17 Day Best of New Zealand - Cost Saver
AAT Kings’ Cost Saver Best of New Zealand, see the north & south island including Bay of Islands, Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound & more.
- Visit the Bay of Islands
- See the sights of Auckland
- Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock'
- Tour the Glow Worm Grotto
- Maori Hangi feast and concert
- Agrodome Sheep Show
- Visit Te Papa
- Stay in beautiful Christchurch
- Church of the Good Shepherd
- Cruise on Milford Sound
- Day at leisure in Queenstown
- Spectacular Fox Glacier
- TranzAlpine Train Option
- INCLUDED Maori Cultural Experience
- OPTIONAL Maori Cultural Experience
PREMIUM HOLIDAY INCLUSIONS
Quality Touring
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Professional Team
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» Tour also available in reverse: Christchurch to Auckland » Click here to view the tour
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DATES & PRICES |
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| Tour Dates | |
| Departs on | Returns on |
| 2011 | |
| $3619 | |
| 26 Nov | 12 Dec |
| 17 Dec | 02 Jan |
| 24 Dec | 09 Jan |
| 31 Dec | 16 Jan |
| 2012 | |
| $3619 | |
| 07 Jan | 23 Jan |
| 14 Jan | 30 Jan |
| 21 Jan | 06 Feb |
| 28 Jan | 13 Feb |
| 31 Jan | 16 Feb |
| 04 Feb | 20 Feb |
| 07 Feb | 23 Feb |
| 11 Feb | 27 Feb |
| 14 Feb | 01 Mar |
| 18 Feb | 05 Mar |
| 21 Feb | 08 Mar |
| 25 Feb | 12 Mar |
| 28 Feb | 15 Mar |
| 03 Mar | 19 Mar |
| 06 Mar | 22 Mar |
| 10 Mar | 26 Mar |
| 13 Mar | 29 Mar |
| 31 Mar | 16 Apr |
| 07 Apr | 23 Apr |
| 28 Apr | 14 May |
| $3535 | |
| 05 May | 21 May |
| 09 Jun | 25 Jun |
| 07 Jul | 23 Jul |
| 04 Aug | 20 Aug |
| 18 Aug | 03 Sep |
| 01 Sep | 17 Sep |
| 15 Sep | 01 Oct |
| 22 Sep | 08 Oct |
| 29 Sep | 15 Oct |
| Red shaded dates are Guaranteed Departures | |
| Prices AUD | Land Content Only | |
| Single Supplement | $1120 | |
| Child 15 years and under | Save | $725 |
| Triple Share | Save | $180 |
| Concession Card Holders | Save | $75 |
| Note: Itinerary & departure dates may change from 01/10/12. Price is guaranteed upon payment of deposit. | ||
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
After your airport transfer and hotel check-in, explore Auckland your way. Evening welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow passengers.
Hotel: Mercure, Auckland.
Day 2: Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland and travel along the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands – see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes peeled for the marine life.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort (Garden View), Bay of Islands, 2 nights. B D
Day 3: Bay of Islands ‘Free Time’
Explore the Bay of Islands. Dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, drive along the Ninety Mile Beach, sail or sea-kayak. B
Day 4: Auckland
This morning visit theWaitangi Treaty Reserve which is of great historical importance, as this is where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. You will have time to explore the Reserve and take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe and Meeting House (Marae). This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.
Hotel: Mercure, Auckland.B D
Day 5: Waitomo Caves
After an Auckland City Sights tour we trace the Waikato River to Waitomo Caves. We tour the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. Then arrive in Rotorua for an orientation tour.Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast and concert.
Hotel: Ibis, Rotorua, 2 nights. B HD
Day 6: Rotorua
We visit the Agrodome Sheep Show then enjoy an afternoon of ‘Free Time’ – visit Rainbow Springs, abundant with rainbow trout and native fauna including the kiwi orTe Puia, where a local Maori will guide you through the Geothermal valley with its mud pools and geysers. B
Day 7: Rotorua – Wellington
View the Huka Falls, visit Taupo and drive along shores of its lake. Discover the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the dairy farms of Manawatu. Travel along the Kapiti Coast into Wellington, for a city tour.
Hotel: Mercure Willis Street, Wellington.B D
Day 8: Wellington – Picton
A morning of ‘Free Time’, followed by a visit toTe Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Then we cruise Queen Charlotte Sound and later travel to the seaside village of Picton.
Hotel: Beachcomber, Picton. B D
Day 9: Picton – Christchurch
We’ll get up close and personal with some New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point, watch whales at Kaikoura, (optional scenic Whale Watching flight available) and travel across the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Hotel: Heartland Hotel Cotswold, Christchurch. B
Day 10: Mt. Cook
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day in Christchurch. Later we’ll see Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the alpine scenery of Mt. Cook National Park (optional Mt. Cook scenic flight available).
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama. B D
Day 11: Dunedin
Our day starts along the Waitaki River with the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. We travel through Oamaru with its famous white limestone buildings to Dunedin, where we tour the city. Then you’ve got the afternoon to yourself – take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.
Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel, Dunedin. B D
Day 12: Dunedin – Te Anau
After a free morning, we’ll cross sheep- filled farming land to the South Island’s biggest lake and the town of Te Anau. Optional Glow Worm Caves tour tonight.
Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau. B D
Day 13: Milford Sound
Journey from Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Witness Mirror Lake, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a Queenstown orientation tour on arrival, followed by dinner with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Hotel: Mercure Queenstown Resort, Queenstown, 2 nights. B D
Day 14: Queenstown ‘Free Time’
Explore exciting Queenstown your way – from wine and garden tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting. For dinner you have the option to dine at the Skyline Restaurant on Bob’s Peak. Access is via the steepest Gondola in the Southern Hemisphere.Dinner option includes the Kiwi Haka Maori Show. B
Day 15: Fox Glacier
Our first stop is Arrowtown. Next is Cromwell and its sensational stone fruit. Then it’s a trio of lakes – Lake Dunstan, Hawea, Wanaka. Travel through Haast Pass, view Thunder Creek Falls, take a rainforest walk. Final stop is Fox Glacier, a rare, still advancing glacier (optional Fox Glacier scenic flight available).
Hotel: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier. B D
Day 16: Christchurch
Visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. Travel through Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, before returning to Christchurch for your farewell dinner.
Hotel: Heartland Hotel Cotswold, Christchurch. B D
Day 17: Depart Christchurch
You are transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. B
