17 Day New Zealand Magic

Starting From NZD $7,782
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Whether by boat, coach, train, helicopter or on foot, the wonders of New Zealand unfold as you traverse both North and South islands on this full New Zealand tour. Those wonders are often natural – Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Huka Falls, Lake Taupo. But they also come in the form of inspiring cities and sacred Maori sites revealing the soul-stirring history of the country.

Tour Highlights

  • Milford Sound Cruise
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Maori hangi dinner
  • Lake Wakatipu dinner cruise on the Earnslaw
  • Tranz Alpine Train Journey

Tour Itinerary

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

1
Welcome to Christchurch
Day 1
Welcome to Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. Flights can arrive any time prior to 4.00pm. Take some time to relax or explore independently. You may like to step back in time to a grand era of transport and relax on the Christchurch Tram as it takes you around the 'must-see' central attractions. The tram drivers provide a live commentary throughout the loop, identifying points of interest, historic architecture and the changes the city is under-going since the 2011 earthquake. This evening, meet your fellow travelling companions and your AAT Kings Travel Director for a welcome reception at your hotel.
Ibis Christchurch
Centrally located in the heart of Christchurch, this hotel is a great base for exploring the iconic 'Garden City'.
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2
Christchurch – Franz Josef (B, D)
Day 2
Christchurch – Franz Josef (B, D)
First up this morning you will board the TranzAlpine train and head out through the majestic Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps onto Arthurs Pass. This spectacular train journey dates to 1914 and is rated as one of the world’s most scenic train trips. The train forges through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. From Arthur’s Pass we head off to the drift-wood strewn beaches of Hokitika. As well as being one of the few West Coast communities to embrace its coastal landscape, Hokitika struck it rich in the resource's stakes. Here you will visit a pounamu factory (native greenstone or jade), for the chance to see master carvers at work creating intricate pieces of jewellery and art. Maori tradition says it is bad luck to buy pounamu for yourself, so if you fancy a trinket of your own, make sure you have someone there to purchase it for you. Your destination today is the extraordinary rivers of ice that make up Franz Josef Glacier. You may want to get up close and personal with the glaciers on a helicopter flight. Your flight will hover over the snow face and may land high up in the valley so that you can walk across the ice fall – subject to weather conditions (Optional Experience – at own expense). Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Located in the heart of Franz Josef village and close to Franz Josef Glacier.
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3
Franz Josef – Queenstown (B)
Day 3
Franz Josef – Queenstown (B)
If weather conditions are unfavourable on Day 2, you may get another chance to fly up to the glaciers this morning. If you aren’t flying, you might want to take a stroll through the small but lively Franz Josef village before we head out of Franz Josef following an ancient greenstone trail. View the sheer drop of Thunder Creek Falls and the grand sight of Mt Hooker, flanked on three sides by extensive glaciers. Travel over Haast Pass, marking a change from the rainforest marvel of the wild West Coast to the alpine scenery of the Southern Lakes. From here you will travel further into Central Otago. View Lake Wanaka, where the shoreline is charmingly lined by poplars and willows, followed by the vivid blue waters of Lake Hawea. It is a day of gorgeous lakes, as after Hawea you will travel over to Cromwell, situated next to the sparkling pristine waters of Lake Dunstan. Stop in at a local orchard for a taste of some of the town’s delicious stone fruit. Later, you will stop and visit the faithfully restored gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. As you amble down the beautiful tree-lined avenues, past the 19th century wooden buildings, you will feel like you have stepped into a movie set. Then it’s on to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand!
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area.
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4
Queenstown Free Time (B, SD)
Day 4
Queenstown Free Time (B, SD)
Explore Queenstown your way! Take the opportunity to encounter a Queenstown legend and ride the Shotover Jet or venture out on a Skippers Canyon Scenic Tour. If laid-back and relaxed is more your idea of fun then join a Wine Tour and sample some of Central Otago’s award-winning wines. Your AAT Kings Travel Director will assist you in booking all your chosen optional experiences. After a day of activity, sit back and enjoy a peaceful evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station. Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the largest and grandest vessel ever to ply Lake Wakatipu. Today, the TSS Earnslaw is believed to be the only coal-fired passenger carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Partake in a gourmet BBQ Highlight Dinner at Walter Peaks’ Colonel’s Homestead and then enjoy an entertaining after-dinner farm show providing a glimpse into high-country farm life. On the cruise back to Queenstown, join in a vintage sing-along or grab your partner for a dance across the polished wooden floors of the Earnslaw.
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area.
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5
Queenstown – Te Anau (B, D)
Day 5
Queenstown – Te Anau (B, D)
