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New Zealand Escape
Avanti Destinations | 8 Days | Auckland to Queenstown
April - December 2025 Departures
Experience all of New Zealand's wonders on this self-driving itinerary covering both the North and South islands. Discover alpine scenery, waterfalls, rainforests, hot springs, and geysers, starting with Rotorua and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Enjoy a Polynesian spa, visit the Kiwi House, and experience a Maori welcoming ceremony. Continue to the South Island with highlights like Mt. Cook, Milford Sound, and an exhilarating Skyline Gondola ride in Queenstown.
AAA Member Benefits and Special Offers
Member Benefits
- $50 per person savings on packages of 3 nights accommodations or longer (must include a full day excursion per person to qualify for the benefit). Cannot be combinable with the $100 member benefit. Hop on/off tours do not qualify as full day excursions.
- $100 per person savings on packages of 7 nights accommodations or longer (must include two full days excursions per person to qualify for the benefit).
Call to Book
1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip
Inclusions
- Accommodations: 1 Night Auckland, 2 Nights Rotorua, 1 Night Christchurch, 3 Nights Queenstown
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport to Auckland Hotel
- Small Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour from Auckland (end in Rotorua)
- Deluxe Lake Spa Entrance Ticket
- Shared Te Po Indigenous Experience
- Private Transfer from Rotorua Hotel to Rotorua Airport
- One-way Domestic Flight from Rotorua to Christchurch in Economy Class
- 5 Day Car Rental - Christchurch to Queenstown
- Small Group Milford Tour by Coach and Cruise
- Shared Shotover Jet Ride
- Daily Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Additional Information
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Arrive in the vibrant metropolis of Auckland. Upon your arrival at Auckland International Airport, enjoy a seamless and stress-free transfer to your hotel in the heart of Auckland. Relax and unwind as you begin your unforgettable journey in this captivating country.
Overnight: Auckland - Airedale Boutique Suites or similar
Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua | Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Experience two top North Island attractions in one day: the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Explore the enchanting Hobbiton village, famous from the *Lord of the Rings* films, then journey to the Waitomo Caves for a guided tour and magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto. This combo tour offers stunning landscapes and fascinating insights into New Zealand's natural and cinematic wonders, ending in Rotorua.
Overnight: Rotorua - Novotel Rotorua Lakeside or similar
Day 3: Rotorua | Deluxe Lake Spa & Te Po Indigenous Experience
Spend the morning relaxing at Polynesian Spas Deluxe Lake Spa with hot mineral pools, premium facilities, and stunning views over Lake Rotoruas Sulphur Bay before this afternoon's Te Po Indigenous Experience. The tour includes visits to the national carving and weaving schools, interactive galleries, the Kiwi House, and geothermal features like mud pools and geysers. In the evening, experience an authentic Maori welcome ceremony, warrior's challenge, kapa haka war dance, and a Maori Feast featuring traditional and indigenous-inspired dishes.
Overnight: Rotorua - Novotel Rotorua Lakeside or similar
Day 4: Rotorua to Christchurch
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the Rotorua Airport and embark on a 2-hour flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and check into your hotel, then enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the picturesque Garden City. Consider taking a sightseeing tour to visit local attractions like the Botanic Gardens, Cardboard Cathedral, and the Tannery Shopping Precinct.
Overnight: Christchurch - Crowne Plaza Christchurch or similar
Day 5: Christchurch to Queenstown
After breakfast, travel south across the picturesque Canterbury Plains and through charming farming communities before ascending to the high plains of the Mackenzie Country. Pause at the Church of the Good Shepherd for breathtaking views of Lake Tekapo, then continue to Mount Cook village, nestled beneath New Zealand's highest mountain. Take a short walk and admire stunning views of Mt. Cook and its glaciers. Continue your journey through the picturesque Lindis Pass, following the Clutha Valley and the winding Kawarau River to reach Queenstown, beautifully situated on the northern shore of Lake Wakatipu with expansive mountain views.
Overnight: Queenstown - Browns Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 6: Queenstown | Milford Tour
Leave your car at the hotel and board a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown for a scenic trip along Lake Wakatipu and through the picturesque countryside to Te Anau. After a morning tea break, continue along the stunning Milford Road to Milford Sound. There, board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. After the cruise, re-board the coach for the return journey to Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown - Browns Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 7: Queenstown | Shotover Jet Ride
Experience the thrill of a lifetime with a Shotover Jet ride in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. Skim past rocky outcrops at exhilarating speeds, twist and turn through narrow canyons, and enjoy the heart-pounding excitement of full 360-degree spins. This unique adventure offers breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush like no other, making it an unforgettable highlight of your trip.
Overnight: Queenstown - Browns Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 8: Depart Queenstown
Conclude your unforgettable journey with a leisurely morning in Queenstown before heading to the airport. Reflect on the diverse experiences, from the thrilling Shotover Jet ride and the scenic Milford Sound cruise to the cultural immersion at Te Po and the breathtaking views of Mount Cook. Savor the memories of the majestic flight over the Southern Alps and the tranquil moments by Lake Tekapo. As you return home, carry with you the rich tapestry of New Zealand's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
Price My Trip
Product Code: AAA-Avanti
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