New Zealand Adventure [ZNBS]
Available Tour Dates
2012
- February
- 11
- March
- 3, 10*
- April
- 7
- May
- 5
- June
- 9
- July
- 7
- August
- 4
- September
- 1, 15*, 22
- October
- 13*, 20, 27*
- November
- 3, 24*
- December
- 8, 15*
2013
- January
- 5*, 12, 19*
- February
- 2, 9*, 23
- March
- 2*, 9
- April
- 6
- May
- 4
- June
- 8
- July
- 6
- August
- 3, 31
- September
- 14*, 21
- October
- 12*, 19, 26*
- November
- 2, 23*
* Availability Guaranteed
Spectacular sightseeing experiences
- Waitangi Treaty Reserve
- Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock'
- Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto
- Experience The Realm of Tãne
- Maori Hangi and concert
- Ride the Skyline Gondola
- Thermal Reserve Rotorua
- Visit Te Papa
- View mighty Mt. Cook
- Larnach Castle Dunedin
- Cruise on Milford Sound
- View Franz Josef Glacier
- Famous TranzAlpine Train
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- INCLUDED Maori Cultural Experience

- OPTIONAL Maori Cultural Experience

- 'You are Invited' experience

Guided Holiday Inclusions
Transportation
Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts, reclining seats, panoramic windows
Professionally Escorted
Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
Dining Inclusions
- Full Buffet Breakfasts (17) B
- 'You are Invited' Lunch (1) L
- Exciting Highlight Dinner (3) HD
- Hotel Dinners (9) D
Accommodation
Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels
Plus
Welcome drink
Travel wallet and map
Airport transfers (see flight information below)
Hotel porterage included
Flight Information
Day 1 Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland
Day 18 Flights anytime from Christchurch
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Meet and transfer from the airport to your hotel. See Auckland your way until an evening welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Hotel: Stamford Plaza, Auckland.
Day 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands
Over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and up the scenic Hibiscus Coast. Walk among the Kauri trees, explore Whangarei, then on to the Bay of Islands. Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock'. We'll explore Urupukapuka Island then return to Paihia.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort (Water View), Bay of Islands, 2 nights. B D
Day 3: Bay of Islands ‘Free Time'
The day is yours to explore the Bay of Islands. Dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, drive along the Ninety Mile Beach, sail or sea-kayak – whatever you like, then have a night on the town. B
Day 4: Bay of Islands – Auckland
We'll tour the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve and then return to Auckland.
Hotel: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. B D
Day 5: Auckland – Rotorua
After an Auckland City Sights Tour, we trace the Waikato River to Waitomo Caves, where we'll see the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. Our Rotorua orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua.
Tonight experience The Realm of Ta-ne, a Maori Hangi feast and concert.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights. B HD
Day 6: Rotorua
Ride the Skyline Gondola for breakfast with stunning views over Lake Rotorua. On to the Agrodome Sheep Show and a sample of farm life.
Visit Te Puia and be accompanied by a local Maori guide for a tour of the geothermal reserve. Enjoy an afternoon of ‘Free Time'. B
Day 7: Rotorua – Wellington
From the mountains to the sea. View the Huka Falls. Visit Taupo and drive along the shores of its lake. Travel through the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu. Tongariro National Park. Manawatu. The Kapiti Coast. On our Wellington city sights tour see the city from Mt. Victoria.
Hotel: Novotel, Wellington. B D
Day 8: Wellington – Blenheim
A morning to explore Wellington your way.
Visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, with time to discover it yourself. We cruise the tranquillity of Queen Charlotte Sound. On to Picton then Blenheim for a city tour. Tonight we'll enjoy a tasting, tour and dinner at Georges Michel Wine Estate, a family owned and run winery.
Hotel: Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim. B HD
Day 9: Kaikoura – Christchurch
En route to Kaikoura, we pass the Grassmere Salt Works and see New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point. Explore Kaikoura, maybe take an optional scenic Whale Watching flight. We travel to Christchurch via the Canterbury Plains.
Hotel: Terrace Downs Resort, Darfield. B
Day 10: Mt. Cook
You are invited to a barbecue lunch on Morelea Farm. You'll be welcomed into the home of your hosts Angie and Stan and their 240 hectare garden (see page 13 for details). Later we'll see Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the alpine scenery of Mount Cook National Park. There's time for an optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook (weather permitting).
