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This fifteen day tour of New Zealand will introduce you to some of the best sights in New Zealand. From the beautiful and majestic Milford Sound, in the Fiordland National Park to the geothermal area of Rotorua this trip will surprise and delight you. After arriving in Christchurch you will catch the Tranz Alpine Train the next day to Arthur’s Pass and pass through the Southern Alps. You will see the Pancake Rocks and Blowhole before heading to Punakaiki Resort for the night. This hotel is right on the beach on this wild West Coast (some of the rooms are across the road and some on the beach front). The view from the lounge bar is amazing particularly when the weather is wild! From there, travel to Franz Josef Glacier, where you have an opportunity to take a scenic flight or a glacier hike. Next you head over the mountains to Arrowtown for a quick stop before heading into Queenstown. The view across Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkables and the other mountains is simply fantastic. Queenstown is a great place to visit, it is a party town, an adventure town and for everyone else just a terrific place to stay. Now for the truly magnificent trip to Milford Sound, over the Devil’s Staircase, and see Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, to mention a few. Next to historic Dunedin and a visit to Larnach Castle before heading north once more, to Mt. Cook National Park and on to Lake Pukaki and LakeTekapo and on over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Some time in this lovely city to please yourself, check out the Art Gallery or take a ride on the Gondola.
Travel up the East Coast to Kaikoura where you can take an optional scenic flight before heading to Blenheim and the Marlborough famous for their sauvignon blancs. Across on the ferry to Wellington, and a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand and a city sights tour. Next you travel along the Kapiti Coast, en route to Taupo and Rotorua. There is plenty of time here to enjoy Maori Culture and the geothermal area before heading to the Waitomo Caves en route to Auckland where the tour ends.
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| Tour Operator: | AAT Kings |
| Duration: | 15 nights |
| Pickup: | Christchurch at 0:00AM |
| Drop-off: | Auckland |
| Meals Included: | Breakfasts - 14
Lunches - 1
Dinners - 11 |
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| Itinerary | Accommodation | Attractions |  |
Christchurch
1 night |  The friendly and welcoming university-city of Christchurch is often referred to as New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’, and is located just north of the midpoint on the east coast of the South Island. For air travellers Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and is situated in an ideal location as... |
| Arthur's Pass |  Arthurs Pass is a small alpine village of approximately 50 residents and is snuggled amidst the steep hillsides of the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island. The village is located 5 kilometres south of the pass, at approximately 740 metres above sea level, between Mount O’Malley and Avalanch... |
Punakaiki
1 night |  Punakaiki is a small settlement which is located on the rugged west coast of the South Island, and lies between Westport and Greymouth on the scenic ‘Coast Road’, that runs along the edge of the turbulent Tasman Sea. It stands on the southern boundary of the Paparoa National Park which protects a l... |
| Greymouth |  Greymouth stands on the west coast of the South Island, at the mouth of the River Grey as it enters the Tasman Sea. Named after the river, this small city of approximately 10,000 residents is the main population, cultural, commercial and economic centre of the region and an important transport hub, ... |
| Hokitika |  The historic township of Hokitika is a seaside town and stands on the northern bank and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River on the west coast of South Island. Backed by the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps and adjacent to the pounding surf of the Tasman Sea, the town of Hokitika is a pop... |
Franz Josef
1 night |  Franz Josef Glacier Village, which was once known as Waiho after the river which flows from the glacier to the sea, is located approximately 5 kilometres away from the face of the Franz Josef Glacier. It is located on the west coast of the South Island in the Westland National Park approximately 19... |
| Haast |  Haast is located in one of the worlds’ most remote locations, adjacent to the beautiful and rugged Mount Aspiring National Park, in the heart of the South West New Zealand U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Area. It is a small community of approximately 300 residents that stretches over a 50 kilometre rad... |
| Arrowtown |  The historic and picturesque gold mining centre of Arrowtown transports its many visitors back to the mid 19th century through its authentic old wooden buildings that line Buckingham Street and the lanes and arcades around it. Located amongst the rolling hills of the Wakatipu Basin and the Southern... |
Queenstown
2 nights |  The beautiful city of Queenstown is the ‘Adventure Capital’ of New Zealand. Standing on the banks of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the magnificent snow-capped Remarkable Mountains, this picturesque city is New Zealand’s premier holiday destination and offers an unlimited variety of outdoor advent... |
Te Anau
1 night |  Te Anau is a town of only 1960 residents and is located on the south-eastern shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in New Zealand’s South Island. The town is overlooked by Mount Luxmore and the Murchinson Mountains and lies on the eastern boundary of the Fiordland National Park, which is part of... |
Dunedin
1 night |  The historic city of Dunedin lies on the south-east coast of New Zealand’s South Island and is well known for its heritage architecture, beautiful gardens and fantastic location. It is the second largest city on the South Island being home to approximately 115,000 residents and is the principal cit... |
Twizel
1 night | Twizel is a small town which is located at the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. It lies in Mackenzie Country, a spectacularly beautiful sparsely populated area of treeless rolling grasslands, huge glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. The area extends for approximately 100 kilometres from t... |
| Lake Tekapo |  The small community of Lake Tekapo, which is home to approximately 300 residents, stands on the southern shores of Lake Tekapo close to the Tekapo River, which is the main outflow of the lake. The village overlooks the unusual azure-coloured lake, the picturesque golden tussock covered rolling high... |
Christchurch
