Jewels of the Bay

Jewels of the Bay

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Jewels of the Bay

3 Days Starting and ending in Auckland, New Zealand

Visiting: Bay of Islands, Auckland

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

UBOIM26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural, History

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Jewels of the Bay" tour and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of New Zealand's Bay of Islands. This journey begins in Auckland, whisking you away to a region steeped in history and natural beauty. Discover the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi with a local guide, and explore the world's largest ceremonial war canoe. Enjoy a free day to explore the Bay of Islands at your leisure, perhaps sailing on a historic tallship or touring the charming town of Russell. Stay in comfort at the centrally located Copthorne Hotel and Resort, and enjoy seamless transfers between Auckland and the Bay of Islands. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes, all guided by a specialist team ensuring a memorable experience.

Highlights

  • Meet the artists, makers, and producers of the Bay of Islands and learn about the Treaty of Waitangi.

  • Explore iconic locations in Russell, New Zealand's first permanent European settlement.

  • Discover New Zealand's most important historic site with a local guide.

  • Enjoy a scenic journey to the Bay of Islands, home to over 140 subtropical islets.

  • Sail aboard a historic tallship in the Bay of Islands with a glass of New Zealand wine.

  • Visit Whangarei, where waterfalls meet beaches and galleries meet museums.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Auckland - Bay Of Islands

Location: Bay of Islands

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort

We hope you slept soundly, because today is jam-packed with adventures. Hit the road in the 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. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical secret; this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. Your guide, likely a descendant of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house. You wanted an introduction to New Zealand heritage on day one – you got it.

Day 2: 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 in whatever direction you please. Perhaps out on to the water to ride the waves aboard a historic tallship, glass of New Zealand wine in hand. Or maybe on a mini-tour 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 come dusk. This part of the country was made for blazing sunsets.

Day 3: 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 tantalising snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerising commute back to Auckland.

What's Included

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

    A specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide will accompany you throughout the tour.

  • Centrally located Premium 4 - 4.5 star hotels

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

  • Return airport to hotel transfers

    Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included in the tour package.

  • Accommodation at Copthorne Hotel and Resort

    Stay at the centrally located Copthorne Hotel and Resort in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

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 comfortable transfers between Auckland and the Bay of Islands, with return airport to hotel transfers included. 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.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the Jewels of the Bay tour?

    The tour includes accommodation at the centrally located Copthorne Hotel and Resort, which offers premium 4 - 4.5 star accommodations in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

  • Are flights included in the Jewels of the Bay tour package?

    No, flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the trip price. However, return airport to hotel transfers are included.

  • What is the fitness level required for the Jewels of the Bay tour?

    A low level of fitness is required for this tour.

  • What can I expect on the first day of the Jewels of the Bay tour?

    On the first day, you will travel from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, where you will learn about the historical significance of the Treaty of Waitangi site, guided by a local who is likely a descendant of one of the original signatories.

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

    During the free day, you can choose to explore the Bay of Islands at your leisure, perhaps by sailing on a historic tallship or taking a mini-tour around the town of Russell, known for its historical significance as New Zealand's first permanent European settlement.

  • What is the transportation arrangement for the Jewels of the Bay tour?

    The tour includes comfortable transfers between Auckland and the Bay of Islands, with return airport to hotel transfers included.

  • 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

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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.

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