Hotel: Mackenzie Country Inn, Deluxe Rooms, Twizel. B L D
Day 11: Dunedin
From the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam we travel through Oamaru to Dunedin, we tour the city and the afternoon is yours – take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Factory or ride the Taieri Gorge Railway – it's up to you.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin. B D
Day 12: Dunedin – Te Anau
A guided tour of Larnach Castle begins the day. Across fertile sheep-filled farming land to Te Anau, on the shores of Lake Te Anau. A visit to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves is an option tonight.
Hotel: Distinction Hotel, Te Anau. B D
Day 13: Milford Sound
In Fiordland National Park we'll cruise on Milford Sound. We'll see the Mirror Lake, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and more. We travel along Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown for an orientation tour on arrival. For dinner you may choose to dine at the Skyline Restaurant on Bob's Peak. Access is via the steepest Gondola in the Southern Hemisphere and there'll be the
Kiwi Haka Maori Show as well!
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights. B
Day 14: Queenstown ‘Free Time'
Explore Queenstown for yourself. Take it easy with wine or garden tours. Or go wild with a jet boat ride or white water rafting. Dinner is at Walter Peak Sheep Station via New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. B HD
Day 15: Franz Josef
Visit the historic gold mining town, Arrowtown. Stop at Cromwell with its sensational stone fruit. Then it's a trio of lakes – Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka, the Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls. A small rainforest walk. Then Franz Josef Glacier – the world's most accessible glacier.
Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef. B D
Day 16: Franz Josef – Punakaiki
Explore Franz Josef Glacier – take an optional flight (weather permitting) or a glacier hike! Depart for Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. It's
on to Punakaiki, where we'll view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Hotel: Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki. B D
Day 17: TranzAlpine – Christchurch
Travel via Greymouth to Arthur's Pass where we'll board the TranzAlpine to travel through the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Hotel: Terrace Downs Resort, Darfield. B D
Day 18: Depart Christchurch
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. B
Additional Details
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS 2011/2012 (Valid: 01 Oct 2011 to 30 Sep 2012)
To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. We understand that everyone is an individual, and have therefore allowed some free time for you to experience different types of touring. These have not been included in the tour fare as we realise they may not appeal to all people. Our selection of optional excursions include scenic flights, helicopter rides, cruises, dinners, ballooning, four wheel drive tours, cultural experiences, and even camel riding.
AAT Kings Day Tours
In addition to the range of tours offered, AAT Kings also operate a wide range of day tours in Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Darwin, Sydney and Melbourne. We offer our day tours to you at 10% off the retail fare. Your Tour Director or Driver/Guide can answer any queries and book these for you as required.
Bookings
The excursions can be booked through your Tour Director or Driver/Guide. You will be asked during the early part of your tour to name those that you may wish to join, as advance reservations are often necessary. Please note that occasionally weather or seasonal conditions may not permit their operation. Some also depend on a minimum number of participants and suitable time being available.
Fares
Fares are in New Zealand dollars and are subject to change. Please note that reduced rates for pensioners or children may apply on some tours. Fares are inclusive of GST. Once all bookings have been arranged by your Tour Director, they are treated as firm bookings. Late cancellations and refunds are at the discretion of the operator, not AAT Kings. Please Note: Some third party operators may apply a credit card surcharge. If you have any queries,please see your Tour Director.
NOTE: A selection of these tours will be offered to you according to departure date. This selection will vary due to seasonal conditions.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
These Optional Excursions are operated by independent third party suppliers, not AAT Kings Tours. Some of these activities involve outdoor adventure, and can be physically demanding, so there is always an element of risk. You should make your own decisions about these activities and certainly should only participate in activities that you feel are suitable to your own physical ability.
You should also check that the insurance you have taken out includes your participation in adventure activities.
