Jewels of the Bay
Jewels of the Bay
Tour Overview
This adventure may be short, but it’s certainly sweet. Think of it as a travel amuse bouche – a taster to inspire further trips to New Zealand. In just 72 hours on this NZ holiday you pack in a lot of attractions, from Auckland’s windswept harbour, dotted with yacht sails, to the gem-like Bay of Islands, its archipelago of subtropical islets ideally explored on a cruise. Wherever this NZ tour takes you, expect a dose of heritage and Maori culture. Discover how and where New Zealand became a member of the Commonwealth and explore the streets of the country’s first European settlement and seaport.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland - Bay Of Islands
Location: Auckland
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: Bay of Islands
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
What's Not Included
Flights to and from the start and end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
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 historical significance does the Bay of Islands hold?
The Bay of Islands is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. This site is significant in New Zealand's history, and your guide, likely a descendant of one of the original signatories, will explain its importance.
-
What 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 ride the waves aboard a historic tallship with a glass of New Zealand wine in hand or take a mini-tour around the romantic town of Russell, New Zealand's first permanent European settlement and seaport. Your Travel Director can provide additional touring tips and dining recommendations.
-
What can I expect to see in Whangarei?
In Whangarei, you can explore a place where waterfalls meet beaches and galleries meet museums. It offers a snapshot of New Zealand's union of nature and forward-thinking culture.
-
Are flights included in the trip price?
No, flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the trip price. However, return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes centrally located premium 4 to 4.5-star hotels. Specifically, you will stay at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort in the Bay of Islands.
-
What should I pack for the tour?
You should pack comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, warm layers for cooler months, and a camera.
-
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
1 Select your preferred date
2025 Dec
2025 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026 Jan
2027 Feb
2027 Mar
2027 Apr
2027
Saturday - Monday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025Saturday - Monday
Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 15, 2025Saturday - Monday
Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 16, 2026Saturday - Monday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 09, 2026Saturday - Monday
Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 06, 2026Saturday - Monday
Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 21, 2026Saturday - Monday
Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 19, 2026Saturday - Monday
Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026Saturday - Monday
Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026Saturday - Monday
Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 07, 2026Saturday - Monday
Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026Saturday - Monday
Dec 26, 2026 - Dec 28, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jan 02, 2027 - Jan 04, 2027Saturday - Monday
Jan 09, 2027 - Jan 11, 2027Saturday - Monday
Jan 16, 2027 - Jan 18, 2027Saturday - Monday
Feb 06, 2027 - Feb 08, 2027Saturday - Monday
Feb 13, 2027 - Feb 15, 2027Saturday - Monday
Feb 20, 2027 - Feb 22, 2027Saturday - Monday
Feb 27, 2027 - Mar 01, 2027Saturday - Monday
Mar 06, 2027 - Mar 08, 2027Saturday - Monday
Mar 13, 2027 - Mar 15, 2027Saturday - Monday
Mar 20, 2027 - Mar 22, 2027Saturday - Monday
Apr 03, 2027 - Apr 05, 2027Book 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.