Today is one of those days where you will want to have your camera battery charged, and ready to go! From the beautiful sights of Queenstown, you will travel out to the spectacular scenes of Milford Sound. You will stop at Mirror Lakes where, as the name suggests, you can see the stunning mountain scenery perfectly reflected in the waters of the lakes. Then on to the Homer Tunnel, man’s attempt to master the sheer rocky ranges, still left rough-hewn around the edges. As you emerge out the other side of the tunnel, you are presented with one of the world’s most dramatic alpine drives, down through the Cleddau Valley. Stop at the Chasm, where the roaring Cleddau River has carved its way through solid rock, and then it’s on to Milford Sound, where you will cruise the waters of this natural wonder. Your cruise meanders down the sound, taking in the Bowen and Stirling Falls as they plummet from glacial hanging valleys sharply into the sea, and the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak, rising from the deep waters of the fiord. After leaving Milford Sound, you will journey 119km through the Fiordland National Park and out to Te Anau on one of the most scenic roads you could hope for. Travel through native rainforests, beech forests, alluvial flats and meadows. This evening you could head out across the lake to the Glow Worm Caves for a tour (Optional Experience – at own expense). Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
Located in the heart of Te Anau's town shopping centre and just a short stroll from Lake Te Anau.
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6
Te Anau – Dunedin (B)
Day 6
Te Anau – Dunedin (B)
You may want to take an early morning walk along the shoreline of the South Island’s biggest lake, before you depart the township of Te Anau this morning. The heavily forested, rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park turn into rolling, grassy hills as you meander your way down to the city of Dunedin. Dunedin, also known as the Edinburgh of the South, has strong connections to its northern hemisphere sister city, even down to sharing many of the same street names – so take a wander down George Street, noting Dunedin’s Scottish ancestry. With the rest of your free afternoon you may wish to take part in an optional experience to see more of the region. Take a Wildlife Cruise out to Otago Peninsula, visit the Speights Brewery – a New Zealand institution or explore the city and its museums, cafés and shops.
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Right in the heart of the city of Dunedin and only a few blocks from the Octagon.
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7
Dunedin – Omarama (B, D)
Day 7
Dunedin – Omarama (B, D)
This morning you have some free time in Dunedin. You may want to journey out to the gorgeous Larnach Castle – New Zealand’s only castle. Or you may just wish to roam around the beautiful grounds of New Zealand’s first university, Otago University. From Dunedin you will then travel through to the township of Oamaru, with its stately tree-lined streets and its famous white limestone buildings. As well as shipping limestone to the bigger cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin for construction of their Town Halls and various churches, Oamaru locals made sure that their own town represented the best in limestone building the mid-late 1800’s had to offer. Then you will journey along the Waitaki River, which marks the boundary between the regions of Canterbury and Otago, and with its large catchment it is an ideal source of hydro-electric power. Your day finishes in the heart of the Mackenzie Country at Omarama. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Heritage Gateway Hotel
Located in the beautiful village of Omarama in the heart of the Mackenzie district.
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8
Omarama – Christchurch (B, D)
Day 8
Omarama – Christchurch (B, D)
You may want to take in Mount Cook National Park from the air this morning, on a scenic flight out over New Zealand’s highest peak, the Southern Alps and on to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers (optional – at own expense). Sweeping views across the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo framed by a backdrop of rugged hills and snow-capped mountains provide stunning alpine photography opportunities. You will visit the little stone-hewn Church of the Good Shepherd and stop for a quick photo with the bronze statue of a collie dog, the touching tribute to the sheepdogs which helped develop the Mackenzie Country. This morning included is a Dark Sky 45 minute indoor guided cultural experience. This afternoon head through the South Canterbury country towns of Fairlie and Geraldine and out over the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains into Christchurch. Enjoy a city sights tour and see how Christchurch is rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Pop into the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral. It is the world’s only cathedral made substantially of cardboard! Tonight, enjoy a dinner at your hotel.
Ibis Christchurch
Centrally located in the heart of Christchurch, this hotel is a great base for exploring the iconic 'Garden City'.
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9
Christchurch – Picton (B, D)
Day 9
Christchurch – Picton (B, D)
Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast this morning passing through Kaikoura known for its abundant wildlife and its sperm whale population (an optional whale-watching flight is available – at own expense). Passing the pink tinged crystallisation ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, we drive on to the pretty seaside fishing village of Picton. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Picton Yacht Club Hotel
With spectacular vistas over Marlborough Sounds, you’re just a short stroll to the Waikawa Bay Marina, ferry terminal and the picturesque Picton township. Enjoy relaxed and comfortable accommodation, an on-site restaurant and bar.
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10
Picton – Wellington (B)
Day 10
Picton – Wellington (B)
Enjoy a quiet start to the day. Your AAT Kings crew and coach will join you on board the Interislander for a cruise across the Cook Strait, from the South Island to the North. Surprisingly it takes longer to cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound and up the Tory Channel than it does to cross the open ocean of Cook Strait. You will meander through a maze of arms and inlets out of Picton. Upon arrival in Wellington, embark on a city sights tour of Wellington taking in New Zealand’s parliament buildings, and a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Discover New Zealand’s nature, history, art and heritage, and then enjoy some time at leisure. Indulge in Wellington’s renowned coffee culture or take a walk along Lambton Quay.
