Do you have a toilet on the bus?

Yes, we do have toilets in the bus during the trip.

What hotels do you use in your Kia Ora New Zealand (17 Days)?

Is breakfast not included every day? Please, may I have a list of the number of B L D meals include by day?

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.

From

$6,765

US $5,750 per person

Kia Ora New Zealand

17 days

•

From Auckland to Christchurch

4.4 (118 reviews)

View all
View all

From

$6,765

15% off

US $5,750 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 $288

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

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
Guided in English
Group Size 20 - 50
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Auckland
Auckland
Accommodation
Hotel (Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre)
Optional Activities
- Explore Auckland waterfront precincts
Day 2
Auckland to Bay of Islands
Auckland to Bay of Islands
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort)
Included Activities
- Guided tour and Cultural Performance at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- View the world's largest ceremonial war canoe
- View a carved meeting house
Landmarks
Treaty of Waitangi Grounds
Bay of Islands
Day 3
Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands
Accommodation
Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort)
Optional Activities
- Travel to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) via Ninety Mile Beach
- Scenic cruise among the 144 islands including lunch and visit to the Hole in the Rock
- Guided tour of Russell and Bay of Islands settlement history
Landmarks
Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga)
Ninety Mile Beach
Hole in the Rock
Russell
Day 4
Bay of Islands to Auckland
Bay of Islands to Auckland
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre)
Optional Activities
- Explore Whangarei at your leisure
Landmarks
Whangarei
Day 5
Auckland to Rotorua
Auckland to Rotorua
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Buffet dinner of locally sourced hangi-inspired cuisine at Te Puia)
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Rotorua Hotel)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Waitomo Caves including Glowworm Cruise
- Te Puia Indigenous Experience, Cultural Performance and dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine at Te Puia
- View of Pohutu Geyser
Landmarks
Waitomo Caves
Te Puia
Pohutu Geyser
Te Aronui a Rua
Day 6
Rotorua
Rotorua
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Rotorua Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Visit Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
- Visit Hobbiton Movie Set - The Lord of the Rings sights
Landmarks
Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
Hobbiton Movie Set
Day 7
Rotorua to Wellington
Rotorua to Wellington
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (James Cook Grand Chancellor)
Included Activities
- View Huka Falls from a panoramic viewpoint
Landmarks
Huka Falls
Lake Taupo
Kapiti Coast
Day 8
Wellington to Picton
Wellington to Picton
Accommodation
Hotel (Picton Beachcomber Inn, Picton Yacht Club)
Included Activities
- City sights tour of Wellington
- Cruise across Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton
Landmarks
Wellington
Cook Strait
Picton
Day 9
Picton to Christchurch
Picton to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Included Activities
- Spot marine wildlife from Kaikoura Beach
Landmarks
Kaikoura
Day 10
Christchurch to Omarama
Christchurch to Omarama
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel)
Included Activities
- View the Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo
- Guided indoor Dark Sky & Astronomy Experience in Tekapo
Landmarks
Transitional Cathedral
Turanga
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Day 11
Omarama to Te Anau
Omarama to Te Anau
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Hotel)
Optional Activities
- Explore Clyde town centre
Landmarks
Clyde
Gore
Fiordland National Park
Te Anau
Day 12
Te Anau to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Te Anau to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Hotel)
Included Activities
- Cruise on tranquil Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Landmarks
Fiordland National Park
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Day 13
Te Anau to Queenstown
Te Anau to 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 BBQ dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm
Optional Activities
- Visit historic gold rush village of Arrowtown
Landmarks
Devil's Staircase
Lake Wakatipu
Arrowtown
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Day 14
Queenstown
Queenstown
Accommodation
Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront)
Optional Activities
- Jet boat ride
- Visit to Kiwi Park to see New Zealand's feathered friends
Landmarks
Kiwi Park
Day 15
Queenstown to Franz Josef/Waiau
Queenstown to Franz Josef/Waiau
Accommodation
Hotel (Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier)
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier) with possible glacier landing
Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Hawea
Haast Pass
Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier)
Day 16
Franz Josef/Waiau to Christchurch
Franz Josef/Waiau to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner and drinks to toast your holiday)
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Included Activities
- Journey on the TranzAlpine Train through the Southern Alps
Optional Activities
- Visit Hokitika for pounamu (native greenstone)
Landmarks
Hokitika
Day 17
Christchurch
Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
Treaty of Waitangi Grounds
Bay of Islands

Landmarks
Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga)
Ninety Mile Beach
Hole in the Rock
Russell

Landmarks
Whangarei

Landmarks
Waitomo Caves
Te Puia
Pohutu Geyser
Te Aronui a Rua

Landmarks
Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
Hobbiton Movie Set

Landmarks
Huka Falls
Lake Taupo
Kapiti Coast

Landmarks
Wellington
Cook Strait
Picton

Landmarks
Kaikoura

Landmarks
Transitional Cathedral
Turanga
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd

Landmarks
Clyde
Gore
Fiordland National Park
Te Anau

Landmarks
Fiordland National Park
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi

Landmarks
Devil's Staircase
Lake Wakatipu
Arrowtown
Walter Peak High Country Farm

Landmarks
Kiwi Park

Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Hawea
Haast Pass
Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier)

Landmarks
Hokitika

Explore our featured adventures

TourRadar earns higher commission on featured adventures here.

