Tour Overview
Embark on the "Jewels of the Bay" tour and immerse yourself in the cultural and natural wonders of New Zealand. Begin your journey in Auckland, where you can explore the vibrant cityscape before meeting fellow travelers over a welcome drink. Venture to the stunning Bay of Islands, a paradise of over 140 subtropical islets, and delve into the rich history at the Treaty of Waitangi site. Sail aboard a historic tall ship, savoring a glass of New Zealand wine, and visit the charming town of Russell. Discover Whangarei, a city where waterfalls and beaches meet cultural attractions. Enjoy comfortable accommodations at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort, and benefit from the expertise of a specialist Travel Director and Driver Guide. With scenic road journeys and convenient transfers, this tour offers a seamless and enriching experience of New Zealand's northern treasures. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart
Auckland never fails to turn on the charm, as you’ll discover while exploring the city at your leisure before meeting your Travel Director and fellow adventure seekers for a welcome drink tonight.
Day 2: Auckland - Bay of Islands
Location: Auckland, Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hit the road this morning for a scenic sojourn to the Bay of Islands. This pocket of the country deserves its name – there are more than 140 subtropical islets off the coast here, lined with blissful undeveloped and unpeopled beaches. 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, officially denoting New Zealand as a member of the Commonwealth. Your guide, quite possibly a descendant of one of the original signatories, will explain the importance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. These are just some of the Māori artefacts that characterise this part of the north coast.
Day 3: Bay of Islands Free Time
Location: Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. Today, trip the light fantastic and head off on an optional experience in whatever direction you please. Perhaps out onto the water to ride the waves on a Bay of Islands tour aboard a historic tall ship, glass of New Zealand wine in hand. Or maybe on a mini jaunt around the romantic town of Russell, the country’s first permanent European settlement and seaport. Fun fact: the town’s streets retain their original names and layout from 1843. Just ask your Travel Director for touring tips – and places to wine and dine in between. Wherever your NZ holiday takes you today, we recommend finding somewhere special to salute the end of the day – this part of the country was made for blazing sunsets.
Day 4: Bay of Islands - Auckland
Location: Whangarei, Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
If you’ve never heard of Whangarei, you’re probably not alone. But today, New Zealand’s most northerly city is well and truly on your radar. A place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums, Whangarei is the country in a tantalizing snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure – perhaps pop into a local art gallery or stroll the picturesque Town Basin – before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerizing commute back to Auckland.
What's Included
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Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
The tour includes a specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide.
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Centrally located Premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels
Stay at centrally located premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels during the tour.
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Return airport to hotel transfers in Auckland
Return airport to hotel transfers in Auckland are included.
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Scenic road journeys and comfortable transfers
Enjoy scenic road journeys and comfortable transfers throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Flights to and from the start/end of your trip
Flights to and from the start and end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
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Personal items and expenses
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
Enjoy scenic road journeys and comfortable transfers, including return airport to hotel transfers in Auckland. Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included.
Accommodation
Stay at the centrally located Copthorne Hotel and Resort, offering premium 4 - 4.5 star accommodations in the beautiful Bay of Islands.
Dining Summary
- 3 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
Cultural Immersion
- Free day in the Bay of Islands? An optional mini tour of Russell takes you to iconic locations that make it so significant in New Zealand’s early history.
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 any time into Auckland AirportDay 4 – flights to depart after 7.00pm from Auckland Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
Local Connection
- Meet the artists, makers and producers that call the Bay of Islands home, as well as descendants of Traditional Landowners who signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera
World Class Nature
- Waterfront resort nestled in 60 acres of subtropical gardens within the Waitangi National Trust Reserve, where the golden sands curve to greet the South Pacific Ocean.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at centrally located premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels, including the Copthorne Hotel and Resort in the Bay of Islands.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, return airport to hotel transfers in Auckland are included in the tour package.
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What is the significance of the Bay of Islands in New Zealand's history?
The Bay of Islands is historically significant as the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs, marking New Zealand's entry into the Commonwealth.
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Will there be opportunities to meet local people during the tour?
Yes, you will have the chance to meet local artists and descendants of Traditional Landowners in the Bay of Islands.
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What activities are available during the free day in the Bay of Islands?
During the free day in the Bay of Islands, you can choose to go on a Bay of Islands tour aboard a historic tall ship or explore the romantic town of Russell, New Zealand's first permanent European settlement.
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What kind of transport is provided during the tour?
The tour includes scenic road journeys and comfortable transfers throughout, but flights to and from the start and end of your trip are not included.
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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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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 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 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Jewels of the Bay
4 Days Starting and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Whangarei
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UBOIM25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
