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Contrasts of New Zealand
9 Day Guided Vacation | Auckland to Queenstown
Travel period
Contrasts of New Zealand
9 Day Guided Vacation
Auckland to Queenstown
Experience the contrasts of New Zealand’s distinct islands. From Auckland’s sparkling Harbour to Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland, from the rugged beauty of the West Coast to the untouched serenity of Milford Sound, new facets of New Zealand’s splendour will reveal themselves each day as you explore the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Please Note: Internal holiday flights must be purchased separately in order to fulfill the holiday itinerary.
Contrasts of New Zealand (Travel Period: 01 Oct 2018 – 30 Sep 2019)
- Explore Auckland & cruise on Waitemata Harbour
- Join the O’Sullivan’s for lunch on their Waikato farm
- Immerse yourself in Māori culture at the Tamaki Māori Village
- Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
- Visit a jade factory
- See Franz Josef Glacier
- Taste Central Otago stone fruits
- Discover truly spectacular Milford Sound on a lunch cruise
- Frolic in the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown
- Marvel at crystal clear Lake Tekapo
- Enjoy New Zealand wines with all hotel dinners
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
Day 1: Welcome to Auckland
On arrival your day is at leisure. Later, meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and dinner.
Hotel: Stamford Plaza Auckland, 2 nights
Included Meals: Dinner with wine
Start the day with a sightseeing tour and a cruise on Waitemata Harbour before time at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
You’re invited to a Be My Guest lunch at the home of Lance and Bridgette O’Sullivan, New Zealand horse racing royalty. Enjoy a sumptuous country-style lunch at the Red Barn on their beautiful Waikato farm. This evening enjoy a traditional Hangi Highlight Dinner and cultural performance at the Tamaki Family Marae.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua
Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest lunch, Highlight Dinner
Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you’ll be able to observe many species of native fauna of New Zealand. You may even spot a kiwi! Visit Te Puia thermal reserve before flying to Christchurch.
(Airfare is not included and must be booked by you or your travel agent)
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel on the TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass. Regarded as one of the world’s great train journeys, it passes through fertile farmlands to rugged gorges and ice-fed streams and lakes. At Hokitika visit a greenstone (jade) factory. Take a short walk to view Franz Josef Glacier.
Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine
Climb over the Haast Pass, winding past lakes and along the Kawarau River and Gorge. Visit historic Arrowtown before arriving in Queenstown.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 3 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel over the Devil’s Staircase to Te Anau and then through the rainforest of World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to numerous photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, on your way to Milford Sound. Enjoy lunch while you cruise on this natural wonder. Return to Queenstown this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
A full day to explore Queenstown at your leisure. You could take a 4WD minibus excursion through Skippers Canyon. Join your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner at the Boatshed, with its views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Located in the heart of the city, just a short stroll from the Viaduct harbour and Auckland's best shopping and nightlife. Stamford Plaza Auckland hotel is the ideal spot for a luxury unwinding. Stamford Plaza Auckland hotel is one of Auckland's premier accommodation choices with extensive hotel facilities and amenities.
- Wireless Internet access
- Executive Desk
- Safety deposit box (laptop size)
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- In-room Movies (fee applies)
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Work Desk
- Mini Bar
- Phone
- Gym facilities
- Bathtub and shower
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
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
A haven from the city rush, a foray into New Zealand’s pristine wilderness – Te Waonui Forest Retreat is truly a place to relax and refresh. All focus has been on creating a healthy, environmentally safe habitat to maximise guests’ wellbeing. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat seamlessly incorporates measures that greatly reduce its environmental impact. Designed to stand the test of time, Te Waonui’s durable, New Zealand building design blends in with its stunning natural setting. Management and staff at Te Waonui actively support community-based projects to preserve our outstanding natural heritage in Franz Josef Glacier Town.
- In-room safe
- Wireless Internet access
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Pillow Menu (Choice of pillows)
- Luxurious bed linen
- Private balcony or courtyard
- Electronic security key system
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Mini Bar
- TV
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
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. Find out more
- Comfortable accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Airport transfers (see flight information below)
To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The excursions can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.
NZ$109 Adult NZ$59
Travel on a purpose built fully enclosed river jet boat with front-loading access. Great visibility is ensured, yet you remain warm, dry and comfortable, making this a unique and safe experience suitable for anyone of any age to participate in and enjoy.
NZ$480 Adult NZ$336 Child
Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox snowfields on this 40-minute scenic flight. Cross the main divide for breathtaking views of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Highlights include a snow landing, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and Mt Cook.
