10 Day Contrasts Of New Zealand

Starting From NZD $6,750
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New Zealand packs a lot of diverse attractions across its two islands, and this 10 day Auckland to Christchurch tour brings you to some of the best. From the sparkling harbour-side restaurants of Auckland in the North to the snow-capped peaks of Queenstown in the South. In between lie Rotorua’s bubbling geothermal springs, the secrets of Hobbiton, ground-breaking Christchurch architecture and World Heritage-listed scenery and a Milford Sound cruise.  Grand adventure and sensory delights combine here.

Tour Highlights

  • Milford Sound Lunch Cruise
  • Hobbiton Movie Set (for departures until April 2023)
  • Maori Village and traditional hangi experience
  • National Kiwi Hatchery

Tour Itinerary

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner
Tour Code: IZANB

1
Welcome to Auckland (D)
Day 1
Welcome to Auckland (D)
Welcome to the City of Sails. On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Take some time to relax or venture out and start exploring New Zealand’s largest city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a welcome reception and dinner.
The Grand by SkyCity
Skycity Grand Hotel is a 5-star property located in the very heart of Auckland, just a few-minutes walk away from Queen Street and Viaduct Harbour. This luxurious hotel impresses with its modern design and sophisticated atmosphere.
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2
Auckland (B)
Day 2
Auckland (B)
Embark on a city sightseeing tour this morning. Travel around the waterfront from central city out to Mission Bay. Prepare your camera for the stop at Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, as you will get stunning shots of Auckland, the North Shore and the Waitemata. This afternoon is at leisure.
The Grand by SkyCity
Skycity Grand Hotel is a 5-star property located in the very heart of Auckland, just a few-minutes walk away from Queen Street and Viaduct Harbour. This luxurious hotel impresses with its modern design and sophisticated atmosphere.
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3
Auckland – Rotorua (B, SD)
Day 3
Auckland – Rotorua (B, SD)
Today, you’ll venture through Waikato region passing through Cambridge known as ‘The Town of Trees and Champions’ on your way to Rotorua. On arrival embark on an orientation of the area before visiting Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, the national leader in kiwi husbandry. Learn about the work being done to save New Zealand’s national bird, see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process and newly hatched kiwi chicks. This evening enjoys a traditional Hangi Highlight Dinner and cultural performance at the Tamaki Maori Village.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Just down the road from the Polynesian Spa and close walking distance to the city.
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4
Rotorua – Auckland – Queenstown (B)
Day 4
Rotorua – Auckland – Queenstown (B)
Experience the iconic rolling hills and green pastures of the Hobbiton Movie Set as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies before continuing to Auckland to board your flight to Queenstown. Experience a Be My Guest morning tea at Red Barn. Tonight, speak with your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Queenstown.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Only a short downhill walk into central Queenstown.
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5
Milford Sound Cruise (B, L)
Day 5
Milford Sound Cruise (B, L)
Journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, over the Devil’s Staircase and along to Te Anau and its lake, the largest in the South Island. Experience magnificent scenery as you continue along this alpine highway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy numerous photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Hollyford Valley lookout (Pop’s view), Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards the iconic Mitre Peak and the Bowen Falls and Milford Sound. Enjoy lunch and a cruise on this wonder of nature. Later, return to Queenstown for the evening.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Only a short downhill walk into central Queenstown.
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6
Queenstown Free Time (B, SD)
Day 6
Queenstown Free Time (B, SD)
Today choose from a range of optional sightseeing experiences. You could ride the world famous’ Shotover Jet or enjoy a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead. This evening, join your Travel Director for dinner at the Postmasters Café. The historic cottage was once home to the town’s postmaster and has been a main street feature since the 1860s. Its old-world charm, complete with horse-hitching post, picket fence, beautiful gardens and hanging wisteria, has made it one of Arrowtown’s most photographed buildings and is the perfect venue for your highlight dinner.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Only a short downhill walk into central Queenstown.
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7
Queenstown – Lake Tekapo (B, D)
Day 7
Queenstown – Lake Tekapo (B, D)
Today you will leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown behind, traveling through Central Otago to the Mackenzie region with time along the way to stop in Cromwell, situated next to the pristine Lake Dunstan and taste delicious stone fruit at a local orchard. Continue over the dramatic Lindis Pass before reaching the Starlight Highway and Tekapo's world renowned UNESCO Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This afternoon enjoys the views of Mt Cook before heading to the iconic Church of the Good Shephard. This evening, see amazing constellations that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere, including the Southern Cross, to the Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way. Your local specialist expert astronomy guide will enhance your knowledge and understanding of our Southern Skies as you admire and ponder the possibilities through our powerful optical telescopes.
Peppers Bluewater Resort
Peppers Bluewater Resort is set overlooking Lake Tekapo, located in an intensely beautiful part of the world.  Peppers Bluewater Resort is set amongst the purest natural landscape. You can explore the natural wonders of Mount Cook and the Mackenzie region from here. Marvel at an International Dark Sky Reserve with millions of stars.
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8
Lake Tekapo – Christchurch (B)
Day 8
Lake Tekapo – Christchurch (B)
Enjoy a relaxed start before heading north through South Canterbury, visit the charming boutique village of Geraldine as you travel through to Christchurch.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Situated right in the centre of Christchurch overlooking Cathedral Square.
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9
Christchurch (B, D)
Day 9
Christchurch (B, D)
Travel north through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm kiwi hospitality from the Bamford Family, who have farming at Hurunui since 1884 with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool and Angus Cattle. Enjoy stunning scenery along with morning tea, meet the farm animals & discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Continue to local vineyard Waipara Springs Winery where you will enjoy a platter style lunch among the vines. This evening, join your AAT Kings Travel Director and Driver, and your new-found friends for a farewell dinner.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Situated right in the centre of Christchurch overlooking Cathedral Square.
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10
Farewell from Christchurch (B)
Day 10
Farewell from Christchurch (B)
Your AAT Kings New Zealand holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. Your flights can depart any time today, and you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport.

