New Zealand Highlights [ZNS]

Starting from USD $5,045* per person.



New Zealand Highlights [ZNS]

Available Tour Dates

2012

February
14
March
6, 13*
April
10
May
8
June
12
July
10
August
7
September
4, 18*, 25
October
16*, 23, 30*
November
6, 20, 27
December
11, 18*

2013

January
8*, 15, 22*
February
5, 12*, 26
March
5*, 12
April
9
May
7
June
11
July
9
August
6
September
3, 17*, 24
October
15*, 22, 29*
November
5

* Availability Guaranteed
15 Days: New Zealand Highlights AAT Kings' 15 day New Zealand Highlights, see the north and south island including Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Milford Sound and more.

Spectacular sightseeing experiences

  • Tour the Waitomo Caves
  • Experience The Realm of Tãne
  • Maori Hangi and concert
  • Agrodome Sheep Show
  • Thermal Reserve Rotorua
  • Visit Te Papa
  • Larnach Castle Dunedin
  • Cruise on Milford Sound
  • Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw
  • 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 (14) B
  • 'You are Invited' Lunch (1) L
  • Exciting Highlight Dinner (3) HD
  • Hotel Dinners (8) 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 15   Flights anytime from Christchurch

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

You are transferred from the airport to your hotel. Check in and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy Auckland. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and dinner.
Hotel: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. D

Day 2: Auckland – Rotorua

Travel along the Waikato River to the Waitomo Caves for a guided tour of the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. Then on to Rotorua. Soak up views of Lake Rotorua on your orientation tour. Tonight experience The Realm of Ta–ne, and a traditional Maori Hangi feast and concert.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights. B HD

Day 3: Rotorua

Start the day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast at Terraces Café with its stunning views over Rotorua. Then it's the Agrodome Sheep Show followed by a guided tour of Te Puia and the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. In the afternoon relax or explore, it's ‘Free Time'. B

Day 4: 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 and the Kapiti Coast. On Your Wellington City Sights Tour see the city from Mt. Victoria.
Hotel: Novotel, Wellington. B D

Day 5: Wellington – Blenheim

Explore Wellington for yourself this morning before you visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Later you'll cruise the Cook Strait into tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. The seaside village of Picton is next, then Blenheim and a city orientation tour. Enjoy a tour, dinner and tasting at Georges Michel Wine Estate, a family owned and run winery in the heart of the Marlborough region.
Hotel: Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim. B HD

Day 6: Blenheim – Christchurch

On the way to Kaikoura you pass the Grassmere Salt Works with a chance to see New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point. Explore Kaikoura your way – maybe take a Scenic Whale Watching flight. Head to Christchurch through the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains.
Hotel: Terrace Downs Resort, Darfield. B

Day 7: Mt. Cook

You are invited to enjoy a taste of country life with a barbecue lunch on a working farm. See Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the spectacular alpine scenery of Mt. Cook National Park. Perhaps take a scenic flight over Mt. Cook (weather permitting).
Hotel: Mackenzie Country Inn, Deluxe Rooms, Twizel. B L D

Day 8: Dunedin

See the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme, Benmore Dam and the white limestone buildings of Oamaru. A Dunedin city tour, then your afternoon is at leisure – maybe take a Wildlife Cruise, a Cadbury Factory visit or ride the Taieri Gorge Railway.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin. B D

Day 9: Dunedin – Te Anau

First up take a guided tour of New Zealand's only castle – Larnach Castle and its gardens. Time out in town then you head off across rich fertile, sheep- filled farming land on the way to Te Anau, on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest. Tonight you can choose to see the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves.
Hotel: Distinction Hotel, Te Anau. B D

Day 10: Milford Sound

Be awe-struck by the magnificence of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Amazing photo opportunities await as you see rainforest, ancient glaciers, mountain ranges and the hand-made Homer Tunnel. The Mirror Lake, Pop's Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Cruise on Milford Sound. Travel over the Devil's Staircase along the shores of Lake Wakatipu back to Te Anau. On arrival in Queenstown you'll do an orientation tour. Your dinner option is the Skyline Restaurant on Bob's Peak, via the Southern Hemisphere's steepest Gondola! A bonus Kiwi Haka Maori Show makes for a top night – if you so choose!
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights B

Day 11: Queenstown ‘Free Time'

Explore action adventure Queenstown your way. Take it easy with wine or garden tours. Or go wild with jet boat rides or white water rafting. Just be back in time for dinner and a sheep shearing demonstration at Walter Peak Sheep Station. Travel there and back across Lake Wakatipu via the TSS Earnslaw, New Zealand's oldest steamship. B HD

Day 12: Queenstown – Franz Josef

Today experience Arrowtown, the sensational stone fruit of Cromwell, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls and a small rainforest walk. Then the ‘pièce de résistance' – Franz Josef Glacier – the world's most accessible, and still advancing, glacier.
Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef. B D

Day 13: Franz Josef – Punakaiki

Explore Franz Josef Glacier – take an optional flight (weather permitting) or a glacier hike! Then depart for Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. It's on to your waterfront hotel at Punakaiki, where you'll view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Hotel: Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki. B D

Day 14: TranzAlpine – Christchurch

Enjoy time at leisure before travelling via Greymouth to Arthur's Pass where you'll board the TranzAlpine, one of the top 6 train journeys in the world, to travel to Darfield, in the foothills of the Southern Alps.
Hotel: Terrace Downs Resort, Darfield. B D

Day 15: Depart Christchurch

After breakfast you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. B

3 DAYS IN BAY OF ISLANDS

Add the spectacular Bay of Islands. Go dolphin watching, sea-kayaking or sailing. See tour code ZNBS for details.

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.


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

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


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


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


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


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


NOTE: Prices are subject to change. All details correct at time of printing. Not all optional excursions are available with your tour.

Contact Us

Toll Free:
1-888-359-2877
Hours:
M-F 9am - 5pm
Email:
Send Inquiry