Spirit of New Zealand
21 Day Guided Vacation | Christchurch to Auckland
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Spirit of New Zealand
21 Day Guided Vacation
| Christchurch to Auckland
Travel period
Spirit of New Zealand
21 Day Guided Vacation
Christchurch to Auckland
Indulge in a little star-gazing before retiring to your private cabin for your overnight stay on Milford Sound. Journey out to Abel Tasman National Park and take a stroll along seemingly untouched golden beaches. Hear how the coastal city of Napier was rebuilt in Art Deco style after the earthquake of 1931.
Choose This Trip If You'd Love To:
- Enjoy the most two-night stays of our NZ range
- Tour the Art Deco town of Napier with a local expert
- Experience a once-in-a-lifetime overnight cruise
- Cruise the Bay of Islands and see Te Puia thermal valley
Spirit of New Zealand (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2020 – 31 Mar 2021)
Flexible Vacations
Explore beautiful Abel Tasman National Park on a full-day walk or a half-day cruise when you stay in Nelson.
Iconic Sites
Stay overnight in magical Milford Sound where you will get to spot wildlife, go kayaking and enjoy the scenery.
Time For You
Enjoy a great mix of included activities and free time that’ll truly make you feel like you’re on holiday.
Sustainable Travel
Lunch is supplied through Eat My Lunch, supporting New Zealand children that may have gone to school without lunch.
Meet your Travel Director and travelling companions this evening at a Welcome Reception.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Visit the city this morning, then travel over the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing to Mt. Cook National Park.
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel via Oamaru to Dunedin for a city tour on arrival.
Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Included Meals: Breakfast
Journey through rainforest, ancient glaciers and mountain ranges, and pass through the monumental Homer Tunnel. See Lake Matheson, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm before arriving in Milford Sound for your overnight cruise
(Cruise may not operate on 10 Sep 2020 departure. On this date, you can enjoy a day cruise on Milford Sound and accommodation in Te Anau or Queenstown)
Hotel: Cruise Overnight Milford Sound
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart this morning for Lake Te Anau. Explore the famous Te Anau Glowworm Caves by boat, drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms. Later, travel to Queenstown.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown , 3 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today is free for you to explore Queenstown at your own pace. This evening, consider a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today, take time to either relax or tailor your own action-packed agenda.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Your first destination today is the old goldmining settlement of Arrowtown. Travel on to witness the serenity of the region’s vivid blue lakes, the most famous of which is pristine Lake Wanaka. Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass and take a rainforest walk to Thunder Creek Falls on your way to the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, why not choose an optional experience and see Franz Josef Glacier from the air or take a glacier hike. Travel on to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone, for a factory visit and demonstration. Continue to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks.
Hotel: Punakaiki Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The Heritage Highway leads you to the Buller Gorge and Kahurangi National Park before arriving in Nelson.
Hotel: The Rutherford Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today you’ll have the option to journey to the top of the South Island and take a scenic cruise in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Visit the seaside village of Picton then cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound before heading across Cook Strait to the North Island and Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Enjoy a city sights tour before a guided tour of Te Papa Museum of New Zealand.
Hotel: Travelodge Wellington, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Explore Wellington at your own pace today.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your special packed lunch today won’t only be wholesome, it will also feed a Kiwi child who may otherwise go without, through the charity ‘Eat My Lunch’. Travel through the vineyards of the Wairarapa region and Hawke’s Bay, and take a walking tour of Art Deco Napier.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today journey to Lake Taupo, then visit Huka Falls on your way to Rotorua. Visit Te Puia, the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. A tour of Rotorua’s active geothermal fields follows. Gain a further insight into traditional Māori culture at a concert and Hangi Highlight Dinner at the Tamaki Māori Village.
Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight dinner
Today is free for you to explore at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel through the dairy-farming land of Waikato en route to Auckland.
Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel through Northland to the Bay of Islands where you’ll experience spectacular scenery as you cruise through the ‘Hole in the Rock’.
Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is free for you to explore at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Drive through lush farmland scenery on your return to Auckland. This evening, join your Travel Director and travelling companions for a Farewell Dinner.
Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
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:
Ibis Christchurch is ready to welcome you. Adjacent to the new shopping heart of Christchurch, Cashell Mall. The "pop up" shopping precinct is the new vibrant heart of the city, featuring many new designer shops and modern cafes. Ibis Hotel Christchurch is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access to the outer lying attractions and the airport. The Ibis features 155 contemporary rooms, restaurant OOPEN, a bar and meeting room.
- 220/240 V AC
- Data port in room
- Air-conditioning
- Flat Screen TV
- Satellite/cable colour TV
- Work Desk
- Direct Dial Telephone
- Manual temperature control
- Wi-Fi in room (Pay)
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Ensuite
- Shower
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Security peephole
- Automatic wake up call
- Operator wake up call
- Alarm Clock
Features
Located in the heart of the Mackenzie/Waitaki region, a unique area of New Zealand's South Island. Set amongst landscaped gardens with views of the surrounding mountains, the Heritage Gateway Hotel is a peaceful place to stay.
- Ensuite
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Wireless Internet access
- Phone
- TV
- Electric blankets
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hairdryer
- Refrigerator
Features
Located right in the heart of the city, Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin is ideal for business or leisure. When it is true hospitality and a convenient location that you desire on your travels, then this is your perfect hotel. Dunedin has few destinations to match the stylish Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin, where the accommodation reflects a total dedication to excellence in guest service, modern comfort and attention to detail.
- Ensuite
- Broadband Internet access
- Sky TV
- Mini Bar
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Direct Dial Telephone
Features
For a unique experience cruise overnight on Milford Sound on a fully equipped vessel.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is located on Frankton Road, just five minutes stroll to the heart of Queenstown.
The hotel resort is close to many wonderful activities, from the town's world famous jet boat rides to radical white water rafting, bungee jumping, vineyards, international golf courses and ski fields.
- Ensuite
- TV
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Refrigerator
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Telephone - Voice Mail
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hairdryer
Features
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, and is just moments from one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier makes the most of its alpine location and offers quality accommodation in two separate hotel ‘wings’. Stay in either the Douglas or Graham wing, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings within Franz Josef village. Our hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the magnificent Westland region.
- Hair Dryer
- Wireless Internet access
- Work Desk
- Mini Bar
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Refrigerator
- Four Spa Pools
Features
Situated on New Zealand's wild West Coast, the Punakaiki Resort is surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and is only a stone's throw from the beach. The hotel rooms are designed in harmony with the local environment to maintain a sense of privacy and seclusion and have either ocean or rainforest views.
- Ensuite
- Shower and toilet facilities
- Refrigerator
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Phone
- Hairdryer
- Wireless Internet access
- TV
- Satellite/cable colour TV
Features
Rutherford Hotel Nelson is Nelson’s only 24-hour fully-serviced hotel, offering luxurious rooms and suites. Our central location means Nelson’s many galleries and City attractions are just a stone’s throw away. All rooms have a view of the harbour, city, historic South Street or Nelson’s beautiful cathedral.
Our stylish accommodation will suit anyone looking for a great place to stay in Nelson. We also offer rooms with disabled access on request. All of our rooms have WiFi capabilities.
- En-suite bathrooms (shower over bath)
- Bathrobes
- WiFi
- Sky TV
- Direct dial phone
- Mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities
Features
With close proximity to the city’s financial hub as well as many Wellington attractions, such as Wellington Zoo, the Wellington Cable Car, the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, and the Wellington Botanic Gardens, Travelodge Hotel Wellington is perfectly located for both business and leisure travel.
- Hair Dryer
- Pay TV
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Individual heater control
- LCD TV
- Refrigerator
- Internet Access
- Microwave
Features
Styled to complement its remarkable location on the edge of the beautiful Hawke's Bay, our Scenic Hotel Te Pania boasts design awards for its style and offers an unmatched level of service to leisure travellers and conference guests. Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, and Scenic Hotel Te Pania in Napier enjoys a premium waterfront location on Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay, and guests enjoy sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street.
