AAT Kings: Kia Ora New Zealand 26/27

Say goodbye to the ‘City of Sails’ as you journey north to New Zealand’s dramatic Bay of Islands – 140 islands ringed by turquoise sea. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs. You are welcomed to the grounds with a rousing cultural performance. Your guide, perhaps a descendent of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house.

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

If there’s a travel destination that inspires wanderlust, the Bay of Islands is it. Today, trip the light fantastic and head off in whatever direction you please. Perhaps travel up to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, the very top of New Zealand, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach. or enjoy a scenic cruise among the 144 islands including lunch and a visit to the iconic hole in the rock. Or join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands (all own expense).

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

Today, New Zealand’s most northerly city is well and truly on your radar. Whangarei is like the country in a tantalising snapshot – a union of nature and forward-thinking culture. Explore at your leisure before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerizing commute back to Auckland.

Staying in:

• Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre (1 night)

After viewing the city sights, set your GPS for the Waitomo Caves. Cruising cavernous waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. It’s a landscape almost as otherworldly as Rotorua, where mud pops and jettisons from bubbling geysers. Explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley, and learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience. It begins with an exhilarating cultural performance in a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua, followed by views of the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands, and ends with a delicious buffet dinner of locally sourced hāngī-inspired cuisine - a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Staying in:

• Ibis Rotorua Hotel (1 night)

Explore at your own pace today, but with plenty of tips from your Travel Director. Want a bit of down time? We wouldn’t blame you for simply blissing out at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of today’s opportunity to visit the sights featured in The Lord of the Rings movies at Hobbiton. These beautiful landscapes are not only a bucket list tour for Hobbit fans but a gorgeous countryside getaway (all own expense).

Staying in:

• Ibis Rotorua Hotel (1 night)

You’ll hear Huka Falls well before you see it – at this natural wonder, a staggering 220,000 litres of water thunder over an 11-metre-high waterfall every second. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, its waters so vivid and blue you’ll think someone has taken the glasses off your nose and cleaned them for the first time. Traverse the Kapiti Coast to New Zealand’s cool little capital, Wellington, where there are so many restaurants and bars to choose from, you’ll need a guidebook. Wait, you have an in-the-know Travel Director to talk to about your Wellington tour.

Staying in:

• James Cook Grand Chancellor (1 night)

Wellington is known for its uber-cool cafes, grab yourself a coffee to fuel you through your city sights tour. Onwards for a cruise across Cook Straight, from the North Island to the South, through a maze of arms and inlets.

Staying in:

• Picton Beachcomber Inn, Picton Yacht Club (1 night)

There aren’t many beaches more dramatic than the sands of Kaikoura. Bonus points if you spot a seal or sperm whale frolicking offshore, Kaikoura is the marine wildlife centre of New Zealand. Talk to your Travel Director for tips on the essential restaurants to dine in tonight – Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one.

Staying in:

• Ibis Hotel Christchurch (1 night)

A Christchurch tour shows you that the city is not only rebuilding itself after the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, but is changing the way architects think about design. Case in point the mind-bending Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library. From here, your outlook is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience in Takapo, hosted by passionate local specialists, 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.

Staying in:

• Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)

Your visit to Clyde will have your camera clicking non-stop. This charming historic town may be small, but it’s full of character, with its town centre designated as a historic precinct, featuring buildings from its gold mining past now transformed into cafes and shops. Next, head to Gore, the Country Music capital of New Zealand, before continuing towards Fiordland National Park and stunning  Te Anau, nestled on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Immerse yourself in the serenity - this is as good as it gets.

Staying in:

• Distinction Luxmore Hotel (1 night)

From the moment you step outside today, nature rules. Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and mirror-like lakes. Gin-clear rivers carve the countryside, with all roads leading to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Venture out into the pristine fiord on an included sightseeing cruise for awe-inspiring scenery with towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Seals, penguins and the New Zealand alpine parrot, the Kea are a common sight.

Staying in:

• Distinction Luxmore Hotel (1 night)

Today, on your New Zealand tour, travel the aptly named Devil's Staircase. Winding along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, the Devil’s Staircase from Kingston to Queenstown is a breathtaking stretch of road with a combination of lake and Mountain views. Visit the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown, where you can wander the streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques, then continue to Queenstown for your two-night stay in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Tonight, glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm show.

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown (1 night)

Take today at your own pace; you won’t be lost for things to do in Queenstown. Like adventure? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane jet boat ride, perhaps. There’s a reason why Queenstown is known as the "Adventure Capital of the World". Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand’s feathered friends at Kiwi Park (both own expense).

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown (1 night)

Try and keep count of today’s lakes. Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind, journey past shimmering Lake Hawea and through Haast Pass with its powerful waterfalls and dramatic mountain backdrops to the pretty town of Franz Josef/Waiau. Get some perspective on a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere – if the weather behaves, you may even get to land on it (own expense).

Staying in:

• Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (1 night)

Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika: the pounamu found here is the stuff jewellery dreams are made of. Just when you thought your adventure couldn’t get any better, you’ll board the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. Tonight enjoy dinner and drinks to toast your holiday.

Staying in:

• Ibis Hotel Christchurch (1 night)

Two New Zealand islands. Multiple glaciers. Endless lakes. Thermal springs. Black beaches, and white beaches. An endless parade of wildlife. We hope you find the words to describe this epic adventure to your family back home.