[site map]

14 day new zealand panorama

highlights
TranzAlpine Train
Franz Josef Glacier
Milford Sound
Montana Winery
Te Papa Museum
Maori Hangi and concert
Waitomo Caves

itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival at the hotel the afternoon is free for you to explore the 'Garden City' of Christchurch (Flight to arrive prior to 4.00pm). This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 2: Christchurch - TranzAlpine - Franz Josef Glacier
Today enjoy a spectacular journey over the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train. Visit the fascinating Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Explore amazing Franz Josef Glacier and you also have the opportunity to take a spectacular optional scenic flight (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef.

Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown
Experience picturesque scenery today. See the Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, Lake Wanaka, Cromwell and Kawarau Gorge. Visit colourful and historic Arrowtown this afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure in Queenstown. Why not experience the Kiwi Haka & Dinner tonight?
Accommodation: Millenium Hotel, Queenstown 2 nights.

Day 4: Queenstown
This morning is free to explore Queenstown (ask your Tour Director about optional activities). Later, we take a scenic journey on the steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak sheep station. Enjoy a sheep dog demonstration and a delicious carvery dinner.

Day 5: Queenstown - Milford Sound
Discover the stunning scenery of Fiordland this morning and see the Homer Tunnel and The Chasm. We take a magical cruise on Milford Sound seeing Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Overnight in pretty Te Anau.
Accommodation: Village Inn, Te Anau.

Day 6: Milford Sound - Te Anau – Dunedin
Today travel through rich fertile South Otago and enjoy time at leisure to explore charming Dunedin, founded by Scottish settlers. Perhaps visit Cadbury World or take a wildlife cruise.
Accommodation: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin

Day 7: Dunedin – Mount Cook
Enjoy a guided tour at Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only authentic castle, followed by a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Later, we journey through Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings, to Twizel, gateway to Mount Cook National Park.
Accommodation: MacKenzie Country Inn, Twizel.

Day 8: Mount Cook – Christchurch
See the fantastic scenery of Mount Cook National Park this morning (optional scenic flights available - weather permitting). Visit the beautiful turquoise Lake Tekapo and see the Church of the Good Shepherd, before travelling over colourful plains to Christchurch. Discover the sights of Christchurch on the Christchurch Tram.
Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 9: Christchurch - Blenheim
The rugged coastline provides a spectacular backdrop to our touring today - see New Zealand fur seals and visit Kaikoura, where you have the opportunity to join an optional whale watching flight. Tonight a special wine tasting and dinner awaits us at the renowned Montana Winery in the heart of the Marlborough wine region. Spend the night in the delightful town of Blenheim.
Accommodation: Blenheim Country Hotel or Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim.

Day 10: Blenheim - Wellington
Join an inter-island cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait, then explore Wellington on a sightseeing tour featuring views from Mount Victoria and free time at Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum. Te Papa allows you to experience the warmth and vibrancy of Maori culture. See the magnificent contemporary Marae (meeting house) and explore interactive displays depicting modern New Zealand and pre European history.
Accommodation: Novotel Capital, Wellington.

Day 11: Wellington - Rotorua
Today travel to Taupo and see the thundering Huka Falls, before continuing to Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a special evening of entertainment presenting The Realm of Tane, an extraordinary journey through Maori culture, mythology and our story of creation, which is followed by a delicious Maori Hangi & Concert.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights.

Day 12: Rotorua sightseeing
The day begins with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with sparkling wine overlooking Rotorua. We also visit Paradise Valley Springs and take an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome's Sheep Show. Later, tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where a local Maori guide escorts us past pools of boiling mud and geysers. We also view kiwis here. This afternoon there is free time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour (see your Tour Director for details).

FARM STAY OPTION
Spend the night with a local family on a nearby farm. Enjoy some true New Zealand hospitality. Additional cost applies.

Day 13: Rotorua – Waitomo Caves - Auckland
Explore the famous Waitomo Caves on a guided tour and a boat trip through the incredible Glow-worm Grotto, then journey north to Auckland.
Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Auckland.

Day 14: Depart Auckland
You will be transferred to Auckland Airport to connect with your onward flight (Flights to depart anytime).

inclusions
Luxury coach transport 13 nights accommodation 13 Full Buffet Breakfasts 6 Hotel Dinners Dinner at the Montana Winery TranzAlpine train journey Guided tour of Franz Josef Glacier including a souvenir booklet Entry to Larnach Castle Skyline Gondola ride with breakfast and sparkling wine Entry to Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve Maori Hangi feast and concert on a local marae Entry to Paradise Valley Springs and Agrodome Sheep Show Guided tour through Glow worm Grotto at Waitomo Caves Milford Sound cruise Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a carvery dinner Welcome Drink All purpose travel bag and map Airport transfers and porterage included

departures
Tour ZCA: departs Christchurch, returns Auckland
Departure Dates: click here

additional information
Operated by: AAT Kings – Tour Code: ZCA
Rates: are per person twin share, and in Australian dollars including GST.
Children: Children aged 5-15 years are charged the child rate, and must be escorted by at least one adult. Children under the ages of 5 years are ineligible to join AAT Kings Tours

instant quote