Essence of New Zealand

Trip Code:50436
(AUD) Twin Share from $12,459pp
Days 18
Nights 17

This leisurely-paced journey across New Zealand includes five two-night stays, giving you time to truly explore and unwind. Cruise across the Cook Strait and into the stunning fiords of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, then ride the iconic TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps. Discover local stories on a private tour of Transport World, a farm experience at Real Country, and an Art Deco walking tour in Napier. Highlights also include the All Blacks Experience, Te Pō Indigenous Experience, and relaxing stays in Punakaiki and vibrant Nelson near Abel Tasman National Park.

  • 01 Oct 2026 – 18 Oct 2026
    from $13,115 pp twin share *
  • 19 Nov 2026 – 06 Dec 2026
    from $12,459 pp twin share *
  • 26 Nov 2026 – 13 Dec 2026
    from $12,459 pp twin share *
  • 10 Dec 2026 – 27 Dec 2026
    from $12,459 pp twin share *
  • 31 Dec 2026 – 17 Jan 2027
    from $13,115 pp twin share *
  • 21 Jan 2027 – 07 Feb 2027
    from $13,377 pp twin share *
  • 28 Jan 2027 – 14 Feb 2027
    from $13,377 pp twin share *
  • 04 Feb 2027 – 21 Feb 2027
    from $13,780 pp twin share *
  • 18 Feb 2027 – 07 Mar 2027
    from $13,780 pp twin share *
  • 04 Mar 2027 – 21 Mar 2027
    from $13,780 pp twin share *
  • 18 Mar 2027 – 04 Apr 2027
    from $13,510 pp twin share *
  • 22 Apr 2027 – 09 May 2027
    from $12,515 pp twin share *
  • 30 Sep 2027 – 17 Oct 2027
    from $12,515 pp twin share *
  • 28 Oct 2027 – 14 Nov 2027
    from $12,515 pp twin share *
  • 18 Nov 2027 – 05 Dec 2027
    from $12,515 pp twin share *
  • 25 Nov 2027 – 12 Dec 2027
    from $12,515 pp twin share *
  • 09 Dec 2027 – 26 Dec 2027
    from $12,515 pp twin share *
  • 30 Dec 2027 – 16 Jan 2028
    from $12,515 pp twin share *
  • 20 Jan 2028 – 06 Feb 2028
    from $13,905 pp twin share *
  • 27 Jan 2028 – 13 Feb 2028
    from $12,515 pp twin share *
  • 03 Feb 2028 – 20 Feb 2028
    from $12,869 pp twin share *
  • 17 Feb 2028 – 05 Mar 2028
    from $12,869 pp twin share *
  • 24 Feb 2028 – 12 Mar 2028
    from $12,869 pp twin share *
  • 02 Mar 2028 – 19 Mar 2028
    from $12,869 pp twin share *
  • 16 Mar 2028 – 02 Apr 2028
    from $14,299 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 – Welcome to Christchurch:
    You’ll want to arrive early to see just how Christchurch has transformed itself since the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes. Your Travel Director will welcome you this evening and provide you with a tour briefing.
  • Day 2 – Christchurch – Omarama:
    Tour the city of Christchurch to view the innovative Cardboard Cathedral and enjoy a stop at the Botanic Gardens, famed for its stunning collection of plants from around the world, beautifully landscaped gardens, and tranquil riverside setting. Today’s journey offers a variety of scenic contrasts. Begin with a visit to Geraldine, a quaint rural town famous for its local cheeses and produce, which you can sample at the historic Barkers Store. Next, travel along the East Coast to the Waitaki Valley, a picturesque region of winding rivers and rolling farmlands, with the snow-capped mountains providing a stunning backdrop to Lake Benmore. Finally, continue to Omarama, a quintessential country town, where you’ll spend the evening.
  • Day 3 – Omarama – Invercargill:
    Your visit to Clyde will have your camera clicking non-stop. This charming historic town may be small, but it’s full of character, with its town centre designated as a historic precinct, featuring buildings from its gold mining past now transformed into cafes and shops. Today’s destination is Invercargill, a city obsessed with wheels. Tributes to speed legends colour the city, so it’s only fitting that you visit Bill Richardson Transport World for a guided tour. Explore more than 300 vehicles as you are taken on a journey of transport through the ages. Bill Richardson began collecting old trucks in 1967 and, in his words, sometimes “bought a truck more with our hearts than with our heads.” The collection now comprises of many rare and unusual vehicles, along with popular classic vehicles.
  • Day 4 – Invercargill – Te Anau:
    Journey through the rolling farmland and lush pastures of Southland to Templeton Flax Mill. Here, you will have a guided tour and presentation from Nathan Templeton, Mill curator and grandson of the Mill founder. Learn about the history and importance of the flax mill industry to the Southland economy on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. All proceeds go directly to maintaining the Mill as a living Museum. Continue to Riverton, a charming seaside town known for its charming local cafes and on to Fiordland National Park and the stunning Te Anau, nestled on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Immerse yourself in the serenity – this is as good as it gets.
  • Day 5 – Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Day Trip:
    From the moment you step outside today, nature rules. Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and mirror-like lakes. Gin-clear rivers carve the countryside, with all roads leading to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Venture out into the pristine fiord on an included sightseeing cruise for awe-inspiring scenery with towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The Kea is a common sight.
  • Day 6 – Te Anau – Queenstown:
    Today on your New Zealand tour, get a taste of country life combined with good old-fashioned southern hospitality as you meet a local farmer at Real Country. Get a feel for life on the farm as you have demonstrations of horse communication and working sheep dog mustering. Plus, for every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown, where you can wander the movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques, then continue to Queenstown for your two-night stay in the adventure capital of New Zealand.