FOX GLACIER
The Helicopter Line Mountain Scenic Spectacular
Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox snowfields on this 40 minute scenic flight. Cross the main divide for breathtaking views of Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. Highlights include a snow landing, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and Mt Cook.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$395.00 / CHILD NZ$276.50
The Helicopter Line Twin Glacier Scenic Flight
From a mantle of pure white snow massive rivers of ice wind their way down glacier valleys – explore the glaciers, an incredible natural phenomenon on this 30-minute scenic flight. Highlights include a snow landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$285.00 / CHILD NZ$199.50
The Helicopter Line Neve Discoverer
Lift off and fly up and over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier to land amongst this alpine wonderland on a 20 minute scenic flight. Highlights include landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and snow or icefall landing.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$215.00 / CHILD NZ$150.50
Haast River Safari
Travel on a purpose built fully enclosed river jet boat with front-loading access. Great visibility is ensured, yet you remain warm, dry and comfortable, making this a unique and safe experience suitable for anyone of any age to participate in and enjoy. While the scenic value is terrific on a sunny day, the valley is equally awesome during rain with mist shrouding the forest, waterfalls in full flow. Learn from the local & highly experienced driver/guides about the physical attributes of this remarkable glacial valley, where temperate rainforest thrives. Hear stories of true Kiwi spirit that enabled a community to survive on the edge of the wilderness in this rugged landscape that is truly one of New Zealand's last frontiers.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$99.00 / CHILD NZ$59.00
QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown Rafting Kawarau River Rafting
4 hours including transfer to Cavell's rafting lodge to collect your wetsuit and other rafting equipment. Transfer to Kawarau River put-in point for extensive safety instructions and training in paddling techniques. Then raft the mighty Kawarau River! Hot showers, sauna and complimentary tea/coffee await you at the end of this adventure. Return transfer town. (Rafting not available to children under 13 years.)
PRICE – NZ$195.00
Shotover Jet Ride
Enjoy a 30-minute jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River and through Shotover Canyon with the only company permitted to operate in this area. Once aboard, your driver puts the famous big red jet boat through its paces, speeding past rocky outcrops with only inches to spare and twisting through narrow canyons. A major highlight is experiencing the famous “Shotover Jet turn” where your boat spins through a full 360 degrees turn. Includes return transfers from town. (Duration: 1.5 hours in total)
PRICE – ADULT NZ$119.00 / CHILD NZ$69.00
Skyline Restaurant
Ride on the Gondola cableway, which whisks you smoothly up 450 metres as Queenstown drops away below. Breathtaking views from the top extend almost full circle, from Coronet Peak to the Remarkables and on to Cecil and Walter Peak on the other side of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a buffet dinner in a restaurant where you're guaranteed stunning views from every table.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$76.00 / CHILD NZ$36.00 (Dinner & Gondola) ADULT NZ$25.00 / CHILD NZ$14.00 (Gondola only)
Kiwi Haka
Ride on the Gondola cableway to the Skyline Restaurant. Enjoy a spiritual journey of Maori cultural and customs as told through traditional song and dance. Set in an intimate theatre surrounded by traditional decorations and mythical carved legends of the Wakatipu and surrounding areas. Up to 8 to 10 performers will be on stage for group song and dance.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$59.00 / CHILD NZ$32.00 (Gondola & Show)
Kiwi Haka & Skyline Restaurant
Why not combine both activities, and enjoy a sumptuous dinner followed by a dazzling cultural performance at the Skyline Restaurant…
PRICE – ADULT NZ$110.00 / CHILD NZ$54.00 (Gondola, Dinner & Show)
Nomad Safaris 4WD Safari
Be amazed by both the man-made and natural features on this 4-hour 4WD safari from Queenstown. The tour incorporates many memorable locations from The Lord of the Rings trilogy movies as well as an excellent overview of the diversity of scenery available in the Wakatipu district. A must do for all scenery and photography enthusiasts and LOTR lovers.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$165.00 / CHILD NZ$80.00
Garden Tours
The Queenstown area offers a dramatic and beautiful landscape and is an ideal environment for garden lovers. The rich soils and distinct four seasons are ideal growing conditions for gardens, which offer a unique fusion of both New Zealand natives and the more traditional English style plants. Let the private garden owners open your eyes to the splendours of their gardens.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$118.00 / CHILD NZ$55.00
Queenstown Wine Trail : Summer Sampler
Your tour begins by travelling to the Gibbston Valley Winery for a light lunch followed by a guided tour and tasting in the underground cellar. Experience the cheese factory tour and tasting before continuing on to your second winery of the day. Transfers included.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$129.00 / CHILD NZ$65.00
Remarkable Experience
Take part in a 3 hour journey aboard a grand old 1937 Chevrolet bus, lovingly restored to all her former glory. Travelling with the unique, convertible top down enjoy a complete circuit of Queenstown through to picturesque Arrowtown. The final stop overlooks Lake Hayes and here you can taste wines from grapes grown onsite and indulge in mouth-watering cuisine in the cosy gallery or dine al fresco.
