15 Day New Zealand Panorama

On this 15 day fully escorted tour, you will travel onboard AAT Kings luxury air-conditioned coach, with reclining seat and panoramic windows, and view some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Your experienced Tour Guide will provide informative commentary along the way, whilst the driver will ensure you arrive at each destination with plenty of time to provide memories of your next New Zealand holiday.

Spectacular sightseeing is inevitable on this premium coach tour, as you head from one picturesque location to the next. The first day sees you onboard the TranzAlpine for a world class train journey from Christchurch over the Alps to Arthur's Pass. Experience the exciting Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, spend an action filled day in Queenstown with a jet boat ride or white water rafting. Admire the sensational alpine landscape at Mt Cook National Park, or take a scenic flight and see this beautiful area from the air.

AAT Kings provides New Zealand coach tours with an excellent itinerary, that takes in both the north and south islands and gives the traveller a greater appreciation of the natural wonders of New Zealand. With plenty of free time and longer stays at each destination, you are also able to experience some fantastic optional tours that are available.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch: Airport to hotel transfer, then you're free to discover Christchurch your way. Join your fellow travellers this evening for a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director.

Day 2 TranzAlpine - Punakaiki: Catch the TranzAlpine for a world class journey from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on arrival in Punakaiki, where you'll spend the night at a hotel right on the waterfront.

Day 3 Punakaiki - Franz Josef: Travel via the Greymouth on the West Coast to Hokitika to visit a New Zealand native jade factory for a jewellery demonstration. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier. You can see it from the air on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) or take a glacier hike!

Day 4 Franz Josef - Queenstown: Today you'll experience Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, take a small rainforest bush walk, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan. Stop at historic gold mining Arrowtown then Queenstown. An orientation tour finishes the day. Your dinner option is Skyline Restaurant at Bob's Peak accessed via gondola - treat yourself! The Kiwi Haka Maori Show makes a top night.

Day 5 Queenstown 'Free Time': Explore action-packed, Queenstown for yourself. Take it easy with wine and garden tours, or walk on the wild side with jet boat rides and white water rafting. Cruise over Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak on board the TSS Earnslaw for dinner and a sheep shearing demonstration.

Day 6 Milford Sound: Journey over the Devil's Staircase and along Lake Wakatipu's shore to Te Anau and its lake - the South Island's largest. World Heritage Fiordland National Park is next, travelling through rainforest, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Drive through the hand built Homer Tunnel to the abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Pop's Lookout, Claudu Valley and The Chasm. Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and Milford Sound, where you cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Return to Te Anau. Tonight you have the option to see the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves.

Day 7 Te Anau - Dunedin: Across rich, fertile farmland, head to Dunedin for a city tour. This afternoon take a Wildlife Cruise to see the Royal Albatross, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the Taieri Gorge Railway. It's your 'Free Time' to do as you wish.

Day 8 Dunedin - Twizel: A guided tour of Larnach Castle and its stunning gardens starts the day. Enjoy some 'Free Time' in town, before setting off to the white limestone buildings of Oamaru and on to the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam.

Day 9 Mt. Cook - Christchurch: The sensational alpine landscape of Mt. Cook National Park will 'wow' you today. Maybe take a scenic flight over it. Later you'll see Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd and travel over the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains. Arrive at Christchurch for a city tour and a ride on the Christchurch Tram then you're free to discover Christchurch your way.

Day 10 Kaikoura - Blenheim: Between the mountains and the Pacific, travel the rugged East Coast to the whale watching haven of Kaikoura. Take an optional Scenic Whale Watching flight. On the way to Blenheim, you may see New Zealand fur seals up close at Ohau Point. On arrival you'll have an orientation tour. Then it's off to Allan Scott Wines for a tour, some wine tasting and dinner.

Day 11 Wellington: Seaside Picton is the first destination. You'll cruise tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. Then head to Wellington. The City Sights Tour, with views of the city from Mt. Victoria, will get you set for your 'Free Time', until you visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, for some Maori culture. A photo at Parliament, then to the hotel for dinner.

Day 12 Wellington - Rotorua: Travel along the Kapiti Coast, past the dairy farms of Manawatu to Tongariro National Park. Here you'll catch sights of spectacular Mt. Ruapehu. En route to Taupo and Rotorua, you'll see Lake Taupo and the Huka Falls. A Rotorua orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. The Realm of Tane, Hangi and concert is the cultural highlight this evening.

Day 13 Rotorua: Start the day with sparkling wine and a breakfast cruise on Lake Rotorua on board the Lakeland Queen. Next is the Agrodome Sheep Show for a sample of farm life. Te Puia offers an insight into Maori culture, and a guided tour of the Geothermal Reserve.

Day 14 Rotorua - Auckland: Travelling through the Waikato region to Waitomo Caves, tour the Glow Worm Grotto. Travel along the Waikato River to Auckland. The city tour takes in Mt. Eden, Bastian Point, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Harbour Bridge and more.

Day 15 Depart Auckland: Today, transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.

Itinerary Options

Optional Extras are available at an additional cost.

Day 3: Optional scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier
Day 9: Optional scenic flight over Mt Cook
Day 10: Optional scenic whale watching flight

Highlights

• Larnach Castle Dunedin
• The TranzAlpine Train
• View Franz Josef Glacier
• Explore Milford Sound

Inclusions

• Rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels, on a twin share basis.
• Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach, reclining seats with seatbelts, restroom and panoramic windows
• Experienced services of a professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
• Welcome Drink
• Full Buffet Breakfasts (14)
• Exciting Highlight Dinner (3)
• Hotel Dinners (8)
• Airport Transfers
• All purpose travel wallet and touring map
• Porterage at tour Hotels

Departures

On Day 1, Flights must arrive prior to 4.00pm. On Day 14, flights to depart anytime.

2011: Jan 02, 09, 23, 30, Feb 09, 20, 23, 27, Mar 06, 09, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30, Apr 17, 24

Additional Information

Airport Transfers: AAT Kings offers return hotel or airport transfers
Children: 5 years of age and under are not catered for. Children 6-18 years must be accompanied by an adult
Luggage Allowance: One medium size suitcase per person plus an overnight bag
What to Bring: Casual light weight clothing with warmer articles for the evenings and cooler days in Summer. A warm jacket is recommended for winter. Swimsuit, towel, waterproof jacket and comfortable footwear
Operated by: AAT Kings