Kia Ora New Zealand
Kia Ora New Zealand
Kia Ora New Zealand
17 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch
Visiting: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Wellington, Cook Strait, Picton, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Canterbury Plains, Lake Tekapo, Omarama, Oamaru, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Te Anau, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Arrowtown, Lake Dunstan, Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka, Haast Pass, Franz Josef/Waiau, Hokitika
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LABC24
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
It’s hard to pick a highlight of this New Zealand tour from north to south. Is it the fiords and glaciers of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, explored on a tour? The gem-like Bay of Islands from Auckland? The bubbling geysers and thermal springs of Rotorua? Or perhaps the mountain vistas of Queenstown? In between you have cosmopolitan cities, wineries, train rides, beaches… how does one country pack so much punch?
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express, Auckland
Explore waterfront precincts filled with yachts or just meet fellow travel companions for a Welcome Reception tonight.
Day 2 : Auckland - Bay Of Islands
Location: Auckland, Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Say goodbye to the ‘City of Sails’ as you journey north to the Bay of Islands – 140 droplets of land ringed by turquoise sea. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical secret; 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 of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial canoe and a carved meeting house.
Day 3 : Bay Of Islands Free Time
Location: Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Today, trip the light fantastic and head off in whatever direction you please. Perhaps travel up to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach. Or glide around on an historic tall ship, enjoy a cruise to the iconic Hole in the Rock or join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands.
Day 4 : Bay Of Islands - Auckland
Location: Bay of Islands, Auckland
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express, Auckland
Whangarei is a place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums. It’s like the country in a tantalising snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerising commute back to Auckland.
Day 5 : Auckland - Rotorua
Location: Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Ibis Rotorua Hotel
After a morning of sightseeing, set your GPS for the Waitomo Caves. Cruising cavernous waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. It’s a landscape almost as otherworldly as Rotorua, where mud pops and jettisons from bubbling geysers. This evening, explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley, and learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes 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.
Day 6 : Rotorua Free Time
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Ibis Rotorua Hotel
Explore at your own pace today. Want a bit of down time? Bliss out at the Polynesian Spa. Animal lover? Go behind the scenes at a working kiwi hatchery. Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of today’s opportunity to visit the sights featured in The Lord of the Rings movies at Hobbiton.
Day 7 : Rotorua - Wellington
Location: Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Wellington
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Wellington
At Huka Falls, 220,000 litres of water thunder over an 11-metre-high waterfall every second. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of mint-blue Lake Taupo. Traverse the Kapiti Coast to New Zealand’s cool little capital, Wellington, where there are so many restaurants and bars to choose from, you’ll need a guidebook. Wait, you have an in-the-know Travel Director to talk to.
Day 8 : Wellington - Picton
Location: Wellington, Cook Strait, Picton
Accommodation Name: Picton Yacht Club
Wellington is known for its uber-cool cafés, designed to fuel you through a session at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Onwards to the Interislander for a cruise across Cook Strait, from the North Island to the South, through a maze of arms and inlets.
Day 9 : Picton - Christchurch
Location: Picton, Kaikoura, Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Garden
There aren’t many beaches more dramatic than the black sands of Kaikoura. Bonus points if you spot a sea lion or sperm whale frolicking offshore. Your Travel Director has tips on where to dine tonight.
Day 10 : Christchurch - Omarama
Location: Christchurch, Canterbury Plains, Lake Tekapo, Omarama
Accommodation Name: Heritage Gateway Hotel
On your city tour view the mind-bending Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library. From here, your outlook is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience in 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.
Day 11 : Omarama - Dunedin
Location: Omarama, Oamaru, Dunedin
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Oamaru, with its stately tree-lined streets and limestone buildings, stands proud before you journey further south toward the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Dunedin’s Scottish ancestry is everywhere you look, from the manicured grounds of Otago University to Larnach Castle. While away the afternoon in the city’s art-lined alleys, or venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives here – fur seals and penguins among them.
Day 12 : Dunedin - Te Anau
Location: Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Te Anau
Accommodation Name: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Weave your way into Fiordland National Park and the South Island’s biggest lake and the town of Te Anau.
Day 13 : Te Anau - Queenstown
Location: Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and mirror-like lakes. All roads lead to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where a string of waterfalls create a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. Venture out into the Fiord on a sightseeing cruise, where dolphins and seals are a common sight.
