8 Day Northern Wonders

Starting From NZD $3,786
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We Tour NZ > Tours > 8 Day Northern Wonders

Yes, wonders. Plural. Because there’s attractions abound on this North Island tour. The first: the Bay of Islands, a gem-like archipelago of 144 drops of land. The second: steamy Rotorua, with its geothermal hot springs and spas. The roll-call continues: glow-worm caves, immense waterfalls, mirror lakes and the opportunity to delve into Maori culture over a hangi meal.

Tour Highlights

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Te Papa Museum visit
  • Traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance
  • Waitangi Treaty House visit

Tour Itinerary

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

1
Welcome to Wellington
Day 1
Welcome to Wellington
Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital City. Flights can arrive any time prior to 2.00pm. This afternoon you will head out on a city sights tour of Wellington taking in New Zealand’s parliament buildings, and a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Discover New Zealand’s nature, history, art and heritage, and then enjoy some time at leisure. Indulge in Wellington’s renowned coffee culture or take a walk along Lambton Quay. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and your AAT Kings Travel Director at a welcome reception.
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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2
Wellington – Rotorua (B, L, SD)
Day 2
Wellington – Rotorua (B, L, SD)
Follow the state highway out of New Zealand’s capital city this morning and along the Kapiti Coast, the traditional summer playground of the inhabitants of Wellington city. You’ll have lunch included today provided by ‘Eat My Lunch’. ‘Eat My Lunch’ is a charity organisation which provides lunch for New Zealand school children who otherwise would be going to school without. 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. On arrival in Rotorua an orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. Later, 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 cultural preformance. 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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3
Rotorua Free Time (B)
Day 3
Rotorua Free Time (B)
Today is your chance to experience the scenic wonders of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Choose from one of the varied Optional Activities on offer. 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 your chosen optional activities.
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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4
Rotorua – Auckland (B, D)
Day 4
Rotorua – Auckland (B, D)
This morning you will travel through the King Country region which was at the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s to Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glow Worm Grotto by boat and walk through the limestone caverns. This afternoon you will follow the meandering trail of the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, past the lush farmlands of the Waikato Region. As you journey over the Bombay Hills, the landscape changes from green, grassy meadowlands to the edges of suburbia. As you make your way into the heart of New Zealand’s largest city, you will stop at the Auckland War Memorial Museum for views across Auckland City and the Waitemata Harbour.
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 – Bay of Islands (B, D)
Day 5
Auckland – Bay of Islands (B, D)
This morning, we depart Auckland City travelling north over the Harbour Bridge and 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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6
Bay of Islands Free Time (B)
Day 6
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 or experience a day of sailing aboard a historic tall ship. Enjoy wine tasting in Kerikeri 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.
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands
Set in 60 acres of subtropical gardens and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
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7
Bay of Islands – Auckland (B)
Day 7
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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8
Farewell from Auckland (B)
Day 8
Farewell from Auckland (B)
Your AAT Kings New Zealand holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. Your flights can depart any time today.

Inclusions

Attractions Included

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Te Papa Museum visit
  • Traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance
  • Waitangi Treaty House visit

Coach Features

  • 48 Seat coach
  • Restroom

Experiences Included

  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
  • 1 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Fiordland National Park
  • Centrally located premium 3 star hotels

Meals Included

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

Visited Locations

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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Attractions

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum
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  • 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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Available Dates

Dates Price per person
On Request
08 Jan 2025 - 15 Jan 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 4605.00 - $ 5965.00
$ 3866.00 - $ 5009.00
Available
05 Feb 2025 - 12 Feb 2025 $4,605.00$5,965.00
On Request
05 Mar 2025 - 12 Mar 2025 $4,605.00$5,965.00
Available
19 Mar 2025 - 26 Mar 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 4145.00 - $ 5369.00
$ 3866.00 - $ 5009.00
Available
16 Apr 2025 - 23 Apr 2025
$ 4242.00 - $ 5487.00
$ 3901.00 - $ 5047.00
Available
08 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025 $4,114.00$5,321.00
Available
05 Nov 2025 - 12 Nov 2025
$ 4114.00 - $ 5321.00
$ 3786.00 - $ 4897.00
Available
26 Nov 2025 - 03 Dec 2025
$ 4114.00 - $ 5321.00
$ 3786.00 - $ 4897.00
Available
17 Dec 2025 - 24 Dec 2025
$ 4114.00 - $ 5321.00
$ 3786.00 - $ 4897.00
Available
07 Jan 2026 - 14 Jan 2026
$ 4242.00 - $ 5487.00
$ 3901.00 - $ 5047.00
Available
21 Jan 2026 - 28 Jan 2026 $4,990.00$6,455.00
Available
04 Feb 2026 - 11 Feb 2026
$ 4242.00 - $ 5487.00
$ 3901.00 - $ 5047.00
Available
18 Feb 2026 - 25 Feb 2026
$ 4242.00 - $ 5487.00
$ 3901.00 - $ 5047.00
Available
04 Mar 2026 - 11 Mar 2026
$ 4242.00 - $ 5487.00
$ 3901.00 - $ 5047.00
Available
18 Mar 2026 - 25 Mar 2026
$ 4242.00 - $ 5487.00
$ 3901.00 - $ 5047.00
Available
01 Apr 2026 - 08 Apr 2026
$ 4990.00 - $ 6455.00
$ 4589.00 - $ 5938.00
Available
08 Apr 2026 - 15 Apr 2026
$ 4990.00 - $ 6455.00
$ 4589.00 - $ 5938.00
Available
15 Apr 2026 - 22 Apr 2026 $5,230.00$6,765.00
8 Day Northern Wonders
Days
8
Price from
NZD $3,786 per person twin share
Save up to $370 per person share twin on selected departures!