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This great tour of New Zealand starts in the pretty city of Christchurch where you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Next day you will catch the TranzAlpine train to Arthu's Pass and cross the amazing Southern Alps. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before spending the night at Punakaiki Resort. This resort is right on the beach, on this wild and dramatic West Coast of New Zealand. From there to Franz Josef Glacier where you can take an optional flight or try a glacier hike before heading to Haast and across the Southern Alps to Queenstown. Here you will enjoy two great nights in this exciting city where the choice is yours! Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak Sheep station. Next to Te Anau and a cruise on the spectacular Milford Sound, there is also an option to see the Glowworm Caves on Lake Te Anau. Travel to historic Dunedin and visit Larnach Castle before heading to Mt. Cook National Park and the glaciers lakes of Tekapo and Pukaki before arriving in Christchurch. Travel along the coast to Kaikoura for some whale watching before arriving in Blenheim and a dinner at Allan Scott Wines. A visit to Picton and travel across the water to Wellington where you will have time to enjoy a city tour and a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. As you leave Wellington you will travel past Lake Taupo and Huka Falls to Rotorua for two nights. Here you will get the chance to see the geothermal reserves, enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi and concert and also have some free time to explore on your own. A short stop at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves before arriving in Auckland for a night and then on to the beautiful Bay of Islands for a lovely two nights in this beautiful part of the world. Time to explore, swim, snorkel and cruise to Cape Brett and hopefully through the 'Hole in the Rock' before heading back to Auckland for the final night of this trip. Tonight you will say farewell to your fellow travellers and hopefully be planning your next trip to this amazing country!
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| Tour Operator: | AAT Kings |
| Duration: | 18 nights |
| Pickup: | Christchurch at 0:00AM |
| Drop-off: | Auckland |
| Meals Included: | Breakfasts - 17
Lunches - 1
Dinners - 12 |
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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, ... |
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... |
| 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... |
| 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... |
Bay of Islands
2 nights |  The Bay of Islands is located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island as it stretches towards the Aupouri Peninsula, Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga where the Pacific Ocean mixes with the Tasman Sea. It is one of the Northland Region’s most popular tourist destinations attracting local... |
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... |
Copthorne Hotel and Resort
2 nights |  The Copthorne Hotel has a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands and offers uninterrupted views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens. It is a perfect base to enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer. Whether it is golf, fishing or mountain biking riding, the ... |
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... |
| Waitangi Treaty Grounds |  The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are the Birthplace (Te Pitowhenua) of New Zealand. It was here on February 6th, 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown. The Treaty Grounds are part of the 506 hectare Waitangi National Trust estate, which was gifted to th... |
| 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... |
| Tongariro National Park |  The snow capped volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park dominate the skyline of New Zealand’s central North Island region. Surrounded by spectacular scenery the area is a popular sight-seeing, hiking and skiing location and attracts almost one million visitors from around the world per year w... |
| 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 ... |
| 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... |
| Mount Ruapehu |  Located amongst some of the most beautiful and unusual landscapes in New Zealand, the active volcano of Mount Ruapehu forms part of the Tongariro National Park and lies in the central region of the North Island approximately 40 kilometres south of Lake Taupo. Mount Ruapehu is the highest point of N... |
| 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... |
| 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 ... |
| 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... |
| 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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