AAT Kings 7 Day Iconic North

Flights can arrive any time prior to 4.00 pm and you will be transferred from the airport to your Auckland hotel in your private car. After you check-in, you can head out and explore Auckland. Take a walk down Queen Street, to the main shopping precinct by the Viaduct Harbour and the Auckland Waterfront region. This recently developed area of central Auckland has cafes and restaurants galore. Take a seat in the sunshine, enjoy a glass of one of New Zealand’s famous Sauvignon Blancs and watch the maritime activity on Waitemata Harbour.

On arrival into Auckland, you will be transferred to your hotel.

This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome reception and dinner.

A city sights tour will start your morning in Auckland. Travel around the waterfront from central city out to Mission Bay. Prepare your camera for the stop at Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, as you will get stunning shots of Auckland, the North Shore and the Waitemata. This afternoon is at leisure. Take a walk down Queen Street, to the main shopping precinct by the Viaduct Harbour and the Auckland Waterfront region. This recently developed area of central Auckland has cafes and restaurants galore. Take a seat in the sunshine, enjoy a glass of one of New Zealand’s famous Sauvignon Blancs and watch the maritime activity on Waitemata Harbour.

You’re invited to a Be My Guest lunch at the home of Lance and Bridgette O’Sullivan, New Zealand horse racing royalty. Enjoy a sumptuous country-style lunch at the Red Barn on their beautiful Waikato farm. Later, travel to the harbourside city of Tauranga, located in the Bay of Plenty region.
A bridge over the harbour connects Tauranga to Mount Maunganui, where you’ll have an afternoon at leisure. Why not walk up the extinct namesake volcano with winding walking paths or relax on the main beach, this glorious stretch of golden sand has been voted the best in the country. Later, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

This morning we travel through Te Puke, known as the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand with around 80% of all kiwifruit grown in New Zealand grown here. You’ll stop at Kiwifruit Country, a family-owned business that is set amongst a 60-hectare orchard. Later, its onto Rotorua for an orientation tour that takes in views of Lake Rotorua.
This afternoon visit Te Puia and tour through the Whakawerawera Thermal Reserve. Tonight, an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at the Tamaki Family Marae. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art forms and traditions, followed by a concert featuring local performers. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground in the traditional way.

Today enjoy a day exploring Rotorua. You could take a fascinating tour of the Hobbiton movie set, enjoy a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Or explore Rotorua's three lakes in an amphibious WWII era Duck. Your Travel Director will assist you in booking any experience you would like to partake in.

Say Haere Ra (goodbye) to Rotorua this morning and journey out through pine forests and farmland to a little hidden spot, the turquoise torrent of rapids known as Huka Falls. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. The stunningly blue freshwater of Lake Taupo is home to some of the best Trout fishing in the world. You will then journey south over the Central Plateau, New Zealand's main volcanic area, and along the Kapiti Coast to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Tonight, you are free to dine as you wish.

Thank you for touring with AAT Kings and New Zealand Coach Tours.