Travel Dates
Departing 26th Oct 2018
Package Provider: Inspiring Journeys - AAT Kings
Package Type: Package
Region: New Zealand
Duration: 10 Nights
Embrace the Hongi touch of your gracious MÄori hosts, whose enduring relationship with this unspoilt land is revealed on this Inspiring Journey to some of New Zealand’s most mesmerising natural wonders, from the luminous glow of Waitomo to the fantasy-land of the Shire.
Your Fly & Tour package includes:
Extend your flights and stay longer - talk to our travel experts about more options
Package price is based on 26 October, 23 November & 21 December 2018 departures
Itinerary
Day |
Itinerary |
1-2 |
Welcome to Wellington Day 1: Welcome to Wellington The aroma of roasting coffee beans is your constant companion in the culinary capital of New Zealand and it is yours to explore at leisure. Linger on a literary encounter with New Zealand’s great writers before meeting your Travel Director for a welcome drink and dinner this evening at your hotel. Included Meals: Day 1: Dinner with wine. Day 2: Wellington Free Time Spend your day delving into the culture and gourmet delights of Wellington – consider a cable car ride for a bird’s-eye view of the city – today is yours to enjoy the city on your terms. Hotel: Sofitel Wellington, 2 nights. Day 2: Breakfast, dinner with wine |
3 |
Wellington – Taupo Follow the spectacular Kapiti Coast, traversing the dramatic landscapes of Manawatu to Tongariro National Park, home to remarkable volcanic peaks and Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Departing the caldera, stop to admire the raging Huka Falls and pass Wairakei Geothermal Power Station before arriving at your hotel in Taupo. Hotel: Hilton Lake Taupo. Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner with wine |
4-5 |
Taupo – Rotorua Day 4: Taupo – Rotorua A leisurely morning soaking up the extraordinary beauty of Taupo before continuing on to nearby Rotorua to gain insights into the fascinating rituals and traditions of the MÄori people. Get up close and personal to the locals, touching your forehead and the tip of your nose in their Hongi greeting, and indulge in the mouthwatering flavours of a traditional Hangi Highight Dinner cooked in the ground using geothermal steam. Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight dinner Day 5: Rotorua Ascending to the Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of these redwood giants from a completely unique perspective. Next up is Rotorua’s natural splendour – revealed in the crystal clear mineral springs and native flora of Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Explore this wildlife sanctuary before visiting Whakarewarewa Living Village for insights into the lives of the MÄori community and their special bond with this ancient land. Hotel: Princes Gate Hotel, 2 nights Included Meals: Breakfast |
6 |
Rotorua – Coromandel Begin your day with a dazzling show by the Waitomo glowworms, whose iridescent grottos are ours to explore during an exclusive five-star Eco Glowworm experience. Admire the magical subterranean world of Footwhistle Cave before embarking on a visit to Matamata, of The Lord of the Rings fame. Continue to the coastal town of Coromandel – your accommodation tonight is in Tree Hut Chalets. Hotel: Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort. Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner with wine |
7 |
Coromandel – Auckland Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before heading to Auckland, the City of Sails. Get your bearings during a sightseeing city tour, then spend the rest of the day discovering why Auckland is deemed one of the world’s most livable cities. Hotel: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel. Included Meals: Breakfast |
8-9 |
Auckland – Bay of Islands Day 8: Auckland – Bay of Islands The golden sands of Orewa seem to stretch endlessly heading north to the native forest of Waipoua. Join a local MÄori guide and head deep into the forest, immersing yourself in the fascinating legends behind these giant trees. Finally, journey to your waterfront resort in the Bay of Islands. Included Meals: Breakfast Day 9: Bay of Islands Leave the subtropical paradise behind and set off by ferry to Russell, New Zealand’s first permanent European settlement. Embark on a guided walking tour of this port town and explore its centuries-old seafaring heritage, and then spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Water View Rooms, 2 nights Included Meals: Breakfast |
10 |
Bay of Islands – Auckland This morning, set forth across the picturesque Bay of Islands, cruising to the MÄori’s sacred Hole in the Rock to witness how it resists the power of the sea. Discover historic Cape Brett before arriving in the pretty tourist hotspot of Paihia for a walk along the beachfront or a spot of curio shopping. Return to Auckland for a memorable Farewell Dinner. Hotel: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel. Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner |
11 |
Farewell from Auckland Bid a fond farewell to new friends as your epic New Zealand adventure has come to an end. |
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.