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Pop The Bubbles: Trans-Tasman Travel Deals To Get You Going

The two-way quarantine-free trans-Tasman bubble is set to fly on 19 April and already, there are many deals to be had with Contiki, AAT Kings, and Trafalgar.

The two-way quarantine-free trans-Tasman bubble is set to fly on 19 April and already, there are many deals to be had with Contiki, AAT Kings, and Trafalgar.

With the trans-Tasman bubble officially getting underway on 19 April, it’s time to start planning a trip to reconnect with your friends across the ditch.

If you still need a little encouragement to jump on a plane and get going, we’re sharing some trans-Tasman deals that are sure to put New Zealand on your must-do list.

Kia Ora, AAT Kings

Trans-Tasman deals
Glow Worm Grotto

Save up to $600* per couple on selected AAT Kings Guided Holidays and Inspiring Journeys small group itineraries, for departures from 1 Apr 2021 until 31 March 2022. 

Consider AAT Kings’ Southern Spirit. A 14-day adventure, wandering through the city of Christchurch to stop for a photo at the world’s only Cathedral built entirely of cardboard. Enjoy dinner with a spectacular view in Queenstown.

Venture into the Abel Tasman National Park and into the untouched world of Milford Sound, staying overnight in a boat. Stay in the pretty seaside village of Picton, then travel across the Cook Strait to the cosmopolitan capital city of Wellington.

The Long White Cloud awaits – a 19-day odyssey with Inspiring Journeys. Traverse New Zealand’s North and South Islands in awe, from the hot pools of Franz Josef; an exclusive TreadRight experience in Rotorua; to the brave depths of Queenstown, the adventure capital.

Explore extraordinary landscapes and ancient heritage as you familiarise yourself with ancient Maori culture, encountering this exhilarating nation and some of the planet’s most pristine wilderness, like never before.

Kia Ora, Trafalgar

Trans-Tasman deals
The road to Mount Cook Village

Trafalgar is celebrating the news with up to 15% off NZ trips (select departure dates), with flexibility on dates and a fully refundable trip up to 30 days of departure.

Perhaps a 10 day Southern Spectacular journey from the Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki to picture-perfect Lake Te Anau is calling your name? On this trip, you’ll tuck into a taste of country life with the Taylors, board the TranzAlpine train and cruise the Milford Sound.

The Best of New Zealand is an 18-day journey for you to see and taste the best of New Zealand, from Auckland to Christchurch and various city tours in-between – view the Southern Alps from the TranzAlipine train; Cruise in Bay of Islands, Cook Strait, Lake Wakatipu and Milford Sound. This tour also includes a visit to Glow Worm Grotto and Franz Josef Glacier.

Kia Ora, Contiki

Trans-Tasman deals
Ultimate Ski NZ

Contiki is gearing up for the bubble and giving millennials and Gen Z the freedom and flexibility to travel social; whether travelling solo, with friends or a partner.

The company says “expect lots of included local, cultural, foodie, wellness, active and conscious travel experiences: all these inclusions are what makes these ready-made groups on-the-go so appealing.”

“Pack your bags and just show up, we’ll take care of the rest,”

Katrina Barry, Managing Director for Contiki

If you need some inspo, check out The Big Tiki – Unearthing the best of NZ over 19 unforgettable days, this trip covers both islands from Auckland to Christchurch.

You’ll experience a traditional Maori cultural performance and feast on ground-smoked hangi dinner, have a dip in Rotorua’s bubbling geothermic mud pools, marvel at the peak of Mt Cook from across the beautiful blue glacial Lake Ohau, venture through Lord of the Rings sights, take a fast boat on an island adventure, parasail through the Bay of Islands, and take to the ice of Franz Josef Glacier – just to name a few!

Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers. Image: Tourism New Zealand
Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers. Image: Tourism New Zealand

If you want to turn off an escape reality, the South Island Off-Grid is an unplugged and authentic 9-day trip that journeys into the thickened heart of the South Island and encounters unforgettable experiences every day.

Handfeed stingrays in the Marlborough Sounds, learn yoga at Camp Glenorchy – a world-leading eco-retreat, listed in TIME Magazine’s World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019, and one of only 44 of TIME Magazine’s “must go” accommodation destinations in the world. Enjoy an unforgettable Dark Sky experience at Lake Tekapo, before heading to Queenstown. 

Errrm yes please.