Iconic North
Iconic North
$3550
Iconic North
7 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Wellington, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Kapiti Coast, Wellington
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZAAW26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
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 Auckland, the 'City of Sails', where you'll enjoy stunning water views and delve into maritime history at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Experience the vibrant Maori culture in Rotorua with a guided tour of the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute and the Te Pa Tu Maori Experience. Marvel at the power of Huka Falls and traverse the scenic Kapiti Coast to reach Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Enjoy luxury accommodations in premium 4- and 5-star hotels, and travel in style with private transfers and the expertise of a dedicated Travel Director and Driver. This tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and world-class nature, ensuring a memorable New Zealand adventure.
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: Auckland, Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Kapiti Coast, 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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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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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.
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Guided tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute
A guided tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute at Te Puia is included.
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Explore Auckland
Explore Auckland, known as the 'City of Sails', with its stunning water views.
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New Zealand Maritime Museum
Discover the history of boat-building and sailing at the New Zealand Maritime Museum in Auckland.
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Te Papa Museum of New Zealand
Visit the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand and explore the vibrant city of Wellington.
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 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 is provided during the Iconic North tour?
The tour provides accommodation in centrally located premium 4- and 5-star hotels, including The Cordis in Auckland, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, and Rydges Wellington, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout your journey.
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Are meals included in the Iconic North tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 2 dinners with wine, 5 full breakfasts, and 1 highlight dinner. Additionally, there is a Be My Guest lunch on a working dairy farm.
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What cultural experiences are included in the Iconic North tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Te Pā Tū Māori Experience in Rotorua, where you can celebrate Māori history, traditions, and cuisine. It also includes a guided tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute at Te Puia.
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What is the fitness requirement for the Iconic North tour?
A low level of fitness is required for the Iconic North tour.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the Iconic North 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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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as exploring Lord of the Rings territory in Wellington, a behind-the-scenes All Blacks experience, or a ferry ride to Waiheke Island. These activities are at your own expense.
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Is travel insurance included in the Iconic North tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Are international flights included in the Iconic North tour package?
No, international flights to and from New Zealand are not included in the tour package.
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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 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.
Enquire for Extra Savings
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