Northern Spotlight
Northern Spotlight
Northern Spotlight
8 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Wellington, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LABWF25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Northern Spotlight" tour and explore the captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage of New Zealand. This journey takes you from the vibrant city of Auckland to the serene Bay of Islands, where history and natural beauty intertwine. Experience the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, where Maori culture comes alive at Te Puia. Discover the northernmost city of Whangarei, with its stunning waterfalls and beaches, before heading to the cool capital of Wellington. Travel in comfort with a specialist team, staying in well-located accommodations, and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace. This tour offers a perfect blend of guided experiences and leisure time, ensuring a memorable adventure through New Zealand's breathtaking scenery and cultural landmarks.
Make Travel Matter
The Te Po Experience at Te Puia contributes to the success of the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, committed to preserving, encouraging, fostering and promoting Maori arts and crafts.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre
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.
Day 2: Auckland - Bay Of Islands
Location: Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Meals Included: Dinner
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
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
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre
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
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Ibis Rotorua Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Ibis Rotorua Hotel
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
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Wellington
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
Location: Wellington
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
What's Not Included
-
Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
-
Personal items
Personal items such as comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, warm layers in cooler months, and camera are not included.
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 Full 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 experiences can I expect in Auckland during the tour?
In Auckland, you can explore its two harbours and enjoy the waterfront precincts. You will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a Marlborough sauvignon blanc while meeting your fellow travel companions at a Welcome Reception.
-
What is special about the Bay of Islands on this tour?
The Bay of Islands is not only beautiful with its 140 islands and turquoise sea, but it also holds historical significance as the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. You will have a guide, likely a descendant of one of the original signatories, who will explain the significance of the site.
-
What activities are available during the free time in the Bay of Islands?
During your free time in the Bay of Islands, you can venture to Cape Reinga, cruise on an historic tall ship, visit the famous Hole in the Rock, or join a tour of Russell to learn more about the area's history.
-
What can I expect to see at the Waitomo Caves?
At the Waitomo Caves, you will experience a magical landscape illuminated by thousands of glowworms as you cruise through the cavernous waterways.
-
What cultural experiences are included in Rotorua?
In Rotorua, you will explore Te Puia's geothermal valley and learn about Māori history and culture. This includes a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a carved meeting house, ending with a view of the Pohutu Geyser.
-
What is the significance of Huka Falls on the tour?
Huka Falls is a natural wonder where 220,000 litres of water thunder over an 11-metre-high waterfall every second, providing a breathtaking experience.
-
What can I do in Wellington on the last day of the tour?
In Wellington, you can start your day with a coffee at one of the city's cool cafés, enjoy a city sights tour, and explore Māori culture at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, before bidding farewell to your travel companions.
-
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
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Saturday
Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 17, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Feb 21, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."