New Zealand Explorer

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails. Flights can arrive any time prior to 4.00pm; you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. After check-in, you can explore Auckland. Take a walk down Queen Street, to the main shopping precinct or take a bus (leaves from outside the hotel) down to the Viaduct Harbour and the Auckland Waterfront region. This recently developed area of central Auckland has cafes and restaurants galore. Take a seat in the sunshine, enjoy a glass of one of New Zealand’s famous Sauvignon Blanc’s and watch the maritime activity on Waitemata Harbour. This evening, meet your fellow travelling companions and your AAT Kings Travel Director at a welcome reception back at your hotel.

Today, travel to the Waitomo Caves to see the incredible Glow-worm Grotto and Limestone Caves with a local guide. Glide silently through the subterranean cavern lit by thousands of tiny glowworms. This evening, join your travelling companions for a memorable Be My Guest Dinner. Experience the heart pounding wero (challenge) from a Maori warrior during a Powhiri, a ceremonial welcome, at the Tamaki Maori Village. Journey into the village and gain an insight into life in New Zealand before European settlement. Feast on succulent meats and vegetables cooked in a hangi, the traditional Maori method of cooking in the earth.

Today is your chance to experience the scenic wonders of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. You could explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park & The National Kiwi Hatchery, take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour through the working kiwi nursery and hatchery. Visit Te Puia and join a guided tour through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, home to famous Pohutu Geyser and the bubbling beauty of the mud pools. Later, why not spend a little more time experiencing the thermal wonders, with a soak in the hot mineral waters of the Polynesian Spas. Your AAT Kings Travel Director will assist you in booking all of your chosen optional experiences.

This morning you’ll fly from Rotorua to Queenstown. Airfare is not included and must be booked by you or your travel agent. On arrival you’ll board your coach and travel to the delightful gold rush village of Arrowtown, on the sparkling Arrow River, once one of the world’s richest rivers. Afterwards you’ll get a feel for Queenstown and surrounds on an orientation tour. See Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range and home of the Bungy Jump at Kawarau Bridge.

You have a free day so why not consider an Optional Experience to spectacular Milford Sound, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Experience magnificent scenery and many photo 186 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 before reaching Milford Sound for your cruise.

Today’s your last chance to soak up the atmosphere in New Zealand’s adventure capital. You could ride the Shotover Jet, take a mini-bus excursion through skipper’s canyon, tempt your tastebuds on a wine tour or just explore Queenstown on your own.

It’s time for us to bid you farewell as you are transferred to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight to Melbourne.