WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Arrival & departure transfers in New Zealand
- Porterage & tipping
- 8 nights’ accommodation
- Tour Director & local guides
- Breakfast daily, 3 Feature meals
- Enriching Signature Experiences & Freedom of Choice Inclusions
Great Northerner Premier Escorted Luxury Vacation Auckland to Wellington
This 9-day New Zealand vacation takes you across the North Island of New Zealand to experience incredible landscapes and Maori culture.
Your New Zealand tour begins in Auckland, a city that’s consistently rated as one of the most livable on the planet. A part of what makes this city so special is its natural beauty. The city is located on a stretch of land surrounded by a natural harbour on either side. A great way to appreciate the city is to view the harbours from contrasting angles. First, cruise out onto Waitemata Harbour to explore it from sea level before scaling the heights of the Sky Tower to view it from above. Head north from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, a region of 140 subtropical islands that boasts incredible beaches and fishing spots. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to see where the British and Maori signed their historic treaty before heading out on a dolphin-watching expedition.
Head back south past Auckland to the Waitomo Caves where you’ll venture through natural tunnels lit by thousands of glow worms. In Rotorua you can marvel at the natural assortment of mud pools and hot springs that makes this area one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist hubs. Soak in the hot springs and check out Pohutu Geyser, which shoots water 30 meters into the air. Then meet the area’s Maori locals, visiting the Whakarewarewa village in the nearby valley and taking in a hangi feast to appreciate the island’s indigenous culinary traditions.
Close out your New Zealand vacation in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand and its second largest city. Again, the landscape is much of the city’s appeal. Ride the cable car up to the Botanical Gardens and look out over Cook Strait, which separates the North Island from the South. Then stroll through the hillside, surveying the city’s Victorian timber homes and taking the time to appreciate its ascendant arts culture. You might want to take in a museum before your return flight. With the National Archives, National Art Gallery, National Library, and Museum of New Zealand, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Day 1 Arrive Auckland On arrival into Auckland on New Zealand’s beautiful North Island, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the opportunity to discover the city as you choose from a range of exciting sightseeing inclusions. Freedom of Choice – Sightseeing Perhaps take a cruise on Waitemata Harbour, head off on a Waiheke Island wine tour, or explore the Auckland Museum. Alternatively, get up close to the fascinating marine life at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, or set off on a Wilderness Adventure into the Waitakere Rainforest. Others may prefer to take a trip to the harbourside suburb of Devonport, which offers some of the best views of the city. Duration 1 Night Accommodation Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland Day 2 Auckland, Bay of Islands Cross Auckland’s busy Harbour Bridge this morning and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of New Zealand’s Northland region. Continue to the stunning Bay of Islands. Signature Experience Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the original treaty between the British and Maori people was signed. Here, you will also enjoy a visit to the Maori Meeting House and War Canoe. Meal Plan Breakfast Duration 2 Nights Accommodation Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands Paihia Day 3 Bay of Islands Today, decide how you would like to discover this scenic region with our range of activities on offer to you today. Freedom of Choice – Sightseeing Perhaps take a day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northernmost point or experience life on the high seas aboard a resplendent tall ship. Alternatively, embark on a dolphin-watching adventure, take a mini-tour of Russell or return to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided tour. Meal Plan Breakfast Day 4 Bay of Islands, Auckland Travel back to Auckland where you will be treated to a Pacific-themed dinner with New Zealand produce. Relax and enjoy the company of your fellow travellers as you savour local flavours. Signature Experiences Explore the spectacular Bay of Islands on a dolphin-watching cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. In these deep-sea fishing grounds, dolphins are frequently seen. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops, then spend some time in a secluded bay. Meal Plan Breakfast and Highlight Dinner Accommodation Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland Day 5 Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous glow worm caves where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an eerie glow. Discover this natural wonder on a silent boat ride through a mystical grotto, lit by thousands of glow worms. Continue to Rotorua, a centre of Maori culture and famous for its geothermal activity. Signature Experience This evening, immerse yourself in Maori culture as you enjoy a traditional Hangi Feast and performance of song and dance. Meal Plan Breakfast and Highlight Dinner Duration 2 Nights Accommodation Holiday Inn Rotorua Day 6 Rotorua Spend this morning on your chosen activity. Freedom of Choice – Sightseeing Perhaps discover the icons of Rotorua at the Agrodome Farm Show, then make your way to Rainbow Springs Nature Park to see a kiwi nursery and visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Or, choose to experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Alternatively, perhaps head to Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool and hot springs, visit the Rotorua Museum, or explore Redwood Treewalk with a Maori guide. Meal Plan Breakfast Day 7 Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through the North Island. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, then, visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before travelling across Tongariro National Park to Wellington. Freedom of Choice – Dining Tonight, choose from one of three restaurants in which to dine. Meal Plan Breakfast and Highlight Dinner Duration 2 Nights Accommodation Amora Hotel Wellington Day 8 Wellington After breakfast, set off on a tour taking you to the city’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including New Zealand’s national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa. Afterwards, ride Wellington’s iconic Cable Car, gaining a fresh perspective as you gaze out across this spectacular coastal city. The afternoon and evening have been left free for you to enjoy discovering Wellington at your own pace. Meal Plan Breakfast Day 9 Depart Wellington Your journey comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home. Meal Plan Breakfast VIEW ITINERARY
Pricing & Departures
| Jan 3, 10, 24, 31; Feb 7, 14, 18, 21, 2020 | $2,695 |
| Mar 3, 13, 30, 2020 | $2,695 |
| Apr 3, 24, 2020 | $2,695 |
| May 8; Jul 31; Sep 4, 11, 18, 25, 2020 | $2,695 |
2021 departures
| Jan 9, 16, 23; Feb 6, 13, 20, 27, 2021 | $2,695 |
| Mar 6, 20; Apr 3, 17, 2021 | $2,695 |
| May 8; Jul 17, 2021 | $2,695 |
| Sep 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 | $2,695 |
Additional travel dates are available, call a Travel Team Agent at 1-800-788-0829
Additional departure dates & cities available, ask a Travel Team Agent for details.
Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.
Notes:
- Land only package
- Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
- Prices are per person based on double occupancy; subject to availability
- We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
- All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
- Prices reflect cash discount
- Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
- Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
- Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
- UBI-600-307-872-WA
