AAT Kings 8 Day Northern Wonders

Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand's Capital City. Collect your luggage and proceed to the shuttles and transfer vehicles outside the airport for transport to your accommodation.

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. Pass through a number of small towns along the road to Rotorua, each with their own personality and quirks. You will then journey south over the Central Plateau, New Zealand's main volcanic area.
In a country of contrasts, perhaps nothing is more striking than the three peaks of Tongariro National Park rising starkly from the surrounding plateau of tussock and near-desert. The three mountains, Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe that make up the National Park are all active volcanoes. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. You'll have lunch included today provided by ‘Eat My Lunch'.
‘Eat My Lunch' is a charity organisation that provides lunch for New Zealand school children who otherwise would be going to school without. 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 Family Marae. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art forms and traditions, followed by a concert featuring local performers. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground in the traditional way.

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 Kiwi Wildlife Park and 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 all your chosen optional activities.

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 Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, as you will get stunning shots of Auckland, the North Shore and the Waitemata Harbour. This evening celebrate your holiday, and enjoy dinner at your hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

This morning depart Auckland City and travel north over the Harbour Bridge past the sprawling suburbs of the North Shore of Auckland. Your travels then take you through Nothland's lush farmland scenery before arriving into the beautiful Bay of Islands. Experience spectacular scenery as you 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 peeled for the marine life. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Today is a completely free day for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Perhaps head back out on to the water and go on a dolphin watching cruise, and maybe even jump in the water for a swim with these magnificent creatures. Or take a coach trip up to Cape Reinga - the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach. Experience a day of sailing aboard a historic tall ship, enjoy wine tasting around Kerikeri, or join a jet boat Heritage Cruise and learn a little more about the settling of the Bay of Islands. Tonight you are free to dine as you wish. You may want to experience a ‘Kiwi tradition’ – fish and chips on the beach, or glide down the Waitangi River on board the Ratanui for a sumptuous dinner cruise.  Your Travel Director will assist you in booking all of your chosen optional experiences.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the Bay of Islands before you travel back to Auckland. Your journey south takes you 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. Later, enjoy a stop at Parry Kauri Park and take a walk among New Zealand's native forest giants, the Kauri trees before arriving into Auckland late afternoon.

Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.