First Choice
Contrasts of New Zealand
10 Day Guided Vacation | Auckland to Christchurch
Travel Period
New Zealand packs a lot of diverse attractions across its two islands, and this 10 day Auckland to Christchurch tour bring you to some of the best. From the sparkling harbourside restaurants of Auckland in the North to the snow-capped peaks of Queenstown in the South. In between lie Rotorua’s bubbling geothermal springs, the secrets of Hobbiton, ground-breaking Christchurch architecture and World Heritage-listed scenery. Milford Sound cruise, anyone? Grand adventure and sensory delights here combine.
Prices From Code: IZANB
$4595
$5414
$4170
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Contrasts of New Zealand
First Choice
10 Day Guided Vacation
Auckland to Christchurch
New Zealand packs a lot of diverse attractions across its two islands, and this 10 day Auckland to Christchurch tour bring you to some of the best. From the sparkling harbourside restaurants of Auckland in the North to the snow-capped peaks of Queenstown in the South. In between lie Rotorua’s bubbling geothermal springs, the secrets of Hobbiton, ground-breaking Christchurch architecture and World Heritage-listed scenery. Milford Sound cruise, anyone? Grand adventure and sensory delights here combine.
Highlights

Local Connection
You’ll not only meet the Weston family for morning tea, but also get exclusive access to the stables where a record-breaking motorcycle was designed.

Insider Knowledge
World Heritage listed Milford Sound is so big, it can be overwhelming. Your in-the-know guide provides perspective.

Cultural Immersion
Discover and celebrate NZ’s Indigenous heritage at Tamaki Māori Village, where cultural traditions are revealed through performance and food.

Sustainable Footprints
Help ensure the future of rare kiwi birds when you visit the National Hatchery, an important breeding place for NZ’s icon.
Itinerary

Welcome to the City of Sails. On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Take some time to relax or venture out and start exploring New Zealand’s largest city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a welcome reception and dinner.
Hotel: The Grand by SkyCity, 2 nights
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
Embark on a city sightseeing tour this morning. Travel around the waterfront from central city out to Mission Bay. Prepare your camera for the stop at Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, as you will get stunning shots of Auckland, the North Shore and the Waitemata. This afternoon is at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today, you’ll venture through Waikato region passing through Cambridge known as ‘The Town of Trees and Champions’ on your way to Rotorua. On arrival embark on an orientation of the area before visiting Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, the national leader in kiwi husbandry. Learn about the work being done to save New Zealand’s national bird, see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process and newly hatched kiwi chicks. This evening enjoys a traditional Hangi Highlight Dinner and cultural performance at the Tamaki Maori Village.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Your day starts with breakfast at Hobbiton, experience the iconic rolling hills and green pastures of the Hobbiton Movie Set as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies before continuing to Auckland to board your flight to Queenstown. Tonight, speak with your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Queenstown.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 3 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, over the Devil’s Staircase and along to Te Anau and its lake, the largest in the South Island. Experience magnificent scenery as you continue along this alpine highway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy numerous photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Hollyford Valley lookout (Pop’s view), Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards the iconic Mitre Peak and the Bowen Falls and Milford Sound. Enjoy lunch and a cruise on this wonder of nature. Later, return to Queenstown for the evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today choose from a range of optional sightseeing experiences. You could ride the world famous’ Shotover Jet or enjoy a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead. This evening, join your Travel Director for dinner at the Postmasters Café. The historic cottage was once home to the town’s postmaster and has been a main street feature since the 1860s. Its old-world charm, complete with horse-hitching post, picket fence, beautiful gardens and hanging wisteria, has made it one of Arrowtown’s most photographed buildings and is the perfect venue for your highlight dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Today you will leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown behind, traveling through Central Otago to the Mackenzie region with time along the way to stop in Cromwell, situated next to the pristine Lake Dunstan and taste delicious stone fruit at a local orchard. Continue over the dramatic Lindis Pass before reaching the Starlight Highway and Tekapo's world renowned UNESCO Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This afternoon enjoys the views of Mt Cook before heading to the iconic Church of the Good Shephard. This evening, see amazing constellations that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere, including the Southern Cross, to the Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way. Your local specialist expert astronomy guide will enhance your knowledge and understanding of our Southern Skies as you admire and ponder the possibilities through our powerful optical telescopes.
Hotel: Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Enjoy a relaxed start before heading north through South Canterbury, visit the charming boutique village of Geraldine as you travel through to Christchurch.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
This morning see how Christchurch is rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, pop into the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral. It is the world’s only cathedral made substantially of cardboard! After a Christchurch city sights tour, you’re invited to a Be My Guest morning tea at the home of Tim and Isabelle Weston, owners of Britten Stables. Formerly a horse stables for nearby Mona Vale Gardens and following that, the birthplace of the world-record-setting Britten V1000 motorcycle designed and built in the garage by Isabelle's late father, John Britten. The couple restored the original charm of Britten Stables and transformed it into the exquisite home that it is today. This evening, join your AAT Kings Travel Director and Driver, and your new-found friends for a farewell dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest Morning Tea, Farewell Dinner
Your AAT Kings New Zealand holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. Your flights can depart any time today, and you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:


Discover an oasis of luxury in the heart of Auckland's vibrant city. The modern and spacious SKYCITY Grand Hotel allows you to relax in style while enjoying our world-class casino, more than 20 restaurants, cafes and bars, a theatre, free live entertainment on selected nights and the iconic Sky Tower.
- Plasma television
- Bathrobe
- Luxury bathroom products
- Mini Bar
- Refrigerator
- Air Conditioning
- In-house movies
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Work Desk
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- In-room safe
Features


Centrally located in the city beside mystical Lake Rotorua, this hotel is just a brief stroll from the Rotorua Museum, Convention Centres and adjacent to a Polynesian Spa.
- Air Conditioning
- Mini Bar
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Internet Access
- Sky TV
- Personalised message and wakeup service
- Work Desk
- Radio
- Hair Dryer
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
Features


Millennium Hotel Queenstown is only minutes from Queenstown shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting and jet boating.
- Air Conditioning
- Colour TV
- Refrigerator
- Mini Bar
- Phone
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Electric blankets
- Broadband Internet access
Features


Near the shores of Lake Tekapo, in the heart of Mackenzie Country in New Zealand’s central South Island, is Peppers Bluewater Resort. Overlooking Lake Tekapo this resort is located in an intensely beautiful part of the world. Peppers Bluewater Resort is set amongst the purest natural landscape.
Your accommodation in Lake Tekapo reflects the beautiful landscape surrounding you. You can explore the natural wonders of Mount Cook and the Mackenzie region from here. Marvel at an International Dark Sky Reserve with millions of stars. Ride horses through the mountains, catch a scenic flight to Franz Josef glacier, go skiing, or immerse yourself in the Tekapo Springs Day Spa and Hot Pools.


The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square.
Ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, Cashel Mall and future Christchurch Convention Centre.
- Wi-Fi
- Sauna
- Gym facilities
- TV
Features
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.
Trip Details
What's included
- • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- • Be My Guest Experience with Isabelle and Tim Weston at Britten Stables
- • Centrally located premium 4- & 5-star hotels
What to Bring
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Water bottle
- • Warm layers in cooler months
- • Camera
Fitness Requirements
- • Low level of fitness required
Dining
- • Breakfast (9)
- • Lunch (1)
- • Dinner (4)
- • Farewell Dinner (1)
Flight Information
- • Day 1: Flights to arrive by 4:00pm in Auckland Airport
- • Day 10: Flights to depart any time from Christchurch Airport