| Countries Visited:
New Zealand |
Tour Type: Premium
Tour Duration: 15 Days (14 Nights)
From: Auckland to Christchurch
Tour Code: ZAAC
Operator: AAT Kings |
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 Click Map To Enlarge
Tour Description
Discover the best of New Zealand's North and South Islands on AAT King's premium 15 day New Zealand Splendour coach tour. Highlights include touring the Waitomo Caves, a unique Maori culture experience with The Realm of Tane in Rotorua, cruising on Milford Sound and plenty of free time to discover the Bay of Islands, Queenstown, Wellington & historic Dunedin. Tour Inclusions:
- Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts, reclining seats, panoramic windows
- Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
- Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels
- Admissions Outlined in the Itinerary
- Full Buffet Breakfasts (14) (B)
- 'You Are Invited' Lunch (1) (L) & Dinner (1) (D)
- Exciting Highlight Dinners (2) (HD)
- Hotel Dinners (5) (D)
- Farewell Dinners (1) (FD)
- Welcome Reception
- Travel Wallet and Map
- Hotel Porterage Included
- Airport Transfers Included (Day 1 from Auckland Airport – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm; Day 15 to Christchurch Airport – flights anytime)
Included Tour Highlights:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
On arrival at Auckland Airport you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of your day is at leisure. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and dinner at the top of the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, Auckland's Skytower at Orbit, a revolving restaurant with 360 degree views of the city. Stay: SkyCity Grand Hotel, Auckland (D) |
Day
2 |
Auckland – Waitomo Caves - Rotorua
After a sightseeing tour of Auckland, head south to trace New Zealand's longest river, the Waikato, to the Waitomo Caves to visit the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. A local guide will lead you through the grotto by boat and you'll walk in the limestone caves. Your journey continues to Rotorua. On arrival an orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. Tonight experience The Realm of Tane and then you are invited to a Maori Hangi feast and concert at the Tamaki Family Marae. Stay: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
3 |
Rotorua
Start the day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with stunning views over Lake Rotorua. Visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. See volcanic craters, steaming ground and bubbling mud pools on an exclusive guided tour of the geothermal valley. You'll also see the world-famous Lady Knox Geyser erupt! Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B) |
Day
4 |
Rotorua - Wellington
Travelling from the mountains to the sea, you’ll view the Huka Falls and drive along the shores of Lake Taupo. Travel through the alpine scenery of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park, Manawatu & the Kapiti Coast. On arrival in Wellington we have a city sights tour, and take in the panoramic views from the top of Mt. Victoria. Stay: Travelodge Wellington (B/D) |
Day
5 |
Wellington - Blenheim
This morning you can explore Wellington before you visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, with time to discover it yourself. Later, cruise the Cook Strait into tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. The seaside village of Picton is next, then Blenheim for a city tour. Enjoy a tasting, tour and Highlight Dinner at Georges Michel Wine Estate, a family owned and run winery. Stay: Scenic Hotel Marlborough, Blenheim. (B/HD) |
Day
6 |
Kaikoura – Christchurch
En route to the whale-watching haven of Kaikoura, you’ll pass the Grassmere Salt Works and see New Zealand fur seals up close at Ohau Point. Travel to Christchurch and see the extensive work carried out to the rebuild the city after the earthquake of February 2011. Continue to Darfield and your alpine resort in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Stay: Terrace Downs Resort, Darfield (B) |
Day
7 |
Mt Cook
You are invited to enjoy a taste of country life at a barbecue lunch on Morelea Farm, a typical working sheep farm. You'll be welcomed into the home of your hosts Angie and Stan Taylor and their 240 hectare garden. Later see Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the alpine scenery of Mt Cook National Park. There's time for an optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook (weather permitting). Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama (B/L/D) |
Day
8 |
Dunedin
Start your day with a drive along the Waitaki River. View the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. Travel through Oamaru, with its famous white limestone buildings, to Dunedin for a tour of the city. Your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take a Wildlife Cruise to see the Penguins and the Royal Albatross, visit the Cadbury Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, Dunedin (B/D) |
Day
9 |
Dunedin – Te Anau
You'll have the opportunity to visit New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, and its stunning gardens first up today. Enjoy some free time in town before travelling across rich fertile sheep-filled farming land to Te Anau, on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake. A visit to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves is an option tonight. Stay: Distinction Hotel, Te Anau (B/D) |
Day
10 |
Milford Sound
You’ll be awe-struck by the magnificence of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Amazing photo opportunities await you as you see rainforest, ancient glaciers, mountain ranges and the handmade Homer Tunnel. Pass the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm. Your cruise on mystical Milford Sound will take you past Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak. Afterwards, travel over the Devil’s Staircase, along the shores of Lake Wakatipu on your way to Queenstown. An orientation tour of New Zealand’s adventure capital finishes this highlight day. Stay: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (2 nights) (B) |
Day
11 |
Queenstown
Explore action-packed, adventure capital Queenstown at your leisure. Take it easy with a wine or garden tour, or walk on the wild side with a jet boat ride and white water rafting. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station for a carvery Highlight Dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. An entertaining after-dinner farm show provides a glimpse into highcountry farm life. (B/HD) |