Inclusions

Attractions Included

  • Milford Sound Cruise
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (for departures up to April 2024)
  • Maori hangi dinner
  • National Kiwi Hatchery

Coach Features

  • 48 Seat coach
  • Restroom

Experiences Included

  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
  • 1 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Fiordland National Park
  • Centrally located premium 4-star hotels

Meals Included

  • 9 Breakfasts
  • 2 Lunches
  • 2 Dinners with wine
  • 2 Highlight dinners
  • 1 Farewell dinner

Visited Locations

  • Auckland
    Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in Maori, is New Zealand’s largest city. It is based around 2 large and picturesque harbours. 'The City of Sails' is known as such because of the many yachts often seen on those harbours.
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  • Rotorua
    Rotorua is an inland city that is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori culture experiences, 18 lakes, and three major rivers in a beautiful natural environment.
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  • Queenstown
    Queenstown is a stunning resort town, renowned for its beauty and wealth of adventure activities, it sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps mountains, Queenstown is also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns.
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  • Milford Sound
    Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the "eighth wonder of the world", Milford Sound is a stunning fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island.
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  • Christchurch
    Christchurch is an fascinating city to explore. It was once a historic garden city. Since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes it has turned into a fascinating city of regeneration and growth.
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  • Lake Tekapo
    Lake Tekapo is a small township located at the southern end of the lake of the same name in the inland South Island of New Zealand.
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Attractions

  • Meet the Weston family for morning tea and visit the stables where a record breaking motorcycle was designed.
  • Milford Sound Cruise & Lunch
    Cruise Milford Sound, the most well-known and accessible of all the fiords in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area. Its 16 kilometre (14 nautical miles) length is lined by sheer rock faces that soar 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) or more from the water. 
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  • Tamaki Maori Village Hangi
    In 1989, brothers, Doug and Mike Tamaki created a turning point for tourism in Rotorua and forever changed the way people from around the world experienced cultural storytelling. Today Tamaki is an iconic brand in tourism. You will journey back to a time of proud warriors and ancient traditions with the Tamaki Māori Village Evening Experience.
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  • National Kiwi Hatchery Tour
    The National Kiwi Hatchery is set in flourishing native forest and natural springs at Rainbow Springs Nature Park in Rotorua. It is the most successful Kiwi hatchery in the world.
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Available Dates

Dates Price per person
Available
24 Jan 2025 - 02 Feb 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 8589.01 - $ 10783.01
$ 8022.00 - $ 10070.00
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07 Feb 2025 - 16 Feb 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 8983.01 - $ 11282.01
$ 8389.00 - $ 10536.00
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21 Feb 2025 - 02 Mar 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 8589.01 - $ 10783.01
$ 8022.00 - $ 10070.00
Available
14 Mar 2025 - 23 Mar 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 8589.01 - $ 10783.01
$ 8022.00 - $ 10070.00
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28 Mar 2025 - 06 Apr 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 8589.01 - $ 10783.01
$ 8022.00 - $ 10070.00
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04 Apr 2025 - 13 Apr 2025 $7,332.00$9,100.00
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18 Apr 2025 - 27 Apr 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 8560.00 - $ 10640.00
$ 6750.00 - $ 8379.00
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04 Jul 2025 - 13 Jul 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 7332.00 - $ 9100.00
$ 6750.00 - $ 8379.00
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05 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025
$ 7332.00 - $ 9100.00
$ 6750.00 - $ 8379.00
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03 Oct 2025 - 12 Oct 2025
$ 8980.00 - $ 11165.00
$ 7080.00 - $ 8791.00
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07 Nov 2025 - 16 Nov 2025
$ 7689.00 - $ 9547.00
$ 7080.00 - $ 8791.00
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21 Nov 2025 - 30 Nov 2025
$ 7689.00 - $ 9547.00
$ 7080.00 - $ 8791.00
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05 Dec 2025 - 14 Dec 2025
$ 7689.00 - $ 9547.00
$ 7080.00 - $ 8791.00
Available
09 Jan 2026 - 18 Jan 2026
$ 8980.00 - $ 11165.00
$ 8267.00 - $ 10281.00
Available
23 Jan 2026 - 01 Feb 2026
$ 8980.00 - $ 11165.00
$ 8267.00 - $ 10281.00
Available
06 Feb 2026 - 15 Feb 2026
$ 7689.00 - $ 9547.00
$ 7080.00 - $ 8791.00
Available
27 Feb 2026 - 08 Mar 2026
$ 7689.00 - $ 9547.00
$ 7080.00 - $ 8791.00
Available
13 Mar 2026 - 22 Mar 2026
$ 7689.00 - $ 9547.00
$ 7080.00 - $ 8791.00
Available
27 Mar 2026 - 05 Apr 2026
$ 7689.00 - $ 9547.00
$ 7080.00 - $ 8791.00
Available
03 Apr 2026 - 12 Apr 2026 $9,025.00$11,210.00
Available
17 Apr 2026 - 26 Apr 2026 $9,025.00$11,210.00
10 Day Contrasts Of New Zealand
Days
10
Price from
NZD $6,750 per person twin share
Save up to NZ$675 per person twin share on selected departures!