1 night | The friendly and welcoming university-city of Christchurch is often referred to as New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’, and is located just north of the midpoint on the east coast of the South Island. For air travellers Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and is situated in an ideal location as... |
| Kaikoura |  The seaside town of Kaikoura is a popular ecotourism centre and is well known as one of the world’s best whale watching locations. It lies approximately 185 kilometres north of Christchurch on a narrow coastal strip of land between the sea and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. Off the coast of Kaikoura ... |
Blenheim
1 night |  Blenheim is located at the confluence of the Taylor and Opawa Rivers in the north-eastern corner of the South Island. It is recognised as the main administrative, commercial and economic centre of the Marlborough region and is the area’s transport hub as the town stands at the junction of State Hig... |
| Picton |  Picton is a small coastal town located at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound in the north-eastern area of New Zealand’s South Island. It is the main port of entry for inter-island ferries from Wellington, and as such attributes to Queen Charlotte Sound being the busiest of the waterways which ma... |
Wellington
1 night |  New Zealand’s charming and compact capital city of Wellington stands on the shores of a picturesque and protected harbour and is surrounded by rolling green hills, and overlooks the Cook Strait and distant mountain ranges. It is a small city of only 380,000 residents and is located at the tip of th... |
| Taupo |  The busy resort town of Taupo is the main centre of the Lake Taupo area which is one of New Zealand’s major tourist destinations attracting approximately 750,000 visitors per year. The area has been settled for centuries by the local Maori who were attracted here for the thermal springs, which toda... |
Rotorua
2 nights |  Historically known as a spa town, the world famous city of Rotorua stands on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua and is part of the centrally located Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand’s North Island. It is a busy, cosmopolitan tourist destination and is known as the heartland of the Maori culture... |
| Waitomo Caves Village |  Situated just 200 kilometres south of Auckland is the picturesque community of Waitomo Caves Village. It is a small rural village of approximately 500 residents which is famous for its limestone caves and glow-worm grotto. It is a busy tourist centre and the main hub for the ever popular Waitomo C... |
Auckland
1 night |  Auckland is the largest and most populated city in New Zealand, although not the designated capital, which is proudly held by the city of Wellington. Located in a beautifully scenic area on a narrow volcanic isthmus separating two harbours, the cosmopolitan and vibrant city/port of Auckland is loca... |
Novotel Hotel
1 night |  The Novotel Hotel is situated right on Cathedral Square and offers guests a very central location. The tram stops right outside the hotel and most attractions are within easy walking distance as well. The hotel has a modern tower built alongside an historic heritage-listed building and sits on the... |
Punakaiki Resort
1 night |  Punakaiki Resort is tucked into the northern end of Punakaiki beach, just 50 metres from the high tide mark, and 300 metres south of the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. It is a wild and beautiful coastline and the Resort certainly makes the most of their position on the beach. The main buildin... |
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
1 night |  Te Waonui Forest Retreat is an eco friendly hotel surrounded by rain forest, nestled between the mountains and the sea. Great care has been taken to not only respect and preserve the environment around the hotel, but to celebrate and embrace the raiforest within the hotel's design. Throughout the ... |
Millennium Hotel
2 nights |  The Millenium Hotel is situated on Frankton Road which is the main road into Queenstown. It is an easy fifteen minute walk down the hill into town where the main shopping, entertainment and night life is but a much slower one up the hill late at night if you are tired, however the brisk Queenstown ... |
Distinction Hotel
1 night |  The hotel is located two minutes from Te Anau's town centre, almost on the shores of Lake Te Anau, with spectacular views across the lake to Fiordland National Park. The area is truly magnificent and if you want to spend some time exploring Te Anau is as close as you can stay. The hotel has recent... |
Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
1 night |  The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is located in an historic landmark building dating back to 1883. Having been recently refurbished, the hotel offers a charming decor with all the modern comforts guests expect. The staff are friendly and efficient. Be sure to try their restaurants or bar, there is ... |
MacKenzie Country Inn
1 night |  The MacKenzie Country Inn is just off the main highway at Twizel and offers guests a quiet and comfortable place to rest and relax. Surrounded by the stunning mountains of the Southern Alps it is hard to know where to look first. As with other parts of New Zealand the scenery is spectacular. |
Novotel Hotel
1 night | The Novotel Hotel is situated right on Cathedral Square and offers guests a very central location. The tram stops right outside the hotel and most attractions are within easy walking distance as well. The hotel has a modern tower built alongside an historic heritage-listed building and sits on the... |
Chateau Marlborough
1 night |  Chateau Marlborough is centrally located overlooking Seymour Square Gardens. It offers guests boutique style accommodation with well appointed suites and apartments. The decor is contemporary and comfortable, the service is friendly and efficient. The Chateau is a good place to stay and a great l... |
Novotel Hotel Wellington
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Millennium Hotel
2 nights |  Millennium Hotel Rotorua is perfectly located on the edge of the CBD overlooking mystical Lake Rotorua. Just a brief stroll to the Rotorua town centre, Polynesian Spa and other key tourist activities. They are proud to be a founding member of the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter, supporting sus... |
Stamford Plaza Hotel
1 night |  Stamford Plaza is centrally located in Auckland, near Queen Street Shopping District, sky tower, and Auckland City Hall. It is also within easy walking distance to Waitemata Harbour and Vector Arena. It has all the facilities you would expect from a hotel of this standard including heated indoor s... |
| Te Puia, the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute |  The Maori people welcome visitors to their place, to hear their stories and to enjoy their unique culture. Te Puia is home to the internationally renowned Pohutu geyser, the National carving and weaving schools and the world famous Whakarewarewa guides.
