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8 Day Northern Discovery
Premium Coach Tour starting in Auckland and finishing in Wellington
Countries Visited: New Zealand 
Tour Type: Premium
Tour Duration: 8 Days (7 Nights)
From: Auckland to Wellington
Tour Code: ZABW
Operator: AAT Kings
from AU $1,925 pp
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Tour Description

Enjoy New Zealand's North Island on AAT King's premium 8 day Northern Discovery. Visit the Bay of Islands & crusie to Cape Brett's -Hole in the Rock. On the way visit Parry Kauri Park and on your return to Auckland dine at the top of the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, Auckland's Skytower. Experience Maori culture with The Realm of Tane, in Rotorua and time in Wellington to discover why Kiwi's rate Wellington as one of their favourite cities.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts, reclining seats, panoramic windows
  • Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
  • Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels
  • Admissions Outlined in the Itinerary
  • Full Buffet Breakfasts (7) (B)
  • 'You Are Invited' Dinner (1) (D)
  • Hotel Dinners (2) (D)
  • Farewell Dinners (1) (FD)
  • Welcome Reception
  • Travel Wallet and Map
  • Hotel Porterage Included
  • Airport Transfers Included (Day 1 from Auckland Airport – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm; Day 8 to Wellington Airport – flights anytime)

Included Tour Highlights:

  • Explore Auckland, the 'City of Sails'
  • Beautiful Bay of Islands
  • Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve
  • Cruise through the 'Hole in the Rock'
  • Tour the Glow-worm Grotto at the Waitomo Caves
  • Thermal Reserve Rotorua
  • Experience The Realm of Tane in Rotorua
  • Visit the Tamaki Family Marae for a very personal and exclusive cultural evening
  • Skyline Gondola with stunning views over Lake Rotorua
  • View the mighty Huka Falls
  • See Mt. Ruapehu & Tongariro National Park
  • Tour of Wellington

 

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Day
1
Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. You’re free to explore Auckland before an evening Welcome Reception with your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Stay: SkyCity Grand Hotel, Auckland
Day
2
Auckland – Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland over the Harbour Bridge then through Orewa and the scenic Hibiscus Coast. Walk among the Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park. Explore Whangarei, the northern-most city in New Zealand, and then it’s off to Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the sensational Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. Meander through picturesque islands, see sandy beaches, secluded bays and explore Urupukapuka Island on your return to Paihia. Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands (2 nights) (B/D)
Day
3
Bay of Islands 'Free Time'
You have a free day to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Perhaps go dolphin-watching, take a coach trip to Cape Reinga via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach or a day of sailing or even a guided seakayaking trip. Top off your day with a night in the village. (B)
Day
4
Bay of Islands - Auckland
See the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve, where New Zealand’s founding document the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. You’ll have the opportunity to visit and take in highlights such as the Maori War Canoe (Waka) and Meeting House (Marae). Later, enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland. Dine tonight at the top of the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, Auckland’s Skytower at Orbit, a revolving restaurant with 360 degree views of the city. Stay: SkyCity Grand Hotel, Auckland (B/D)
Day
5
Auckland – Waitomo Caves - Rotorua
After a sightseeing tour of Auckland, head south to trace New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, to the Waitomo Caves to visit the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. A local guide will lead you through the grotto by boat and you’ll walk in the limestone caves. Your journey continues to Rotorua. On arrival an orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. Tonight experience 'The Realm of Tane' and then visit the Tamaki Family Marae for a very personal and exclusive cultural evening. Be greeted by a powerful Haka challenge and a spine-tingling Karanga. Spend time in their village of old, experiencing Maori life. You are invited to the private Whare (Dining Room) for Maori Hangi feast and concert. Stay: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, (2 nights) (B/D)
Day
6
Rotorua
Start the day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with stunning views over Lake Rotorua. Visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. See volcanic craters, steaming ground and bubbling mud pools on an exclusive guided tour of the geothermal valley. You’ll also see the world-famous Lady Knox Geyser erupt! (B)
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 we have a city sights tour, and take in the panoramic views from the top of Mt. Victoria. Stay: Travelodge Wellington (B/FD)
Day
8
Depart Wellington
Your tour concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to Wellington Airport for your onward flight. (B)
AAT Kings Brochure Itinerary is based on 2012/13 departures. Click on the icon to the left if you would like to view the brochure online.

Tour Prices

Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012/13 Season Sale! Save up to $340 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

START DATE END DATE BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
02 Oct 2012 09 Oct 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
06 Oct 2012 13 Oct 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
09 Oct 2012 16 Oct 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
13 Oct 2012 20 Oct 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
16 Oct 2012 23 Oct 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
18 Oct 2012 25 Oct 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
20 Oct 2012 27 Oct 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
23 Oct 2012 30 Oct 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
27 Oct 2012 03 Nov 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
30 Oct 2012 06 Nov 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
03 Nov 2012 10 Nov 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
06 Nov 2012 13 Nov 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
10 Nov 2012 17 Nov 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
13 Nov 2012 20 Nov 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
17 Nov 2012 24 Nov 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
20 Nov 2012 27 Nov 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
24 Nov 2012 01 Dec 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
27 Nov 2012 04 Dec 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
01 Dec 2012 08 Dec 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
08 Dec 2012 15 Dec 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
15 Dec 2012 22 Dec 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
18 Dec 2012 25 Dec 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
22 Dec 2012 29 Dec 2012 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
25 Dec 2012 01 Jan 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
29 Dec 2012 05 Jan 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
01 Jan 2013 08 Jan 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
05 Jan 2013 12 Jan 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
08 Jan 2013 15 Jan 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
12 Jan 2013 19 Jan 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
15 Jan 2013 22 Jan 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
19 Jan 2013 26 Jan 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
22 Jan 2013 29 Jan 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
26 Jan 2013 02 Feb 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
29 Jan 2013 05 Feb 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
02 Feb 2013 09 Feb 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
05 Feb 2013 12 Feb 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
09 Feb 2013 16 Feb 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
12 Feb 2013 19 Feb 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
16 Feb 2013 23 Feb 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
19 Feb 2013 26 Feb 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
23 Feb 2013 02 Mar 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
26 Feb 2013 06 Mar 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
02 Mar 2013 09 Mar 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
05 Mar 2013 12 Mar 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
09 Mar 2013 16 Mar 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
12 Mar 2013 19 Mar 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
16 Mar 2013 23 Mar 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
19 Mar 2013 26 Mar 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
23 Mar 2013 30 Mar 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
30 Mar 2013 06 Apr 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
06 Apr 2013 13 Apr 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
13 Apr 2013 20 Apr 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
20 Apr 2013 27 Apr 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925
27 Apr 2013 04 May 2013 AU $2,095 AU $2,725 Save $170 AU $1,925

Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.

Tour Discounts & Options:

Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts!
  Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.

SAVEConcession Card Holders
SAVEFrequent Traveller Discount
SAVESingle Traveller Saving
SAVETriple Room Discount
SAVEYoung Traveller Saving

General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: AAT Kings

AAT KingsAn AAT Kings escorted coach tour is the hassle-free freeway to holiday. Everything has been arranged in advance so travellers don't have to worry about getting lost, finding attractions and reading maps or speeding tickets. On an AAT Kings tour, there is a perfect balance of planned sightseeing and free time for independent exploration or just relaxing and doing nothing at all.


Tour Type: Premium

AAT Kings Guided tours are packed with quality inclusions and unique experiences. We give you more in every way which lets you experience all each destination has to offer in a 'no compromise' way. Central hotel locations, near the sights, quality accommodation & comfort with superior facilities & special places to stay with included meals like breakfast daily and most other meals, plus special meals like Highlight dinners & 'You are invited' experiences.


Frequently Asked Questions

Will the coach be comfortable and modern?

Yes, AAT Kings have one of the newest coach fleets in Australia. Their modern and luxurious Mercedes Benz and Scania coaches are equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, seatbelts, restrooms, two door access, ample legroom and large panoramic windows, so you won't miss a thing.

What does it mean if I book on a non Guaranteed Departure?

