AAT Kings - Contrasts of Australia & New Zealand - Itinerary

AAT Kings - Contrasts of Australia & New Zealand - Itinerary
1

Welcome to Melbourne!

Settle into your hotel on the banks of the Yarra River and meet your Travel Director for a welcome reception and dinner at the South Wharf riverside pub, The General Assembly restaurant. It's a great opportunity to get to know everyone in a unique setting.

Included Meals: Dinner with Wine

Flights to arrive prior to 12 noon into Melbourne Airport

Accommodation: Melbourne - 2 Nights

Melbourne
Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne is located on Spencer Street on the fringe of the CBD. Just a short stroll to Crown Casino, Docklands and South Wharf, Crowne Plaza Melbourne is a Southbank hotel ideally situated on the bank of the Yarra River.
Melbourne

2

Melbourne's Famous Hidden Laneways Tour

Get out and see the sights today on a guided walk with your Travel Director discovering the little lanes, arcades, and café society of stylish Melbourne. Discover more of Melbourne with a tour and walk at Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery. There's time afterwards to explore the city on your own; enjoy an optional experience to Phillip Island to see the nightly ritual of the Penguin Parade (own expense). Or simply relax and watch the world go by.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Laneways Melbourne

3

Fly to Cairns & Crocodile Adventure

Things start to heat up in Cairns, the heart of Tropical North Queensland. Jump aboard a cruise at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to discover some of the wildlife that calls this part of the state home, koalas, wallabies and crocs among them, before helping protect their habitats by planting trees as part of our Rainforest Restoration project. Talk about a feel-good day.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Cairns - 3 Nights 

croc
Accommodation:
The Hilton Cairns hotel boasts a unique tropical setting, enjoying spectacular scenery surrounded by lush gardens. The hotel offers bright accommodation with spacious bathrooms and private balconies with stunning waterfront views of Trinity Inlet, the Cairns Esplanade and blue-green mountains beyond
cairns Hilton

4

Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Snorkel

The Great Barrier Reef deserves its World Heritage listing – it’s one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet, home to thousands of species of fish and corals, as well as six of the world’s seven sea turtles. Strap on a snorkel and dive in, or keep your hair dry and take in the drama from an underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a buffet lunch on onboard before returning to Cairns.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

snorkel

5

Cairns at Leisure

Today is one of decisions: explore the Cairns Esplanade, or head up into the hills on an optional experience Scenic Railway journey to Kuranda. You’re surrounded by some of the world’s oldest rainforest as you return to base via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway (own expense). If that’s not humbling enough, tonight’s dinner at Ochre Restaurant on the waterfront uses native ingredients that the world’s oldest civilisation has consumed for millennia.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Cairns

6

Fly from Cairns to Sydney

Today you'll fly to Sydney!

We hope you have a window seat for the flight into Sydney - the view over the harbour as you come in to land certainly sparkles. The rest of your day is free for you to acquaint yourself with this magical city. Ask your Travel Director for suggestions.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sydney - 3 Nights

Sydney
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth offers a luxury escape without equal. Ideally situated in the heart of central Sydney’s business and shopping districts, this hotel is conveniently located 500 metres from the nearest ferry, train and bus stops and only minutes from famous Sydney attractions like the Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Sofitel WentworthSydney

7

Sydney Opera House & Harbour Cruise

There are legendary Sydney sights, and then there’s the Sydney Opera House – this dramatic building is the reason the word ‘icon’ was made. Go on a guided tour of the shell-shaped structure, then see it from the outside on a sightseeing harbour cruise, also sailing past Circular Quay, Shark Island, jaw-dropping mansions, beaches and parks. Oh, and you’ll get to glide under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll want to toast your good fortune. Thankfully, we have planned a Be My Guest afternoon of wine tasting at Sydney’s Urban Winery. Cheers to that!

Included Meals: Breakfast

Opera House

8

Sydney Free Day

You could spend weeks exploring Sydney. Months even. But you have today, so get set for a wild ride. Your agenda is completely up to you, but we have more than a few ideas. Perhaps a bird’s-eye perspective of the city on a Sydney BridgeClimb? Or a visit to the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains? This evening, celebrate Sydney at dinner with your travel companions.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Blue Mountains

9

Fly from Sydney to Auckland

Haere Mai and Welcome to the 'City of Sails'

Fly across the Tasman Sea to Auckland, the City of Sails. The remainder of the day is yours to do as you please. There is plenty to see and do in Auckland. New Zealand’s largest city is located between two large harbours and 48 extinct volcanic cones scattered over the city are evidence of its volcanic past. They also provide a perfect location for viewing the city! A diversely cultural place, Auckland is a great location for marine adventures, wine tasting, forest walks, and urban sophistication.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Explore Waiheke Island    Island Kayaking Adventure    America’s Cup Sailing
Auckland's Sky TowerRelax on the BeachRangitoto Island Cruise & Walk
West Coast Wine TourWhale and Dolphin SafariMuriwai Surf Beach

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

**(airfare is not included and must be booked in addition to this itinerary - please contact us to confirm the most up to date details).

