8 Day Northern Experience

Travel onboard a luxury air-conditioned coach tour with AAT Kings, and experience the incredible sights of the north island of New Zealand on this 8 Day Fully Escorted Northern Experience. Your professional Tour Guide and Driver will provide expert commentary along the way, and ensure your safe arrival at each destination. With reclining seats and panoramic windows, this coach tour is the perfect choice for your next New Zealand holiday.

In 8 days you will visit spectacular destinations such as the underground Glow Worm Grotto, the Bay of Islands where you will have a day of free time to dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell or experience a sailing or sea kayaking trip. Enjoy a champagne breakfast cruise on Lake Rotorua onboard the historic Lakeland Queen.

AAT Kings provides the traveller with a great itinerary, as it allows plenty of free time and longer stays at each destination, enabling the traveller to experience the natural wonders and amazing scenery of the north island. Consider doing a farm stay on day six, and enjoy the wonderful hospitality and scenic surroundings provided by your hosts.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Auckland: After AAT Kings meet and transfer you from the airport, settle into your hotel, then see Auckland your way - visit the Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour or explore the Waitemata Harbour by ferry. A Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and travel companions ends the day.

Day 2 Auckland - Bay of Islands: Over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and through Orewa and the gorgeous scenic Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the Kauri trees at Parry Kauri park. Have time to explore Whangarei, the northern-most city in New Zealand then it's off to Paihia and the beautiful Bay of Islands. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve, where New Zealand's founding document was signed. You'll have time on your own to take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe (Waka) and Marae (Meeting House).

Day 3 Bay of Islands ‘Free Time': The day is yours to explore the Bay of Islands. Dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, take a coach ride along the Ninety Mile Beach, sail or sea kayak - whatever takes your fancy. Top off your day with a night on the town.

Day 4 Bay of Islands - Auckland: Enjoy a scenic cruise through the sensational Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock'. Explore Urupukapuka Island on the way back then return to Auckland.

Day 5 Auckland - Rotorua: After an Auckland City Sights Tour, trace New Zealand's longest river - the Waikato - to Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glow Worm Grotto by boat and walk the Limestone caves. On arrival in Rotorua an orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. Tonight The Realm of Tãne, including a Maori Hangi feast and Concert.

Day 6 Rotorua: Breakfast cruise, with sparkling wine, on Lake Rotorua onboard the historic Lakeland Queen. Then head to the Agrodome Sheep Show for a sample of farm life. Visit Te Puia and be accompanied by a local Maori guide for a tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. An afternoon of ‘Free Time' - relax, explore or take a tour.

Day 7 Rotorua - Wellington: From the mountains to the sea. View the Huka Falls. Visit Taupo and drive along the shores of its lake. Travel through the alpine scenery of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park Manawatu, The Kapiti Coast. On arrival in Wellington a city sights tour, with views of the city from Mt Victoria.

Day 8 Depart Wellington: Time this morning to explore Wellington your way. Then see Parliament House and visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, with time to discover it yourself. Later we will transfer you to the airport for your return flight. B

Itinerary Options

Day 6 Farm Stay Option: A warm welcome awaits you on your New Zealand farm stay and your hosts will provide you with the wonderful Kiwi hospitality that really makes you feel ‘at home'. Enjoy wholesome meals, a farm tour to introduce you to the way of life and comfortable accommodation in the farm home or cottages. You may choose to meet the farm animals, including sheep, cows, deer and many others, or simply relax and enjoy the company of your hosts and the scenic surroundings.

Departures

On Day 1, Flights must arrive prior to 4.00pm. On Day 8, flights to depart after 2.00pm.

Auckland to Wellington 2008: Jun 14 Jul 12 Aug 09, 23 Sep 06, 20, 27 Oct 04, 11, 18, 25 Nov 01, 08, 22, 29 Dec 13, 20, 27

2009: Jan 10, 17, 24 Feb 07, 14, 28 Mar 07, 14 Apr 04, 11

Wellington to Auckland 2008: May 28 Jun 04 Jul 09 Aug 06 Sep 03, 17, 24 Oct 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 Nov 05, 12, 19, 26 Dec 03, 17, 24

2009: Jan 14, 21 Feb 04, 11, 14, 18, 21 Mar 04, 07, 11, 14, 18, 11, 25, 28 Apr 01, 04, 08, 11, 29

Highlights

Auckland, the 'City of Sails' Waitangi Treaty Reserve Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock' Thermal Reserve Rotorua

Inclusions

Rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels, on a twin share basis. Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach, reclining seats with seatbelts, restroom and panoramic windows Experienced services of a professional Tour Director and Tour Driver Welcome Drink Full Buffet Breakfasts (7) Exciting Highlight Dinner (1) Hotel Dinners (3) Airport Transfers All purpose travel wallet and touring map Porterage at tour Hotels

Additional Information

Instant Quote: Provides rates in Australian Dollars including NZ Government Taxes
Airport Transfers: AAT Kings offers return hotel or airport transfers
Children: 5 years of age and under are not catered for. Children 6-18 years must be accompanied by an adult
Luggage Allowance: One medium size suitcase per person plus an overnight bag
What to Bring: Casual light weight clothing with warmer articles for the evenings and cooler days in Summer. A warm jacket is recommended for winter. Swimsuit, towel, waterproof jacket and comfortable footwear
Operated by: AAT Kings