Is tipping my Travel Director or Driver Guide compulsory?

Tipping is not compulsory in Australia or New Zealand however if you are happy with the service you received from your Travel Director or Driver Guide you can feel free to leave them a tip at your own discretion.

How can I pay for the Optional Experiences?

All your Optional Experiences can be organised directly with your Travel Director whilst on the tour and you can choose to either pay in either local cash or by credit card.

What is the maximum luggage allowance?

Due to strict Government vehicle weight restrictions you are allowed one medium size suitcase per person, with dimensions not to exceed H76cm x W46cm x D25cm. The maximum weight of all luggage must not exceed 23kg (50lbs). You are also allowed one piece of hand luggage on-board the coach: however it must be able to fit in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you if required.

On travelling days how often do we get a break?

On travelling days you will stop every 2 to 3 hours either at a rest stop or for sightseeing, activities or free time.

Can I join the tour later or finish the tour earlier?

You can choose to join the tour at a later date or finish the tour early however, it is important to note that AAT Kings is unable to offer a discount for choosing to do as the tour is a set package with a strict itinerary.

Where do I meet the tour and tour manager?

Your tour will start from a centrally located hotel on day 1 of the tour, as this hotel is subject to change it is recommended to contact our team of Travel Experts for more information once your booking is confirmed.

Am I able to bring my children on this tour?

Children are welcome on all AAT Kings tours however they are required to be a minimum age of 5 years or older. It is recommended that if you are travelling with children to consider whether the itinerary is suitable and in particular the activities involved.

I am travelling alone, is there a single supplement?

If you are a single traveller you can either choose to share a room with another guest of the same gender at no extra cost or if you prefer the privacy of your own room you can pay a single supplement to upgrade to a single room. If you would like to book a single room please make sure to choose this option on the booking page or simply contact our team of Travel Experts.

Can airport transfers be arranged?

Arrival and departure transfers can be arranged for you once you have a confirmed booking. Please contact our team of Travel Experts if you would like a transfer added to your tour booking or for more information.

When will I receive my travel documents?

Your travel documents will be posted to you in a travel wallet which will contain your documents and luggage tags to you approximately four weeks before your departure date.

From

$5,810

US $5,229 per person

New Zealand Marvel

14 days

•

From Christchurch to Auckland

3.0

1 review

View all
View all

From

$5,810

-10%

US $5,229 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Gold Operator: AAT Kings
City & Culture: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 20 - 50
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Christchurch
Start point
Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand (Christchurch)
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Landmarks
Christchurch
Day 2
Christchurch to Franz Josef/Waiau
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier)
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine train journey through the Southern Alps
- Visit to Hokitika, heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere helicopter flight (may include glacier landing if weather permits) - NZ$350-$480 depending on flight option
Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere
Hokitika
Day 3
Franz Josef/Waiau to Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront)
Landmarks
Haast Pass
Lake Hawea
Lake Dunstan
Arrowtown
Lake Wakatipu
The Remarkables
Day 4
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Gourmet barbecue dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm)
Accommodation
Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront)
Included Activities
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak on TSS Earnslaw Steamship
- Gourmet barbecue dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm
Optional Activities
- Shotover Jet Boat Ride - NZ$149 Adult, NZ$79 Child
- Kiwi Birdlife Park - NZ$49 Adult, NZ$24 Child
- Lakeshore, Forest and Bird Guided Walk - NZ$115 Adult, NZ$75 Child
- Skippers Canyon Scenic Tour & Jet Boat - NZ$195 Adult, NZ$115 Child
- Queenstown Boutique Wine Tour - NZ$199 Adult, NZ$139 Child
Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Day 5
Queenstown to Te Anau
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Hotel)
Included Activities
- Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Nature Cruise
Landmarks
Mirror Lakes
Cleddau Valley
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Fiordland National Park
Day 6
Te Anau to Dunedin
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Scenic Hotel Dunedin City)
Optional Activities
- Gin distillery visit with MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
- Larnach Castle tour - NZ$76 Adult, NZ$38 Child
- Monarch Wildlife Cruise - NZ$150 Adult, NZ$56 Child
- Taieri Gorge Railway - NZ$105 Adult, NZ$28 Child
Landmarks
Te Anau
Dunedin
Larnach Castle
Day 7
Dunedin to Omarama
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel)
Included Activities
- Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre visit with MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Landmarks
Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre
Day 8
Omarama to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Included Activities
- Guided city sights tour of Christchurch highlighting transformation
- Visit to Transitional Cathedral
- Visit to Turanga, the gold-clad central library
Landmarks
Canterbury Plains
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Transitional Cathedral
Turanga
Day 9
Christchurch to Picton
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Picton Beachcomber Inn, Picton Yacht Club)
Included Activities
- Marine wildlife viewing from Kaikoura Beach
Landmarks
Kaikoura
Lake Grassmere Salt Works
Picton
Day 10
Picton to Wellington
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (James Cook Grand Chancellor)
Included Activities
- Cruise the Cook Strait from Picton to Wellington
Optional Activities
- Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand - entrance fee applies
Landmarks
Queen Charlotte Sound
Tory Channel
Cook Strait
Te Papa
Wellington
Day 11
Wellington to Rotorua
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Hangi-inspired cuisine)
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Rotorua Hotel)
Included Activities
- Guided Te Puia geothermal valley experience
- Cultural performance in Te Aronui a Rua, the finely carved meeting house
- View of Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands
- Hangi-inspired dinner
Landmarks
Lake Taupo
Te Puia
Pohutu Geyser
Te Aronui a Rua
Day 12
Rotorua
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Rotorua Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa - thermal springs soaking
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - NZ$119 Adult, NZ$77 Child
- Canopy Tours - NZ$149 Adult, NZ$119 Child
- Rainbow Springs Wildlife Park - From NZ$50 Adult, NZ$30 Child
- Tarawera and Lakes Tour on the Rotorua Duck - NZ$89 Adult, NZ$55 Child
- Te Puia - NZ$56 Adult, NZ$28 Child
Landmarks
Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
Hobbiton Movie Set
Day 13
Rotorua to Auckland
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Celebration drinks with travel companions and Travel Director)
Accommodation
Hotel (Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre)
Included Activities
- Waitomo Caves tour through glowworm-lit limestone waterways
- View of Auckland from the lookout at the Auckland War Memorial Museum
Landmarks
Waikato River
Waitomo Caves
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland
Day 14
Auckland
End point
Auckland, Auckland Region, New Zealand (Auckland)
Landmarks
Auckland