Day
12 |
Franz Josef Glacier
Visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, on the Arrow River, previously one of the world’s richest rivers. Enjoy the tastes of delicious stone fruit at Cromwell, the stone fruit capital. See a trio of lakes, Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka. Travel over the Haast Pass, view amazing Thunder Creek Falls and take a small rainforest walk. Then it’s on to Franz Josef Glacier, the world’s most accessible glacier. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (B/D) |
Day
13 |
Franz Josef – Punakaiki
There is time this morning to explore Franz Josef Glacier. You can see it from the air on an optional flight (weather permitting) or take a glacier hike! Depart for Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade), for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. Later, travel to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You’ll stay in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. Stay: Punakaiki Resort (B/D) |
Day
14 |
TranzAlpine – Christchurch
Enjoy some free time before travelling via Greymouth to Arthur’s Pass where you’ll board the TranzAlpine train, one of the top six train journeys in the world, to travel through the Southern Alps to your accommodation in Darfield. Join your Tour Director and new-found friends this evening for a Farewell Dinner. Stay: Terrace Downs Resort, Darfield (B/FD) |
Day
15 |
Depart Christchurch
Your tour concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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Itinerary is based on 2012/13 departures. Click on the icon to the left if you would like to view the brochure online. |
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012/13 Season Sale! Save up to $730 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking. |
| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 05 Oct 2012 |
19 Oct 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 09 Oct 2012 |
23 Oct 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 12 Oct 2012 |
26 Oct 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 16 Oct 2012 |
30 Oct 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 19 Oct 2012 |
02 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 21 Oct 2012 |
04 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 23 Oct 2012 |
06 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 26 Oct 2012 |
09 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 30 Oct 2012 |
13 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 02 Nov 2012 |
16 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 06 Nov 2012 |
20 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 09 Nov 2012 |
23 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 13 Nov 2012 |
27 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 16 Nov 2012 |
30 Nov 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 20 Nov 2012 |
04 Dec 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 23 Nov 2012 |
07 Dec 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 27 Nov 2012 |
11 Dec 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 30 Nov 2012 |
14 Dec 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 04 Dec 2012 |
18 Dec 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 11 Dec 2012 |
25 Dec 2012 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 18 Dec 2012 |
01 Jan 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 21 Dec 2012 |
04 Jan 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 25 Dec 2012 |
08 Jan 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 28 Dec 2012 |
11 Jan 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 01 Jan 2013 |
15 Jan 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 04 Jan 2013 |
18 Jan 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 08 Jan 2013 |
22 Jan 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 11 Jan 2013 |
25 Jan 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 15 Jan 2013 |
29 Jan 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 18 Jan 2013 |
01 Feb 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 22 Jan 2013 |
05 Feb 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 25 Jan 2013 |
08 Feb 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 29 Jan 2013 |
12 Feb 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 01 Feb 2013 |
15 Feb 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 05 Feb 2013 |
19 Feb 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 08 Feb 2013 |
22 Feb 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 12 Feb 2013 |
26 Feb 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 15 Feb 2013 |
01 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 19 Feb 2013 |
05 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 22 Feb 2013 |
08 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 26 Feb 2013 |
12 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 01 Mar 2013 |
15 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 05 Mar 2013 |
19 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 08 Mar 2013 |
22 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 12 Mar 2013 |
26 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 15 Mar 2013 |
29 Mar 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 19 Mar 2013 |
02 Apr 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 22 Mar 2013 |
05 Apr 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 26 Mar 2013 |
09 Apr 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 02 Apr 2013 |
16 Apr 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 09 Apr 2013 |
23 Apr 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 16 Apr 2013 |
30 Apr 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 23 Apr 2013 |
07 May 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
| 30 Apr 2013 |
14 May 2013 |
AU $4,545 |
AU $5,725 |
Save $365 |
AU $4,180 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials. |
Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts! |
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Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: AAT Kings
An AAT Kings escorted coach tour is the hassle-free freeway to holiday. Everything has been arranged in advance so travellers don't have to worry about getting lost, finding attractions and reading maps or speeding tickets. On an AAT Kings tour, there is a perfect balance of planned sightseeing and free time for independent exploration or just relaxing and doing nothing at all.
