Contrasts of New Zealand
Contrasts of New Zealand
$6410
Contrasts of New Zealand
6 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Christchurch
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IZANB26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Contrasts of New Zealand" tour, a cultural journey through the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of New Zealand. Begin your adventure in Auckland, exploring its harborside precincts before savoring a welcome dinner. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Fiordland National Park with a Milford Sound cruise, guided by a naturalist who will introduce you to the local wildlife. Enjoy free time in Queenstown, where you can choose between thrilling jet boat rides or a serene cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Discover the rustic charm of Lake Tekapo and the innovative architecture of Christchurch. Delight in a unique farm experience at Hurunui Hills and indulge in a vineyard lunch at Waipara Springs Winery. Throughout your journey, stay in premium 4 and 5-star accommodations and travel comfortably with included airport transfers and internal flights. This tour promises unforgettable memories and a deep connection with New Zealand's natural and cultural wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Horizon by SkyCity Auckland
Meals Included: Dinner
New Zealand’s largest city is also one of its prettiest, as you’ll discover exploring at your leisure. Arrive early to linger in its hip harbourside precincts, where galleries and design-driven stores await. You’ll have worked up an appetite by the time you meet your fellow travel companions for a Welcome Reception and dinner at The Grill celebrating Aotearoa's culinary treasures. Expect the finest quality grassfed steaks, from 100% New Zealand owned and operated suppliers, and sustainable line-caught fish. Start your Auckland tour on a high, we say.
Day 2: Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
Meals Included: Lunch
Bring your stamina and sense of adventure – things get a little wild today. Nature rules as you skirt Queenstown’s gleaming Lake Wakatipu, and traverse the Devil’s Staircase to Te Anau, the alpine gateway to UNESCO World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park. Once you’ve paused to admire the drama at Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Hollyford Valley lookout and Cleddau Valley, you’ll begin to understand why Rudyard Kipling called this the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. You haven’t even seen Bowen Falls or Milford Sound/Piopiotahi yet… Onboard your nature cruise, which includes a picnic lunch, enjoy commentary from your eagle-eyed Naturalist guide, who not only narrates on the immense geological history of the Fiord, but will point out fur seals and dolphins should they choose to come out to play.
Day 3: Queenstown Free Time
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
Take today’s Queenstown New Zealand tour at your own pace. Like things fast and furious? Feel the wind in your hair on a high-octane jet boat ride, perhaps. Prefer to be able to talk (and drink wine) while you cruise? Glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour, including morning or afternoon tea, in a dreamy alpine setting (both own expanse). Wherever you wander, be sure to save space for tonight’s Highlight Dinner at Postmasters Café, a historic Arrowtown cottage replete with picket fence and Instagrammable gardens.
Day 4: Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
The Canterbury region of the east coast is a rustic union of grassy plains, mirror-like lakes and snow-capped mountains, the kind of landscape that you might see on postcards. Arrive in the beautiful English city of Christchurch for a guided tour. The city is not only rebuilding itself after the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, but is changing the way architects think about design. Case in point the mind-bending Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library.
Day 5: Christchurch Sightseeing
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Travel north through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm Kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, who have been farming at Hurunui since 1884 with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool and Angus cattle. Soak up stunning scenery while enjoying 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 a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it's time to relax and enjoy a platter-style lunch among the vines. A big day leads to a big evening joining your Travel Director and travel mates for a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.
Day 6: Farewell From Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
You’ve travelled hundreds of kilometres across two islands, likely taken thousands of photos, and made countless memories and new friends. The only thing left to do is plan your next trip to New Zealand.
What's Included
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Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
The tour includes a specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site – Te Wahipounamu inc. Fiordland National Park
The tour includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Te Wahipounamu, including Fiordland National Park.
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Centrally located premium 4 and 5-star hotels
Stay in centrally located premium 4 and 5-star hotels, including Horizon by SkyCity Auckland, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Millennium Hotel Queenstown, Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo, and Distinction Christchurch Hotel.
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Transport
Enjoy return airport transfers, internal-holiday flights, and comfortable coach travel throughout the tour, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey across New Zealand.
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Dining
The tour includes 1 Dinner with Wine, 5 Full Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Highlight Dinner, 1 Be My Guest Morning Tea, and 1 Farewell Dinner.
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Local Connection
Enjoy morning tea on a Sheep and Cattle Farm in the Hurunuri Hills.
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World Class Nature
Experience the South Island countryside on your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise.
What's Not Included
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Flights to and from the start/end of the trip
Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
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Optional activities in Queenstown
Optional activities in Queenstown, such as a high-octane jet boat ride or a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, are at your own expense.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy return airport transfers, internal-holiday flights, and comfortable coach travel throughout the tour, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey across New Zealand.
Accommodation
Stay in centrally located premium 4 and 5-star hotels, including Horizon by SkyCity Auckland, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Millennium Hotel Queenstown, Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo, and Distinction Christchurch Hotel.
Dining Summary
- 1 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 5 Full Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
- 1 Highlight Dinner (HD)
- 1 Be My Guest Morning Tea (BGM)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Fitness Requirement
- Low level of fitness required
Flight information
- Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive by 4.00pm into Auckland AirportDay 10 – flights to depart any time from Christchurch Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included. Internal-holiday flights Included Please note that prices include land and internal-holiday airfares, which AAT Kings will book in order to fulfil the holiday itinerary: Day 4 – Auckland to Queenstown
Local Connection
- Enjoy morning tea on a Sheep and Cattle Farm in the Hurunuri Hills.
What to Bring
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes
World Class Nature
- South Island countryside never fails to impress, as you’ll discover on your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in centrally located premium 4 and 5-star hotels, including Horizon by SkyCity Auckland, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Millennium Hotel Queenstown, Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo, and Distinction Christchurch Hotel.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, return airport transfers are included in the tour package, ensuring a seamless and stress-free journey across New Zealand.
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What kind of transport is provided during the tour?
The tour includes internal-holiday flights and comfortable coach travel throughout New Zealand.
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Is there a guided tour included in Christchurch?
Yes, there is a guided tour in Christchurch where you will explore the city's innovative architecture, including the Transitional Cathedral and Turanga library.
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What activities are available in Queenstown during the free time?
During your free time in Queenstown, you can choose to go on a high-octane jet boat ride or take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a guided farm tour.
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What is the highlight of the Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise?
The highlight of the Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise is the opportunity to see fur seals and dolphins, with commentary from a Naturalist guide who narrates the geological history of the Fiord.
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What unique experience is offered at Hurunui Hills?
At Hurunui Hills, you will enjoy warm Kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, meet farm animals, and discover what it's like to live off the land, along with a morning tea experience.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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