8 Day Northern Spotlight

Starting From NZD $4,072
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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.

Tour Highlights

  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Traditional Maori hangi dinner
  • Te Papa Museum visit

Tour Itinerary

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner
Tour Code: LABW

1
Welcome to Auckland
Day 1
Welcome to Auckland
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.
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City
With its unbeatable location in Auckland’s epicentre, the brand new Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre is as convenient as it gets when visiting Auckland City.
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2
Auckland – Bay of Islands (B, D)
Day 2
Auckland – Bay of Islands (B, D)
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.
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands
Set in 60 acres of subtropical gardens and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
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3
Bay of Islands Free Time (B)
Day 3
Bay of Islands Free Time (B)
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.
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands
Set in 60 acres of subtropical gardens and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
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4
Bay of Islands – Auckland (B)
Day 4
Bay of Islands – Auckland (B)
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.
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City
With its unbeatable location in Auckland’s epicentre, the brand new Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre is as convenient as it gets when visiting Auckland City.
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5
Auckland – Rotorua (B, SD)
Day 5
Auckland – Rotorua (B, SD)
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.
Ibis Hotel Rotorua
Situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views of the stunning natural scenery and geothermal wonders
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6
Rotorua Free Time (B)
Day 6
Rotorua Free Time (B)
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.
Ibis Hotel Rotorua
Situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views of the stunning natural scenery and geothermal wonders
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7
Rotorua – Wellington (B)
Day 7
Rotorua – Wellington (B)
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.
Travelodge Hotel Wellington
Situated in the city centre, just a short stroll to funky cafes, incredible shopping, and the beautiful Wellington harbour.
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8
Farewell from Wellington (B, L)
Day 8
Farewell from Wellington (B, L)
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.

Inclusions

Attractions Included

  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Traditional Maori hangi dinner
  • Te Papa Museum visit

Coach Features

  • 48 Seat coach
  • Restroom

Experiences Included

  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
  • Centrally located premium 3 star hotels

Meals Included

  • 7 Full Breakfasts
  • 1 Lunch
  • 1 Dinner
  • 1 Highlight Dinner

Visited Locations

  • The Bay of Islands
    The Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region in the north of the North Island. It is known for its beauty, stunning beaches, deep sea fishing & importance to New Zealand history. It is paradise for those that love beaches and water activities with a little colonial history thrown in.
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  • Auckland
    Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in Maori, is New Zealand’s largest city. It is based around 2 large and picturesque harbours. 'The City of Sails' is known as such because of the many yachts often seen on those harbours.
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  • Rotorua
    Rotorua is an inland city that is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori culture experiences, 18 lakes, and three major rivers in a beautiful natural environment.
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  • Wellington
    Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and the location of our parliament. Located at the bottom of the North Island it sits on the Cook Straight, which divides the North and South Islands.  Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington".
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Attractions

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    The Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most important historic sites. Here, Aotearoa's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Today there is lots to see and do that connects visitors to that history.
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  • Tamaki Maori Village Hangi
    In 1989, brothers, Doug and Mike Tamaki created a turning point for tourism in Rotorua and forever changed the way people from around the world experienced cultural storytelling. Today Tamaki is an iconic brand in tourism. You will journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions with the Tamaki Māori Village Evening Experience.
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  • Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum
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Available Dates

Dates Price per person
On Request
11 Jan 2025 - 18 Jan 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 4620.00 - $ 5985.00
$ 4081.00 - $ 5287.00
Available
08 Feb 2025 - 15 Feb 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 4620.00 - $ 5985.00
$ 4296.00 - $ 5566.00
Available
22 Feb 2025 - 01 Mar 2025 $4,620.00$5,985.00
Available
08 Mar 2025 - 15 Mar 2025 Guaranteed Departure $4,158.00$5,387.00
Available
22 Mar 2025 - 29 Mar 2025 $4,620.00$5,985.00
Available
19 Apr 2025 - 26 Apr 2025 $4,195.00$5,427.00
Available
20 Sep 2025 - 27 Sep 2025 $4,072.00$5,266.00
Available
11 Oct 2025 - 18 Oct 2025 $4,072.00$5,266.00
Available
25 Oct 2025 - 01 Nov 2025 $4,072.00$5,266.00
Available
08 Nov 2025 - 15 Nov 2025 $4,072.00$5,266.00
Available
29 Nov 2025 - 06 Dec 2025 $4,072.00$5,266.00
Available
10 Jan 2026 - 17 Jan 2026 $4,195.00$5,427.00
Available
24 Jan 2026 - 31 Jan 2026 $4,195.00$5,427.00
Available
07 Feb 2026 - 14 Feb 2026 $4,195.00$5,427.00
Available
21 Feb 2026 - 28 Feb 2026 $4,195.00$5,427.00
Available
07 Mar 2026 - 14 Mar 2026 $4,195.00$5,427.00
Available
21 Mar 2026 - 28 Mar 2026 $4,195.00$5,427.00
Available
11 Apr 2026 - 18 Apr 2026 $5,175.00$6,695.00
Available
18 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026 $5,175.00$6,695.00
8 Day Northern Spotlight
Days
8
Price from
NZD $4,072 per person twin share
Save up to $370 per person share twin on selected departures!