AAT Kings New Zealand Marvel Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. Flights can arrive any time prior to 4.00pm and you will be transferred from the airport to your Christchurch hotel. After you check-in, you can head out and explore Christchurch. This evening, you will meet everyone at a welcome reception at your hotel. 

Some suggested excursions if you have time

Meals: Welcome Reception

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

Embark this morning on one of the top six train journeys in the world, on board the TranzAlpine. Spanning the width of the South Island, this journey showcases spectacular gorges, ribbon-like rivers, massive viaducts and soaring peaks – don’t forget your camera! Then, journey to Hokitika home of the native greenstone (jade) for a Factory Visit to see local artists at work. Next stop is Franz Josef Glacier (optional scenic Franz Josef Glacier flight available).

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 night

This morning you can choose to walk through the small but lively Franz Josef village. Later on you will leave Franz and follow an ancient greenstone trail to Thunder Creek Falls and Mt Hooker. Travel over Haast Pass, then continue past the trio of lakes - Lake Dunstan, Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. From here it's on to Cromwell where you'll get to try delicious stone fruit - peaches, plums, apricots, cherries - at a local orchard. Later you will visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, located on the Arrow River. The final stop is Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand- enjoy a sightseeing tour.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 nights

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and ringed by towering mountains, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s ultimate holiday destinations. Today you can choose one from a range of included choice sightseeing experiences. You have the option to ride the Shotover Jet on Lake Wakatipu, join a wine tour, play 9 holes of golf or take a Gondola Ride to the Skyline.

This evening cruise aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet barbecue ‘highlight dinner’ at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner an entertaining farm show gives insight into high-country farm life.
 

Recommended excursions around Queenstown:

Meals: Breakfast and Highlights Dinner

 

Today you will travel to Milford Sound. On your way you will stop at Mirror Lake, famous for its reflective views of Mount Cook, and past Pop's Lookout where you'll see stunning peaks, valley's and falls. You'll be awestruck by the stunning sights of Fiordland National Park as you cruise Milford Sound, considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world. Later you drive to Te Anau where you will spend the night

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 1 Night

Cross sheep-filled farming land on the way to Dunedin, known as the Edinburgh of the South because of its rich Scottish heritage. This afternoon you are free - you can choose from a range of included sightseeing experiences like visiting the Otago Peninsula to see unique native wildlife such as Albatross, Sea Lions and rare Yellow-eyed Penguins. If you're a chocolate lover visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or if you want to learn more about your surroundings, take a ride on the historic Taieri Gorge Railway which will take you into the spectacular Central Otago Hinterland and up the rugged coast.

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 night

This morning you are free to relax, perhaps visit Larnach Castle New Zealand's only castle. In the afternoon travel to Oamaru, a unique mix of Victorian – ornately decorated grand limestone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels and restaurants – and bohemian artisans, creative’s and antiquarians. Take in a photo stop at the visually impressive Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. The Waitaki River marks the boundary between the regions of Canterbury and Otago. From here it's on to Twizel and Omarama the heart of the Mackenzie Country.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Omarama - 1 night

Todays highlight is the Mount Cook National Park with its sensational alpine landscape. Mt. Cook, which is the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, helped Sir Edmund Hillary hone his climbing skills in preparation for his conquest of Everest. From here travel along the shore of spectacular Lake Pukaki and stop at Lake Tekapo to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. Later you can gain insight into the daily operations of farm life, while enjoying a barbecue lunch on the working farm of Angie and Stand Taylor. After the lunch break, travel over the colourful patchwork of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast to Kaikoura, famous for its whales (optional whale watching flight is available). Get up close and personal with some New Zealand Fur Seals at Ohau Point. Pass the Grassmere Salt Works then travel through the Marlborough region, world-famous for its Sauvignon Blancs amongst other quality wines and on to the pretty seaside fishing village of Picton for an orientation tour.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Picton - 1 night

Cruise the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington, recently named 'The Coolest Little Capital in the World'. A city sights tour taking in New Zealand’s parliament buildings, leads into some free time. Why not indulge in Wellington’s renowned coffee culture, or take a walk along Lambton Quay before visiting the national museum Te Papa, where you'll gain insight into the country's fascinating nature, art, history and cultural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wellington - 1 night

After departing Wellington, this morning you’ll travel north up the Kapiti Coast and journey north over the tussock plains of the Central Plateau through Tongariro National Park, view Lake Taupo and Huka Falls on your way to Rotorua.

The heartland of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is host to some of the world’s most incredible geothermal forces. Geysers and clouds of steam are dotted around the city and the un-mistakable smell of sulphur gives the city an otherworldly feel. Here you’ll find natural wonders like the Pohutu geyser, erupting 20 times a day and spouting up to 100 feet, as well as bubbling mud pools, warm geothermal pools and sulphuric terraces in a variety of colours.

Tonight an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at the Tamaki Family Marae. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art forms and traditions, followed by a concert featuring local performers. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground in the traditional way.  

Meals: Breakfast and Highlight Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Today relax with ‘Free Time’ – you can choose from many interesting optional activities included unwinding at the Polynesian Spa  or choose to do a tour of Te Puia, where a local Maori guide will show you the mud pools and geysers of the geothermal valley. You could also take a fascinating tour of the Hobbiton movie set - your tour guide will suggest a myriad of options.

Meals: Breakfast

Travel through the Waikato region to the Waitomo Caves where you will take a tour of the amazing Glowworm Grotto by boat after a guided walk. Continue along the Waikato River to Auckland where you will take a sightseeing tour of the city. From fresh sushi to mouth-watering seafood, from authentic Indian curries to decadent desserts, your highlight dinner at Eight Restaurant at The Langham will satisfy any and all dining cravings.

Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

Your holiday concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We hope you enjoyed your holiday and our promise to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon.

Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

Sightseeing Highlights

• Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
• Visit a jade factory and marvel at artists at work
• Discover fascinating Franz Josef Glacier
• Taste Central Otago stone fruits at a local orchard
• Travel past ancient glaciers, spectacular mountains and magical rainforest en route to Milford Sound
• Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station
• Cruise the Cook Strait from the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to Wellington
• Explore Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand
• Journey through the magnificent scenery of Mt. Ruapehu Tongariro National Park
• Immerse yourself in rich Maori culture with the Tamaki family over dinner
• Feast on a degustation of mouth-watering local produce in Auckland

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 quality hotels
• Admissions Outlined in the Itinerary

Included Meals

•  13 Full buffet breakfasts
•  1 Lunch
•  2 Highlight dinners
•  5 Dinners
•  1 Farewell dinner

Plus

• Welcome Reception
• Travel Wallet, Luggage Tags & Map of New Zealand
• Hotel Porterage Included