8 - Flights to depart after 2.00pm from Wellington Airport
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