Travelodge Hotel Wellington
Situated in the city centre, just a short stroll to funky cafes, incredible shopping, and the beautiful Wellington harbour.
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11
Wellington – Rotorua (B, L, SD)
Day 11
Wellington – Rotorua (B, L, SD)
Follow the state highway out of New Zealand’s capital city this morning and along the Kapiti Coast, the traditional summer playground of the inhabitants of Wellington city. You’ll have lunch included today provided by ‘Eat My Lunch’. ‘Eat My Lunch’ is a charity organisation which provides lunch for New Zealand school children who otherwise would be going to school without. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. The stunningly blue fresh water of Lake Taupo is home to some of the best trout fishing in the world. On arrival in Rotorua an orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. Later, an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at the Tamaki Maori Village. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art forms and traditions, followed by a cultural performance. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground in the traditional way.
Ibis Hotel Rotorua
Situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views of the stunning natural scenery and geothermal wonders
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12
Rotorua Free Time (B)
Day 12
Rotorua Free Time (B)
Today is your chance to experience the scenic wonders of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Choose from one of the varied Optional Activities on offer. Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park & The National Kiwi Hatchery, take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour through the working kiwi nursery and hatchery. Visit Te Puia and join a guided tour through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, home to famous Pohutu Geyser and the bubbling beauty of the mud pools. Later, why not spend a little more time experiencing the thermal wonders, with a soak in the hot mineral waters of the Polynesian Spas. Your AAT Kings Travel Director will assist you in booking your chosen optional activities.
Ibis Hotel Rotorua
Situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views of the stunning natural scenery and geothermal wonders
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13
Rotorua – Auckland (B, D)
Day 13
Rotorua – Auckland (B, D)
This morning you will travel through the King Country region which was at the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s to Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glow Worm Grotto by boat and walk through the limestone caverns. This afternoon you will follow the meandering trail of the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, past the lush farmlands of the Waikato Region. As you journey over the Bombay Hills, the landscape changes from green, grassy meadowlands to the edges of suburbia. As you make your way into the heart of New Zealand’s largest city, you will stop at the Auckland War Memorial Museum for views across Auckland City and the Waitemata Harbour.
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City
With its unbeatable location in Auckland’s epicentre, the brand new Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre is as convenient as it gets when visiting Auckland City.
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14
Auckland – Bay of Islands (B, D)
Day 14
Auckland – Bay of Islands (B, D)
This morning, we depart Auckland City travelling north over the Harbour Bridge and past the sprawling suburbs of the North Shore of Auckland. Our travels then take you through Northland’s lush farmland scenery before arriving in the beautiful Bay of Islands. This afternoon discovers the stories, people and events that shaped the past, present and future of Aotearoa New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. During your tour you will view the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe, the historic Treaty House and carved Meeting House. Stand on the spot where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was first signed in 1840. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands
Set in 60 acres of subtropical gardens and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
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15
Bay of Islands Free Time (B)
Day 15
Bay of Islands Free Time (B)
Today is a completely free day for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Perhaps take a coach trip up to Cape Reinga - the very top of New Zealand via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach or experience a day of sailing aboard a historic tall ship. Enjoy wine tasting in Kerikeri or join a tour of Russell and learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands. Tonight, you are free to dine as you wish.
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands
Set in 60 acres of subtropical gardens and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
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16
Bay of Islands – Auckland (B)
Day 16
Bay of Islands – Auckland (B)
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the Bay of Islands before you travel back to Auckland. Our journey south takes us to Whangarei, the northern-most city in New Zealand, where you can wander around the art galleries and through the marina in the Town Basin. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Rodney District before arriving in Auckland late afternoon.
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City
With its unbeatable location in Auckland’s epicentre, the brand new Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre is as convenient as it gets when visiting Auckland City.
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17
Farewell from Auckland (B)
Day 17
Farewell from Auckland (B)
Your AAT Kings New Zealand holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. Your flights can depart any time today.

