The Endless Shores

The Endless Shores

14 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 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

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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

Travel through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawke’s Bay. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine at Craggy Range winery, in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak. Spend the evening in your accommodation surrounded by the area’s majestic hills.

Day 4: Napier (Relaxed Start)

Location: Napier

Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel

Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide fascinating commentary as you are driven in style through Napier and surrounding areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and hear stories of the people that led the rebuild of Napier in 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.

Day 6: Rotorua - Redwoods Treewalk

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua

Meals Included: Dinner

Ascending to 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 theNational 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 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: Auckland

Accommodation Name: QT Auckland

Meals Included: Dinner

Make your way to the famous Caveworld Waitomo for an exclusive 5-star Eco Glowworm experience. Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glowworms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel through the dairy farming district of Waikato, and on to Auckland. This evening, toast your tour together 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

  • Small Group Experience

    The tour includes a small group experience with a maximum of 16 guests.

  • Unforgettable Experiences

    The tour offers 7+ unforgettable experiences.

  • Included Meals

    The tour includes 13 meals.

  • Premium Accommodation

    Enjoy 7 nights of premium accommodation at QT Wellington, Porters Boutique Hotel, Pullman Rotorua, and QT Auckland.

  • Private Car Transfers

    Travel in style with private car transfers from Wellington Airport and to Auckland Airport.

  • Luxurious Vintage Car Tours

    Experience luxurious vintage car tours in Napier.

  • Guided Eco-Tours

    Enjoy guided eco-tours, including a cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest.

  • Te Pa Tu Maori Experience

    Embrace the traditional greeting of your hosts at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience.

  • Craggy Range Winery Dining

    Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range winery in Hawke's Bay.

  • Redwoods Treewalk

    Walk high among giant 120-year-old Redwood trees.

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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.

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

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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