AAT Kings: New Zealand Panorama 25/26

Arriving in New Zealand, the first thing you probably noticed is that there’s a lot of farmland. Its fitting then, that one of the first visits you make is to meet a 'Southerner' local farmer at Real Country. View demonstrations of Horse communication and Working sheep dog mustering. Try your hand at a Stock whip cracking lesson, and feed and interact with the friendly farm animals, as part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. For every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture. Then you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time when you arrive in the former gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Come dusk, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw; the only thing more inspiring than the peaks of the Remarkables that surround is the festive atmosphere welcoming you to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead awaits.

Staying in:

• Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (1 night)

You clearly need more than one day to appreciate Queenstown and its surrounds. And when we say surrounds, we mean Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Today sign up for an optional tour to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Travel through World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park for exceptional views as you pass through dense rainforest and pass by towering mountains. On arrival at Milford Sound/Piopiotahi embark on a cruise to experience the eighth wonder of the World. Don’t be surprised if you see fur seals and local mountain parrots (the Kea), they are common here, playing in the wake of waterfalls. If you like things fast-paced, opt for wine tasting or jet-boating (all own expense). You are in the adventure capital of New Zealand, after all.

Staying in:

• Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (1 night)

Touching down in Auckland, you'll board your coach for the drive to Rotorua, the cultural capital, where you can immerse yourself in Maori history and culture.

Staying in:

• Millennium Hotel Rotorua (1 night)

Your visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery is guided by passionate conservationists and will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand's national bird on this rewarding MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Rotorua's landscapes are reminiscent of a sci-fi movie set where mud pops from bubbling geysers and steam rushes skywards. See it first-hand on your visit to Whakarewarewa, the world's only living Māori village where people live on a daily basis, using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have for centuries. Tonight, delve deep into Maori culture and traditions at Te Puia. The Te Pō Indigenous Experience begins with an exhilarating cultural performance that takes place in a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. Afterward, enter the geothermal valley on a waka (electric shuttle) and discover one of New Zealand’s most magnificent geothermal wonderlands – featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud, and beautiful native bush. Enjoy a hot chocolate, seated on a naturally heated rock terrace overlooking the powerful Pōhutu Geyser. Then enjoy a delicious buffet dinner of locally sourced cuisine and an authentic Māori twist in each dish.

Staying in:

• Millennium Hotel Rotorua (1 night)

Stand eye to eye with giant redwoods on the Redwoods Treewalk. Immerse yourself in the serene majesty of these 118-year-old trees from your 20-metre high perspective. Cross swing bridges and platforms on your elevated path through Whakarewarewa Forest. You will then be transported to a different world within the forest, a cave where your way is lit by thousands of tiny blue and green glowworms. This award-winning, eco-tourism walk is accessible for all who can walk unaided.

Staying in:

• Horizon by SkyCity Auckland (1 night)

Short, sweet, and packed with highlights – how else to describe this wonderful week?