Landmarks
Christchurch

Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere
Hokitika

Landmarks
Haast Pass
Lake Hawea
Lake Dunstan
Arrowtown
Lake Wakatipu
The Remarkables

Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Walter Peak High Country Farm

Landmarks
Mirror Lakes
Cleddau Valley
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Fiordland National Park

Landmarks
Te Anau
Dunedin
Larnach Castle

Landmarks
Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre

Landmarks
Canterbury Plains
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Transitional Cathedral
Turanga

Landmarks
Kaikoura
Lake Grassmere Salt Works
Picton

Landmarks
Queen Charlotte Sound
Tory Channel
Cook Strait
Te Papa
Wellington

Landmarks
Lake Taupo
Te Puia
Pohutu Geyser
Te Aronui a Rua

Landmarks
Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
Hobbiton Movie Set

Landmarks
Waikato River
Waitomo Caves
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland

Landmarks
Auckland

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Hotel
Days 1, 8
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Hotel
day 2
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Hotel
Days 3, 4
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Hotel
day 5
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Hotel
day 6
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Hotel
day 7
Picton Beachcomber Inn, Picton Yacht Club
Hotel
day 9
James Cook Grand Chancellor
Hotel
day 10
Ibis Rotorua Hotel
Hotel
Days 11, 12
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre
Hotel
day 13

Operated by

AAT Kings

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.4(117 reviews)
Response time: within 2 days
Response rate: 90%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

