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DESTINATION
Australia/NZ/South Pacific
PROVIDER
AAT Kings
DURATION
18 days
Valued At Pay Only Save
$5,225 per person $5,121 per person $208 per couple

Experience the essence of New Zealand on a 18 day Best Buys Guided Holiday. Start your tour with a welcome reception then see Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki before visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd. Soak up the sensational alpine landscape of Mt. Cook National Park before travelling through Oamaru to Dunedin where you'll tour the city. Enjoy free time exploring Dunedin your way before travelling to Milford Sound for a breathtaking cruise on its pristine waters. Discover exciting Queenstown your way with some free time before going on to the rare and still advancing Franz Josef Glacier. Depart for Nelson where you have free time to explore the town your way then cross the Cook Strait to Wellington for a day at your leisure. Travel north to the art deco city of Napier and then to Rotorua where you'll enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and concert and discover the sights. Visit the Agrodome Sheep Show and continue on to Auckland for a city sights tour before your Guided Holiday concludes.


Highlights

  •     Immerse yourself in Maori culture at a Hangi & Concert Maori Cultural Icon
  •     Explore the geothermal valley at Te Puia in Rotorua
  •     Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo
  •     Explore New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle
  •     Spend the night cruising on magical Milford Sound
  •     Let loose in New Zealand’s adventure capital, beautiful Queenstown
  •     Gondola ride and dinner at Skyline Restaurant on Bob’s Peak with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu
  •     Cruise through Waitomo Caves famous Glow Worm Grotto
  •     Taste Central Otago stone fruit at a local orchard
  •     See awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier
  •     Watch artisans carving native greenstone (jade) in Hokitika
  •     Punakaiki, home to the Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
  •     Visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand Maori Cultural Icon
  •     Tour through Christchurch to witness the incredible rebuild of this city


Inclusions

  •     Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
  •     Comfortable accommodation
  •     Travel by luxury coach
  •     Airport transfers (see flight information below)


Dining

  •     Full buffet breakfasts (13)
  •     ‘Highlight dinners’ (2)
  •     Dinners (8)

 

Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Christchurch

On arrival at Christchurch Airport you’ll be transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome reception and dinner.

Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2
Christchurch – Omarama

Board your coach to see the extensive work carried out to rebuild the city after the devastating earthquake of February 2011. Later, see Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the alpine scenery of Mount Cook National Park.

Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama

Included Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 3
Omarama – Dunedin

Your day starts along the Waitaki River and the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. Then travel through Oamaru, with its famous white limestone buildings, to Dunedin where you’ll take a tour of the city. Visit New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle and its stunning gardens.

Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 4
Dunedin – Milford Sound

Today is a feast for the senses. Travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. You’ll be awestruck by the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest. See rainforest, ancient glaciers, mountain ranges and drive through the Homer Tunnel. Pass Lake Matheson, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, before arriving in Milford Sound for your overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner. (Milford Mariner does not operate 17 May-19 September. During this period there will be a day cruise on Milford Sound and accommodation in Te Anau).

Hotel: Milford Mariner, Milford Sound (Cruise).

Included Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 5-7
Milford Sound – Queenstown

Day 5: Milford Sound – Queenstown

This morning depart for Te Anau, on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island. You’ll explore the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves by boat with local guide, before travelling to the adventure-capital Queenstown.

Day 6: Queenstown ‘Free Time’

A full day to see the sights of your choice. Take it easy with a wine tour or walk on the wild side with a jet boat ride or white water rafting (all own expense). Whatever you choose, Queenstown will surprise and exhilarate.

Day 7: Queenstown ‘Free Time’

Another action-packed day or time to relax. Tonight ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak for a buffet ‘highlight dinner’ at the Skyline Restaurant.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown , 3 nights.

Included Meals: Day 5: Breakfast and dinner. Day 6: Breakfaast. Day 7: Breakfast and 'highlight dinner'

Day 8
Queenstown – Franz Josef

Visit the gold mining village of Arrowtown. Then enjoy the tastes of delicious stone fruit at Cromwell. See a trio of lakes, Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka. Travel over the Haast Pass, view amazing Thunder Creek Falls then it’s on to majestic Franz Josef Glacier, the world’s most accessible glacier.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)

Included Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 9
Franz Josef – Punakaiki

See Franz Josef Glacier from the air or take a glacier hike (both own expense). Depart for Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade), for a factory visit and demonstration. Later, travel to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You’ll stay in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. Enjoy dinner while watching the thundering surf at your doorstep!

Hotel: Punakaiki Resort

Included Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 10-11
Punakaiki – Nelson

Day 10: Punakaiki – Nelson

Soak up the scenic wilderness of the Heritage Highway through the impressive Buller Gorge and the Kahurangi National Park before arriving in Nelson. This afternoon you’ll visit the World of Wearable Arts and Collectable Cars.

Day 11: Nelson ‘Free Time’

On this day at leisure, you’ll have the option to journey to the top of the South Island and enjoy a relaxing cruise in the Abel Tasman National Park. Or perhaps take a short bush walk, relax in sunny Nelson or explore the many arts and craft shops.

Hotel: Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Hotel and Resort , Nelson, 2 nights.

Included Meals: Day 10: Breakfast and dinner. Day 11: Breakfast

Day 12-13
Nelson – Wellington

Day 12: Nelson – Wellington

Visit the seaside village of Picton and cruise on tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, before you head across the Cook Strait to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Enjoy a city sights tour before you visit Maori Cultural Icon Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, where you’ll explore New Zealand’s nature, art, history and cultural heritage.

Day 13: Wellington ‘Free Time’

A free day to see the sights. Perhaps take a tour of Parliament or one of the Lord of the Rings movie tours, or even cruise to Somes Island in Wellington Harbour (own expense).

Hotel: Travelodge Wellington, 2 nights.

Included Meals: Day 12: Breakfast and dinner. Day 13: Breakfast

Day 14
Wellington – Napier

Travel through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier. Enjoy a city walking tour with a local guide and learn how Napier was rebuilt after a devastating Earthquake in 1931.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier.

Included Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 15-16
Napier – Rotorua

Day 15: Napier – Rotorua

Travel past Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Visit the mighty Huka Falls and then it’s on to Rotorua. On arrival a sightseeing tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua.


Maori Cultural Icon This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi feast ‘highlight dinner’ and concert at the Tamaki Family Marae.

Day 16: Rotorua

Maori Cultural Icon Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you’ll see demonstrations of wood carving and weaving. Then tour the geothermal valley and hear about the importance of the geysers and mud pools to the Maori people.

Farm Stay Option (Additional cost)

    $75 adult

Enjoy genuine New Zealand hospitality this evening and spend the night on a nearby farm. You’ll enjoy dinner and breakfast, comfortable accommodation and a farm tour to introduce you to the way of life.

Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel, 2 nights.

Included Meals: Day 15: Breakfast and 'highlight dinner'. Day 16: Breakfast

Day 17
Rotorua – Auckland

Visit the Agrodome Sheep Show, the multi-award-winning stage show, to gain an insight into agricultural life in New Zealand. You’ll see the art of sheep shearing, sheepdog demonstrations, cow milking, bottle feeding of lambs and an exciting sheep auction. Visit the farming community of Matamata to experience a farming demonstration before a delicious lunch at Longlands Farm. Continue to Auckland where your city sightseeing tour takes in Bastion Point, Viaduct Harbour and the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites, Auckland.

Included Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 18
Farewell from Auckland

Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You’ll be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast