The Endless Shores

2N Wellington , 2N Hawkes Bay , 2N Rotorua and 1N Auckland
8 days

From

US$ 2,978

per person

Operated by AAT Kings

About the tour

Embrace the traditional greeting of your Māori hosts, whose relationship with this unspoilt land is revealed on this journey. Experience natural wonders, from the luminous glowworms of the Footwhistle Cave and the native forests’ redwood giants, to the fantasy-land of The Lord of the Rings’ ‘Shire’.

Highlights

  • Craggy Range Winery Dinner
  • Art Deco Vintage Car Tour in Napier
  • Waimangu Volcanic Valley guided walk and cruise
  • Redwoods Treewalk
  • Rainbow Springs Nature Park & The National Kiwi Hatchery
  • Tamaki Maori Village – Cultural performance & Hangi
  • Footwhistle eco-glowworm Cave

Accommodation

QT Wellington Apartments or Similar

2 night(s) in Wellington

Room Type: Standard/Base Category
Meals Included: Room Only

Porters Boutique Hotel or Similar

2 night(s) in Hawkes Bay

Room Type: Standard/Base Category
Meals Included: Room Only

Pullman Rotorua or Similar

2 night(s) in Rotorua

Room Type: Standard/Base Category
Meals Included: Room Only

QT Auckland or Similar

1 night(s) in Auckland

Room Type: Standard/Base Category
Meals Included: Room Only

Included in the price

Wellington

  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Journey Director and Driver Guide
  • Local Specialists (Guides)
  • Mixture of boutique, unique and 5-star hotels

Day-wise Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Wellington

Upon arrival at Wellington Airport you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening, join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception, followed by dinner

Day 2: Wellington At Leisure

Today see Wellington your way! Perhaps visit Weta Workshop, home to the creative wizards behind ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies or learn about New Zealand history and culture on a visit to Te Papa - Museum of New Zealand. Your Journey Director can assist in booking your optional experience.

Day 3: Wellington – Hawke's Bay

Continue north today, travelling through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawkes Bay. Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine matching at Craggy Range Winery, one of the regions world famous wineries situated in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak.

Day 4: Napier (Relaxed Start)

Enjoy a relaxed start before we venture out to explore the Hawkes Bay region. Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide a fascinating commentary as you are driven in style, through Art Deco Napier and surrounding areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city, hear stories of the people that led the rebuild, and discover the Art Deco style. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 5: Hawke's Bay – Rotorua

Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua. This afternoon visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley where you will connect with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, it’s unique history and legacy. Along the guided walk you’ll experience geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. Followed by a relaxing 45-minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana see stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat as well as rare native birdlife. Immerse in the stories of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption and the resulting dramatic landscape changes that created this amazing part of the world.

Day 6: Rotorua – Redwoods Treewalk

Ascending to the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 115-year-old redwood giants and the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. Next stop is Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a behind the scenes look at the National Kiwi Hatchery. Tonight, an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at Tamaki Maori Village. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art forms and traditions, followed by a cultural performance. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground in the traditional way.

Day 7: Rotorua – Auckland

Begin your day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld Waitomo. Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel through the dairy farming district of Waikato, and onto Auckland. Tonight, Toast your trip together tonight at a Celebration Dinner.

Day 8: Farewell From Auckland

Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.

Starting from

US$ 2,978

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