Tour Type: Premium
AAT Kings Guided tours are packed with quality inclusions and unique experiences. We give you more in every way which lets you experience all each destination has to offer in a 'no compromise' way. Central hotel locations, near the sights, quality accommodation & comfort with superior facilities & special places to stay with included meals like breakfast daily and most other meals, plus special meals like Highlight dinners & 'You are invited' experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, AAT Kings have one of the newest coach fleets in Australia. Their modern and luxurious Mercedes Benz and Scania coaches are equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, seatbelts, restrooms, two door access, ample legroom and large panoramic windows, so you won't miss a thing.
AAT Kings have designated certain departures as Guaranteed Departures, which means they have reached minimum passenger numbers and will definitely run as scheduled. Global Journeys continue to add Guaranteed Departure status to tours online as they achieve minimum numbers. If you book on a non Guaranteed Departure AAT Kings will determine if the tour will operate no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. If the tour is withdrawn we will work to offer you a suitable alternative. If you aren't happy with the options offered any money paid on your booking will be refunded.
This depends on the touring style you are booking. You will receive paper documents in a complimentary leather travel wallet as well as luggage labels and a useful booklet containing valuable holiday information. You will also receive a map of the region you are visiting when you get on tour.
Documents for AAT Kings guided tours are delivered to the hotel or address you are staying at prior to your tour depending on the tour type chosen. We also provide you with a tour itinerary and arrival instructions by email, once we have all your flight information and personal details.
To suit all different holiday styles AAT Kings offer a range of different touring types.
- Guided tours are guided by a Tour Director and Driver and include more luxurious accommodation and facilities, more meals and exclusive dining experiences as well as extra sightseeing and cultural highlights.
- Best Buys tours are designed to offer value for money with clean and comfortable accommodation, breakfast daily, some dinners and plenty or free time, while also benefiting from an expert Tour Director and Driver throughout.
Over half your meals are included on our tours, like hearty breakfasts and many delicious dinners.
Breakfast is included daily on all tours and generally comprises of cereals, fruit juices and a selection of cooked dishes such as eggs, bacon and sausages, plus, toast, preserves, tea and coffee. Many dinners are also included and always provide choice with either quality buffet or a la carte menu to choose from. Dinner is also always accompanied by dessert options and tea and coffee.
There are some meals we intentionally don't include, like lunches and some dinners. We give you the flexibility to explore in your free time and try all kinds of local tastes.
On Premium tours we also include special Highlight Dinners that are an experience in their own right, like a traditional Maori Hangi feast.'You are invited' are our newly introduced dining concepts. They give travellers on our Premium Guided tours, unique meal experiences, with the opportunity to feel the true essence of a destination through its history, its locals and its produce.
With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles there is no set age or type who travel with AAT, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on our Guided tours.
There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40.
As AAT Kings is sold internationally you will also find that there are people from all over the world on their tours, particularly North Americans, British, Europeans and many Asian nations.
Depending on the tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from fewer than 21 people up to 50 people, so there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends.
While it's not compulsory in New Zealand, tipping is becoming an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis. Likewise on your AAT Kings tour, if you feel that your Tour Director, Driver, Driver guide or Private cook has done an excellent job, then we would recommend tipping up to the equivalent of NZ $7 per day. However, it's not compulsory. It is up to you!
The beauty of travelling with AAT Kings is that you won't be travelling alone. You'll have a group of like-minded travellers and soon to be friends to share in the experience with. They also offer a room matching service on all tours so you don't have to pay a single room supplement. AAT Kings room matching service means they will work to match you with another solo traveller of the same sex but if they can't they will provide a single room at no extra cost.
Yes, they can accommodate children, however they must be over 6 years of age. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. AAT Kings do recommend that people travelling with children consider whether the itinerary is suitable, in particular the activities involved and the duration of the tour to ensure children's comfort.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on AAT Kings including more FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on what to expect on tour, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Airport Transfer Information
Free Airport Transfers
AAT Kings offers a hotel or airport transfer at the start and end of your tour, or in-conjunction with pre or post accommodation booked with Global Journeys & AAT Kings. All flight information must be given to Global Journeys at least 6 weeks prior to departure so that transfers can be booked. If you book your own pre or post accommodation then transfers cannot be included.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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