  • Day 7 – Queenstown Free Time:
    You have time today to appreciate Queenstown and its surrounds. Enjoy an included lunch at your leisure at cult eatery Fergburger, famous for its mouthwatering gourmet burgers and vibrant atmosphere. You may like to sign up for an Optional Experience* or two. Like adventure? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane jet boat ride, perhaps, twisting and revving along Queenstown’s Shotover River. Wine aficionado? Sip your way through surrounding vineyards. Tours of the South Island don’t get much tastier than this. There’s also the option of an afternoon cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner.
  • Day 8 – Queenstown – Christchurch:
    Visit the Jones Family Fruit Stall for fresh local stone fruit and then travel over the breathtaking alpine crossing of the Lindis Pass between Otago and the Mackenzie Basin, offering panoramic views of rugged Mountain peaks, Mount Cook among them. Visit Tekapo, located on the shores of the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, it’s quite the backdrop for the stone-hewn Church of Good Shepherd. Continue through the aptly named Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
  • Day 9 – Christchurch – Punakaiki:
    All aboard the TranzAlpine train bound for Arthur’s Pass, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. Visit Greymouth, known for its rich mining history, and prepare yourself for Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and blowholes; they owe their existence to the thundering surf that will lull you to sleep at your coastal eco retreat tonight.
  • Day 10 – Punakaiki – Nelson:
    Sit back and relax – that’s all you have to do today as you ease along the Heritage Highway toward Nelson. Press your nose against the glass as your coach weaves through Buller Gorge – a deep canyon home to New Zealand’s longest swing bridge – and Kahurangi National Park, a place of wild rivers, high plateaus, alpine herb fields and coastal forests.
  • Day 11 – Nelson Free Time:
    Sleep in or work up a sweat – today is completely at your leisure. We have a few ideas up our sleeve, of course. Sign up for an Optional Experience*? Travel to the Abel Tasman National Park for the ultimate cruise and walk combination. This pocket in the north of the island inspires calm, its golden beaches framed by sculpted granite cliffs that all unite to create one of the country’s most legendary coastal tracks.
  • Day 12 – Nelson – Wellington:
    You’ll want a window seat for the cruise from the South Island to the North Island aboard the ferry. Breathtaking views unfold as you glide through Queen Charlotte Sound, up the Tory Channel and across the Cook Strait, navigating a maze of arms and inlets into New Zealand’s cool little capital of Wellington.
  • Day 13 – Wellington – Napier:
    View the sights of Wellington including the Beehive and Parliament grounds this morning before you travel to Napier. Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is Napier’s special point of difference.
  • Day 14 – Napier:
    This morning meet your informative and entertaining local guide from the Art Deco Trust who will bring Napier’s fascinating architectural history to life as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, your participation helps preserve Napier’s Art Deco heritage. This afternoon relax or perhaps choose an Optional Experience* of either a wine tour of local Hawkes Bay vineyards, or a safari to the famous Gannet nesting colony at cape Kidnappers with Gannet Safaris Overland.
  • Day 15 – Napier – Rotorua:
    Today, visit the mighty Huka Falls before continuing to Rotorua, famed for its bubbling mud pools, geysers, and rich Māori culture. Visit a traditional Pounamu workshop for an insight into jade carving and its cultural meaning, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Tonight, delve deep into Māori culture with the Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia. It begins with an exhilarating cultural performance in a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua, followed by a view of the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands, and ends with a delicious buffet dinner of hāngī-inspired cuisine.
  • Day 16 – Rotorua Free Time:
    You could spend weeks discovering Rotorua. But you have today, so seize the moment and set out to explore. Book an Optional Experience? Hobbit fans will want to take advantage of the opportunity to tour the Hobbiton Movie Set featured in The Lord of the Rings & Hobbit movies. Want a bit of down time? Bliss out at Wai Ariki Hotel Springs & Spa. Or arguably the best way to understand just how otherworldly your destination is, from the air. Ask us about a scenic flight.
  • Day 17 – Rotorua – Auckland:
    From New Zealand’s longest waterway, the Waikato River, to its largest city, welcome to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. You’ll understand how it got its moniker when you glimpse yachts gliding around its two harbours on your city tour. But today’s Auckland tour sees your sights set firmly on New Zealand’s national game: rugby. The interactive All Blacks Experience explores an introduction to the game as a part of New Zealand culture and ends with a traditional haka with you front and centre. Later, end your tour on a high note with drinks with your Travel Director and travel companions.
  • Day 18 – Farewell from Auckland:
    How do you pick a favourite adventure from the last 18 days? You don’t have to – let them all shine in equal measure in your memory.

