New Zealand Uncovered

17 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
From north to south, east to west, New Zealand is a country of contrasts. And that’s why we love it. One minute you’re drifting through World Heritage-listed gorges on a Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour, then next you’re scaling ice on a Franz Josef/Waiau tour. Sometimes there’s a Maori-inspired feast on the menu; at others there’s award-winning wine. Spanning 1...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    From north to south, east to west, New Zealand is a country of contrasts. And that’s why we love it. One minute you’re drifting through World Heritage-listed gorges on a Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour, then next you’re scaling ice on a Franz Josef/Waiau tour. Sometimes there’s a Maori-inspired feast on the menu; at others there’s award-winning wine. Spanning 17 days, two islands and countless attractions – both city and country – this trip to New Zealand is one for the record books.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAuckland
End CityChristchurch (Nz)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 40

Trip includes

    • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide Centrally located premium hotels National Park entrance fees Arrival and departure private airport transfers

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland

Auckland is the kind of place you could lose yourself in for a couple of weeks. Arrive at your leisure and explore hip new waterfront precincts, or just ready yourself to meet your fellow travel companions at dinner tonight at The Grill. And so your NZ tour begins.

The Cordis

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Auckland Sightseeing & Free Time

A little bit of leisure, a little bit of culture – today is one of those days. Peek behind the scenes of maritime racing history on the New Zealand Maritime Museum’s America’s Cup Tour, highlighting Auckland’s heritage of boat-building, and offering a glimpse of one o...

Day 3: Auckland - Rotorua

Leave Auckland behind and journey into the countryside for an exclusive family-style Be My Guest lunch in the Red Barn on a working dairy farm. Prior to your farm to table lunch prepared by the onsite chef, get a feel for country life as you're invited to roll up your...

Day 4: Rotorua Free Time

Today, choose your own adventure. We have plenty of ideas for the paths you might follow. Optional Rotorua tour sightseeing experiences include relieving NZ holiday-weary limbs in the thermal waters of Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa. Or perhaps you’d prefer to zip ac...

Day 5: Rotorua - Wellington

Say goodbye to Rotorua and hello to the raging rapids of Huka Falls, where 220,000 litres of water barrel over this massive waterfall every second. Your outlook then unfolds into the dreamy landscape of Lake Taupo, the largest of its kind in the country and with a twi...

Day 6: Wellington Sightseeing & Free Time

Your day in Wellington should – must – begin with a coffee. The city is known for its ubercool cafés and with coffee in hand you will head out on city sights tour to take in highlights such as its iconic cable car, parliament, and Mt. Victoria. Your tour ends at Te Pa...

Day 7: Wellington - Kaikoura

This morning cruise the Cook Strait into tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound from the North Island to the South, through a maze of arms and inlets into the sleepy seaside village of Picton. Continue to Kaikoura, where Sperm Whales, dolphins and fur seals can often be seen ...

Day 8: Kaikoura - Christchurch

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning or sign up for one of several local wildlife experiences available. Choose from an optional scenic flight over dramatic beaches framed by turquoise ocean where whales are regularly spotted, or perhaps you’d prefer a cruise to site po...

Day 9: Christchurch - Twizel

From its eye-popping, cardboard-crafted Cathedral to its gold-clad central library, Christchurch has well and truly rebuilt itself since the 2010/11 earthquakes, setting the bar high for architecture and design across the country. On your Christchurch tour you’ll disc...

Day 10: Twizel - Dunedin

Oamaru has a rich history and proud heritage, enriched by passionate and perhaps quirky locals. Explore the shops, galleries and traditional crafts within some of the Southern Hemispheres most complete Victorian streetscapes, before landing in Dunedin. The afternoon i...

Day 11: Dunedin - Te Anau

From sheep farms to rugged mountains, today is one of diversity. Venture to the South Island's largest lake and the pretty lakeside town of Te Anau. You'll experience the thrill of jet boating on Lake Manapouri, home to Pomona Island where native birds are under threa...

