Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand's Garden City. Flights can arrive any time prior to 4.00pm.
After you check in, you can head out and explore Christchurch.
This evening, meet your fellow travellers and your Travel Director at a welcome reception at your hotel. Stay: Wyndham Garden Christchurch
More of Christchurch is revealed before the colours of the Canterbury Plains spread before you: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, snowcapped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You’ll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe. (B/D) Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Your day starts with a journey along the Waitaki River, and a photo stop at the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. You will then travel through to Oamaru, with its stately tree-lined streets and famous white limestone buildings.
This afternoon you will reach the country's southernmost city, Dunedin. With the rest of your free afternoon you may choose an optional excursion to see more of the region: take a wildlife cruise out to Otago Peninsula, visit the famous Speights Brewery, or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. (B) Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
From Brough Superior to Burt Munro and John Britten, Classic Motorcycle Mecca has it all. Ride into yesterday and discover the Southern Hemisphere’s leading classic motorcycle collection. Home to more than 300 vintage motorcycles, a visit here is a truly mind-blowing experience for enthusiasts and newbies alike.
Housed in two restored historic buildings in the heart of Invercargill, the collection boasts displays of classic British, American, European, and Japanese bikes alongside tributes to motocross and speedway (including legend Ivan Mauger), the collection is also home to the George Begg Bunker: a tribute to a homegrown hero and a golden age in Kiwi motorsport history. After your visit enjoy a local dinner to remember on location. (B/D) Stay Two Nights: Kelvin Hotel Invercargill
Board a ferry at Bluff and cruise to Stewart Island. Stewart Island is known by locals as Rakiura which is the Maori reference to Glowing Skies. It has been described as rugged, pristine and tranquil – and rightly so as 97% of the island is designated National Park and Conservation Estate. This means the birdlife, native flora & fauna and other natural environmental features have been able to thrive. Once you arrive, you will gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand's southernmost community and learn about the history and environment of Stewart Island on a Village and Bays tour.
Later, enjoy some free time. Join a guided sail around Paterson Inlet that will take you past unique places including Acker's Cottage before docking at Ulva Island to admire the bird life and native flora. For a more active option you could hire an E-bike and explore the Island for yourself. Travel back to Bluff by ferry before arriving back to your accommodation in Invercargill. (B)
Enjoy a relaxed start in Invercargill before departing for Queenstown. Known for its adventure you will have a free afternoon to explore. Take the opportunity to encounter a Queenstown legend and ride the Shotover Jet Boat or venture out on a Skippers Canyon Scenic Tour. If laid-back and relaxed is more your idea of fun, then join a Wine Tour and sample some of Central Otago's award-winning wines. Your AAT Kings Travel Director will assist you in booking all your chosen optional experiences.
This evening, why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station (Optional Experience, own expense). Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the largest and grandest vessel ever to ply Lake Wakatipu. Today, the TSS Earnslaw is believed to be the only coal-fired passenger carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Partake in a gourmet BBQ Highlight Dinner at Walter Peaks' Colonel's Homestead and then enjoy an entertaining after-dinner farm show providing a glimpse into high-country farm life. On the cruise back to Queenstown, join in a vintage sing-along or grab your partner for a dance across the polished wooden floors of the Earnslaw . (B) Stay Two Nights: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown
While Queenstown wears its Global Adventure badge proudly, it's also the perfect place to relax and explore. The town boasts great shopping with luxury brands, iconic New Zealand design stores and boutique fashion. If bungy jumping or tree-to-tree ziplining aren't your cup of tea, consider an Optional Experience to spectacular Milford Sound, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Experience magnificent scenery and many 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 before reaching Milford Sound for your cruise. (B)
This morning you will begin the passage through Central Otago and out to Westland, stopping along the way to visit the faithfully restored gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. From here you will travel to Cromwell, alongside the sparkling waters of Lake Dunstan, to taste delicious stonefruit at a local orchard. It is a day of gorgeous lakes, as you travel further into Central Otago to view the vivid blue Lake Hawea, followed by charming Lake Wanaka. You will travel over Haast Pass, changing from alpine scenery to the rainforest marvels of the wild West Coast. View the sheer drop of Thunder Creek Falls and grand Mt Hooker, flanked on three sides by extensive glaciers. Our final destination today is the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier. You may want to get up close to the icy glaciers on an optional helicopter flight. (weather permitting).
Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B/D) Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
If weather conditions are unfavourable on Day 15, you will get another chance to fly to the glaciers this morning. Then you head off to the drift-wood strewn beaches of Hokitika, to visit a pounamu factory (native greenstone or jade), to see master carvers at work. Maori tradition says it is bad luck to buy pounamu for yourself, so make sure you have someone there to purchase it for you. Then, continue to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Tonight you will stay in an eco-friendly, waterfront resort. Enjoy dinner while watching the thundering surf at your doorstep. (B/D) Stay: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Soak up the scenic wilderness of the Heritage Highway through the impressive Buller Gorge and the Kahurangi National Park before arriving in Nelson. (B) Stay Two Nights: The Rutherford Hotel
Perhaps enjoy a relaxing cruise in the Abel Tasman National Park, take a short bush walk, relax in sunny Nelson or explore the many arts and craft shops. The choice is yours! (B)
All aboard the Interislander for a cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound to Wellington. (B/D) Stay: Travelodge Wellington
Head out on a city sights tour. After the opportunity to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, travel to Art Deco mecca, Napier.(B) Stay Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Te Pania
After a devastating earthquake in 1931, Napier completely rebuilt itself in just two years. The end result is architectural Nirvana, a city home to the world’s greatest concentration of Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Striped Classical buildings. This morning get the lowdown from your in-the-know local guide on a Napier tour. This afternoon is yours to choose, perhaps a Gannet safaris or wine tour. (B)
Enjoy a leisurely start before journeying to Lake Taupo, the country's largest lake. Visit spectacular Huka Falls, then it's on to Rotorua for an orientation tour.
Tonight an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at the Tamaki Family Marae. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art and traditions, followed by a concert and an authentic Maori Hangi meal. (B/D) Stay Two Nights: Sudima Hotel
Today is your chance to experience the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua: perhaps visit Te Puia and join a guided tour through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, home to famous Pohutu Geyser and bubbling mud pools; and later, perhaps have a soak in the hot mineral waters of the Polynesian Spas. Your Travel Director will assist in booking optional experiences. (B)
Today you will follow the meandering trail of the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, past the lush farmlands of the Waikato Region. As you journey over the Bombay Hills, the landscape changes from green, grassy meadowlands to the edges of suburbia.
As you make your way into the heart of New Zealand's largest city, you will discover what it takes to make shape and become an All Black at The All-Blacks Experience. This interactive experience celebrates New Zealand's rugby heritage, achievements, and culture through exceptional innovation and technology. Your guided tour will feature the jaw-dropping, knee-trembling haka on a four-metre-high screen and entry to the interactive Step-Up zone where you can compare your kicking, catching, and lineout skills to current All Blacks and Black Ferns players. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City
This morning depart Auckland City over the Harbour Bridge and through Northland's lush farmland before arriving into the beautiful Bay of Islands. Your guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds discovers the stories, people and events that shaped the past, present and future of Aotearoa New Zealand. During your visit you will view the world's largest ceremonial war canoe, the historic Treaty House and carved Meeting House. Stand on the spot where Māori chiefs first signed their accord with the British Crown, the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document.
This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B/D) Stay Two Nights: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms
Today is completely free for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands: perhaps take a coach trip up to Cape Reinga, the very top of New Zealand via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach, sail aboard a historic tall ship, enjoy a wine tour of the region, or join a tour of Russell and learn more about the region's history.
Tonight, you are free to dine as you wish. Your Travel Director will assist in booking optional experiences. (B)
Enjoy a leisurely morning before you travel back to Auckland. You will journey south to Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand, to wander around the art galleries and through the marina in the Town Basin. Celebrate your holiday at a farewell dinner with your Travel Director and new-found friends. (B/D) Stay: Holiday Inn Express Auckland City
Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. (B)
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