9 Day Tour of New Zealand's North Island

Save up to $300 USD or $400 CAD per couple*

Premier Escorted Vacation

Great Northerner

Auckland to Wellington

Trip Code: NCW09

From $3,395 USD pp | From $4,395 CAD pp

Trip Overview

Explore New Zealand’s North Island over nine days. Visit the Bay of Islands, Auckland, the Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Wellington.

Departure Dates

2023 Dates:

08-Sep-23, 15-Sep-23
22-Sep-23, 29-Sep-23
06-Oct-23, 20-Oct-23
27-Oct-23, 03-Nov-23
10-Nov-23, 17-Nov-23
24-Nov-23, 01-Dec-23
15-Dec-23, 29-Dec-23

2024 Dates:

05-Jan-24, 12-Jan-24
19-Jan-24, 26-Jan-24
02-Feb-24, 09-Feb-24
16-Feb-24, 23-Feb-24
01-Mar-24, 08-Mar-24
15-Mar-24, 22-Mar-24
29-Mar-24, 05-Apr-24

12-Apr-24, 26-Apr-24
10-May-24, 24-May-24
07-Jun-24

Your Vacation Includes

Experiences in six destinations

Freedom of Choice inclusions in two locations

Finest dining – a total of 12 meals

The services of an expert APT tour director and driver

Eight nights’ hand-picked accommodation

Return airport transfers and porterage

Need to book your Airfare?

We work with all major Airlines and book airfares from most North American gateways to go with your APT vacation

Map

Itinerary

Designed
Exclusively
for APT guests

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options

Auckland to Wellington

DAY
1

Arrive Auckland

On arrival into Auckland, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Stay: Auckland, Grand Millennium Hotel

DAY
2

Auckland, Bay of Islands

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840.

Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands where you will enjoy a visit to the historic Treaty House and ceremonial War Canoe at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Stay: Two Nights, Bay of Islands, Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Stay: Two Nights, Bay of Islands, Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Meals : • Breakfast • Dinner

DAY
3

Bay of Islands

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.

See the spectacular Bay of Islands region on a cruise. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to further explore.

Meals: • Breakfast

DAY
4

Auckland, Bay of Islands

FREEDOM OF CHOICE SIGHTSEEING

Perhaps cruise on Waitemata Harbour; enjoy a unique All Blacks experience; visit Auckland Zoo to discover the native flora and fauna of New Zealand; immerse yourself in Unleashed – A Weta Workshop Experience and journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop; or escape the bustle of the city on a tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest.

Travel to Auckland before selecting from our Freedom of Choice activities. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy a delicious Pacific-themed dinner.

Stay: Auckland, Grand Millennium Hotel

Meals: • Breakfast • Dinner

DAY
5

Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Tonight, enjoy an indulgent traditional Māori feast and performance of Haka, song and storytelling at Te Pā Tū (Māori Village). Over a magical evening, you will be welcomed with a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome) and then treated to further captivating performances while enjoying seasonal canapes, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous glow worm caves where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an eerie glow. Discover this natural wonder on a guided boat ride through a grotto lit by these magical creatures, before continuing to Rotorua.

Stay: Two Nights, Millennium Rotorua

Meals: • Breakfast • Dinner

DAY
6

Rotorua

FREEDOM OF CHOICE SIGHTSEEING

Perhaps enjoy a sheep show at the Agrodome followed by a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Alternatively, choose to visit Wai-O-Tapu or experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.

Meals: • Breakfast

DAY
7

Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand’s North Island this morning. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, then visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before travelling across the plateau of Tongariro National Park to Wellington.

Stay: Two Nights, InterContinental Wellington

Meals: • Breakfast • Dinner

DAY
8

Wellington

After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including Mt Victoria, the waterfront area and New Zealand’s national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to further explore this coastal city and perhaps dine at a local restaurant.

Meals: • Breakfast

DAY
9

Depart Wellington

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: • Breakfast

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Customer Testimonials

"Crowne Plaza was beautiful! Copthorne was very good - lovely location and views. Malcolm, the driver was excellent."

Catherine - Luxury/Premier Escorted, North Island