Highlights

  • Cruise the stunning Milford Sound and ride the iconic TranzAlpine train.
  • Explore local stories and culture with private tours and immersive experiences.
  • Enjoy relaxing two-night stays in vibrant destinations like Nelson and Punakaiki.

This leisurely-paced journey across New Zealand includes five two-night stays, giving you time to truly explore and unwind. Cruise across the Cook Strait and into the stunning fiords of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, then ride the iconic TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps. Discover local stories on a private tour of Transport World, a farm experience at Real Country, and an Art Deco walking tour in Napier. Highlights also include the All Blacks Experience, Te Pō Indigenous Experience, and relaxing stays in Punakaiki and vibrant Nelson near Abel Tasman National Park.

Inclusions

  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Discover the significance and craft of Pounamu (Jade) carving Join an interactive All Blacks Experience in Auckland View the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo Privately Guided Tour at Transport World in Invercargill MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Visit the Templeton Flax Mill for a glimpse into the country’s industrial heritage MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Real Country Farm Experience Visit historic Arrowtown See Franz Josef Glacier from a panoramic viewpoint Visit Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks from a scenic viewpoint Cruise the Cook Strait from Picton to Wellington MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Guided Art Deco Walking Tour in Napier MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Guided Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia Explore the Geothermal Wonders of Rotorua.
  • Day 1 highlights Welcome to Christchurch: You’ll want to arrive early to see just how Christchurch has transformed itself since the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes. Your Travel Director will welcome you this evening and provide you with a tour briefing.
  • Day 2 highlights Christchurch – Omarama: Tour the city of Christchurch to view the innovative Cardboard Cathedral and enjoy a stop at the Botanic Gardens, famed for its stunning collection of plants from around the world, beautifully landscaped gardens, and tranquil riverside setting. Today’s journey offers a variety of scenic contrasts. Begin with a visit to Geraldine, a quaint rural town famous for its local cheeses and produce, which you can sample at the historic Barkers Store. Next, travel along the East Coast to the Waitaki Valley, a picturesque region of winding rivers and rolling farmlands, with the snow-capped mountains providing a stunning backdrop to Lake Benmore. Finally, continue to Omarama, a quintessential country town, where you’ll spend the evening.

FAQs

  • Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
  • Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
  • Distinction Luxmore Hotel
  • Ibis Hotel Christchurch
  • James Cook Grand Chancellor
  • Kelvin Hotel
  • Radisson RED Auckland
  • Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
  • Scenic Hotel Te Pania
  • Sudima Lake Rotorua
  • The Rutherford Hotel

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 18 days and 17 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 01 Oct 2026 and 02 Apr 2028, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Are discounts available?

Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

Provided by: AAT Kings

Fine Print

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(AUD) Twin Share from $12,459pp
Days 18
Nights 17

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