Accommodation: Auckland - 2 Nights

Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Accommodation:

Horizon by SkyCity is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Auckland CBD and directly connected to the New Zealand International Convention Centre and the SkyCity precinct. Get lost in views of the city and while inside, hints of Aotearoa can be found in every corner of your spacious room, from locally crafted furnishings, through to fresh New Zealand milk in the fridge. Experience vibrant entertainment, attractions and award winning dining.

Horizon by SkyCity

10

All Blacks Experience & Sightseeing Tour

After a relaxed start, set your sights firmly on Auckland's main love: rugby. The interactive All Blacks Experience explores an introduction to the game as a part of New Zealand culture. Afterwards get the lay of the land on a city sightseeing tour including Bastion Point and Mission Bay.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Mission Bay

11

Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton

Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. You will be fully guided around the 12-acre set, including into an interior Hobbit Hole experience. Continue to Rotorua, where tonight you will visit Te Puia's geothermal Valley. Learn about Maori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where you'll view one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 1 Night

Hobbiton
This 4.5 star property is perfectly situated next to mystical Lake Rotorua and is just a brief stroll from the city centre, close to many restaurants and bars. Restaurant Nikau offers a range of evening menu choices, while the Brassiere Poolside Restaurant is the perfect place to start your day with an alfresco style breakfast beside the geothermal heated pool.
Millenium Hotel Rotorua

12

Rotorua to Auckland & Fly to Queenstown

Your destination this morning in Rotorua is the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where you’ll join a local guide for a tour. Learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks at this national leader in kiwi husbandry. This experience is not only fun but will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand’s national bird.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

Queenstown

Millennium Hotel Queenstown is only minutes from Queenstown central shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities and offers a peaceful haven from the variety of activities in this lively city. With many guest rooms and suites to choose from the centre boasts a gym, sauna, spa, bar and restaurant, feature contemporary city-inspired designed. Many of our rooms also offer scenic views of the city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to your journey.

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

13

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise

Journey over the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and its lake, the largest in the South Island. Travel through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to the numerous photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls before reaching Milford Sound. Enjoy lunch while you cruise on this wonder of nature. Return to Queenstown this evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Milford Sound

14

Queenstown at Leisure

Sleep in, find a rooftop wine bar for lunch, take a stroll around the lake… wherever you wander, meet your fellow travellers for a highlight dinner at 1860s Postmasters Cottage.

Recommended Alternative Excursions are:

Routeburn Day WalkHighest Bungy JumpExplore Arrowtown

Wine Tasting Central Otago      

Biking Skippers Canyon      Round at Millbrook Golf Resort
Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise  Dart River Jetboat Safari      

Gibbston Valley Wine Trail

Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Jet Boat Queenstown

15

Queenstown to Lake Tekapo

Today you will visit Arrowtown , known for its charm, and Cromwell, for its stone fruit. Discover some of the rarest cars in NZ motorsports history during your visit to the Highlands Museum. Arriving at Lake Tekapo, you’re far from anywhere. Which practically guarantees dazzling stargazing in the UNESCO Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Accommodation: Tekapo - 1 Night

Franz

Peppers Bluewater Lake Tekapo is the perfect place to explore the Lake, Mount Cook and the Mackenzie District. Surrounded by the breath-taking beauty of the Southern Alps, you’ll have access to numerous activities in the area such as kayaking, horse riding, trout fishing and enjoying the clear night skies. Peppers Bluewater hotel rooms are beautifully appointed with a range of options for couples and groups. 


16

Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading to Christchurch, where community spirit is strong; not only has the city rebuilt since the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, but it's thriving, with architectural innovations like the world's first church built of cardboard.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

Canterbury Plains
The Distinction Hotel is a brand new hotel opening in 2019 in the revitalised heart of Christchurch and Cathedral Square. Centrally located and a short stroll to the Botanical Gardens, New Regent Street, the Arts Centre, and Avon River. This luxury Christchurch hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites.
Distinction Hotel Christchurch

17

Christchurch

Travel north through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm Kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, who have been farming at Hurunui since 1884 with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool and Angus cattle. Soak up stunning scenery while enjoying morning tea, meet the farm animals & discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Continue to a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it's time to relax with a platter-style lunch among the vines.

A big day leads to a big evening joining your Travel Director and travel mates for a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.

Included Meals: Farewell Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Be My Guest Morning Tea

Christchurch City Centre

18

Farewell from Christchurch

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We are sure you will enjoy this tour and our promise is 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 in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Flights to depart anytime from Christchurch Airport

Itinerary Variations
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.

Bon-voyage

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What Elizabeth says about this tour: A bit city, a bit country; sometimes beachy, sometimes mountainous; in the company of locals and Indigenous guides – this epic Melbourne to Christchurch tour is diverse and dynamic.
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