The Endless Shores
The Endless Shores
$5075
The Endless Shores
8 Days Starting in Wellington, New Zealand and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NZNI24
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Endless Shores" tour and immerse yourself in the natural and cultural wonders of New Zealand. This 8-day journey begins in Wellington, where you'll explore the vibrant city and its unique attractions. Travel through the picturesque landscapes of Manawatu to the wine-rich region of Hawke's Bay, and enjoy a luxurious vintage car tour in Napier. Discover the ancient Whirinaki Forest and the towering redwoods of Rotorua, and experience the rich Maori culture at Te Pa Tu. Conclude your adventure with an exclusive glowworm cave tour in Waitomo before arriving in Auckland. With premium accommodations, expert guides, and unforgettable experiences, this small-group tour promises an enriching and memorable escape.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: QT Wellington
Meals Included: Dinner
Upon arrival at Wellington Airport you’ll be transferred to your hotel by private car. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening, join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception, followed by dinner.
Day 2: Wellington At Leisure
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: QT Wellington
Discover Wellington your way. You could visit the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne, home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife. Go on a guided city walking tour around Wellington or explore the country’s fascinating culture, nature, heritage and art at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.
Day 3: Wellington - Hawke's Bay
Location: Hawke's Bay
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Travel through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawke’s Bay. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine at Craggy Range winery, in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak. Spend the evening in your accommodation surrounded by the area’s majestic hills.
Day 4: Napier (Relaxed Start)
Location: Napier
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel
Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide fascinating commentary as you are driven in style through Napier and surrounding areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and hear stories of the people that led the rebuild of Napier in the Art Deco style.
Day 5: Hawke's Bay - Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua
Meals Included: Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua. This afternoon you will have a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest. Armed with a packed lunch and with your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest on a guided cultural walking tour, including Rongoa trail, rakau rangatira, history, possibly sight some native and endangered birds, whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end.
Day 6: Rotorua - Redwoods Treewalk
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua
Meals Included: Dinner
Ascending to the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 120-year-old redwood giants and view the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. Next stop is theNational Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, the national leader in kiwi husbandry, and learn about their kiwi hatchery programme that is proudly supported by TreadRight. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and complementary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.
Day 7: Rotorua – Caveworld Waitomo – Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: QT Auckland
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your way to the famous Caveworld Waitomo for an exclusive 5-star Eco Glowworm experience. Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glowworms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel through the dairy farming district of Waikato, and on to Auckland. This evening, toast your tour together at a Celebration Dinner.
Day 8: Farewell From Auckland
Location: Auckland
Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and we transfer you by private car to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Small Group
The tour includes a small group of a maximum of 16 guests.
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Unforgettable Experiences
The tour offers 7+ unforgettable experiences.
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Included Meals
The tour includes 13 meals.
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Premium Accommodation
The tour includes 7 nights of premium accommodation.
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Private Transfers
Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
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Welcome Reception and Dinner
A welcome reception and dinner are included on the first day.
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Guided Tours
The tour includes guided tours such as a cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest and a luxurious vintage car tour in Napier.
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Unique Experiences
The tour includes unique experiences like the Redwoods Treewalk and the Caveworld Waitomo Glowworm experience.
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Cultural Experiences
The tour includes cultural experiences such as the Te Pa Tu Maori Experience.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights are not included in the holiday price.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private car transfers from Wellington Airport and to Auckland Airport, along with luxurious vintage car tours and guided eco-tours, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at QT Wellington, Porters Boutique Hotel, Pullman Rotorua, and QT Auckland, offering comfort and luxury throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of dining experience can I expect at Craggy Range winery?
At Craggy Range winery in Hawke's Bay, you will enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak. The evening includes dinner with wine, surrounded by the area's majestic hills.
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What activities are available in Wellington on Day 2?
On Day 2 in Wellington, you have the option to visit the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne, go on a guided city walking tour, or explore the country's culture, nature, heritage, and art at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.
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What can I expect during the vintage car tour in Napier?
During the vintage car tour in Napier, you will relive the glamour and style of the jazz era. Your driver will provide fascinating commentary as you are driven in style through Napier and surrounding areas. You'll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and hear stories of the people that led the rebuild of Napier in the Art Deco style.
-
What is included in the guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest?
The guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest includes a packed lunch and a local expert guide. You will discover the vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest on a guided cultural walking tour, including the Rongoa trail, rakau rangatira, history, possibly sight some native and endangered birds, whakatauki, forest bathing, and hot kawakawa tea to end.
-
What experiences are included in the Redwoods Treewalk in Rotorua?
The Redwoods Treewalk in Rotorua offers an elevated bird’s eye view of the 120-year-old redwood giants and the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. You will also visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa to learn about their kiwi hatchery programme.
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What is the Te Pā Tū Māori Experience?
The Te Pā Tū Māori Experience, known as Tū Te Rā, is a celebration of the abundant harvest of the season. It explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. The experience includes a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and complementary chef choice aperitif, followed by a seasonal three-course dinner.
-
What can I expect during the Caveworld Waitomo experience?
During the Caveworld Waitomo experience, you will have an exclusive 5-star Eco Glowworm experience. Your guide will set the scene for a cave experience where you will see glowworms, cave formations, and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included in the tour. On Day 1, flights should arrive prior to 4.00pm into Wellington Airport, and on Day 8, flights can depart anytime from Auckland Airport.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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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.
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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.
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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.