Northern Spotlight

7 Nights

Auckland

Follow the path of pioneers as you travel across the North Island of New Zealand. From the first European settlements on the shores of the beautiful Bay of Islands, to Rotorua – rich in Maori culture and traditions, through spectacular scenery of Tongariro National Park and down to the modern capital city of Wellington.

From £1610pp
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Highlights

  • Cruise through the waters of the Bay of Islands and relax in the Bay of Islands
  • Explore Auckland’s city sights and discover the fascinating Glowworm Grotto at Waitomo Caves
  • Immerse yourself in Maori culture at a Hangi & concert and experience farm life at the Agrodome Sheep Show
  • View mighty Huka Falls and marvel at crystal clear Lake Taupo
  • Discover New Zealand’s capital Wellington on a city tour and soak up the breathtaking views over Wellington from Mt. Victoria
  • Explore Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand
  • Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
  • Day 1 - Welcome to Auckland
  • Day 2 - Auckland – Bay of Islands
  • Day 3 - Bay of Islands Free Time
  • Day 4 - Bay of Islands – Auckland
  • Day 5 - Auckland – Rotorua
  • Day 6 - Rotorua
  • Day 7 - Rotorua – Wellington
  • Day 8 - Farewell from Wellington
  • Additional Information

The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore before meeting your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception.

Meals Included: Ro

VR Queen Street - Hotel & Suites

A brand new 4.5 star hotel with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD.

Depart Auckland for Paihia in the Bay of Islands to experience Spectacular scenery as you cruise to Cape Brett and through the ‘Hole in the Rock’.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands

This welcoming Bay of Islands hotel commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. With 180 guest rooms including four suites, the hotel provides individual patio or balcony from which to enjoy the bay, estuary or garden views while the rooms offer a serene escape with designs inspired by nature. Onsite facilities include tennis court, spectacular free form lagoon style swimming pool, mountain bike hire and courtesy shuttle to downtown Paihia.

Today is completely free for you to discover more of the beauty of the Bay of Islands: Consider an optional experience. Perhaps go sailing aboard a historic tall ship. During this full day sail, you can take your turn on the helm, hoist the sails or climb the rigging. Enjoy morning tea and delicious BBQ lunch served on board. Or join a guided tour of the Bay of Islands. With an abundance of breathtaking, picturesque views, there are plenty of fantastic photo opportunities for you to create lasting memories. Tonight, you are free to dine as you wish. You may want to experience a ‘Kiwi
tradition’ – fish and chips on the beach.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands

This welcoming Bay of Islands hotel commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. With 180 guest rooms including four suites, the hotel provides individual patio or balcony from which to enjoy the bay, estuary or garden views while the rooms offer a serene escape with designs inspired by nature. Onsite facilities include tennis court, spectacular free form lagoon style swimming pool, mountain bike hire and courtesy shuttle to downtown Paihia.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your return to Auckland. Your journey 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

VR Queen Street - Hotel & Suites

A brand new 4.5 star hotel with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD.

After a tour of Auckland’s city sights this morning, journey south through the fertile Waikato agricultural district. Explore the amazing Waitomo Caves, and tour the famous Glowworm Grotto by boat. From here your journey continues to Rotorua. A very entertaining cultural experience awaits you at the Tamaki Māori Village. Experience a powerful Haka challenge, witness a concert showcasing traditional Māori culture, and dine at a traditional Māori Hangi feast Highlight Dinner.

Meals Included: B hd

Ibis Rotorua

Hotel Ibis Rotorua is located on the picturesque shores of lake Rotorua, just five minutes walk from the central business district, convention centre, cafes and restaurants and some of Rotorua's most popular tourist attractions. The fully air-conditioned hotel offers 145 rooms providing exceptional comfort and value. Room configurations can be one king or two doubles. A number of triple rooms with three single beds are also available. Bedrooms feature in-room safes, internet with broadband connectivity, showers, flat screen TV's and refrigerators. 24hr reception, an internet kiosk and guest laundry facilities. The I-Restaurant and Bar welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Conference rooms and other facilities at the neighboring Novotel Rotorua Lakeside are also available to guests.

Today is free for you to explore Rotorua at your own pace. Consider an optional experience. You could take an ancient forest zipline adventure
with Canopy Tours, visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, or explore Rotorua and its sparkling lakes in an amphibious WWll-era Duck.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ibis Rotorua

Hotel Ibis Rotorua is located on the picturesque shores of lake Rotorua, just five minutes walk from the central business district, convention centre, cafes and restaurants and some of Rotorua's most popular tourist attractions. The fully air-conditioned hotel offers 145 rooms providing exceptional comfort and value. Room configurations can be one king or two doubles. A number of triple rooms with three single beds are also available. Bedrooms feature in-room safes, internet with broadband connectivity, showers, flat screen TV's and refrigerators. 24hr reception, an internet kiosk and guest laundry facilities. The I-Restaurant and Bar welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Conference rooms and other facilities at the neighboring Novotel Rotorua Lakeside are also available to guests.

Journey through tall pine forests and verdant farmland today to spectacular Huka Falls and serene Lake Taupo. Continue through the rich farming lands of the Manawatu to Wellington, the nation’s capital.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travelodge Wellington

Travelodge Wellington offers fantastic Wellington accommodation at great value.

Your special packed lunch today won’t only be wholesome, it will also feed a Kiwi child who may otherwise go without, through the charity ‘Eat My Lunch’. This morning enjoy a city tour of Wellington, taking in panoramic views from the summit of Mt. Victoria. There’ll be time to explore the Parliament buildings and the ‘Beehive’, home to New Zealand’s politicians, as well as the many fascinating exhibits at Te Papa Museum of New Zealand. Your holiday ends in the early afternoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Flight information

LABW: Auckland to Wellington

Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland Airport 

Day 8 – flights to depart after 2.00pm from Wellington Airport

LWBA: Wellington to Auckland

Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 2.00pm into Wellington Airport 

Day 8 – flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport

Flights are not included in the holiday price.