NZ$350 Adult NZ$245
From a mantle of pure white snow, massive rivers of ice wind their way down glacier valleys. Explore the glaciers, an incredible natural phenomenon on this 30-minute scenic flight. Highlights include a snow landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
NZ$395 Adult NZ$295 Child
Explore the alpine wonderland of the Southern Alps’ highest peaks and glacial lakes on this 45-minute scenic flight, including Murchison Glacier, Tasman Glacier, Main Divide, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, westland coastal rainforests and Mount Cook.
NZ$199 Adult NZ$139 Child
An afternoon amongst the boutique vineyards and splendid alpine scenery of Central Otago. Taste wines at 4 premium vineyards over two contrasting wine regions, learn about the wine and pioneering history and visit the Historic Precinct of Old Cromwell. Includes a delightful platter lunch and a glass of wine with lunch.
NZ$49 Adult NZ$24 Child
The Kiwi Birdlife Park is a wildlife sanctuary found in the heart of Queenstown. They hold and display over 20 species of native NZ wildlife in our 5 acre Park, all of which are part of nationally managed programmes. Your entry fee supports their conservation work. They offer guaranteed kiwi viewing in our specially constructed nocturnal houses, audio tours (available in English and Japanese; allow 45min), Conservation Shows (11am, 3pm; allow 30min) and Kiwi Feedings (10am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 4.30pm; allow 15min). They offer an all-day pass and the park can be enjoyed in all weather. Experience conservation in action!
NZ$115 Adult / NZ$75 Child
The 'Lakeshore Forest and Bird' guided walk is a unique nature interpretative experience. Taken at a leisurely pace through native beech forest, with morning or afternoon tea/coffee on the lake-shore where you stop and enjoy views across the lake to The Remarkables and Cecil Peak. The walk begins in native shrub and beech forest, and the track leads down through the forest to the edge Lake Wakatipu. Great views can be had looking out through the trees and over the water to the mountains beyond. Return transfers from your Queenstown accommodation are included.
NZ$145 Adult / NZ$70 Child
Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the largest and grandest vessel ever to ply Lake Wakatipu. The TSS Earnslaw makes several trips daily across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western shores. A cruise on this gracious heritage vessel is the perfect way to experience Queenstown’s magnificent alpine scenery. Upon reaching Walter Peak High Country Farm, you can disembark for an insight into New Zealand’s farming lifestyle. Enjoy an evening dining at the Colonel’s Homestead followed by an entertaining Sheep Show!
NZ$125 Adult / NZ$50 Child
Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch and a farm demo in a stunning lakeside setting. Your lunch starts with a cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once there, you can sit back on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and savour the delicious aromas as our chef has the best of local produce, sizzling away on the grill. After your lunch, you can join an entertaining farm demonstration or explore the beautiful lakeside gardens. Includes cruise, Gourmet BBQ lunch and farm demo. Duration 3hrs 30mins Suitable for all ages
NZ$149 Adult NZ$79 Child
Enjoy a 30-minute jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River and through Shotover Canyon with the only company permitted to operate in this area. A major highlight is experiencing the famous “Shotover Jet Turn” where your boat spins through a full 360 degrees turn. Includes return transfers from Queenstown. (Duration: 1.5 hours in total)
NZ$195 Adult NZ$115 Child
Skippers Canyon Jet are the only company to offer a complete 4WD tour of Skippers Canyon and access to the unique mining relics available in the Sainsbury gold claim museum. Following the winding, yet majestic Skippers road, which carves its way down from the Coronet Peak ski road, over the saddle and down “Long gully” through to Skippers Canyon; your guide will detail the history of the road, hardships of the miners and how many miners were killed building the road over a century ago.
Optional Experiences indicated are Australian or New Zealand dollars. Please note that occasionally weather or seasonal conditions may not permit their operation. Some also depend on a minimum number of participants and suitable time being available. Please see your Travel Director for a full list of experiences.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Jacket in cooler months
Fitness Requirements
Dining
- 8 Full buffet breakfasts
- 1 Be My Guest lunch
- 1 Lunch
- 2 Dinners with wine
- 1 Highlight Dinner
- 1 Farewell Dinner
Flight Information
| Day 1 | Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland Airport | |
| Day 9 | Flights to depart anytime from Queenstown Airport |
Required Internal Flight
Flights are not included in the holiday price. Land Only price requires the following internal-holiday flight to be purchased separately in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary:
| Day 4 | Rotorua to Christchurch NZ5785/5787 |
Contrasts of New Zealand
9 Day Guided Vacation
Auckland to Queenstown
Experience the contrasts of New Zealand’s two distinct islands. From Auckland’s sparkling Harbour to Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland, from the rugged beauty of the West Coast to the untouched serenity of Milford Sound, new facets of New Zealand’s splendour will reveal themselves each day as you explore the land of The Long White Cloud.
