AAT Kings Spirit of New Zealand Itinerary

Guide explaining the geological features in New Zealand
1

Welcome to Christchurch

Community spirit is strong in Christchurch, as you’ll discover exploring its streets at your leisure. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception.

Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

christchurch
This inviting and modern brand new hotel features contemporary rooms, restaurant & bar. The Hotel is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access to local activities, outer lying attractions and the airport.
Ibis Hotel Christchurch.

2

Omarama & Lake Tekapo

More of Christchurch is revealed before the colours of the Canterbury Plains spread before you: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, snowcapped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You'll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Omarama - 1 Night

Mount Cook National Park
Set amongst landscaped gardens with views of the surrounding mountains, the Heritage Gateway Hotel is a peaceful place to stay. Featuring 98 comfortably furnished guest rooms, restaurant & bar This hotel has a full restaurant and cocktail bar both offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
Set amongst landscaped gardens with views of the surrounding mountains, the Heritage Gateway Hotel

3

Omarama - Dunedin

Architectural drama awaits in Dunedin. While away the afternoon in atmospheric art-lined alleys or sipping a lager or two in Speights Brewery (a national institution). Or venture further afield to discover Larnach Castle, fur seals and penguins.  

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night

Dunedin
Dunedin Leisure Lodge is nestled within two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, located adjacent to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens and just a six-minute drive from the city centre. Take in the beautiful garden views while you relax in McGavins Bar for a relaxing pre or post dinner drink. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, each with a balcony or outside patio, plus ample complimentary parking and a 24 hour reception.
Leisure Lodge Auckland

4

Dunedin - Invercargill

Invercargill is obsessed with motor vehicles. Tributes to speed legends colour the city. So it's only fitting that you visit Classic Motorcycle Mecca for a self-guided tour followed by a guided tour and Highlight Dinner at Transport World, exploring classic vehicles as you are transported on a nostalgic walk back in time.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Accommodation: Invercargill - 2 Nights

classic motorcycle mecca - worlds fastest indian
Kelvin Hotel is situated in the city centre, only a short walk to major attractions and a 10-minute drive to the Invercargill Airport. Accommodation options at Kelvin Hotel include deluxe rooms and superior and king suites. All rooms feature en suite bathroom, satellite television and tea/coffee making facilities. Level One Restaurant and Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Room service is available.
Kelvin Hotel

5

Stewart Island

Wild, wide and wonderful, Stewart Island’s rugged coastline cuts a dramatic form in the Southern Ocean. It’s largely untouched, which means that endemic flora and fauna thrive. But don’t take our word for it. Meet the locals on a tour through the Village and Bays.

Meals: Breakfast

Stewart Island

6

Invercargill - Queenstown

You’ve probably already noticed that there’s a lot of farmland here in New Zealand. It’s fitting, then, that you meet southern girl Laura, who will introduce you to the sheep farm where she was born and raised. The Real Country Farm Show, a  experience that offers an authentic taste of what rural New Zealand is like. For every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture. Continue to Queenstown and take the afternoon at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast, 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Queenstown
Experience tranquillity all year round. The Copthorne Resort Lakefront in Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Exploring panoramic views of the lake and nearby mountains, the Copthorne is the perfect venue to relax! The Copthorne Lakefront blends superior facilities and comfort with friendly service. The hotel Balconies and garden views are a feature of many rooms.
Copthorne Resort Queenstown

7

Queenstown Free Time

Consider an epic journey through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, carved by waterfalls and a playground for dolphins and seals? (Own expense). There’s a reason why this part of the island has World Heritage status. You choose today’s path.

Meals: Breakfast

Queenstown

8

Queenstown - Franz Josef

Atmospheric Arrowtown was born from gold, and its movie-set-like streets still shimmer today. It’s hard to tear yourself away, but the Alpine country of the Southern Lakes is calling, from Lake Dunstan – pause for juicy stone fruit picked fresh from the tree – to oh-so-blue Lake Hawea and lovely Lake Wanaka, with its shoreline of poplars and willows. Over the Haast Pass, the pretty town of Franz Josef/Waiau, awaits. Get some perspective on an optional Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere flight tour – if the weather behaves, you may even get to land on it. New Zealand tours don’t get much cooler than this.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef  - 1 Night

Franz Josef Glacier
Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier will welcome you in true New Zealand style. The Hotel makes the most of its alpine location and is only moments from spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. Featuring patios or balconies, the simple, warmly decorated rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, TVs and mini-fridges, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add living areas and quality rooms with balcony views.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

9

Franz Josef Glacier - Punakaki & Pancake Rocks

On the wild West Coast, Hokitika may be small in size, but boy is it big in personality, not to mention natural attractions. Wander the windswept coast before discovering the town’s other beauty: pounamu (native greenstone or jade). Steel yourself for Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and Blowholes; they owe their existence to the thundering surf that will lull you to sleep.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Punakaiki - 1 Night

Pancake Rocks
Surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and with stunning views of the Tasman Sea, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki is in a great location. The resort is situated only 300m from the famous Punakaiki Blowholes and has been designed in harmony with the local environment.  Evenings are spent relaxing in a standard resort room with views of the sea or an Eco Suite with rainforest and distant seaviews.

 
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

10

Punakaiki - Nelson

After action-packed days, all you need to do today is sit back and enjoy the drama of the Heritage Highway en route to Nelson. Gaze over Buller Gorge – a deep canyon home to New Zealand’s longest swingbridge – and Kahurangi National Park, a place of wild rivers, high plateaus, alpine herbfields and coastal forests. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Nelson - 2 Nights

Nelson

The Rutherford Hotel  is an icon of the region standing next to the Cathedral steps and an easy stroll into the city of Nelson.  Nelson is a haven for art enthusiasts, and has a reputation for excellent produce, craft beer and fine wines. The Rutherford Hotel features restaurants and bars and caters for all room categories from studios, interconnecting rooms and suites.