- Wireless Internet access
- Mini Bar
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Air-conditioning
- TV
- Work Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Laundry/Valet service
- Dry cleaning service
Features
Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views. Our central location is easily accessible to cafés, restaurants and the Energy Events Convention Centre. Stunning natural scenery and geothermal wonders makes this the ultimate destination.
- Ensuite
- Air-conditioning
- Telephone - Voice Mail
- Soundproofed Windows
- TV
- In-house movies
- Pay TV
- 220/240 V AC
- Data port in room
- High speed transmission line (pay)
- Work Desk
- Manual temperature control
- Iron
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Hairdryer
- Automatic wake up call
Features
A BRAND New 4.5 Qualmark rated apartment Hotel & Suites with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well-appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD. This brand new hotel offers excellent convenience of being in the heart of the business, shopping and food district of Auckland.
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Wireless Internet access
- Hair Dryer
- TV
Features
This welcoming Bay of Islands hotel commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
- 42" flat screen TV with Sky channels
- Wi-Fi
- Refrigerator
- Mini Bar
- Hair Dryer
- Iron / Ironing Board
- In-room safe
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Phone
Features
A BRAND New 4.5 Qualmark rated apartment Hotel & Suites with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well-appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD. This brand new hotel offers excellent convenience of being in the heart of the business, shopping and food district of Auckland.
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Wireless Internet access
- Hair Dryer
- 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. Find out more
- Comfortable accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- 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$160 Adult NZ$80 Child
A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to the very top of the North Island – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Drive along the sand on Ninety Mile Beach as the waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Your off-road journey continues up Te Paki Stream, stopping at the massive sand dunes where you can experience the thrills and spills of sand-boarding. Clambering up and surfing down the dunes (if you dare!) is sure to get your heart pumping. Enjoy a lunch of delicious fresh fish and chips at the historic Wagener Museum at Houhora. A vegetarian option is available and can be selected when booking.
NZ$65 Adult NZ$32.50 Child
Enjoy a relaxing tour of Kerikeri, showcasing the rich history of the North. This tour takes a look at the importance of wine-growing in the region and visits a small family-run boutique vineyard, Ake Ake to sample some of their organic wine. And then take a step back in time with visits to the Historic Stone Store and Kemp House. And then conclude the tour with a stop-off at the local chocolate factory – Makana – where you can watch the delicious chocolates being made, and of course, taste a few samples!
NZ$109 Adult NZ$42 Child
Relax with a scenic cruise down the Waitangi River while enjoying a drink from the well-stocked bar. Wind through to Haruru Falls, where dinner is prepared and served aboard the boat, the Ratanui. Soak up the ambience of the floodlit falls, and perhaps even come face to face with a Taniwha!
From NZ$45 Adult NZ$25 Child
Set in 22 acres of beautiful native trees and streams, Rainbow Springs is home to a huge variety of New Zealand’s most precious inhabitants. Experience the adrenalin rush of The Big Splash, explore the many free flight aviaries, come face to face with pre-history in the eyes of the tuatara, and experience the wonder of the bird show featuring some of the funniest feathered performers you will ever see. Includes Kiwi Encounter.
Rotorua City and Lakes Tour - NZ$75 Adult NZ$50 Child
Tarawera and Lakes Tour - NZ$95 Adult NZ$60 Child
Rotorua City and Lakes Tour - Our Rotorua City and Lakes tour is a fantastic sightseeing experience. Combine learning about a historically significant area with the thrill of riding in New Zealand’s only genuine operating WW2 landing crafts. Beginning in the heart of Rotorua, you’ll see historic buildings, hot springs, geothermal wonders and more. Then, head out to Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake), our most recreational lake, and Lake Okareka – nestled in the heart of a vibrant community – for two fun Splashdowns.
Tarawera and Lakes Tour - Discover Rotorua’s spectacular lakes area from the comfort of a fully restored World War II amphibious vehicle, able to travel on land and water. A 90 minute fun-filled and scenic journey that ventures onto the three Rotorua lakes, and is accompanied by an entertaining and informative commentary.
