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New Zealand Uncovered with AAT Kings
Journey from Auckland to Christchurch on this 16-night escorted tour of New Zealand which includes Rotorua, Wellington, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Franz Josef en route.


Take an unforgettable escorted coach tour around New Zealand. Selected meals, activities at must-visit spots, and journeys on the Interislander ferry and TranzAlpine Train are all included.
Itinerary overview
Day 1
Auckland
Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and the gateway to the North Island. Stay at Horizon by SkyCity Auckland.
Day 2
Auckland
A good mix of sightseeing and free time is on the cards today. Spend the morning learning about the city's maritime heritage and continue on through the city as you head up to Bastion Point for some epic views. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Stay at Horizon by SkyCity Auckland.
Day 3
Rotorua
Travel through the countryside to Rotorua, a true hotspot on your New Zealand adventure. This afternoon, enjoy an exclusive 'Be My Guest' experience at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, New Zealand's most colourful and diverse geothermal valley. Visit after it has closed to the public for a private tour to see The Devils Bath and bubbling mud pools with fascinating insights from an expert guide and enjoy a mocktail and canapés at the aptly named champagne pool. Tonight, dive deep into Maori culture at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience, an important hub keeping tradition, art and music alive. Oh, and exciting Māori cuisine. Enjoy forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a three-course dinner. Stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua.
Day 4
Rotorua
Today, choose your own adventure. We have plenty of ideas for the paths you might follow. Optional Rotorua tour sightseeing experiences include relieving NZ holiday-weary limbs in the thermal waters of Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Or perhaps you’d prefer to zip across Rotorua’s three lakes in an amphibious craft. Stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua.
Day 5
Wellington
Drive south today, stopping off at the roaring Huka Falls on the way. As you continue the journey towards the capital Wellington, pass by Lake Taupo and cross the Central Plateau. Stay at Rydges Wellington.
Day 6
Wellington
The day begins with an introductory city tour, taking in highlights like the cable car, parliament buildings and the Mt Victoria and finishing at Te Papa, the national museum (entrance payable locally). Later, continue your city discovery independently, perhaps visiting Weta Workshop if you're a Lord of the Rings fan. Stay at Rydges Wellington.
Day 7
Kaikoura
Today's the day you cross the Cook Strait and take the ferry over to the South Island. Continue on to the east coast and the town of Kaikoura for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Join Sabrina Leucht, the founder of the Kaikoura Wildlife Centre Trust, for an informative biodiversity talk about her goals to create a wildlife hospital. This evening, dine at the local restaurant Hiku. Stay at Sudima Kaikoura.
Day 8
Christchurch
There'll be time for an optional wildlife experience this morning (for a local cost) before you set off for Christchurch, following the coastal and Canterbury Plains route. Stay at Distinction Christchurch Hotel.
Day 9
Twizel
Take a tour of Christchurch which has become a shining example of architecture and design since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Then head to Lake Tekapo for a Be My Guest afternoon tea (including pavlova) at the lakeside Morelea. Drive on to the town of Twizel and stay at Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel.
Day 10
Dunedin
As you venture further south, stop off in coastal Oamaru, a city with a rich Victorian heritage. Then arrive in Dunedin which has been dubbed the 'Edinburgh of the Southern Hemisphere'. You'll have time to explore on your own. We recommend taking a boat trip out to see the little penguins or visiting a local brewery (local charges apply). Stay at Scenic Hotel Southern Cross.
Day 11
Te Anau
Head back inland and travel towards the South Island's largest lake, Te Anau. Following a thrilling jet boat ride on the nearby Lake Manapouri and visit Pomoma Island for the second MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Learn about the plight of local bird species and the local conservation project that is fighting to restore their habitats. Stay at Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas.
Day 12
Queenstown via Milford Sound
Travel from Te Anau to Queenstowns via one of the world's most spectacular natural landscapes: Milford Sound. Drive down to the pier and board the boat that will take you through the fiord on an epic cruise. Spot wildlife and marvel at the towering peaks and thundering falls before returning to dry land and continuing on to Queenstown. Stay at the Millennium Hotel, Queenstown.
Day 13
Queenstown
The day is yours to fill with as many adventure activities as you can (or would like to). You could go on a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, try bungee jumping or rope swinging, or try out some other wild and wonderful experiences. Alternative low-octane options include a Lord of the Rings tour and a cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Stay at Millennium Hotel, Queenstown.
Day 14
Franz Josef
Your journey today is scenically spectacular. Travel through the mountains, past lakes and towards the wild west coast where rain forests meet the mountains and glaciers like Franz Josef/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere seem to tumble down the mountainsides. Stay at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 15
Punakaiki
Following a little bit of time to explore Franz Joseph /Waiau village, the trip along the coast continues today. Travel up to Hokitika (home of the jade greenstone) and Punakaiki with its unique pancake rocks and blowholes. Stay at Scenic Hotel Punakaiki.
Day 16
Christchurch
Venture into the Ponaumu Pathway. Delve into the history and the culture of the local Maori (Poutini Ngai Tahu) and the Mawhera Pa Settlement. Embark on a self-guided journey and make your way through this storytelling experience born from the collaboration with the Weta Workshop. We've got your sorted for lunch at legendary Monteith's Brewery. The best is yet to come; step aboard the scenic TranzAlpine train from Arthur's Pass back to Christchurch. Travel through tunnels and over viaducts, enjoying panoramic views of different landscapes along the way. You'll arrive in Christchurch just in time for dinner. Stay at Distinction Christchurch Hotel.
Day 17
Christchurch
Today, head to the airport for your onward journey.
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