New Zealand Uncovered with AAT Kings

Take an unforgettable escorted coach tour around New Zealand. Selected meals, activities at must-visit spots, and journeys on the Interislander ferry and TranzAlpine Train are all included.

Escorted Tours
16 nights
Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Twizel, Dunedin, Te Anai, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Christchurch

Itinerary overview

Day 1

Auckland

Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and the gateway to the North Island...

Day 2

Auckland

A good mix of sightseeing and free time is on the cards today. Spend the morning learning about t...

Day 3

Rotorua

Travel through the countryside stopping for a 'Be My Guest' lunch on a working dairy farm. You'll...

Day 4

Rotorua

Enjoy a day of independent exploration, perhaps visiting the Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa or takin...

Day 5

Wellington

Drive south today, stopping off at the roaring Huka Falls on the way. As you continue the journey...

Day 6

Wellington

The day begins with an introductory city tour, taking in highlights like the cable car, parliamen...

Day 7

Kaikoura

Today's the day you cross the Cook Strait and take the ferry over to the South Island. Continue o...

Day 8

Christchurch

There'll be time for an optional wildlife experience this morning (for a local cost) before you s...

Day 9

Twizel

Take a tour of Christchurch which has become a shining example of architecture and design since t...

Day 10

Dunedin

As you venture further south, stop off in coastal Oamaru, a city with a rich Victorian heritage. ...

Day 11

Te Anau

Head back inland and travel towards the South Island's largest lake, Te Anau. Following a thrilli...

Day 12

Queenstown via Milford Sound

Travel from Te Anau to Queenstowns via one of the world's most spectacular natural landscapes: Mi...

Day 13

Queenstown

The day is yours to fill with as many adventure activities as you can (or would like to). You cou...

Day 14

Franz Josef

Your journey today is scenically spectacular. Travel through the mountains, past lakes and toward...

Day 15

Punakaiki

Following a little bit of time to explore Franz Joseph /Waiau village, the trip along the coast c...

Day 16

Christchurch

Take a tour of Monteith's Brewery in the town of Greymouth and enjoy a lovely lunch before crossi...

Day 17

Christchurch

Today, head to the airport for your onward journey.

Day 1

Auckland

Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and the gateway to the North Island. Stay at The Cordis.

Day 2

Auckland

A good mix of sightseeing and free time is on the cards today. Spend the morning learning about the city's maritime heritage and continue on through the city as you head up to Bastion Point for some epic views. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Stay at The Cordis.

Day 3

Rotorua

Travel through the countryside stopping for a 'Be My Guest' lunch on a working dairy farm. You'll even have the chance to make your own butter. Continue on to Rotorua, a literal New Zealand hot spot. Head to Te Puia to browse Maori crafts and visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to see geysers erupt and mud bubble. Stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua.

Day 4

Rotorua

Enjoy a day of independent exploration, perhaps visiting the Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa or taking a lake cruise on board an amphibious craft. Later, rejoin the crew for a cultural dinner at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience. Stay at Millennium Hotel Rotorua.

Day 5

Wellington

Drive south today, stopping off at the roaring Huka Falls on the way. As you continue the journey towards the capital Wellington, pass by Lake Taupo and cross the Central Plateau. Rydges Wellington.

Day 6

Wellington

The day begins with an introductory city tour, taking in highlights like the cable car, parliament buildings and the Mt Victoria and finishing at Te Papa, the national museum (entrance payable locally). Later, continue your city discovery independently, perhaps visiting Weta Workshop if you're a Lord of the Rings fan. Stay at Rydges Wellington.

Day 7

Kaikoura

Today's the day you cross the Cook Strait and take the ferry over to the South Island. Continue on to the east coast and the town of Kaikoura for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Join Sabrina Leucht, the founder of the Kaikoura Wildlife Centre Trust, for an informative biodiversity talk about her goals to create a wildlife hospital. This evening, dine at the local restaurant Hiku.

Day 8

Christchurch

There'll be time for an optional wildlife experience this morning (for a local cost) before you set off for Christchurch, following the coastal and Canterbury Plains route. Stay at Distinction Christchurch Hotel.

Day 9

Twizel

Take a tour of Christchurch which has become a shining example of architecture and design since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Then head to Lake Tekapo for a Be My Guest afternoon tea (including pavlova) at the lakeside Morelea. Drive on to the town of Twizel and stay at Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel.

Day 10

Dunedin

As you venture further south, stop off in coastal Oamaru, a city with a rich Victorian heritage. Then arrive in Dunedin which has been dubbed the 'Edinburgh of the Southern Hemisphere'. You'll have time to explore on your own. We recommend taking a boat trip out to see the little penguins or visiting a local brewery (local charges apply). Stay at Scenic Hotel Southern Cross.

Day 11

Te Anau

Head back inland and travel towards the South Island's largest lake, Te Anau. Following a thrilling jet boat ride on the nearby Lake Manapouri and visit Pomoma Island for the second MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Learn about the plight of local bird species and the local conservation project that is fighting to restore their habitats. Stay at Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas.

Day 12

Queenstown via Milford Sound

Travel from Te Anau to Queenstowns via one of the world's most spectacular natural landscapes: Milford Sound. Drive down to the pier and board the boat that will take you through the fiord on an epic cruise. Spot wildlife and marvel at the towering peaks and thundering falls before returning to dry land and continuing on to Queenstown. Stay at the Millennium Hotel, Queenstown.

Day 13

Queenstown

The day is yours to fill with as many adventure activities as you can (or would like to). You could go on a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, try bungee jumping or rope swinging, or try out some other wild and wonderful experiences. Alternative low-octane options include a Lord of the Rings tour and a cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Stay at Millennium Hotel, Queenstown.

Day 14

Franz Josef

Your journey today is scenically spectacular. Travel through the mountains, past lakes and towards the wild west coast where rain forests meet the mountains and glaciers like Franz Josef/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere seem to tumble down the mountainsides. Stay at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 15

Punakaiki

Following a little bit of time to explore Franz Joseph /Waiau village, the trip along the coast continues today. Travel up to Hokitika (home of the jade greenstone) and Punakaiki with its unique pancake rocks and blowholes. Stay at Scenic Hotel Punakaiki.

Day 16

Christchurch

Take a tour of Monteith's Brewery in the town of Greymouth and enjoy a lovely lunch before crossing the south island on board the TranzAlpine train. The train will cross viaducts and pass through tunnels while you sit back and and enjoy the view. This evening, head out into Christchurch for your final evening and farewell dinner. Stay at Distinction Christchurch Hotel.

Day 17

Christchurch

Today, head to the airport for your onward journey.

Personalise your trip

We'll help plan your holiday in store, or from the comfort of your own home