Day 12: Te Anau - Queenstown

There aren’t many places in the world that remind you how precious the planet is. Fiordland National Park is one. Your journey towards Milford Sound/Piopiotahi traverses native rainforest, alluvial flats and meadows, with mirrored lakes, thundering waterfalls, dramati...

Day 13: Queenstown Free Time

The roll-call of Queenstown optional activities you could sign-up for today is near endless. Perhaps  Or maybe your Queenstown tour is dedicated to the gorges of Skippers Canyon. If you’re a gourmand at heart, sign up for a Central Otago wine tour, where your day invo...

Day 14: Queenstown - Franz Josef

From Arrowtown’s tree-lined avenues (where you've been visiting a bygone time) to Central Otago’s gleaming lakes, nature rules today. Alpine scenery tiers into rainforest along the West Coast of New Zealand, where Thunder Creek Falls and the glacier-studded Mt. Hooker...

Day 15: Franz Josef Glacier - Punakaiki

Sleep in or take the morning to explore the small but lively Franz Josef/Waiau village - perhaps visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre - before venturing to Hokitika, home of the native jade greenstone. From natural jewellery to natural surroundings, you’re off to P...

Day 16: Punakaiki - Christchurch

We’ve got you sorted on a morning tour of legendary Monteith’s Brewery, which is followed by lunch. You only live once, right? The best is yet to come – all aboard for the scenic TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch. Travel through tunnels and over viaducts, with pa...

Day 17: Farewell from Christchurch

How many travel highs can you pack into a holiday? This itinerary has certainly pushed the boundaries. Now all you have to do is go home and sort through all those photos.

Full Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,948
Price per day$409
Last Updated: 12/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Room (Shared)
Single Room
Availability
07 Jan 2025
23 Jan 2025
$7,720
$9,795
21 Jan 2025
06 Feb 2025
$7,720
$9,795
04 Feb 2025
20 Feb 2025
$8,106
$10,285
18 Feb 2025
06 Mar 2025
$8,106
$10,285
25 Feb 2025
13 Mar 2025
$7,720
$9,795
11 Mar 2025
27 Mar 2025
$7,720
$9,795
25 Mar 2025
10 Apr 2025
$6,948
$8,816
01 Apr 2025
17 Apr 2025
$8,245
$10,235
08 Apr 2025
24 Apr 2025
$7,008
$8,700
15 Apr 2025
01 May 2025
$8,245
$10,235

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

AAT Kings Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,428
Great
398
Average
73
Disappointing
24
Terrible
17
S

Sue Collins

Nov 2024

Written on

New Zealand Uncovered

Our 17-day AAT Kings Tour of the North and South Islands of New Zealand was amazing. It was by far the best trip of our lives. Everything was perfect, from the first...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2024

Written on

New Zealand Uncovered

I enjoyed the variety of accommodation and experiences on my AAT Kings trip. Everything was well organised and made it a wonderful experience taken to places I would...

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Other AAT Kings Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Dec 2024

Written on

Southern Spotlight (clockwise)

I was very impressed with the quality of the Southern Tour and especially with the super job that the Tour Director, Chanthavee and the driver, Simon did. Both were...

T

Trusted Customer

Dec 2024

Written on

The Trans Alpine Train ride, Milford Sound, Air Safari and South Island

Both were great. Chanthavee was very informative, always cheerful and always there to lend a hand when needed. Simon with his dry humour, was always looking after ...

T

Trusted Customer

Dec 2024

Written on

Southern Wonders

Lovely tour and Guides and Driver. My first ever travel and it was all so worth it

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Tour Operator

AAT Kings

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A century ago, the Australian outback was but a twinkle in most travelers’ eyes. But thanks to visionaries like the Pyke family and Bill King, the way we explore the Land Down Under was about to change in unimaginable ways. Over the coming decades, maps were unfolded, desert cruisers and coaches were customized, and guides were trained. From humble beginnings, the company now known as AAT Kings was going places few had gone before, pioneering new paths across Australia and New Zealand and taking intrepid travelers on a wild and wonderful ride. We’ve come a long way and clocked a few kilometers in the process. But some things will never change. Like our spirit for adventure. Our oh-so-knowledgeable Travel Directors. The local characters we meet (and will never forget) along the way. The epic, goosebump-inducing stories we’re told by First Nations guides. The life-changing experiences on offer – the kind that only 100 years of exploring affords. We’ve never been more passionate about our next discovery. Join us and fall in love with Australia and New Zealand all over again. #aatkings


