AAT Kings: Northern Wonders 26/27

The Kapiti Coast is the summer playground of Wellingtonians – for good reason. You’ll follow in local footsteps as you make your way along a road that unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, the largest (and perhaps bluest) of its kind in the country. 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, at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley, and learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience. It includes a cultural performance in a finely 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 hangi-inspired cuisine.

Staying in:

• Ibis Rotorua Hotel (1 night)

If there’s a New Zealand city where you want free time, Rotorua is it. Go your own way today, perhaps blissing out at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Who knew nature was this relaxing? 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 (both own expense).

Staying in:

• Ibis Rotorua Hotel (1 night)

The Waitomo Caves are radiant – quite literally. While cruising cavernous underground waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. It’s a fairytale start to your day. One that only gets better as you descend on Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. You’ll discover how it got its moniker while gazing over its two yacht-studded harbours from the lookout at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. What a city, as your tour of Auckland reveals.

Staying in:

• Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre (1 night)

Your journey north to New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is not short of drama – discover 140 islands 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. Take a tour of the Treaty Grounds, your local specialist, perhaps a descendant of original signatories, will explain the significance to New Zealanders.

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

Go as fast or as slow as you like today – there’s no rush, and no agenda. Talk to your Travel Director to organise a day trip up to Cape Reinga, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach, or a trip to the iconic Hole in the Rock. If you’re a history buff, you may want to join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands (all own expense). The choice is yours.

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

Head to Whangarei – the county’s northern-most city. This is a place where, galleries like the Hundertwasser Arts Centre, 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 coach seat for the mesmerising commute back to Auckland. Tonight, join your Travel Director and companions to toast your adventure with drinks and dinner.

Staying in:

• Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre (1 night)

It’s not farewell, it’s ka kite/see you later! On your journey home, justremember how much pleasure you have packed into this last week.