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

11

Nelson at Leisure

The South Island’s oldest city, Nelson is the ideal starting point for outings through Abel Tasman National Park. This pocket in the north of the island is a beguiling union of golden beaches framed by sculpted granite cliffs. It’s home to one of the country’s most legendary coastal tracks, if you fancy stretching your legs on a hike. Otherwise, drift away on a cruise around the coast, revealing unpeopled bays and dreamy inlets. The choice is yours.

Meals: Breakfast

Abel Tasman

12

Board the Interislander Ferry to Wellington

Visit the picturesque seaside village of Picton before cruising the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. Head across the Cook Strait to Wellington, New Zealand's capital.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington - 1 Night

Interislander Ferry Crossing
Accommodation:

Located300m from the waterfront, the Travelodge is just a few minutes walk from the harbour and the centre of Wellington. Main attractions such as the famous Cable Car, Botanic Garden and Te Papa all are situated within walking distance.

Travelodge Wellington

13

Wellington - Napier

Today you will travel to Hawkes Bay region and Napier, often regarded as the world's Art Deco Capital. Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is Napier's special point of difference. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco- the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

 Wellington

Styled to complement its remarkable location on the edge of the beautiful Hawke's Bay, Scenic Hotel Te Pania boasts design awards for its style and offers an unmatched level of service to leisure travellers with a high four star accommodation rating. Enjoy the central waterfront location and the extensive sea views that all rooms share. Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street with many shops, cafes and restaurants.

Scenic Hotel Te Pania - Napier

14

Napier

Join us on a Deco Tour for an insight into how Napier City became the Art Deco capital of the world. This comprehensive tour takes you on an historic timeline, sharing stories and showcasing the transformation and how Napier City and its people were resilient after the infamous 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake, rebuilding the city they love into a fabulous and stylish 'time warp' Art Deco!

Meals: Breakfast

Napier

15

Napier - Rotorua

This afternoon, explore Te Puia's geothermal valley, and learn about Maori history and culture on this guided experience, including a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate, you'll view one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Maori Cultural Evening Rotorua

Set in a magnificent location on the shores of Mystical Lake Rotorua the Sudima Hotel Lake Front Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none. Enjoy a swim in the geothermal heated pools or relax in the spa complex. Adjacent to the renowned, Polynesian Spa and offering beautiful vistas across the lake, this well-appointed Qualmark 4-star hotel is just a short stroll from Rotorua's vibrant CBD.

Sudima Hotel Lake Front, Rotorua

16

Rotorua Free Day

Today is one of decisions as there is no shortage of activities on offer in Rotorua! Bliss out at Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa; take the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. Alternatively discover Rotorua’s spectacular lakes area from the comfort of a fully restored World War II amphibious vehicle, able to travel on land and water. Or view Rotorua beyond the caldera rim and enjoy spectacular views of the stunning hidden lakes district, local geothermal activity and distant volcanoes in this captivating scenic flight. (all at own expense)

Meals: Breakfast

Rotorua Te Puia Pohutu Geyser

17

Rotorua - Auckland

Today your sights are firmly set on New Zealand's national game: rugby. The interactive All Blacks Experience explores an introduction to the game as a part of New Zealand culture.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Auckland
Accommodation:
Located in Auckland’s CBD, Adina Apartment Hotel offer modern, spacious apartments are air conditioned and offer a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. With kitchen facilities, a spacious bathroom, and a wardrobe, these apartments offer all the comforts of home. They also feature an in-room safe and a work desk.
Adina

18

Auckland - Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Your guide, perhaps a descendent of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Bay of Islands - 2 Nights

Bay of Islands
This four star hotel offers uninterrupted bay views surrounded by subtropical gardens and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It features a lagoon style swimming pool and rock pools of cascading water. Guest rooms have individual patios or balconies from which to enjoy the water or garden views. Rooms have been designed to blend into the natural environment whilst offering a serene escape.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

19

Bay of Islands Leisure Time

Trip the light fantastic and head off in whatever direction you please. Perhaps travel up to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua via idyllic 90 mile beach. Or glide around on an historic tall ship, cruise to the Hole in the Rock or join a tour of Russell. Ask your Travel Director about optional experiences.

Meals: Breakfast

Cape Reinga

20

Bay of Islands - Auckland

For a little more northern exposure, make your way to Whangarei, the island’s most northerly outpost and a place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums. Explore at your leisure before the commute back to Auckland for your Farewell Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland  - 1 Night

Whangarei marina
Accommodation:
Located in Auckland’s CBD, Adina Apartment Hotel offer modern, spacious apartments are air conditioned and offer a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. With kitchen facilities, a spacious bathroom, and a wardrobe, these apartments offer all the comforts of home. They also feature an in-room safe and a work desk.
Adina

21

Farewell from Auckland

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

Over three weeks, we hope you’ve packed your address book with the names of new friends and your camera with photos. But at the end of the day, it’s the memories that will fuel your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport

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Safe Flight.

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Profile picture for user Nicole
What Nicole says about this tour: Travelling by luxury coach with great food and quality accommodation this small group tour lets you discover some out-of-the way places. The pace is relaxed and the tour director will expertly guide your 3 week journey. I recommend this tour for folk who want to relax and enjoy kiwi culture and hospitality and of course the stunning New Zealand scenery.
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