Wine-tasting, Mediterranean platter tasting and hot drink included.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$150.00 / CHILD NZ$83.00 Queenstown Heritage – Skippers Canyon Vista Tour
You travel for 3 hours through historic Skippers Canyon in a comfortable 4WD minibus. All photo stops are on demand and enable you to take fascinating pictures of this remarkable natural landscape. We guarantee that you will be thrilled by this breathtaking canyon - it will surely impress you by its grandeur.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$130.00
Queenstown Heritage – Skippers Canyon Tour
Enjoy all that this breathtaking area has to offer: stunning scenery, peace and quiet and an exciting history. Located in Queenstown's backcountry, Skippers Canyon is one of New Zealand's best kept secrets. You will travel on Skippers Road alongside the Shotover River at a leisurely pace. You will then safely reach Skippers Point in the Mount Aurum Conservation Area and enjoy a lovely morning tea.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$149.00
TE ANAU
Glow Worm Caves Tour
2.5 hour tour incorporating a cruise across Lake Te Anau to Cavern House where we view a multi-media production outlining the underground journey and safety procedures. Enjoy a guided tour (in small groups) through the limestone caverns, waterfalls and the glow-worm grotto. There is time available to see the Display centre inside Cavern House and take the short walk along the shores of Lake Te Anau. Complimentary tea & coffee is available at Cavern House. Minimum of 20 passengers required for morning departures or later evening departures in winter.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$70.00 / CHILD NZ$22.00
Air Fiordland Milford Sound Scenic Flight
A 45 minute, one way scenic flight from Milford Sound. Including courtesy transfers from your hotel. The friendly and experienced pilots will show you the famous Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park and provide informative commentary during your flights.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$370.00 / CHILD NZ$200.00
Fiordland Cinema
Sit back in the comfort of the custom designed, large screen cinema and prepare to be overwhelmed by the staggering beauty of the Fiordland World Heritage Status Wilderness showcased in Ata Whenua - Shadowland. The Ata Whenua Package includes: 2 movie tickets, 2 glasses of a local wine & a copy of the Ata Whenua – Shadowland dvd.
PRICES – PACKAGE FOR TWO NZ$60.00 PACKAGE FOR ONE NZ$47.50 ATA WHENUA SCREENING ONLY NZ$10.00
DUNEDIN
Speight's Brewery Tour
Take a guided tour through one of the most famous breweries in New Zealand. A tour would not be complete without a tasting of what locals call “The Pride of the South”!
PRICE-ADULT NZ$23.00 / CHILD NZ$10.00
Monarch Wildlife Cruise
Scenic tour of Otago Peninsula by coach, Tairoa Head wildlife cruise, guided land tour of yellow-eyed Penguin Reserve, cruise Otago Harbour back to Dunedin or return by coach. A wildlife packed afternoon.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$139.00 / CHILD NZ$52.00
Bottom Bus
Join a guided tour from Dunedin to Larnach Castle. Tour includes entry to the Castle, New Zealand's only castle. Special features include a unique collection of NZ antiques, Georgian hanging staircase, the Ball Room and 360 degree views of Dunedin.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$69.00 / CHILD NZ$32.50
Cadbury World Tour
Enjoy a guided tour through one of the world's best known chocolate factories. A special interest is the chocolate water fall…..
PRICE – ADULT NZ$20.00 / CHILD NZ$13.00
Taieri Gorge Railway
Taieri Gorge Railway is one of the world's great train trips, taking passengers from the hustle and bustle of Dunedin's city centre to the rugged mountain interior of Central Otago, and back. Travel in comfort, cross magnificent stone and wrought iron viaducts, travel through a series of tunnels with rock walls only inches from the side of the train.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$84.00 / CHILD $22.00
TEKAPO
Air Safaris - The Grand Traverse Scenic Flight
Explore the alpine wonderland of the Southern Alps' highest peaks and glacial lakes on this 45 minute scenic flight including Murchison Glacier, Tasman Glacier, Main Divide, Franz Joseph Glacier, Fox Glacier, Westland coastal rainforests and Mount Cook.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$325.00 / CHILD NZ$215.00
WELLINGTON
Zealandia – The Karori Sanctuary by Night
A tour with a difference! Enjoy a 2 hour provides the opportunity to hear the dusk chorus before the nocturnal animals come to life. Listen for the calls of the little spotted Kiwi, Weka and More pork – and if your lucky, see a spotted Kiwi! – there are over 100 in the wild. The tour passes historical buildings, shag, Tuatara and giant Weta habitat. Includes transport.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$92.00 / CHILD NZ$36.00
Zealandia – General Admission
PRICE – ADULT NZ$28.50 / CHILD NZ$14.50
ROTORUA
Rainbow Springs & Kiwi Encounter
Rainbow Springs
Nestled amongst a spectacular native bush setting with spring fed pools of Rainbow trout, take a guided tour through a huge array of native flora and fauna including Tuatara – the magnificent living dinosaur!
