Jewels of the Bay

Jewels of the Bay

24 Views
4 Days From

$1429

$1215

Jewels of the Bay

4 Days Starting and ending in Auckland, New Zealand

Visiting: Auckland, Bay of Islands

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

UBOIM25

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1429 $1215 Operator discount: -$214 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Jewels of the Bay" tour and explore the captivating landscapes and rich history of New Zealand. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Auckland, where you can unwind and meet fellow travelers. Venture to the stunning Bay of Islands, a region steeped in history and natural beauty, where you will visit the historic Treaty of Waitangi site with a knowledgeable guide. Enjoy free time to explore the picturesque beaches and charming town of Russell, or set sail on a historic tall ship. Stay at the luxurious Copthorne Hotel and Resort, nestled in subtropical gardens. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Whangarei, a city where nature and culture blend seamlessly, before returning to Auckland. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and breathtaking scenery, with comfortable accommodations and seamless transfers included.

Highlights

  • Explore Auckland at your leisure and enjoy a welcome drink with fellow travelers.

  • Discover the Bay of Islands, home to over 140 subtropical islets and the historic Treaty of Waitangi site.

  • Experience a Bay of Islands tour aboard a historic tall ship with a glass of New Zealand wine.

  • Visit the romantic town of Russell, New Zealand's first permanent European settlement.

  • Explore Whangarei, New Zealand's most northerly city, known for its waterfalls, beaches, and cultural attractions.

  • Meet local artists and descendants of Traditional Landowners in the Bay of Islands.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart

Auckland never fails to turn on the charm, as you’ll discover while exploring the city at your leisure before meeting your Travel Director and fellow adventure seekers for a welcome drink tonight.

Day 2: Auckland - Bay Of Islands

Location: Bay of Islands

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Meals Included: Dinner

Hit the road this morning for a scenic sojourn to the Bay of Islands. This pocket of the country deserves its name – there are more than 140 subtropical islets off the coast here, lined with blissful undeveloped and unpeopled beaches. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance; this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs, officially denoting New Zealand as a member of the Commonwealth. Your guide, quite possibly a descendant of one of the original signatories, will explain the importance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. These are just some of the Māori artefacts that characterise this part of the north coast.

Day 3: Bay Of Islands Free Time

Location: Bay of Islands

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. Today, trip the light fantastic and head off on an optional experience in whatever direction you please. Perhaps out onto the water to ride the waves on a Bay of Islands tour aboard a historic tall ship, glass of New Zealand wine in hand. Or maybe on a mini jaunt around the romantic town of Russell, the country’s first permanent European settlement and seaport. Fun fact: the town’s streets retain their original names and layout from 1843. Just ask your Travel Director for touring tips – and places to wine and dine in between. Wherever your NZ holiday takes you today, we recommend finding somewhere special to salute the end of the day – this part of the country was made for blazing sunsets.

Day 4: Bay Of Islands - Auckland

Location: Auckland

If you’ve never heard of Whangarei, you’re probably not alone. But today, New Zealand’s most northerly city is well and truly on your radar. A place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums, Whangarei is the country in a tantalizing snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure – perhaps pop into a local art gallery or stroll the picturesque Town Basin – before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerizing commute back to Auckland.

What's Included

  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide

    The tour includes a specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide.

  • Centrally located Premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels

    Stay at centrally located premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels during the tour.

  • Return airport to hotel transfers in Auckland

    Return airport to hotel transfers in Auckland are included.

  • Scenic road journeys and comfortable transfers

    Enjoy scenic road journeys and comfortable transfers throughout the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Flights to and from the start/end of your trip

    Flights to and from the start and end of your trip are not included in the trip price.

  • Personal items and expenses

    Personal items such as comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, warm layers in cooler months, and camera are not included.

Mode of Transport

Enjoy scenic road journeys and comfortable transfers, including return airport to hotel transfers in Auckland. Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included.

Accommodation

Stay at the centrally located Copthorne Hotel and Resort, offering premium 4 - 4.5 star accommodations in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Dining Summary

3 Full Breakfast (B)1 Dinner (D)

Cultural Immersion

Free day in the Bay of Islands? An optional mini tour of Russell takes you to iconic locations that make it so significant in New Zealand’s early history.

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 any time into Auckland AirportDay 4 – flights to depart after 7.00pm from Auckland Airport  Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.

Local Connection

Meet the artists, makers and producers that call the Bay of Islands home, as well as descendants of Traditional Landowners who signed the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera

World Class Nature

Waterfront resort nestled in 60 acres of subtropical gardens within the Waitangi National Trust Reserve, where the golden sands curve to greet the South Pacific Ocean.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the Jewels of the Bay tour?

    You will stay at the centrally located Copthorne Hotel and Resort, which offers premium 4 to 4.5 star accommodations in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

  • Are airport transfers included in the Jewels of the Bay tour?

    Yes, return airport to hotel transfers in Auckland are included in the tour.

  • What is the significance of the Bay of Islands in New Zealand's history?

    The Bay of Islands is historically significant as it is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs, officially denoting New Zealand as a member of the Commonwealth.

  • What optional activities are available during the free day in the Bay of Islands?

    During the free day in the Bay of Islands, you can choose to go on a Bay of Islands tour aboard a historic tall ship or take a mini tour around the town of Russell, New Zealand's first permanent European settlement.

  • What should I bring for the Jewels of the Bay tour?

    It is recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, warm layers for cooler months, and a camera.

  • What is the fitness requirement for the Jewels of the Bay tour?

    A low level of fitness is required for the Jewels of the Bay tour.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 100 years

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Ann Purcell  

Well worth the money

24-Feb-2023

Absolutely wonderful trip. Tastes of southern Australia. Hotels were good quality. Sightseeing was amazing. Manuela our travel director was lovely. A great trip all round

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Lynda Whittingham  

Particularly loved QUEENSTOWN (jet boat) and plane ride over Mt Cook

18-Feb-2023

Great guide “Dexter” who was pleasant and knowledgeable, skilled and pleasant driver, Aaron, interesting activities, and comfortable hotels in good locations. I have been on organized bus trips in different countries and this company stands out. I would travel with them again. Read less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Milford Sound , West Coast , Queenstown, Christchurch

22-Feb-2023

The most professional tour group i have ever travelled with. Both tour director (Hope) & driver (Dave) had extensive knowledge of NZ. Highly recommended.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Keith Jones  

Christchurch, Milford Sound and the Franz Joseph Railway journey

02-Mar-2023

Very professional service throughout. Friendly experienced tour guide imparting excellent knowledge and local anecdotes. Friendly professional driver enhanced the overall pleasure. Excellent hotels throughout the holiday.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Allison Cooper  

Wonderful experience, highlight had to be Uluru so spiritual and beautiful

22-Feb-2023

Very professional. Excellent travel director very knowledgeable and a lovely guy. Amazing experience seeing do many great places.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Save on this tour

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1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Tuesday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025
$1429 $1215

Operator discount: -$214

Saturday - Tuesday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025
$1429 $1215

Operator discount: -$214

Saturday - Tuesday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 17, 2026
$1429 $1215

Operator discount: -$214

Saturday - Tuesday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026
$1429 $1215

Operator discount: -$214

Saturday - Tuesday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026
$1499 $1429

Operator discount: -$70

Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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 huge savings

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