Jewels of the Bay
Jewels of the Bay
Jewels of the Bay
3 Days Starting and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Bay of Islands, Auckland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UBOIM25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Jewels of the Bay" tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning beauty 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. On your return to Auckland, visit Whangarei, a city where natural beauty meets cultural innovation. Stay in centrally located premium hotels and benefit from the expertise of a specialist Travel Director and Driver Guide.
Highlights
Itinerary
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: Auckland
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
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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.
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Centrally located Premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels
Accommodation will be provided in centrally located Premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels.
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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 scenic road journeys and comfortable transfers, including return airport to hotel transfers in Auckland. 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
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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 visitors will learn about its importance from a guide, likely a descendant of one of the original signatories.
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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. The town retains its original names and layout from 1843.
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What can I expect to see in Whangarei?
In Whangarei, New Zealand's most northerly city, you can explore a place where waterfalls meet beaches and galleries meet museums. It offers a snapshot of the country's union of nature and forward-thinking culture.
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Are flights included in the trip price?
No, flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included in the trip price. However, return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes centrally located premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels. Specifically, you will stay at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort in the Bay of Islands.
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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.
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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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Book with Confidence
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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.
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