Day 14 : Queenstown Free Time
Location: Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Take Queenstown at your own pace today. Feel the wind in your hair on a high octane jet boat ride, perhaps. Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner.
Day 15 : Queenstown - Franz Josef/Waiau
Location: Queenstown, Arrowtown, Lake Dunstan, Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka, Haast Pass, Franz Josef/Waiau
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind, Arrowtown and Lake Dunstan appear on the horizon. Then there’s Lake Hawea followed by Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Over the Haast Pass, the pretty town of Franz Josef/Waiau awaits.
Day 16 : Franz Josef/Waiau - Christchurch
Location: Franz Josef/Waiau, Hokitika, Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Garden
Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika: the pounamu found here is the stuff jewellery dreams are made of. Just when you thought your adventure couldn’t get any better, you’ll aboard the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views.
Day 17 : Farewell From Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Two islands, glaciers, lakes, thermal springs and a parade of wildlife... We hope you find the words to describe this epic adventure.
What's Included
What's Not Included
• Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland Airport
• Day 17 – flights to depart any time from Christchurch Airport
• Flights are not included in the holiday price
Mode of Transport
Travel includes a cruise across Cook Strait, from the North Island to the South, through a maze of arms and inlets. Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika: the pounamu found here is the stuff jewellery dreams are made of. Just when you thought your adventure couldn’t get any better, you’ll aboard the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort. The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes: Holiday Inn Express, Auckland; Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands; Ibis Rotorua Hotel; Travelodge Wellington; Picton Yacht Club; Wyndham Garden, Christchurch; Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama; Scenic Hotel Dunedin City; Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau; Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown; Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.
Check out our Q&As
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026 Jan
2027 Feb
2027 Mar
2027
Saturday - Monday
Jan 11, 2025 - Jan 27, 2025Saturday - Monday
Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 10, 2025Saturday - Monday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025Saturday - Monday
Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025Saturday - Monday
Apr 19, 2025 - May 05, 2025Saturday - Monday
Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Saturday - Monday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Saturday - Monday
Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025Saturday - Monday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025Saturday - Monday
Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 15, 2025Saturday - Monday
Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 26, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 09, 2026Saturday - Monday
Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 23, 2026Saturday - Monday
Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 09, 2026Saturday - Monday
Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 23, 2026Saturday - Monday
Mar 21, 2026 - Apr 06, 2026Saturday - Monday
Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 27, 2026Saturday - Monday
Apr 18, 2026 - May 04, 2026Saturday - Monday
May 23, 2026 - Jun 08, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jun 20, 2026 - Jul 06, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jul 18, 2026 - Aug 03, 2026Saturday - Monday
Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 17, 2026Saturday - Monday
Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026Saturday - Monday
Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 21, 2026Saturday - Monday
Sep 19, 2026 - Oct 05, 2026Saturday - Monday
Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026Saturday - Monday
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 19, 2026Saturday - Monday
Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 26, 2026Saturday - Monday
Oct 17, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026Saturday - Monday
Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 09, 2026Saturday - Monday
Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026Saturday - Monday
Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 23, 2026Saturday - Monday
Nov 21, 2026 - Dec 07, 2026Saturday - Monday
Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026Saturday - Monday
Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 21, 2026Saturday - Monday
Dec 12, 2026 - Dec 28, 2026Saturday - Monday
Dec 19, 2026 - Jan 04, 2027Saturday - Monday
Jan 02, 2027 - Jan 18, 2027Saturday - Monday
Jan 09, 2027 - Jan 25, 2027Saturday - Monday
Jan 16, 2027 - Feb 01, 2027Saturday - Monday
Jan 23, 2027 - Feb 08, 2027Saturday - Monday
Jan 30, 2027 - Feb 15, 2027Saturday - Monday
Feb 06, 2027 - Feb 22, 2027Saturday - Monday
Feb 13, 2027 - Mar 01, 2027Saturday - Monday
Feb 20, 2027 - Mar 08, 2027Saturday - Monday
Feb 27, 2027 - Mar 15, 2027Saturday - Monday
Mar 06, 2027 - Mar 22, 2027Saturday - Monday
Mar 13, 2027 - Mar 29, 2027Saturday - Monday
Mar 20, 2027 - Apr 05, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.