AAT Kings have designated certain departures as Guaranteed Departures, which means they have reached minimum passenger numbers and will definitely run as scheduled. Global Journeys continue to add Guaranteed Departure status to tours online as they achieve minimum numbers. If you book on a non Guaranteed Departure AAT Kings will determine if the tour will operate no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. If the tour is withdrawn we will work to offer you a suitable alternative. If you aren't happy with the options offered any money paid on your booking will be refunded.

What documentation will I receive?

This depends on the touring style you are booking. You will receive paper documents in a complimentary leather travel wallet as well as luggage labels and a useful booklet containing valuable holiday information. You will also receive a map of the region you are visiting when you get on tour.

When will I receive my travel documents?

Documents for AAT Kings guided tours are delivered to the hotel or address you are staying at prior to your tour depending on the tour type chosen. We also provide you with a tour itinerary and arrival instructions by email, once we have all your flight information and personal details.

What is the difference between the different tour types?

To suit all different holiday styles AAT Kings offer a range of different touring types.

  • Guided tours are guided by a Tour Director and Driver and include more luxurious accommodation and facilities, more meals and exclusive dining experiences as well as extra sightseeing and cultural highlights.
  • Best Buys tours are designed to offer value for money with clean and comfortable accommodation, breakfast daily, some dinners and plenty or free time, while also benefiting from an expert Tour Director and Driver throughout.

What meals will be served on tour?

Over half your meals are included on our tours, like hearty breakfasts and many delicious dinners. Breakfast is included daily on all tours and generally comprises of cereals, fruit juices and a selection of cooked dishes such as eggs, bacon and sausages, plus, toast, preserves, tea and coffee. Many dinners are also included and always provide choice with either quality buffet or a la carte menu to choose from. Dinner is also always accompanied by dessert options and tea and coffee.

There are some meals we intentionally don't include, like lunches and some dinners. We give you the flexibility to explore in your free time and try all kinds of local tastes.

On Premium tours we also include special Highlight Dinners that are an experience in their own right, like a traditional Maori Hangi feast.'You are invited' are our newly introduced dining concepts. They give travellers on our Premium Guided tours, unique meal experiences, with the opportunity to feel the true essence of a destination through its history, its locals and its produce.

Who travels on AAT Kings tours?

With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles there is no set age or type who travel with AAT, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on our Guided tours. There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40. As AAT Kings is sold internationally you will also find that there are people from all over the world on their tours, particularly North Americans, British, Europeans and many Asian nations.

How many other people will I be travelling with?

Depending on the tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from fewer than 21 people up to 50 people, so there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends.

Do I need to tip my Tour Director, Driver or Driver guide?

While it's not compulsory in New Zealand, tipping is becoming an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis. Likewise on your AAT Kings tour, if you feel that your Tour Director, Driver, Driver guide or Private cook has done an excellent job, then we would recommend tipping up to the equivalent of NZ $7 per day. However, it's not compulsory. It is up to you!

What options do I have if I am travelling alone?

The beauty of travelling with AAT Kings is that you won't be travelling alone. You'll have a group of like-minded travellers and soon to be friends to share in the experience with. They also offer a room matching service on all tours so you don't have to pay a single room supplement. AAT Kings room matching service means they will work to match you with another solo traveller of the same sex but if they can't they will provide a single room at no extra cost.

Can I travel with children on AAT Kings tours?

Yes, they can accommodate children, however they must be over 6 years of age. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. AAT Kings do recommend that people travelling with children consider whether the itinerary is suitable, in particular the activities involved and the duration of the tour to ensure children's comfort.

Where can I find out more information on AAT Kings?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on AAT Kings including more FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on what to expect on tour, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).


Airport Transfer Information

Free Airport Transfers

AAT Kings offers a hotel or airport transfer at the start and end of your tour, or in-conjunction with pre or post accommodation booked with Global Journeys & AAT Kings. All flight information must be given to Global Journeys at least 6 weeks prior to departure so that transfers can be booked. If you book your own pre or post accommodation then transfers cannot be included.


Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Kirby O'Connor

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Kirby O'Connor
Aussie & Kiwi Specialist
Email: kirby@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: Australian & New Zealand Touring Specialist
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Russell, Bay of IslandsCape Brett - Hole in the RockWaitomo CavesRotorua
 
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