AAT Kings Spirit of New Zealand 25/26

Community spirit is strong in Christchurch, as you’ll discover exploring its streets at your leisure. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception.

Staying in:

• Wyndham Garden (1 night)

More of Christchurch is revealed before the colours of the Canterbury Plains spread before you: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, snowcapped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You'll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe.

Staying in:

• Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)

Architectural drama awaits in Dunedin. While away the afternoon in atmospheric art-lined alleys or sipping a lager or two in Speight’s Brewery (a national institution). Or venture further afield to discover Larnach Castle, fur seals and penguins.

Staying in:

• Dunedin Leisure Lodge (1 night)

Invercargill is obsessed with motor vehicles. Tributes to speed legends colour the city. So it's only fitting that you visit Classic Motorcycle Mecca for a self-guided tour followed by a guided tour and Highlight Dinner at Transport World, exploring classic vehicles as you are transported on a nostalgic walk back in time.

Staying in:

• Kelvin Hotel (1 night)

Wild, wide and wonderful, Stewart Island’s rugged coastline cuts a dramatic form in the Southern Ocean. It’s largely untouched, which means that endemic flora and fauna thrive. But don’t take our word for it. Meet the locals on a tour through the Village and Bays.

Staying in:

• Kelvin Hotel (1 night)

The Real Country Farm Show, offers an authentic taste of what rural New Zealand is like. For every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Continue to Queenstown and take the afternoon at your own pace.

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

Consider an epic journey through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, carved by waterfalls and a playground for dolphins and seals? (Own expense). There’s a reason why this part of the island has World Heritage status. You choose today’s path.

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

We know you’ll want to linger in Arrowtown’s movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques and restaurants. But the Alpine countryside of the Southern Lakes is calling. Over the Haast Pass, the pretty town of Franz Josef/Waiau, at the edge of Westland World Heritage Park, awaits.

Staying in:

• Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (1 night)

Wander Hokitika’s windswept coast before discovering the town’s other beauty: pounamu (native greenstone or jade). Prepare yourself for Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and blowholes; they owe their existence to the thundering surf that will lull you to sleep.

Staying in:

• Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (1 night)

Ease along the Heritage Highway toward Nelson. Press your nose against the glass as your coach weaves through Buller Gorge and Kahurangi National Park.

Staying in:

• The Rutherford Hotel (1 night)

Lace up your hiking shoes and head off on a bushwalk, or cruise through Abel Tasman National Park (own expense). This pocket in the north of the island inspires calm, its golden beaches framed by sculpted granite cliffs.

Staying in:

• The Rutherford Hotel (1 night)

All aboard the Interislander for a cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound to Wellington.

Staying in:

• Travelodge Wellington (1 night)

Travel to Napier. Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is Napier's special point of difference.

Staying in:

• Scenic Hotel Te Pania (1 night)

Experience The Daily Deco Tour for an insight into how Napier City became the Art Deco capital of the world. This comprehensive tour takes you on an historic timeline, sharing stories and showcasing the transformation and how Napier City and its people were resilient after the infamous 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake, rebuilding the city they love into a fabulous and stylish 'time warp' Art Deco!

Staying in:

• Scenic Hotel Te Pania (1 night)

This afternoon, explore Te Puia's geothermal valley, and learn about Maori history and culture on this guided experience, including a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate, you'll view one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands.

Staying in:

• Sudima Lake Rotorua (1 night)

Today is one of decisions. Bliss out at Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa; take the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour or board a scenic flight for a bird’s-eye view (all own expense).

Staying in:

• Sudima Lake Rotorua (1 night)

Today your sights are firmly set 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.

Staying in:

• Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre (1 night)

The Bay of Islands is undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Your guide, perhaps a descendent of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance.

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

Trip the light fantastic and head off in whatever direction you please. Perhaps travel up to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach. Or glide around on an historic tall ship, cruise to the Hole in the Rock or join a tour of Russell (all own expense).

Staying in:

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort (1 night)

For a little more northern exposure, make your way to Whangarei, the island’s most northerly outpost and a place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums. Explore at your leisure before the commute back to Auckland for your Farewell Dinner.

Staying in:

• Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre (1 night)

Over three weeks, we hope you’ve packed your address book with the names of new friends and your camera with photos. But at the end of the day, it’s the memories that will fuel your flight home.