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

$5,699

US $4,844 per person

New Zealand Marvel

14 days

•

From Christchurch to Auckland

3.0 (1 review)

View all

From

$5,699

15% off

US $4,844 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

AAT Kings offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $242

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only $200 today. The rest is due 65 days before departure. Learn more

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Plan your adventure:

Gold Operator: AAT Kings
Nature & Wildlife: Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
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

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Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Christchurch
Christchurch
Start point
Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand (Christchurch)
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Day 2
Christchurch to Waiau (Franz Josef)
Christchurch to Waiau (Franz Josef)
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier)
Included Activities
- Journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
- See Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier) from a panoramic viewpoint
Optional Activities
- Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier) helicopter flight
Landmarks
Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier)
Hokitika
Day 3
Waiau (Franz Josef) to Queenstown
Waiau (Franz Josef) to Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront)
Landmarks
Lake Hawea
Lake Dunstan
Haast Pass
Arrowtown
Lake Wakatipu
The Remarkables
Day 4
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Gourmet barbecue dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm with farm show)
Accommodation
Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront)
Included Activities
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak on TSS Earnslaw Steamship
- Savour a gourmet BBQ dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm
Optional Activities
- High-octane jet boat ride
- Wildlife centre visit
- Vineyard tours in surrounding vineyards
Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Day 5
Queenstown to Te Anau
Queenstown to Te Anau
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Hotel)
Included Activities
- Explore Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) on a Nature Cruise
Landmarks
Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)
Fiordland National Park
Cleddau Valley
Mirror Lakes
Day 6
Te Anau to Dunedin
Te Anau to Dunedin
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Scenic Hotel Dunedin City)
Optional Activities
- Sipping lager at a brewery or visit a special gin distillery with MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
- Visit grand Larnach Castle
- Discover wildlife including albatrosses
Landmarks
Larnach Castle
Day 7
Dunedin to Omarama
Dunedin to Omarama
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit the Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Landmarks
Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre
Day 8
Omarama to Christchurch
Omarama to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Included Activities
- View the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Transitional Cathedral
Turanga
Day 9
Christchurch to Picton
Christchurch to Picton
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Picton Beachcomber Inn, Picton Yacht Club)
Included Activities
- Spot marine wildlife from Kaikōura Beach
Landmarks
Kaikoura
Lake Grassmere Salt Works
Day 10
Picton to Wellington
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
Day 11
Wellington to Rotorua
Wellington to Rotorua
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Hangi-inspired cuisine)
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Rotorua Hotel)
Included Activities
- Share in the Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia
Landmarks
Lake Taupo
Te Puia
Pohutu Geyser
Te Aronui a Rua
Day 12
Rotorua
Rotorua
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Rotorua Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa thermal springs soaking
- Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour
Landmarks
Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
Hobbiton Movie Set
Day 13
Rotorua to Auckland
Rotorua to Auckland
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Grand Millennium, Auckland)
Included Activities
- Explore Geothermal Wonders of Rotorua
Optional Activities
- Waitomo Caves glowworm tour through limestone waterways
Landmarks
Waitomo Caves
Waikato River
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Day 14
Auckland
Auckland
End point
Auckland, Auckland Region, New Zealand (Auckland)

Landmarks
Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier)
Hokitika

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

Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Walter Peak High Country Farm

Landmarks
Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)
Fiordland National Park
Cleddau Valley
Mirror Lakes

Landmarks
Larnach Castle

Landmarks
Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre

Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Transitional Cathedral
Turanga

Landmarks
Kaikoura
Lake Grassmere Salt Works

Landmarks
Queen Charlotte Sound
Tory Channel
Cook Strait
Te Papa

Landmarks
Lake Taupo
Te Puia
Pohutu Geyser
Te Aronui a Rua

Landmarks
Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
Hobbiton Movie Set

Landmarks
Waitomo Caves
Waikato River
Auckland War Memorial Museum

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

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
Grand Millennium, Auckland
Hotel
day 13

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

AAT Kings

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.4 (118 reviews)
Response time: within 3 days
Response rate: 72%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

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

Annette3.0•November 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 & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

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Ends on 11 Nov, 2026

From Monday
16 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
29 Nov, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
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From Monday
28 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
10 Jan, 2027
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11 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
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English
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To Sunday
7 Feb, 2027
English
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Price based on Private Double Room
From Monday
8 Feb, 2027
To Sunday
21 Feb, 2027
English
Almost Sold Out
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Departure on request
From:
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Price based on Private Double Room
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8% off
From Monday
22 Feb, 2027
To Sunday
7 Mar, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$5,699
US$5,243 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
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5% off
From Monday
8 Mar, 2027
To Sunday
21 Mar, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$5,699
US$5,414 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
15% off
From Monday
22 Mar, 2027
To Sunday
4 Apr, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$5,699
US$4,844 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
8% off
From Monday
5 Apr, 2027
To Sunday
18 Apr, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$5,845
US$5,377 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
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From Monday
27 Sep, 2027
To Sunday
10 Oct, 2027
English
From:
$5,670
US$5,216 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room

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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.

Good to know

Tour ID: 137144

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Pay in installments
Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $239.
Deposit only
Book now with just a $200 deposit. The remaining balance is due 65 days before departure.
$ - New Zealand Dollar
You’ll encounter New Zealand Dollar in New Zealand.
Plug type I
You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in New Zealand.

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
  Used in New Zealand
Visa
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.
This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.
Payment information
Pay now
A $200 deposit
Balance due
65 days before departure
Installments
Interest-free, every two weeks
Currency
USD
Booking fee
None
Book now with just a $200 deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 65 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $239 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before January 9th, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
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Cancellation Policy
Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
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From

$5,699

15% off

US $4,844 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

AAT Kings offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $242

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Pay only $200 today. The rest is due 65 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Videos from AAT Kings

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New Zealand Marvel

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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

Optional Activities

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Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Prices

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What our customers ask about this tour

Pay in installments

Deposit only

$ - New Zealand Dollar

Plug type I

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Plugs & adapters

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Payment information

Accepted for AAT Kings tours

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Insurance

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