3.0

Overall rating based on 1 Reviews

Itinerary
3.0
Transport
4.0
Accommodation
3.0
Food
2.0
Tour Operator
4.4

A
Annette
November 29th, 2019
Where do we begin, the bus was brand new and very clean but we were told you can only use the toilet if it’s an...
Where do we begin, the bus was brand new and very clean but we were told you can only use the toilet if it’s an emergency. We were told by law we had to wear seatbelts at all times and yet the tour director can walk up and down the bus? Our driver was great although from the back of the bus it seemed as if she were taking the corners extremely fast. On the tour itself there needs to be more continuity with meals and accommodation for what we paid. One minute we were in 4 star which apparently we needed to be thankful for and the next minute we were in 2 star? The food was buffet for breakfast and dinner for 95% of the time and about 75% of the time was disgusting. The tour director is entitled to a drink after work but I think 3 during work time is not impressive. There’s not enough time to see places when you stop, your told you have 1hr at the most to leave the coach, go to the bathroom after you find one and hope there isn’t a lineup, there usually is, find somewhere to order your lunch and eat, have a look around and get back on the bus. Your also told a time to have your bags out and have breakfast and get on the bus usually within an hour every morning. Not impressed when they turned up 20 min early to collect the bags on instruction from the tour director. Be careful if you change your mind about going on extra outings, we witnessed the tour director on several occasions become publicly frustrated with passengers who had changed their minds about going. I understand the frustration but this is something that should be spoken about in private, very uncomfortable and humiliating for the passengers. I also find it very offensive that the tour director had the ordasity to ask for gratuities for herself and the driver if passengers thought they had received exceptional service, don’t you think we have paid enough already? They are paid a wage just like we are.You need to have a different section on the bus for smokers, the smell on passengers clothes and skin after smoking was disgusting. The tour director also made derogatory comments about the Chinese “ Corrupt and Communist Country” I found this disgusting as did the other passengers.Show more
Traveled in November 2019
Reply from: AAT Kings
Hi Annette, thankyou for sharing your feedback. This is disappointing to hear, we are sorry to hear that your Guided Holiday didn't meet your expectations. We take feedback seriously, and would like to investigate this trip further, if you could kindly email us at guestrelations@ttc.com with some further information including your name, booking reference and departure date.
Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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1 Other Unavailable Departure
Instant Confirmation
From Monday
28 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
10 Jan, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
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Sign up and save up to $282
From Monday
4 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
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This departure date is not available or sold out
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

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L
Lauren
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Is tipping my Travel Director or Driver Guide compulsory?
Other
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Tipping is not compulsory in Australia or New Zealand however if you are happy with the service you received from your Travel Director or Driver Guide you can feel free to leave them a tip at your own discretion.
M
Megan
Asked on December 4th, 2018
How can I pay for the Optional Experiences?
Payments
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  All your Optional Experiences can be organised directly with your Travel Director whilst on the tour and you can choose to either pay in either local cash or by credit card.
G
Grace
Asked on December 4th, 2018
What is the maximum luggage allowance?
Transport
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Due to strict Government vehicle weight restrictions you are allowed one medium size suitcase per person, with dimensions not to exceed H76cm x W46cm x D25cm. The maximum weight of all luggage must not exceed 23kg (50lbs).
  You are also allowed one piece of hand luggage on-board the coach: however it must be able to fit in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you if required.
T
Trevor
Asked on December 4th, 2018
On travelling days how often do we get a break?
Transport
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  On travelling days you will stop every 2 to 3 hours either at a rest stop or for sightseeing, activities or free time.
T
Tyler
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Can I join the tour later or finish the tour earlier?
Tour Details
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  You can choose to join the tour at a later date or finish the tour early however, it is important to note that AAT Kings is unable to offer a discount for choosing to do as the tour is a set package with a strict itinerary.
V
Valerie
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Where do I meet the tour and tour manager?
Tour Details
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Your tour will start from a centrally located hotel on day 1 of the tour, as this hotel is subject to change it is recommended to contact our team of Travel Experts for more information once your booking is confirmed.
D
David
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Am I able to bring my children on this tour?
Age Range
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Children are welcome on all AAT Kings tours however they are required to be a minimum age of 5 years or older. It is recommended that if you are travelling with children to consider whether the itinerary is suitable and in particular the activities involved.
M
Melissa
Asked on December 4th, 2018
I am travelling alone, is there a single supplement?
Single supplement
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  If you are a single traveller you can either choose to share a room with another guest of the same gender at no extra cost or if you prefer the privacy of your own room you can pay a single supplement to upgrade to a single room. If you would like to book a single room please make sure to choose this option on the booking page or simply contact our team of Travel Experts.
D
Donald
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Can airport transfers be arranged?
Flights / Transfers
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Arrival and departure transfers can be arranged for you once you have a confirmed booking. Please contact our team of Travel Experts if you would like a transfer added to your tour booking or for more information.
A
Alexis
Asked on December 4th, 2018
When will I receive my travel documents?
Tour Details
Travel Support
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Your travel documents will be posted to you in a travel wallet which will contain your documents and luggage tags to you approximately four weeks before your departure date.

From

$5,810

-10%

US $5,229 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 137144

Currency
$
New Zealand Dollar
New Zealand
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.
Type I
New Zealand
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before August 24th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 24th, 2026, a minimum payment of $200 is required to confirm your booking with AAT Kings. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and AAT Kings will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "AAT Kings" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of AAT Kings. Please familiarize yourself with the AAT Kings payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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New Zealand Marvel

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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What our customers ask about this tour

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