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:
ZAAW26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Special Guest Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Iconic North" tour, a cultural journey through New Zealand's North Island, starting in the vibrant city of Auckland and concluding in the charming capital, Wellington. Experience the rich Maori heritage with a guided tour at the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute at Te Puia, and immerse yourself in the Te Pa Tu Maori Experience in Rotorua. Enjoy private transfers and the expertise of a dedicated Travel Director and Driver, while staying in luxurious 4- and 5-star accommodations. Discover Auckland's maritime history, the natural beauty of Huka Falls, and the eclectic culture of Wellington. Optional activities include exploring Lord of the Rings locations and indulging in local culinary delights. This tour promises a blend of cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Horizon by SkyCity Auckland
Meals Included: Dinner
New Zealand’s largest city is blessed when it comes to water views – on one side of the isthmus is Manukau Harbour; on the other, Waitemata. Exploring pretty precincts at your leisure, gazing out over a flurry of yachts, you’ll begin to understand why Auckland is fondly known as the ‘City of Sails’. Come evening, meet your fellow NZ holiday travel companions for a Welcome Reception dinner at The Grill, and share stories of your day-one wanderings.
Day 2: Auckland Sightseeing
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Horizon by SkyCity Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Remember all those sails you spotted on Auckland’s harbour yesterday? 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. This is a story of migration, innovation, team-building and skill. Plus, you get to glimpse one of the few existing replicas of the America’s Cup. The water is your backdrop as your skirt the harbour toward dreamy Mission Bay, onward to Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial. This is the place to get some perspective. Yes, of Auckland and its improbable location, but also of life in general. There’s nothing like an epic view to set your soul soaring. If you want tips on how to spend your afternoon post Auckland tour, we have a few ideas. Perhaps a behind-the-scenes All Blacks experience, revealing insights into this record-breaking rugby team. Or take a ferry ride to Waiheke Island to join the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus or lunch at a winery (all own expense).
Day 3: Auckland - Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 – on your NZ holiday 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: Breakfast
Today, choose your own adventure. We have plenty of ideas for the paths you might follow. Optional Rotorua tour sightseeing experiences include relieving NZ holiday-weary limbs in the thermal waters of the Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa or perhaps you’d prefer to zip across Rotorua’s three lakes in an amphibious WWII-era Duck (both own expense). The decision is yours. 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 canapés) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a three-course dinner.
Day 5: Rotorua - Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Rydges Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ll hear Huka Falls well before you see it – at this natural wonder, a staggering 220,000 litres of water thunder over an 11-metre-high waterfall every second. Photos just don’t do it justice; this is an every-sense-heightened experience. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, its waters so vivid and blue you’ll think someone has taken the glasses off your nose and cleaned them for the first time. The surrounding countryside is one of ridiculous contrast: snow-blanketed mountains and alpine deserts, ancient forests and trout-filled rivers. Traverse the Kapiti Coast to New Zealand’s cool little capital, Wellington.
Day 6: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Rydges Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 call in for a visit. (Please note: There is an entry fee for Te Papa, this must be paid at the guests own expense.) Or visit the first urban completely fenced ecosanctuary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, where the biodiversity of 225 hectares of forest is being restored. Or The Lord of the Rings Movie Locations, including the famous Weta Workshop (both own expense). Tonight, there are so many restaurants and bars to choose from, you'll need a guidebook. Ask us for recommendations or explore at your leisure. Because every NZ holiday needs a little down time.
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 of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver
The tour includes the services of a specialist team consisting of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver.
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Centrally located premium 4- & 5-star hotels
Accommodation is provided in centrally located premium 4- and 5-star hotels, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout your journey.
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National Park entrance fees
Entrance fees to national parks are included in the tour package.
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Private arrival and departure transfers
Private arrival and departure transfers are included for your convenience.
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Dining Summary
The tour includes 2 Dinners with Wine, 5 Full Breakfasts, and 1 Highlight Dinner.
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Cultural Immersion
Experience the strong Maori culture at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, celebrating art, tradition, and cuisine.
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World Class Nature
Visit Huka Falls, a mighty waterfall where 220,000 litres of water per second thunder over an 11-metre ridge.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional activities
Optional activities such as exploring Lord of the Rings territory in Wellington are not included and are at your own expense.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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International flights
International flights to and from New Zealand are not included in the tour package.
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Entry fee for Te Papa Museum
There is an entry fee for Te Papa Museum, which must be paid at the guest's own expense.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private arrival and departure transfers, and enjoy the convenience of a specialist team of a highly experienced Travel Director and Driver.
Accommodation
Stay in centrally located premium 4- and 5-star hotels including The Cordis in Auckland, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, and Rydges Wellington, offering comfort and luxury throughout your journey.
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 kind of accommodation can I expect on the Iconic North tour?
You will stay in centrally located premium 4- and 5-star hotels, including The Cordis in Auckland, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, and Rydges Wellington, offering comfort and luxury throughout your journey.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a cultural immersion experience at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience, where you will learn about Māori history, traditions, and future aspirations through an evening of celebration and feasting.
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What is the fitness requirement for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required for this tour.
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What kind of transport is provided during the tour?
The tour includes private arrival and departure transfers, and you will travel in style with the convenience of a specialist team of a highly experienced Travel Director and Driver.
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What meals are included in the Iconic North tour?
The tour includes 2 dinners with wine, 5 full breakfasts, and 1 highlight dinner.
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What are some optional activities available during the tour?
Optional activities include exploring Lord of the Rings territory in Wellington, a behind-the-scenes All Blacks experience, a ferry ride to Waiheke Island, and visiting the Weta Workshop. These activities are at your own expense.
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What should I bring for the tour?
It is recommended to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, warm layers for cooler months, a camera, and comfortable walking shoes.
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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.
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