Northern Spotlight

Northern Spotlight

23 Views
8 Days From

$3140

$2826

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

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Northern Spotlight" tour and discover the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage of New Zealand. Begin your journey in Auckland, the vibrant "City of Sails," and explore its stunning harbors. Delve into history at the Bay of Islands, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and be mesmerized by the magical glow of the Waitomo Caves. Experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, with its bubbling geysers and Maori cultural experiences. Marvel at the thundering Huka Falls and the vivid blue waters of Lake Taupo. Conclude your adventure in Wellington, New Zealand's capital, with its lively café culture and Maori cultural exhibits at Te Papa. Travel in comfort with a specialist team of a Travel Director and Driver Guide, ensuring a seamless journey through these breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and the flexibility to explore iconic sites and natural wonders at your own pace. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Explore Auckland, the 'City of Sails', with its stunning harbours and vibrant waterfront precincts.

  • Discover the historical significance of the Bay of Islands, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

  • Experience the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a subterranean wonderland illuminated by thousands of glowworms.

  • Visit Rotorua's geothermal valley, with its bubbling geysers and rich Maori cultural experiences.

  • Marvel at the thundering Huka Falls and the vivid blue waters of Lake Taupo.

  • Enjoy the vibrant café culture and explore Maori culture at Te Papa in Wellington, New Zealand's capital.

  • Journey through Whangarei, New Zealand's northernmost city, known for its waterfalls and cultural attractions.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre

Meals Included: Dinner

Auckland is known as the ‘City of Sails’. And you’ll discover why when exploring its two harbours at your leisure. Pick a waterfront precinct and find a perch to while away the afternoon with a glass of Central Otago sauvignon blanc and a backdrop of yachts darting the water. Meet fellow travel companions at a Welcome Reception tonight.
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Day 2: Auckland - Bay of Islands

Auckland, New Zealand

Location: Auckland, Bay of Islands

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your journey north on a Bay of Islands tour from Auckland is not short of drama – discover 140 droplets of land ringed by turquoise sea at the top of the country. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: 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.

Day 3: Bay of Islands Free Time

Location: Bay of Islands

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. And today, you can do just that. At your leisure, venture up to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach. Or glide around on an historic tall ship, cruise to the Hole in the Rock or join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands. The choice is yours.

Day 4: Bay of Islands - Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

Location: Whangarei, Auckland

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre

Meals Included: Breakfast

Northern exposure is a thing today, when you journey toward the top of the country to visit Whangarei – NZ’s northern-most city, and a place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums. It’s like 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.

Day 5: Auckland - Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand

Location: Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Ibis Rotorua Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

There’s no bad day in Auckland – today, yours starts with a city sights tour before you set your GPS for the Waikato River and Waitomo Caves. This place is radiant – quite literally. While cruising cavernous waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. It’s a landscape almost as otherworldly as Rotorua, where mud pops and jettisons from bubbling geysers, and steam rushes skywards from cracks in the Earth. This evening, explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley, and learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate you’ll view one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands.

Day 6: Rotorua Free Time

Rotorua, New Zealand

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Ibis Rotorua Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore at your own pace today, but with plenty of tips from your Travel Director. Want a bit of down time?  We wouldn’t blame you for simply blissing out at Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa. Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of the opportunity to tour the sights featured in The Lord of the Rings movies at Hobbiton. These beautiful landscapes are not only a bucket list tour for Hobbit fans, but a gorgeous countryside getaway.

Day 7: Rotorua - Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand
Rotorua, New Zealand

Location: Rotorua, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Kapiti Coast, Wellington

Accommodation Name: Travelodge Wellington

Meals Included: Breakfast

You’ll hear Huka Falls well before you see it – at this natural wonder, a staggering 220,000 litres of water thunder over an 11-metre-high waterfall every second. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, its waters so vivid and blue you’ll think someone has taken the glasses off your nose and cleaned them for the first time. Traverse the Kapiti Coast to New Zealand’s cool little capital, Wellington, where there are so many restaurants and bars to choose from, you’ll need a guidebook. Wait, you have an in-the-know Travel Director to talk to.

Day 8: Farewell from Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

Location: Wellington

Meals Included: Breakfast

The best way to begin a Wellington day? With a coffee. The city is known for its uber-cool cafés, designed to fuel you through your city sights tour. You may wish to linger in town, discovering Maori culture at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Afterwards, it’s time to bid farewell to your NZ crew. What a week.

What's Included

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

    Travel in comfort with a specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide, ensuring a seamless journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site - Fiordland National Park

    The tour includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fiordland National Park.

  • National Park entrance fees

    Entrance fees to national parks are included in the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip

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

  • Personal items and optional activities

    Items such as comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, warm layers in cooler months, and a camera are not included. Optional activities and personal expenses are also excluded.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with a specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide, ensuring a seamless journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays at the Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre, Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Ibis Rotorua Hotel, and Travelodge Wellington, all offering easy access to city centres and local attractions.

Dining Summary

  • 7 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Highlight Dinner (HD)

Fitness Requirement

  • Low level of fitness required.

Flexible Holidays

  • Sometimes, the best experiences in life (meals, spas, hikes) are those you stumble upon. We can point you in the right direction in Auckland, Rotorua and Wellington – then go for it!

Flight information

  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland Airport Day 8 – flights to depart after 2.00pm from Wellington Airport

Iconic Sites

  • Life becomes all the more radiant at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a subterranean wonderland that replicates the night sky.

Natural Wonders

  • Ancient volcanoes, thundering waterfalls and a yacht-studded harbour are your backdrop in Whangarei, New Zealand’s northernmost city. What a wildlife wonderland.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides comfortable travel with a specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide, ensuring a seamless journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes.

  • Are entrance fees to national parks included in the tour?

    Yes, entrance fees to national parks are included in the tour.

  • What is the significance of the Bay of Islands in the tour?

    The Bay of Islands holds historical significance as the location where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. The tour includes a guide who is likely a descendant of one of the original signatories to explain the significance of the site. ...more ...less

  • What unique experience does the Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer?

    The Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a magical experience where you can cruise through cavernous waterways illuminated by thousands of glowworms, creating a landscape that replicates the night sky.

  • What cultural experiences are included in Rotorua?

    In Rotorua, the tour includes a guided experience in Te Puia's geothermal valley, where you can learn about Māori history and culture. This includes a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Huka Falls?

    The highlight of visiting Huka Falls is witnessing a staggering 220,000 litres of water thundering over an 11-metre-high waterfall every second, creating a breathtaking natural wonder.

  • What can I expect to see in Wellington during the tour?

    In Wellington, you can enjoy the vibrant café culture and explore Māori culture at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. The city is known for its cool cafés and a wide selection of restaurants and bars.

  • 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 ...more ...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 - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$3140 $2826 (USD)

Operator discount: -$314 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

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

Northern Spotlight

8 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Wellington, New Zealand

Visiting: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Kapiti Coast, Wellington ...more ...less

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

LABW26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $3140 $2826 (USD) Operator discount: -$314

NB: Prices correct on 17-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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