Jewels of the Bay

Jewels of the Bay

3 Days
From

$1429

$1215

Jewels of the Bay

3 Days Starting and ending in Auckland, New Zealand

Visiting: Bay of Islands, Whangarei

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

UBOIM26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1429 $1215 Operator discount: -$214 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 28-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Jewels of the Bay" tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of New Zealand's Bay of Islands. Begin your journey in Auckland and travel to the Bay of Islands, where you'll explore the historic site of the Treaty of Waitangi with a local guide. Enjoy a free day to discover the area at your own pace, perhaps sailing on a historic tallship or touring the charming town of Russell. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Whangarei, New Zealand's northernmost city, before returning to Auckland. Stay in centrally located premium hotels and benefit from the expertise of a specialist Travel Director and Driver Guide.

Highlights

  • Meet the artists, makers, and producers that call the Bay of Islands home, as well as descendants of Traditional Landowners who signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.

  • Optional mini tour of Russell takes you to iconic locations that make it significant in New Zealand’s early history.

  • Take a journey of discovery through New Zealand's most important historic site with a local guide.

  • Scenic sojourn to the Bay of Islands, home to more than 140 subtropical islets.

  • Visit the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.

  • Explore the romantic town of Russell, New Zealand’s first permanent European settlement and seaport.

  • Discover Whangarei, New Zealand’s most northerly city, where waterfalls meet beaches and galleries meet museums.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Auckland - Bay Of Islands

Location: Bay of Islands

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

We hope you slept soundly, because today is jam-packed with adventures. Hit the road in the morning for a scenic sojourn to the Bay of Islands. This pocket of the country deserves its name – there are more than 140 subtropical islets off the coast here. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical secret; this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. Your guide, likely a descendant of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. You wanted an introduction to New Zealand heritage on day one – you got it.

Day 2: Bay Of Islands Free Time

Location: Bay of Islands

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. Today, trip the light fantastic and head off in whatever direction you please. Perhaps out on to the water to ride the waves aboard a historic tallship, glass of New Zealand wine in hand. Or maybe on a mini-tour around the romantic town of Russell, the country’s first permanent European settlement and seaport. Fun fact: the town’s streets retain their original names and layout from 1843. Just ask your Travel Director for touring tips – and places to wine and dine come dusk. This part of the country was made for blazing sunsets.

Day 3: Bay Of Islands - Auckland

Location: Whangarei

If you’ve never heard of Whangarei, you’re probably not alone. But today, New Zealand’s most northerly city is well and truly on your radar. A place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums, Whangarei is the country in a tantalising snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerising commute back to Auckland.

What's Included

  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide

    A specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide will accompany you throughout the tour.

  • Centrally located Premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels

    Accommodation will be provided in centrally located Premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels.

  • Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers

    Return transfers from the airport to the hotel and vice versa are included.

What's Not Included

Flights to and from the start and end of your trip are not included in the trip price.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy comfortable transfers between Auckland and the Bay of Islands, with return airport to hotel transfers included. Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included.

Accommodation

Stay at the centrally located Copthorne Hotel and Resort, offering premium 4 - 4.5 star accommodations in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Check out our Q&As

  • What historical significance does the Bay of Islands hold?

    The Bay of Islands is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. This site is significant in New Zealand's history, and your guide, likely a descendant of one of the original signatories, will explain its importance.

  • What activities are available during the free day in the Bay of Islands?

    During the free day in the Bay of Islands, you can choose to ride the waves aboard a historic tallship with a glass of New Zealand wine in hand or take a mini-tour around the romantic town of Russell, New Zealand's first permanent European settlement and seaport. Your Travel Director can provide additional touring tips and dining recommendations.

  • What can I expect to see in Whangarei?

    In Whangarei, you can explore a place where waterfalls meet beaches and galleries meet museums. It offers a snapshot of New Zealand's union of nature and forward-thinking culture.

  • Are flights included in the trip price?

    No, flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the trip price. However, return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes centrally located premium 4 to 4.5-star hotels. Specifically, you will stay at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort in the Bay of Islands.

  • What should I pack for the tour?

    You should pack comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, warm layers for cooler months, and a camera.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 100 years

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.

Reviews of this operator

Ann Purcell  

Well worth the money

24-Feb-2023

Absolutely wonderful trip. Tastes of southern Australia. Hotels were good quality. Sightseeing was amazing. Manuela our travel director was lovely. A great trip all round

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Lynda Whittingham  

Particularly loved QUEENSTOWN (jet boat) and plane ride over Mt Cook

18-Feb-2023

Great guide “Dexter” who was pleasant and knowledgeable, skilled and pleasant driver, Aaron, interesting activities, and comfortable hotels in good locations. I have been on organized bus trips in different countries and this company stands out. I would travel with them again. Read less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Milford Sound , West Coast , Queenstown, Christchurch

22-Feb-2023

The most professional tour group i have ever travelled with. Both tour director (Hope) & driver (Dave) had extensive knowledge of NZ. Highly recommended.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Keith Jones  

Christchurch, Milford Sound and the Franz Joseph Railway journey

02-Mar-2023

Very professional service throughout. Friendly experienced tour guide imparting excellent knowledge and local anecdotes. Friendly professional driver enhanced the overall pleasure. Excellent hotels throughout the holiday.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Allison Cooper  

Wonderful experience, highlight had to be Uluru so spiritual and beautiful

22-Feb-2023

Very professional. Excellent travel director very knowledgeable and a lovely guy. Amazing experience seeing do many great places.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Monday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025
$1429 $1215

Operator discount: -$214

Saturday - Monday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 15, 2025
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Operator discount: -$214

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Operator discount: -$214

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Operator discount: -$214

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Operator discount: -$70

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$1500

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Mar 20, 2027 - Mar 22, 2027
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Saturday - Monday

Apr 03, 2027 - Apr 05, 2027
$1500

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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