AAT Kings: New Zealand's Northern Gems - Small Group Tour

Wellington is known for its uber-cool cafes, so grab a coffee before you head out on your city sights tour. Later, travel to the Art Deco capital of New Zealand, Napier. Napier's striking Art Deco architecture is a direct result of the devastating 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake, which remains New Zealand’s deadliest natural disaster. Napier was rapidly rebuilt in the style of the era – Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Striped Classical. Today, Napier is regarded as one of the world’s best-preserved Art Deco cities.

Staying in:

• Scenic Hotel Te Pania (1 night)

Join a private walking tour of the Art Deco quarter, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your local expert guide from the Art Deco Trust will regale you with stories of the people and events that shaped the iconic art deco buildings. Later you may choose to partake in a wine tour of Hawkes Bay wineries, or a tour of the local Gannet Colony, the largest nesting colony of its type in the world (both own expense).

Staying in:

• Scenic Hotel Te Pania (1 night)

Today on your tour of the North Island visit the mighty Huka Falls, where approximately 220,000 litres per second of water surge through a narrow volcanic gorge plunging 11 metres to a foaming pool below. Continue to the geothermal wonder of Rotorua, renowned for its bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, rich Māori culture, and the unmistakable scent of sulphur that fills the air. This afternoon, visit a traditional Pounamu workshop for a fascinating insight into the art of jade carving, where you will witness skilled artisans at work, and learn about the cultural significance of pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) in Māori tradition. Tonight, delve deep into Māori culture with the Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia. It begins with an exhilarating cultural performancein a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua, followed by views of the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands, and ends with a delicious buffet dinner of hāngī-inspired cuisine - both MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences.

Staying in:

• Sudima Lake Rotorua (1 night)

Today is Rotorua tour day of many decisions, but with plenty of tips available from your Travel Director. Want a bit of down time? We wouldn’t blame you for simply blissing out at in the steamy thermal springs at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of the opportunity to tour the sights featured in The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit movies on the Hobbiton Movie Set tour. Or board a scenic flight for a bird's-eye-view (all own expense).

Staying in:

• Sudima Lake Rotorua (1 night)

From New Zealand’s longest waterway, the Waikato River, to its largest city: welcome to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. You’ll understand how it got its moniker when you glimpse yachts gliding around its two harbours on your city sights tour. But today your sights are firmly set on New Zealand's national game: rugby. As part of your Auckland tour you’re kicking about at the interactive All Blacks Experience. Journey through the sporting team’s remarkable history via various displays and presentations before you witness a performance of a traditional haka with you front and centre.

Staying in:

• Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart (1 night)

140 – that’s how many droplets of land ringed by turquoise sea comprise the Bay of Islands, your tour destination today. 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, perhaps a descendent 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.

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

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 travel up to Cape Reinga, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach. Or cruise to the Hole in the Rock with an idyllic island stopover enroute or join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands (all own expense).

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

For a little more northern exposure, make your way to Whangarei, the island’s most northerly outpost 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. Sink back into your seat for the mesmerizing commute back to Auckland for your dinner and drinks.

Staying in:

• Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart (1 night)

The only bad day in your Auckland tour is the one where you have to bid farewell. On your journey home, just remember how much pleasure you have packed into this last 10 days.