NZ$119 Adult NZ$35 Child
Discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland near Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand, where you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy in a fascinating two-hour guided tour.
NZ$68 Adult NZ$42 Child
This movie-based experience provides a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse of Weta Workshop, the home of the special effects wizards whose work features in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies. The tour invites you to view the creative processes of a Weta technician and to touch, feel, and hold real props, weapons and models from the films the creative Weta team have worked on. Return transfers from the Wellington i-Site are included.
NZ$86 Adult NZ$38 Child
Discoverer Day is the ultimate boat cruise and walk combination in the Abel Tasman National Park. With two different walk options, the Discoverer Day shows all the best the Abel Tasman has to offer with a Full Scenic Boat Cruise, visits to Split Apple Rock and a Fur Seal colony, golden beaches, forest walking and wildlife encounters all in one superb day out.
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$30 Adult NZ$14 Child
No visitor to Dunedin should leave without taking the Speight’s Brewery Tour. Since 1876 the brewery has been proudly producing Speight’s legendary ales from the same site in Rattray Street. On the Speight’s Brewery Tour you’ll see, smell, touch and taste the ingredients that go into making Speight’s beers – and of course, get to sample “The Pride of the South” for yourself!
NZ$154 Adult NZ$56 Child
Cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour, passing by the historic fishing village of Careys Bay and the working port of Port Chalmers. Then continue your tour out to the tip of the Otago Peninsula, enjoying unrivalled wildlife viewing. See what cannot be seen from land – Albatross, New Zealand Fur Seals and up to 20 species of bird and marine life in their undisturbed and otherwise inaccessible environment.
NZ$109 Adult NZ$29 Child
Taieri Gorge Railway is one of the world’s great train trips, taking passengers from the hustle and bustle of Dunedin’s city centre to the rugged mountain interior of Central Otago, and back. Travel in comfort, cross magnificent stone and wrought iron viaducts, travel through a series of tunnels with rock walls only inches from the side of the train.
NZ$78 Adult NZ$39 Child
Let your local driver take you on an exciting Otago Peninsula drive to New Zealand’s only castle. Your guided tour of the Larnach family home will give you insight into not only the architecture and style of the stately building, but also into William Larnach’s family life and the restoration done by the current owners during the past three decades. Enjoy views from the tower and marvel at the immaculate gardens before your return to Dunedin.
NZ$55 Adult NZ$25 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$159 Adult NZ$89 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)
Tour Only: NZ$155 Adult NZ$95 Child
Tour with Jet Boat: 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.
NZ$72 Adult NZ$30 Child
A cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic steamship the TSS Earnslaw is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience Queenstown’s famed scenic beauty. The leisurely 90 minute cruise across the lake showcases some of Queenstown’s spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown’s living history – the 104 year old TSS Earnslaw. You can visit the engine room and see its giant steam engines at work, view the collection of historical photos in our mini-museum, check out the bridge or even join a sing-along with the pianist. Or if you’d much rather, kick back and enjoy a wine or beer or some café-style food at our on-board Promenade Café and Bar.
NZ$109 Adult NZ$59 Child
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.
Neve Discoverer Flight 20min - NZ$280 Adult NZ$196 Child
Twin Glacier Flight 30min - NZ$360 Adult NZ$252 Child
Mountain Scenic Spectacular Flight 40min - NZ$490 Adult NZ$343 Child
Neve Discoverer Flight 20min - Lift off and fly up over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier to land amongst this alpine wonderland on a 20-minute scenic flight. Highlights include landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and a snow or icefall landing.
Twin Glacier Flight 30min - 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.
Mountain Scenic Spectacular Flight 40min - 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.
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
- Low level of fitness required
Dining
- 20 Full buffet breakfasts
- 1 Lunch
- 1 Highlight Dinner
- 6 Dinners
- 1 Farewell Dinner
Flight Information
- Day 1 - Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
- Day 21 - Flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport
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