The Endless Shores
The Endless Shores
$5075
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:
Tour code:
NZNI24
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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Flights
Flights are not included in the holiday price.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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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.
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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.
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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.