Inclusions

Attractions Included

  • Milford Sound Cruise
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Maori hangi dinner
  • Lake Wakatipu dinner cruise on the Earnslaw
  • Dark Sky Experience Tekapo

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 3 star hotels

Meals Included

  • 16 Full Breakfasts
  • 1 Lunch
  • 7 Dinners
  • 2 Highlight Dinners

Visited Locations

  • The Bay of Islands
    The Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region in the north of the North Island. It is known for its beauty, stunning beaches, deep sea fishing & importance to New Zealand history. It is paradise for those that love beaches and water activities with a little colonial history thrown in.
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  • 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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  • Wellington
    Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and the location of our parliament. Located at the bottom of the North Island it sits on the Cook Straight, which divides the North and South Islands.  Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname "Windy Wellington".
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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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  • Omarama
    Sitting in a broad basin between mountain ranges, Omarama is a small town at the junction of State Highways 8 and 83. It sits near the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin, in the South Island.
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  • Dunedin
    Known as the 'Edinburgh of the South', Dunedin is a city that wears its Scottish heritage with pride. The small city boasts some eye-catching architecture and is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere.
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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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  • Te Anau
    A two hour drive from Queenstown, Te Anau is a Southland town. A pretty lakeside town, it’s known as a gateway to Fiordland National Park.
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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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  • Franz Josef
    Franz Josef is the name of both the glacier and the nearby village. The small but lively Franz Josef Waiau village is surrounded by lush rainforest with the high snow-capped Alps rising above it.
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  • Picton
    Right in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds you will find Picton. This picturesque port town is home to great cafés, restaurants, galleries and specialty shops. It is the heart of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.
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Attractions

  • Milford Sound Cruise
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    The Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most important historic sites. Here, Aotearoa's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Today there is lots to see and do that connects visitors to that history.
    Read more
  • 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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  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
    The TSS Earnslaw offers one of the best ways to see Queenstown’s surrounding landscape. Cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship taking in the views at a leisurely pace.
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  • Tranzalpine Rail Journey
    Enjoy a very special view of the South Island’s striking natural landscape. Take the Tranz Alpine train between Christchurch and Greymouth. See epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
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Available Dates

Dates Price per person
On Request
18 Nov 2024 - 04 Dec 2024
$ 9245.00 - $ 11920.00
$ 8597.00 - $ 11085.00
Available
30 Dec 2024 - 15 Jan 2025 Guaranteed Departure
$ 9245.00 - $ 11920.00
$ 8597.00 - $ 11085.00
On Request
24 Feb 2025 - 12 Mar 2025
$ 9525.00 - $ 12285.00
$ 8858.00 - $ 11425.00
Available
07 Apr 2025 - 23 Apr 2025
$ 8623.00 - $ 11127.00
$ 8019.00 - $ 10348.00
Available
29 Sep 2025 - 15 Oct 2025
$ 9845.00 - $ 12700.00
$ 9155.00 - $ 11811.00
Available
27 Oct 2025 - 12 Nov 2025
$ 8368.00 - $ 10795.00
$ 7782.00 - $ 10039.00
Available
17 Nov 2025 - 03 Dec 2025
$ 8368.00 - $ 10795.00
$ 7782.00 - $ 10039.00
Available
08 Dec 2025 - 24 Dec 2025
$ 8368.00 - $ 10795.00
$ 7782.00 - $ 10039.00
Available
29 Dec 2025 - 14 Jan 2026
$ 8368.00 - $ 10795.00
$ 7782.00 - $ 10039.00
Available
26 Jan 2026 - 11 Feb 2026
$ 8623.00 - $ 11127.00
$ 8019.00 - $ 10348.00
Available
09 Feb 2026 - 25 Feb 2026
$ 8623.00 - $ 11127.00
$ 8019.00 - $ 10348.00
Available
23 Feb 2026 - 11 Mar 2026
$ 8623.00 - $ 11127.00
$ 8019.00 - $ 10348.00
Available
09 Mar 2026 - 25 Mar 2026
$ 8623.00 - $ 11127.00
$ 8019.00 - $ 10348.00
Available
23 Mar 2026 - 08 Apr 2026
$ 8623.00 - $ 11127.00
$ 8019.00 - $ 10348.00
Available
30 Mar 2026 - 15 Apr 2026
$ 8623.00 - $ 11127.00
$ 8019.00 - $ 10348.00
17 Day New Zealand Magic
Days
17
Price from
NZD $7,782 per person twin share
Save up to $750 per person share twin on selected departures!