AAT Kings 10 Day Contrasts of New Zealand

Visit the major cities and locations with time to explore and some great activities included. Experience a Maori cultural show and Hangi even spot the kiwis at Rainbow Springs. Fly to Queenstown before exploring the dramatic and very different mountain scenery of the South Island. A cruise on Milford Sound is a highlight and you also get to admire the night sky in Tekapo.

On arrival into Auckland, you will be transferred to your hotel.

A city sights tour will start your morning in Auckland. 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. Take a walk down Queen Street, to the main shopping precinct by 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 Blancs and watch the maritime activity on Waitemata Harbour.

Today, you’ll venture through the King Country region which was at the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s on your way to Rotorua. On arrival embark on an orientation of the area before visiting Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Discover native flora that grows around the crystal-clear mineral water springs and you might even spot a kiwi or two! This evening enjoy a traditional Hangi Highlight Dinner and cultural performance at the Tamaki Family Marae.

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.

Today, board your flight to Queenstown. Speak with your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Queenstown.

Journey over the Devil’s Staircase and along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and its lake, the largest in the South Island. Travel through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to the numerous photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, Mitre Peak and the Bowen Falls before reaching Milford Sound. Enjoy lunch and a cruise on this wonder of nature. Later, return to Queenstown for the evening.

Spend time in Queenstown either relaxing or exploring on an optional experience. Venture out on a Scenic Tour visiting the many filming locations of the Lord of the Rings, alternatively sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station. Indulge in a gourmet BBQ Highlight Lunch at Walter Peaks; Colonel's Homestead overlooking the lake. This evening, join your Travel Director for dinner at Queenstown's Boatshed. Set in the restored historic Railway Shipping Office and relocated to its lakefront setting in 1936, The Boatshed with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, it is the perfect venue for your exclusive dinner with wine.

This morning you'll leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown behind, and begin the passage through Central Otago and out to Westland. On the way, you will stop and visit the faithfully restored gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. From here you will travel over to Cromwell, on the banks of Lake Dunstan to taste some of the town's delicious stone fruit.
Continue over the Lindis Pass and on the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Enjoy views of Mt Cook before heading to the Church of the Good Shepherd. Later join a local expert on an incredible voyage of discovery through the Southern Hemisphere's night sky, including the Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud and the Milky Way. Your guide will enhance your knowledge and understanding of our southern skies as you admire and ponder the possibilities through powerful optical telescopes.

Journey through South Canterbury, visiting the charming village of Geraldine on your way to Christchurch.

This morning see how Christchurch is rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, and 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 The 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.

Thank you for touring with AAT Kings and New Zealand Coach Tours.