Northern Spotlight

This trip was headlined to us by AATKings, I have the trip details still, as a "Tailor made itinerary created for K & J Ross". We met the group at a Holiday Inn hotel in Auckland and we were 2 of 28 passengers: clearly this was never a "tailor made itinerary". The members of the tour changed many times, particularly on a return visit to the hotel in Auckland about a week later. Because the membership of the group often changed there wasn't that sense of commaradery that we've had on previous coach tours, which was a great disappointment. Also the quality of some of the hotels was very poor - in fact the Holiday Inn Auckland was one of the best. The driver was great; guide so-so: very waffly. Oddly at the beginning of the trip the guide suggested tips for the week of 8 to 10 $NZ per person per day for himself; and 7 to 9 for the driver. At the end of the trip he was suggesting 8 to 10 for both of them!!!

Generally well organised and above enjoyable. Tickets for all visits sorted out and so easy entry for visits. Knowledgeable guide and good coach drivers. Most hotels good especially a Bay of Islands as there was only one in Wellington where breakfast a disaster but this fault of hotel not AAT Kings. Good choice of activities the highlight for me was the visit to Hobbiton. Also a good crowd of people added to the experience.

Budget at best accommodation.

Accommodations were good and there were interesting excursions, both routine and optional. I liked the optional free day between travel days where we could choose what we wanted to do. As a solo traveller it would be nice to see a couple of options for socializing in early evening…….eg. to chat with others & hear about the excursions people had and what they enjoyed.

Very disappointed in the trip. Too rushed . Did not have time to have a proper lunch or have a look at the town we had stopped at as not enough time given there. The accommodation was average. Too small and old. The tour guide seemed to be glad the day was over so he got rid of us. Did not give good information about what we were doing. No concept of the fact that he had elderly people on this trip. Wanted us to walk everywhere. Would not book another trip with AAT Kings ever again.