Why we love this operator
AAT Kings is renowned for its quality service, knowledgeable guides, and extensive network of destinations.
What they’re known for
AAT Kings is known for being one of Australia and New Zealand's leading tour operators, specializing in guided tours.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • The Cordis
  • Millennium Hotel Rotorua
  • Rydges Wellington
  • Sudima Kaikoura
  • Distinction Christchurch Hotel
  • Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel
  • Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
  • Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
  • Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
  • Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
  • Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Cancellation policy

Cancellation by the Traveller
Travel arrangements for any member of the party may be cancelled at any time by written notice by the person who made the booking.

If notice of cancellation is received by the Provider before final payment is due (see The Table), the deposit will be retained. If cancellation is made after final payment is due cancellation fees will apply (see The Table). These cancellation fees represent the costs incurred less any expected recoveries. Please also refer to Air cancellation Section where applicable.Notice of cancellation must be made in writing directly to the Provider or through your Travel Agent. Please also refer to the Provider's Gold Seal Additional Protection.

If a person in a party cancels and there is a room change caused by this cancellation (such as a twin share to Single, or Triple to twin share), charges for the new room type will be the responsibility of the remaining party. The charges detailed in the Summary Terms table (which includes GST), representing costs incurred by the Provider in cancelling your travel arrangements, will apply when notice of cancellation for your trip is given after the booking is confirmed. Please also refer to the Provider's Gold Seal Additional Protection.

If a guest fails to join the trip on the day of departure, cancellation fees will be 100% (unless the guest notifies us of the delay and joins the trip later at their own expense).

Cancellation fees as per The Table apply to additional accommodation and/or chargeable transfers prior to and after the trip, itinerary extensions or cruise reserved through the Provider.

Cancellation fees and charges will include any amounts that we have paid or have contractually committed to pay to third parties to deliver your travel arrangements which we cannot reasonably recover (for example payments made or due to airlines and hotels). Any payments we have made to third parties will only be refunded to you once we have deducted the above cancellation fees and charges and once we have actually recovered the amounts from the third parties.

All cancellation fees as per The Table are additional to any cancellation fees or other charges that may be levied by your Travel Agent.

Gold Seal Protection premiums are non-refundable.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under your insurance, you may be able to reclaim these charges from your insurer. You are responsible for making the claim to your insurer. We will provide you with documentation to support your claim.

Cancellation by the Provider
The Provider reserves the right, to modify or cancel any trip, accommodation, in-destination activity or arrangement, definite or not, at any time.

Cancellation due to Failure to Pay

If full payment is not received by the due date (see The Table), The Provider has the right to cancel your reservation and no refund will be made. The Provider will not be responsible for lost reservations.

Cancellation due to Force Majeure Events

If The Provider cancels a trip as a result of a Force Majeure Event, a future travel credit (FTC) to the value of funds paid to date, less any unrecoverable third-party costs incurred, will be provided. All FTCs will be valid for 24 months from date of issue.

Where a trip is terminated mid-trip due to a Force Majeure event, if we provide you with any alternative services or assistance (such as hotels or travel) then you agree to pay for these costs.

Cancellation due to Events other than Force Majeure Events

If the cancellation by the Provider is not as a result of a Force Majeure Event, the Provider will provide an alternative comparable trip (if available). If an alternative is not available, then a refund will be made. The Provider is not liable for any cancellation or change cost or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements, including air travel, that may be affected thereby.

The Provider is not responsible for other travel arrangements that you or your party have made outside the Provider and which are affected by our cancellations.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.aatkings.com/about-us/booking-conditions-published-5-august-2024/

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 7 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 16 Full Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest Lunch (BGL)
  • 3 Highlight Dinner (HD)
  • 1 Be My Guest Afternoon Tea (BGT)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
aatkin-ZAAC24

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