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 Wellington: On arrival in Wellington you will be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon explore Wellington on a sightseeing tour including views from Mount Victoria and free time at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Te Papa allows you to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Maori culture. See the magnificent contemporary Marae (meeting house) and explore interactive displays depicting modern New Zealand and pre European history. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director.

Day 2 Rotorua: Today travel to Taupo and see the thundering Huka Falls before continuing to Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a special evening of entertainment featuring The Realm of Tãne, an extraordinary journey through Maori culture, mythology and our story of creation, which is followed a Maori concert and Hangi feast including traditional dances, music and entertainment.

Day 3 Rotorua 'Free Time': The day begins with a breakfast cruise and sparkling wine on Lake Rotorua onboard the historic Lakeland Queen. We then take an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome Sheep Show. Later tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where a local Maori guide escorts us past pools of boiling mud and geysers. Also view kiwis here. This afternoon there is free time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour (see your Tour Director for details).

Day 4 Auckland: Explore the famous Waitomo Caves on a guided tour and a boat trip through the incredible Glow Worm Grotto then journey north to Auckland. This evening is at leisure.

Day 5 Bay of Islands: Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge, then take in the amazing scenery of the Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park then journey to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands - see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes out for marine life.

Day 6 Bay of Islands 'Free Time': Today is free for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands at your own pace - perhaps take a coach trip to Cape Reinga, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach; enjoy a guided sea-kayaking trip or a day of sailing. Tonight is at leisure - why not try the delicious cuisine in a local restaurant?

Day 7 Auckland: Enjoy a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Reserve, which is of great historical importance, as this is where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. You will have time to explore the Reserve and take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe and traditional meeting house. This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.

Day 8 Depart Auckland: Your tour concludes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.

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

Departures

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

Wellington to Auckland 2011: Jan 12, 19, Feb 02, 09, 12, 16, 19, Mar 02, 05, 09, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30, Apr 06, 09, 27

Auckland to Wellington 2011: Jan 08, 15, 22, Feb 05, 12, 26, Mar 05, 12, Apr 02, 09, 30

Additional Information

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