Iconic North
Iconic North
$2993
Iconic North
7 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Wellington, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZAAW24
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Iconic North" tour and explore the cultural and natural wonders of New Zealand's North Island. Begin your journey in vibrant Auckland, where you'll delve into the city's maritime history and enjoy stunning harbor views. Experience the heart of Maori culture at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience in Rotorua, and witness the awe-inspiring Huka Falls, where 220,000 liters of water cascade every second. Enjoy a unique farm-to-table lunch on a working dairy farm and try your hand at butter-making. In Wellington, New Zealand's cool capital, discover the city's highlights, from its iconic cable car to the Te Papa Museum. With premium accommodations and expert guides, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of tradition, nature, and modernity.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: The Cordis
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet your fellow travel companions at a Welcome Reception and dinner at The Grill, and share stories of your day-one wanderings.
Day 2: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: The Cordis
Those sails on the harbour? They come from a long and fascinating history of boat-building and sailing, as you’ll discover on an America’s Cup tour at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. The water is your backdrop as you skirt the harbour toward dreamy Mission Bay and Bastion Point. There’s nothing like an epic view to set your soul soaring.
Day 3: Auckland - Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Lunch
Leave Auckland behind and journey into the countryside for an exclusive family-style Be My Guest lunch in the Red Barn on a working dairy farm. Over your farm to table lunch prepared by the onsite chef, get a feel for country life as you're invited to roll up your sleeves and make your own butter - butter churners, tiny mason jars and all! The next hot spot, in every sense of the word, is Rotorua. Visit Te Puia for a guided tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute and the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, a staggering valley where geysers pop and thermal springs jettison skywards.
Day 4: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Dinner
Today, choose your own adventure. Tonight, dive deep into Indigenous culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Hear about Māori history, traditions, and future aspirations across an evening of celebration and feasting. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapé) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a three-course dinner.
Day 5: Rotorua - Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Rydges Wellington
You’ll hear Huka Falls well before you see it – 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 then the Kapiti Coast to New Zealand’s cool little capital, Wellington.
Day 6: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Rydges Wellington
Your day in Wellington should – must – begin with a coffee. The city is known for its uber-cool cafés and with coffee in hand you will head out on a city sights tour to take in highlights such as its iconic cable car, parliament and Mt. Victoria. This afternoon is yours to discover Wellington. Your city tour ends at Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, so perhaps make a visit. Or tour the first urban completely fenced ecosanctuary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, where the biodiversity of 225 hectares of forest is being restored or explore Lord of the Rings territory (own expense).
Day 7: Farewell From Wellington
Location: Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's been a week of epic sights and adventures in the North Island. All good things must come to an end, but there's time to enjoy one last breakfast with your travel companions.
What's Included
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Specialist Team
A specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver is included.
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Accommodation
Centrally located premium 4- & 5-star hotels are included in the tour.
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National Park Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to national parks are included in the holiday price.
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Private Transfers
Private arrival and departure transfers are included in the holiday price.
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Return Airport to Hotel Transfers
Return airport to hotel transfers are included in the holiday price.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from New Zealand are not included in the holiday price.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as exploring Lord of the Rings territory are at your own expense.
Mode of Transport
Day 1 – flights to arrive by 4.00pm into Auckland Airport. Day 7 – flights to depart anytime from Wellington Airport. Flights are not included in the holiday price. Return airport to hotel transfers are included in the holiday price.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort. The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes: Day 1 - Cordis, Auckland; Day 3 - Millennium Hotel, Rotorua; Day 5 - Rydges Wellington.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 6 Full Breakfast (B)
- 1 Be My Guest Lunch (BGL)
- 1 Highlight Dinner (HD)
Cultural Immersion
- Discover just how strong Maori culture is at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, celebrating art, tradition and cuisine.
Fitness Requirement
- Low level of fitness required
Flight information
- Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive by 4.00pm into Auckland AirportDay 7 – flights to depart anytime from Wellington Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included
Local Connection
- The dairy industry is big business in New Zealand, as you’ll fast find on a Waikato farm. The stories you'll hear tell you about life on the land.
What to Bring
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes
World Class Nature
- If you want to be blown away by nature, Huka Falls is the place to go. This mighty waterfall sees 220,000 litres of water per second thunder over an 11-metre ridge.
Check out our Q&As
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What cultural experiences are included in the Iconic North tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, where you can learn about Maori history, traditions, and cuisine. Additionally, there is a guided tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute at Te Puia, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Maori arts and crafts.
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What unique activities can I expect during the tour?
You will have the opportunity to participate in a Be My Guest lunch at a working dairy farm, where you can make your own butter. The tour also includes an America's Cup tour at the New Zealand Maritime Museum and a visit to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve in Rotorua.
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What natural attractions will I see on the tour?
The tour includes a visit to Huka Falls, where you can witness 220,000 litres of water thundering over an 11-metre high waterfall every second. You will also enjoy views of Lake Taupo and the Kapiti Coast.
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What is the starting and ending point of the Iconic North tour?
The tour starts in Auckland and ends in Wellington, New Zealand.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, private arrival and departure transfers from the airport to the hotel are included in the holiday price.
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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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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.