The history and culture of the Maori peopl... |
| Huka Falls |  The Huka Falls are located in Wairakei Tourist Park around 5 kilometres (or five minutes drive) north of Taupo following the Waikato River. They are a very popular with tourists and well worth a visit. There is a 30 minute riverside walk and along the way there are several viewing platforms availa... |
| Waitomo Caves | The Waitomo Caves are one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions and are located approximately one hour drive south of Hamilton on the west coast of the North Island. Access to the caves is obtained from the Waitomo Caves Village which offers several ways to experience this labyrinth of ... |
| Te Papa Tongarewa - Museum of New Zealand | The Te Papa Museum is the national museum of New Zealand and can be found in Cable Street, on the waterfront of Wellington. It is one of Wellington’s major cultural attractions and is a popular tourist destination. This innovative museum is known for its unique and exciting range of exhibitions an... |
| Christchurch | Ride through the city centre in the delightful restored vintage trams while your driver gives an informative commentary. You can leave the tram at any one of the 11 stops, rejoining it later. Tickets last for two consecutive days so you will have plenty of time to explore the sites of the city. F... |
| Larnach Castle | Perched high on a ridge of the Otago Peninsula 10 kilometres east of Dunedin in New Zealand’s South Island, Larnach Castle clearly surveys the tremendous scenery and activities of Otago harbour - at least that’s why it was built here in the 1870’s by William Larnach!! Mr. Larnach was a prominent po... |
| Franz Josef Glacier |  The Franz Josef Glacier and its valley can boast some of the most spectacular scenery in the Westland National Park, which itself is part of the South West New Zealand U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Area. This glacial region of the Southern Alps attracts approximately 250,000 visitors per year making ... |
| Jade Factory |  Hokitika, on the rugged West Coast of the South Island, is where you'll find another Jade Factory location. The West Coast is the source of all New Zealand jade or Pounamu. It is found as alluvial boulders in rivers from Greymouth to Haast Pass and insitu seams and veins high in the mountains of Sou... |
| Church of the Good Shepherd |  The Church lies on the shore of Lake Tekapo and was built in 1935. Prior to this church services were held at the various station homesteads in the Mackenzie. In 1933 some residents wrote to the Anglican Vestry asking for a church to be built and backed their suggestion with generous promises of m... |
| Milford Sound | Milford Sound is the most famous and easily accessible fjord of New Zealand’s pristine south west wilderness area. It is for some, considered to be the 8th wonder of the world, and is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions with over 500,000 visitors each year enjoying its spectacular... |
| Pancoke Rocks and Blowholes | The Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are a major tourist destination on the West Coast and are definately worth a visit. The Pancake Rocks are columns of limestone resembling stacks of pancakes. At high tide with a heavy swell running, seawater is forced upwards through the blowholes, and there is also... |
| TSS Earnslaw |  |
| Agrodome |  The Agrodome offers visitors an opportunity to see the life of a New Zealand farmer. It is situated just north of Rotorua city on a scenic 160 hectare sheep and beef farm.
Visit the Agrodome Sheep Show an exciting and informative insight into the world of New Zealand agriculture, featuring 19 b... |
| Realm of Tane |  Tamaki Maori Village is proud to present this powerful new chapter within New Zealand's heritage story. 'Te Waoku a Tane', the Realm of Tane, is a dramatic blend of guided tour, character theatre and story telling, told within a series of magical indoor sets including a meeting house entrance, a be... |
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