New Zealand Panorama

AAT Kings’ 14 day New Zealand Panorama, see the north & south island including Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Dunedin, Wellington, Rotorua & Auckland

Tour code ZCA
14 days
Priced from A$3680
Premium Escorted
Departs from Christchurch, finishes at Auckland

Highlights

SPECTACULAR SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCES

• EXCLUSIVE! Experience the Scottish heritage of Dunedin at Larnach Castle
• EXCLUSIVE! Discover the sights of Christchurch on the Christchurch Tram
• EXCLUSIVE! Sample wine and enjoy dinner at the Montana Winery
• EXCLUSIVE! Enjoy a Skyline Gondola ride and breakfast with sparkling wine
• Journey aboard the TranzAlpine train
• See the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki
• View magnificent Franz Josef Glacier
• Explore spectacular Milford Sound
• Cruise on the T.S.S. Earnslaw
• Experience The Realm of Tãne, the story of Maori culture and mythology
• Enjoy a Maori Hangi and concert
• Visit beautiful Paradise Valley Springs
• See the Agrodome’s Sheep Show
• Explore Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
• Tour the Waitomo Caves

FIRST CLASS HOLIDAY INCLUSIONS

Transportation

• Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, reclining seats, seat belts and large panoramic windows

Professionally Escorted

• Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver

Dining Inclusions

• Full Buffet Breakfasts (13) (B)
• Exciting Highlight Dinners (3) (HD)
• Hotel Dinners (6) YOUR CHOICE

Accommodation

• Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels

Plus

• Welcome drink
• All purpose travel bag and map
• Airport transfers (Day 1 Christchurch Airport to hotel – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm; Day 14 to Auckland Airport – flights anytime)
• Hotel porterage included

Itinerary

Day 1 Mon: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival at the hotel the afternoon is free for you to explore the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 2 Tue: TranzAlpine – Franz Josef

Today enjoy a spectacular journey over the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train. Visit the fascinating Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. We explore amazing Franz Josef Glacier and you also have the opportunity to take a spectacular optional scenic flight (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef. (B)

Day 3 Wed: Queenstown

Experience picturesque scenery today. See the Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, Lake Wanaka, Cromwell and Kawarau Gorge. Visit colourful and historic Arrowtown this afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure in Queenstown.
Why not experience the Kiwi Haka & Dinner tonight?
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights. (B)

Day 4 Thu: Queenstown

This morning is free to explore Queenstown (ask your Tour Director about optional activities). Later, we take a scenic journey on the steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak sheep station. Enjoy a sheep dog demonstration and a delicious carvery dinner. (B) (HD)

Day 5 Fri: Milford Sound

Discover the stunning scenery of Fiordland this morning and see the Homer Tunnel and The Chasm. We take a magical cruise on Milford Sound seeing Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Overnight in pretty Te Anau.
Accommodation: Village Inn, Te Anau. (B)

Day 6 Sat: Te Anau – Dunedin

Today we travel through rich fertile South Otago and enjoy time at leisure to explore charming Dunedin, founded by Scottish settlers. Perhaps visit Cadbury World or take a wildlife cruise.
Accommodation: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin. (B)

Day 7 Sun: Dunedin

Enjoy a guided tour at Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only authentic castle, followed by a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Later, we journey through Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings, to Twizel, gateway to Mount Cook National Park.
Accommodation: MacKenzie Country Inn – Deluxe Rooms, Twizel. (B)

Day 8 Mon: Mt. Cook – Christchurch

See the fantastic scenery of Mount Cook National Park this morning (optional scenic flights available – weather permitting). Visit the beautiful turquoise Lake Tekapo and see the Church of the Good Shepherd, before travelling over colourful plains to Christchurch. Discover the sights of Christchurch on the Christchurch Tram.
Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch. (B)

Day 9 Tue: Blenheim

The rugged coastline provides a spectacular backdrop to our touring today – we see New Zealand fur seals and visit Kaikoura, where you have the opportunity to join an optional whale watching flight. Tonight a special wine tasting and dinner awaits us at the renowned Montana Winery in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. We spend the night in the delightful town of Blenheim.
Accommodation: Blenheim Country Hotel or Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim. (B) (HD)

Day 10 Wed: Wellington

We join an inter-island cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait, then explore Wellington on a sightseeing tour featuring views from Mount Victoria and free time at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum.
Te Papa allows you to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Maori culture. See the magnificent contemporary Marae (meeting house) and explore interactive displays depicting modern New Zealand and pre European history.
Accommodation: Novotel Capital, Wellington. (B)

Day 11 Thu: Rotorua

Today travel to Taupo and see the thundering Huka Falls, before continuing to Rotorua.
Tonight enjoy a special evening of entertainment presenting The Realm of Tane, an extraordinary journey through Maori culture, mythology and our story of creation, which is followed by a delicious Maori Hangi & Concert.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights. (B) (HD)

Day 12 Fri: Rotorua sightseeing

Our day begins with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with sparkling wine overlooking Rotorua. We also visit Paradise Valley Springs and take an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome’s Sheep Show.
Later, tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where a local Maori guide escorts us past pools of boiling mud and geysers. We also view kiwis here. This afternoon there is free time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour (see your Tour Director for details). (B)

FARM STAY OPTION
Spend the night with a local family on a nearby farm. Enjoy some true New Zealand hospitality.
Additional cost $25 per person.

Day 13 Sat: Auckland

Explore the famous Waitomo Caves on a guided tour and a boat trip through the incredible Glow-worm Grotto, then journey north to Auckland.
Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. (B)

Day 14 Sun: Depart Auckland

You will be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Tour Dates & Prices

* = Guaranteed Departure