The Endless Shores

The Endless Shores

21 Views
8 Days From

$5075

$4314

The Endless Shores

8 Days Starting in Wellington, New Zealand and ending in Auckland, New Zealand

Visiting: Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

NZNI24

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury, Small Group

Activities:

Walking

From: $5075 $4314 Operator discount: -$761 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on "The Endless Shores" tour, a captivating 8-day journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Begin in Wellington, where you'll explore the vibrant city and its unique attractions. Travel through the lush Manawatu region to Hawke's Bay, indulging in a gourmet dining experience at Craggy Range winery. Relive the elegance of the jazz era with a vintage car tour in Napier, then venture to Rotorua for a guided eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest and a mesmerizing Redwoods Treewalk. Experience the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Grotto before concluding your adventure in Auckland. With premium accommodations, private transfers, and a small group setting, this tour offers an intimate and luxurious exploration of New Zealand's endless shores. Enjoy 13 included meals and over seven unforgettable experiences, all while embracing the spirit of adventure in this breathtaking country.

Highlights

  • Connect with the heart of the world's youngest geothermal valley at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience.

  • Enjoy a dining experience at Craggy Range winery in Hawke's Bay, near the spectacular Te Mata Peak.

  • Walk among 120-year-old Redwood trees and explore the Waitomo Glowworm Grotto.

  • Cruise the streets of New Zealand's Art Deco capital, Napier, in a luxurious vintage car.

  • Discover the vast Whirinaki Forest on a guided cultural eco-tour.

  • Experience the Redwoods Treewalk for a bird's eye view of the forest.

  • Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa and learn about kiwi conservation efforts.

  • Explore the Footwhistle Cave in Waitomo for a 5-star Eco Glowworm experience.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation Name: QT Wellington

Meals Included: Dinner

Upon arrival at Wellington Airport you'll be transferred to your hotel by private car. 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

Location: Wellington

Accommodation Name: QT Wellington

Discover Wellington your way. You could visit the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne, home to some of New Zealand's most rare and extraordinary wildlife. Go on a guided city walking tour around Wellington or explore the country’s fascinating culture, nature, heritage and art at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.

Day 3: Wellington - Hawke's Bay

Location: Hawke's Bay

Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Continue north today, travelling through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawkes Bay. Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine 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)

Location: Napier

Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel

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.

Day 5: Hawke's Bay - Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua

Meals Included: Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua. This afternoon you will have a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest. Armed with a packed lunch and with your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest on a guided cultural walking tour, including Rongoa trail, rakau rangatira, history, possibly sight some native and endangered birds, whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end. Learn also the story behind this family-owned business and the massive community and social responsibility arm they have, and how your visit is positively impacting on the local community.

Day 6: Rotorua - Redwoods Treewalk

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua

Meals Included: Dinner

Ascending the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 120-year-old redwood giants and view the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. Next stop is the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, the national leader in kiwi husbandry, and learn about their kiwi hatchery programme that is proudly supported by TreadRight. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and complementary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Day 7: Rotorua – Caveworld Waitomo – Auckland

Location: Rotorua, Auckland

Accommodation Name: QT Auckland

Meals Included: Dinner

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

Location: Auckland

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

What's Included

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights are not included in the holiday price.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with private car transfers from Wellington Airport and to Auckland Airport, along with luxurious vintage car tours and guided eco-tours, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at QT Wellington, Porters Boutique Hotel, Pullman Rotorua, and QT Auckland, offering comfort and luxury throughout your journey.

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 7 Full Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Local Dining Experience (LD)
  • 1 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Celebration Dinner (CD)

Explore

  • Walk high among giant 120 year old Redwood trees, and discover the luminous shimmer of the breathtaking Fottwhistle Glowworm Cave.
  • Walk high among giant 120 year old Redwood trees, and discover the luminous shimmer of the breathtaking Waitomo Glowworm Grotto.

Flight information

  • Flights are not included in holiday price. Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Wellington Airport Day 8: Flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included

Hotels

  • 4 Te Aute Rd, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand Day 3 - 4

Immerse

  • Walk through a Jurassic rainforest on a cultural eco-tour, and embrace the traditional greeting of your hosts at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience.
  • Connect with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, and embrace the traditional greeting of your hosts at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience.

Indulge

  • In the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak, enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range winery in Hawke’s Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.
  • In the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak, enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range winery in Hawke's Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.

Relax

  • Cruise the streets of New Zealand’s Art Deco capital in style in the comfort of a luxurious vintage car driven by your expert guide.
  • Cruise the streets of New Zealand's Art Deco capital in style in the comfort of a luxurious vintage car driven by your expert guide.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Warm layers in cooler months and a waterproof Camera A sense of adventure

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, where you can embrace traditional Maori greetings and enjoy a cultural feast. Additionally, there is a guided cultural eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, which includes learning about Maori history and possibly sighting native and endangered birds.

  • What unique transportation experiences are offered during the tour?

    The tour offers luxurious vintage car tours in Napier, where you can relive the glamour of the jazz era while learning about the city's history. Private car transfers are also provided from Wellington Airport and to Auckland Airport.

  • What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?

    You will enjoy a dining experience at Craggy Range winery in Hawke's Bay, known for its fertile soils. Additionally, the Te Pa Tu Maori Experience includes a seasonal three-course dinner and forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) with a complementary chef choice aperitif.

  • What natural attractions will I visit during the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the Redwoods Treewalk in Rotorua, offering a bird's eye view of 120-year-old redwood trees. You will also experience the Waitomo Glowworm Grotto, where you can see glowworms and cave formations.

  • Are there any eco-friendly activities included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a guided cultural eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, where you can learn about the local ecosystem and Maori cultural practices. Additionally, the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa visit supports kiwi conservation efforts.

  • 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

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Friday

Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
$5075 $4314

Operator discount: -$761

Friday - Friday

Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025
$5075 $4568

Operator discount: -$507

Prices last published on 05-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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