Please Note: Internal holiday flights must be purchased separately in order to fulfill the holiday itinerary.
Contrasts of New Zealand (Travel Period: 01 Oct 2019 – 27 Mar 2020)
- Join a local family for lunch on their Waikato farm
- Immerse yourself in local culture at the Tamaki Māori Marae
- Journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
- Cruise on spectacular Milford Sound
- View extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier
- Visit Te Puia thermal valley to view bubbling mud pools and stunning geysers
After arrival in Auckland you’ll have free time to explore. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Stamford Plaza Auckland, 2 nights
Included Meals: Dinner with wine
Start the day with a tour of the highlights of this lively multicultural city. Later, take a cruise on the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbour.
Hotel: Stamford Plaza Auckland
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
Follow the trail of the Waikato River to the home of Lance and Bridgette O’Sullivan, of New Zealand horse racing fame, for a Be My Guest experience, a traditional country-style lunch at the Red Barn on their beautiful Waikato farm. A very personal cultural evening awaits you at the Tamaki Māori Village. Feast on succulent meats and vegetables cooked in a Hangi, the traditional Māori method of cooking in the earth using geothermal steam.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Be My Guest Lunch, Highlight Dinner
Visit Rainbow Springs to observe many species of New Zealand fauna, including the iconic kiwi. From here you’ll visit Te Puia thermal reserve with its bubbling mudpools and stunning geysers. In the afternoon, fly to Christchurch.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
Journey on the TranzAlpine train. Stop at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Hokitika, famed for its greenstone (jade). Continue to the town of Franz Josef.
Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner with wine
Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass, passing Thunder Creek Falls and a trio of Lakes. You'll visit the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. An orientation tour of Queenstown, which sits on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic mountain ranges, completes your day.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 3 nights
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
Journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, then drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to see Mirror Lake, Cleddau Valley, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls before reaching mystical Milford Sound for a cruise on this natural wonder.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Lunch
Explore exciting Queenstown your way today. This evening, join your travelling companions for an exclusive Farewell Dinner at The Boatshed, with spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Your New Zealand holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Located in the heart of the city, just a short stroll from the Viaduct harbour and Auckland's best shopping and nightlife. Stamford Plaza Auckland hotel is the ideal spot for a luxury unwinding. Stamford Plaza Auckland hotel is one of Auckland's premier accommodation choices with extensive hotel facilities and amenities.
- Wireless Internet access
- Executive Desk
- Safety deposit box (laptop size)
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- In-room Movies (fee applies)
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Work Desk
- Mini Bar
- Phone
- Gym facilities
- Bathtub and shower
Features
Located in the heart of the city, just a short stroll from the Viaduct harbour and Auckland's best shopping and nightlife. Stamford Plaza Auckland hotel is the ideal spot for a luxury unwinding. Stamford Plaza Auckland hotel is one of Auckland's premier accommodation choices with extensive hotel facilities and amenities.
- Wireless Internet access
- Executive Desk
- Safety deposit box (laptop size)
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- In-room Movies (fee applies)
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Work Desk
- Mini Bar
- Phone
- Gym facilities
- Bathtub and shower
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
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
A haven from the city rush, a foray into New Zealand’s pristine wilderness – Te Waonui Forest Retreat is truly a place to relax and refresh. All focus has been on creating a healthy, environmentally safe habitat to maximise guests’ wellbeing. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat seamlessly incorporates measures that greatly reduce its environmental impact. Designed to stand the test of time, Te Waonui’s durable, New Zealand building design blends in with its stunning natural setting. Management and staff at Te Waonui actively support community-based projects to preserve our outstanding natural heritage in Franz Josef Glacier Town.
- In-room safe
- Wireless Internet access
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Pillow Menu (Choice of pillows)
- Luxurious bed linen
- Private balcony or courtyard
- Electronic security key system
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Mini Bar
- TV
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
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
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
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. Find out more
- Comfortable accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Airport transfers (see flight information below)
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Jacket in cooler months
Fitness Requirements
- Low level fitness required
Dining
- 8 Full buffet breakfasts
- 1 Lunch
- 1 Be My Guest lunch
- 1 Highlight Dinner
- 2 Dinners with wine
- 1 Farewell Dinner
Flight Information
- Day 1 - Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland Airport
- Day 9 - Flights to depart anytime from Queenstown Airport
- Required Internal Flights: are to be purchased in order to fulfil the itinerary and are not included in the land content price
- Day 4 – Rotorua to Christchurch: NZ5785/5787 (required internal flight)
Reviews
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