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

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre
Hotel
Days 1, 4
Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Hotel
Days 2, 3
Ibis Rotorua Hotel
Hotel
Days 5, 6
James Cook Grand Chancellor
Hotel
day 7
Picton Beachcomber Inn, Picton Yacht Club
Hotel
day 8
Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Hotel
Days 9, 16
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Hotel
day 10
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Hotel
Days 11, 12
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Hotel
Days 13, 14
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Hotel
day 15

Operated by

AAT Kings

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.4 (118 reviews)
Response time: within 2 days
Response rate: 64%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Reviews from other tours by AAT Kings

Tour Operator
4.4

Woldeyesus5.0•April 2026
Led by Christin
Service was great and the touring team was awesome!!
Cam5.0•January 2026
We had a great time. Met many new friends from many countries. With extra booked excursions, we were kept so busy...
Show more
Marina5.0•January 2026
We were very happy with our tour! It was very well organised, good accommodation, tasty meals, and with tour...
Show more

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends in1d1h28m58s

From Saturday
24 Oct, 2026
To Monday
9 Nov, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$6,893 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
From Saturday
7 Nov, 2026
To Monday
23 Nov, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$6,893 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
1 Other Unavailable Departure
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
28 Nov, 2026
To Monday
14 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US$5,580 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
From Saturday
5 Dec, 2026
To Monday
21 Dec, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$6,565 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
Instant Confirmation
15% off
From Saturday
9 Jan, 2027
To Monday
25 Jan, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$6,765
US$5,750 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
From Saturday
16 Jan, 2027
To Monday
1 Feb, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$6,765 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
Instant Confirmation
15% off
From Saturday
23 Jan, 2027
To Monday
8 Feb, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$6,765
US$5,750 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
From Saturday
30 Jan, 2027
To Monday
15 Feb, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$6,765 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
From Saturday
6 Feb, 2027
To Monday
22 Feb, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$6,765 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
From Saturday
13 Feb, 2027
To Monday
1 Mar, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$6,765 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
2 Other Unavailable Departures
Instant Confirmation
5% off
From Saturday
20 Feb, 2027
To Monday
8 Mar, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$6,765
US$6,427 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Instant Confirmation
8% off
From Saturday
27 Feb, 2027
To Monday
15 Mar, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$6,765
US$6,224 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room

Why book with TourRadar?

Trusted and vetted operators
Rated excellent on
Best price guarantee

24/7 customer support
Unlock exclusive TourRadar+ member savings

To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in United States, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

We couldn't find results

Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

V
Valerie
Asked on May 9th, 2023
Do you have a toilet on the bus?
Transport
- AAT KingsOperator•Written May 2023
  Yes, we do have toilets in the bus during the trip.
- AAT KingsOperator•Written May 2023
  We have updated the quote for 2 travelers in a twin room departing on 02-Mar-2024. The amount per pax is $7,930 and the total comes to $15860 for the two of you. Please note this price does not include international flights.
H
Heather
Asked on July 11th, 2022
What hotels do you use in your Kia Ora New Zealand (17 Days)?
Accommodation
- H
  Heather
  Traveler•Written July 2022
  Is breakfast not included every day? Please, may I have a list of the number of B L D meals include by day?
- AAT KingsOperator•Written July 2022
  Dining
  • 16 Full Breakfasts
  • 1 Lunch
  • 5 Dinners
  • 2 Highlight Dinners
  • 1 Farewell Dinner
J
Joshua
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Is tipping my Travel Director or Driver Guide compulsory?
Travel Support
- 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.
D
Donald
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.
L
Louis
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.
K
Katherine
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.
J
Jade
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.
J
Joy
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.
G
Gregory
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.
T
Theresa
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.

From

$6,765

15% off

US $5,750 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 $288

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 137146

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 December 9th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after December 9th, 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
- Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.
  Checking the cancellation terms for this tour…
- Your money is protected.
  TourRadar is an authorized agent of AAT Kings, and we handle payments so you don't have to. Payment is securely transferred to the Operator based on your departure date.
Insurance
Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.
Checking which travel protection options are available for you…
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.
People also viewed
Journeys: Discover Alaska National Geographic
Vietnam World Heritage Sites 10 Days 9 Nights
Taste of Scotland - 6 Days/5 Nights (9 destin…
3 Days Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul
Costa Rica's Natural Wonders
Bali Experience
Boutique Brazil & Argentina Journey with Igua…

Videos

AAT Kings
AAT Kings - Meet Mark and New Zealand
Explore New Zealand's North Island with AAT Kings
Explore Australia and New Zealand with AAT Kings

Kia Ora New Zealand

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

Explore our featured adventures

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Reviews from other tours by AAT Kings

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Earn while you share

Good to Know

Videos

Keep Exploring New Zealand

Like this Moment?