Kiwi Encounter
Get up close to the New Zealand national icon and take a behind the scenes glimpse of kiwi conservation in action. Watch kiwi as they forage for food in their natural environment – who knows you may even be lucky enough to see the next generation arrive!
PRICE - Rainbow Springs Admission: ADULT NZ$35.00 / CHILD NZ$22.50
Te Puia
Take a wander through Te Puia, New Zealand's Maori Cultural Centre, where you will have the opportunity to view the awesome power of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, the Rotowhio Marae – the cultural heart of Te Puia, the kiwi house, and Te Whare Tapere – the new interactive gallery, packed with 3D sensory technologies and innovative ways to learn… and much, much more!
PRICE – ADULT NZ$46.00 / CHILD NZ$23.00
Kawarau Jetboat
Enjoy a 30 minute speed, spins and adrenalin jetboat ride across Lake Rotorua to the sanctuary Island of Mokoia. Listen to the local guides tales.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$74.00 / CHILD NZ$54.00
Half Day Trout Fishing Tour
Includes 2 hours of fishing, guide & tackle, light refreshments, Polaroid photos of catch and courtesy transport. Min. 2 people per tour Max. 4 people per boat. If more than 4 people another boat will be required. Note: Fishing license included. Extended fishing times are available, subject to space. Price upon application.
PRICE – NZ$145.00 per person for Light Tackle Trolling NZ$265.00 per person for Fly Fishing
Heli Pro : Lake Views Scenic Flight
This flight takes in Lakes Rotorua, Okataina, Tarawera, Green and Blue Lakes, returning via Whakarewarewa and Rotorua City. Approx 15 min.
PRICE – NZ$195.00
Heli Pro : Mt Tarawera Direct
One of our most popular flights. Breathtaking views of the craters formed by the eruption of 1886, returning via Whakarewarewa and Rotorua City. Approx 25 min.
PRICE – NZ$340.00
FloatPlane Scenic Air Tours
Choose from five different floatplane flights that showcase Rotorua with spectacular views, departing from Lake Rotorua itself. Take a short journey over Rotorua City, Sulphur Bay, and the geysers of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, or journey further afield, landing at the Hidden Valley of Orakei Korako.
PRICES – CITY FLIGHT: ADULT NZ$ 80.00 CRATER LAKES FLIGHT: ADULT NZ$155.00 / CHILD NZ$116.25 MT TARAWERA VOLCANO: ADULT NZ$195.00 / CHILD NZ$146.25 WHITE ISLAND ACTIVE VOLCANO: ADULT NZ$535.00 / CHILD NZ$401.25 ORAKEI KORAKO LANDING & TOUR: ADULT NZ$445.00 / CHILD NZ$333.75
Rotorua Duck – Rotorua City and Lakes Tour
Discover Rotorua's spectacular lakes area from the comfort of a fully restored World War II amphibious vehicle, able to travel on land and water. A 90 minute fun-filled and scenic journey that ventures onto the three Rotorua lakes, and is accompanied by an entertaining and informative commentary.
PRICE – ADULT NZ$68.00 / CHILD NZ$38.00
Blue Baths Cabaret Show – “Fashion, Fads & Famous!”
A 3 hour Dinner Show taking you on a sweeping journey of the iconic Blue Baths 75 year history. Doors open at 6.30pm, dinner & show from 7-10pm. Enjoy a complimentary drink upon arrival and a 3 course dinner while being entertained! A night to remember!
PRICE – ADULT NZ$125.00 / CHILD NZ$75.00
NOTE: Prices are subject to change. All details correct at time of printing. Not all optional excursions are available with your tour.