✓ Enriching Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice Inclusions ✓ Finest dining - a total of 12 meals ✓ 8 nights hand-picked accommodation ✓ Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver ✓ Return airport transfers, porterage
9 Day Great Northerner
✓ Enriching Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice Inclusions ✓ Finest dining - a total of 12 meals ✓ 8 nights hand-picked accommodation ✓ Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver ✓ Return airport transfers, porterage
Travelling with Inspiring Vacations allows you to explore the wonders of the world in a variety of different ways. We have partnered with a worldwide network of local travel experts to bring you culturally unique and delightfully unforgettable travel experiences. Whether it is meandering through narrow canyons by rail, cruising the idyllic waters of the Mediterranean or touring through the backroads of provincial towns, Inspiring Vacations trips offer amazing value and will leave you inspired.
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On arrival into Auckland, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 Auckland Bay of Islands
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the original treaty between the British and Māori people was signed. Here, you will also enjoy a culturally-rich visit to the Māori Meeting House and War Canoe.
Cross Auckland’s busy Harbour Bridge this morning and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of New Zealand’s Northland region. Continue to the stunning Bay of Islands and enjoy a cultural Signature Experience.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Bay of Islands
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Explore the spectacular Bay of Islands on a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for unique marine life as you meander through the inner islands. Admire the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops, then spend some time in a secluded bay.
An exciting Signature Experience awaits in the Bay of Islands today.
Meals
Breakfast
Day 4 Bay of Islands Auckland
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps cruise on Waitemata Harbour or enjoy a unique All Blacks experience. Alternatively, visit Auckland Zoo and set out on a guided tour to discover the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. You might like to immerse yourself in a Make Believe Experience and journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop. Or, if you are looking to escape the bustle of the city, set out on a half-day tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest.
Enjoy the opportunity to discover the ‘City of Sails’ as you choose from a range of exciting Freedom of Choice sightseeing inclusions. This evening, you will be treated to a Pacific-themed dinner that features some of the tastiest regional New Zealand produce. Relax and enjoy the company of your fellow travellers as you savour local flavours.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 Auckland Waitomo Caves Rotorua
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
This evening, immerse yourself in Māori culture as you enjoy a traditional Hāngī feast and a powerful performance of song and dance.
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 silent boat ride through a mystical grotto, lit by thousands of glow worms. Afterwards, travel to Rotorua, famous for its incredible geothermal activity.
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. This region has been inhabited by the Māori people for generations and you’ll learn all about their culture from a local guide as you explore the area’s geothermal wonders. Alternatively, choose to visit Wai-O-Tapu or take a Hobbiton Movie Set tour for an enthralling insight into the making of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to spend at leisure. You might like to wander into town and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals
Breakfast
Day 7 Rotorua Taupo Wellington
Today you will follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through the North Island. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, then, visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before travelling across Tongariro National Park to Wellington.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Wellington
With two nights in the New Zealand capital, you will have plenty of time to discover the city’s highlights. After breakfast, set off on a tour taking you to the city’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including New Zealand’s national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa. The afternoon and evening have been left free for you to enjoy discovering Wellington at your own pace. You may like to head to the Central Business District to experience its vibrant mix of Victorian architecture, theatres, boutiques and galleries. Or, why not grab a bite to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants for a true taste of North Island eating.
Meals
Breakfast
Day 9 Wellington
Your journey comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport.
Meals
Breakfast
Inclusions
Whats Included
Enriching Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice Inclusions
Finest dining - a total of 12 meals
8 nights hand-picked accommodation
Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver
Return airport transfers, porterage
Fine Print
How to Book & Payments
Deposit & Payments
Book now and secure your package with only a $200 deposit per person. Pay a 2nd instalment of $548 per person within 28 days. You will then be invoiced for final payment 90 days prior to departure.
Booking Process
Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password) Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure) Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfil your booking Your position on the tour will be confirmed within 48 hours of completing your order. If your place cannot be confirmed, a full refund of the deposit will occur.
Optional Tours
None
Exclusions
Airfares
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance
Optional activities
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary or optional
Hotel List
Auckland - Grand Millennium Hotel
Bay of Islands - Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Rotorua - Millennium Rotorua
Wellington - InterContinental Wellington
Important Information
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
A single supplement is available on all nights of this trip from an extra $1500 subject to availability.
Triple Share
Not available.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.