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Northern Spotlight
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Length
8 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Auckland (New Zealand)
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Ends in
Wellington (New Zealand)
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Available Tour Start Dates
NOV 28, 2026 to MAR 17, 2029
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$2,803.68
Overview
Discover the best of New Zealand’s North Island on this immersive journey from vibrant Auckland to the capital city of Wellington. Explore the stunning Bay of Islands, uncover Māori heritage at the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, marvel at Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes and cultural traditions, and travel through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, including Lake Taupō and the Waitomo region.
Visited During Tour
Auckland (New Zealand) | Bay of Islands (New Zealand) | Rotorua (New Zealand) | Wellington (New Zealand)
Dates, Offers & Prices Dates
Tour Itinerary Itinerary
More Details Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Northern Spotlight tour dates available from Costsaver. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
Costsaver Tour Code 586-1498
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Day
1Welcome to Auckland
Kia ora and welcome to Auckland, a city that’s easy to get swept up in. Arrive at your own pace and start exploring when you’re ready. You could wander the waterfront, watch the yachts glide by and grab a bite in the harbourside precincts. Or keep it simple and save your energy for what’s ahead. Tonight, meet your Travel Director who’ll give you the lowdown on the adventure to come. You’ll get the key details, a few handy local tips and a chance to meet your fellow travellers before you hit the road tomorrow.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre -
Day
2Auckland - Bay of Islands
Wave goodbye to the ‘City of Sails’ and head north to the Bay of Islands, where turquoise water wraps around more than 140 islands. It’s a stunner, with a story to match. At Waitangi, you’ll step into one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. You’ll be welcomed onto the grounds with a powerful cultural performance. Your Local Guide will bring the place to life, sharing the meaning behind the site, pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and showing you a beautifully carved meeting house.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel and Resort -
Day
3Bay of Islands Free Time
Today is yours to shape, and the Bay of Islands is the perfect playground. Fancy going big? Choose a full-day Choice Experience up to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, travelling via the dreamy sweep of Ninety Mile Beach. Prefer to stay on the water? Jump on a Choice Experience with a scenic cruise among the islands with lunch, plus a visit to the iconic Hole in the Rock. Or slow things down with another Choice Experience of a tour of Russell to hear stories of early settlement and seaside life. However you spend it, keep your camera close. This place delivers.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel and Resort -
Day
4Bay of Islands - Auckland
On the way back south, you’ll get a taste of Northland’s easy charm. Stop in Whangārei, a coastal city that blends nature with a creative, forward-looking vibe. Stretch your legs, browse local spots and enjoy a little free time to explore at your own pace. Then settle in for the scenic drive back to Auckland, watching the landscapes shift from rural green to city buzz. Tonight, you’re back where it all began, with a chance to recharge and maybe tick off a few last sights, eats and waterfront views.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre -
Day
5Auckland - Rotorua
After a look at Auckland’s highlights, point the coach towards Waitomo Caves for a truly magical ride. Glide through underground waterways as thousands of glowworms light up the darkness like a living sky. Then it’s on to Rotorua, where the earth bubbles, steams and pops. At Te Puia, explore a geothermal valley and dive into Māori culture on a guided experience. You’ll enjoy a stirring performance inside a carved meeting house, see the mighty Pōhutu Geyser and finish with a buffet dinner of locally sourced hāngī-inspired flavours.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Ibis -
Day
6Rotorua Free Time
Rotorua is packed with options, and today you can choose your own pace. Want pure relaxation? Slip into holiday mode at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa and soak it all in. Chasing movie magic? Join a Choice Experience to Hobbiton and wander the Shire sets from The Lord of the Rings films. Even if you’re not a superfan, the rolling countryside is worth the trip. Your Travel Director will have plenty of tips, from scenic walks to places to eat. Whether you go full-on or keep it chilled, you’ll finish the day feeling refreshed.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Ibis -
Day
7Rotorua - Wellington
You’ll hear Huka Falls before you see it. Every second, an astonishing 220,000 litres of water roar through the narrow gorge and plunge 11 m (36 ft) down. Next, soak up the wide-open views of Lake Taupō, a vivid sweep of blue that looks almost unreal. Then follow the road south along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand’s cool little capital. This city loves good food, great coffee and a night out, so you’ll want local intel. Luckily, your Travel Director has the tips, from hidden bars to must-try spots for dinner.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: James Cook Grand Chancellor -
Day
8Farewell from Wellington
Wellington is known for its uber-cool cafes, so grab a coffee before you head out on your city sights tour. After the tour, bid farewell to your NZ crew. You may wish to depart directly, or if you have time, linger in town, discovering Māori culture at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand (entrance fee applies).
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Costsaver is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Northern Spotlight tour:
Travelers Notes
* NEW ZEALAND: USA passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for New Zealand. It must be obtained on-line prior to departure from the Country of Origin. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure. * IMPORTANT: Please see important Visa details sent with your invoice.* ARRIVAL: Arrive into Auckland International Airport (AKL) no later than 16:00. Trip starts at 18:00.* DEPARTURE: Depart from Wellington Airport (WLG). Trip ends at 12:00. Flights to depart after 14:00.* TRANSFERS: Chargeable transfers available for guests who have booked their extra hotel nights with Costsaver. Guests booking independent hotel nights will need to make their own transfer arrangements.* FITNESS REQUIREMENT: Low-medium level of fitness required. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. As well as walking, there will be considerable time standing.* TE PUIA - TE PO EXPERIENCE: Involves walking around 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) at a slow pace. The terrain is gravel paths, boardwalks and uneven natural ground in some places.* GROUND HANDLER: This trip operates by AAT Kings.* NOTE: This Trip falls under LEVEL 1. Please review the Deposit, Payment and Cancellation fees policies on our website.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Costsaver. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Costsaver (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.