Home > Compare Tour & Adventure Operators > AAT Kings vs Grand Pacific
AAT Kings vs Grand Pacific
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of AAT Kings and Grand Pacific.The Low Down
AAT Kings have partnered with Global Journeys since our inception, and as a result we have an in-depth understanding of all their trips, through both Australia and New Zealand. Our team have journeyed with them on 9 tours through New Zealand, Tasmania, South Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. That close relationship also means we can deliver fantastic savings throughout the year. AAT King's core multi-day coach tours cater mainly for those over 55+, whilst their short breaks in the Northern Territory tend to attract a more diverse range of ages. All coaches are first class, and AAT Kings pride themselves on their tour guides - many of which have been with them for decades!
Grand Pacific are a little bit different - and enjoy sending more groups to New Zealand than any other Operator. Based in Melbourne, Grand Pacific's focus is solely on New Zealand, and it's this focus that allows them to massage their itineraries each season to continually improve and innovate. Grand Pacific were the first to introduce luxury small group tours (using specially designed business class coaches) as well as combined coach and cruise itineraries to New Zealand. In that regard many of the other Operators are in catch up mode. Catering for premium, affordable and luxury travellers there is something for everyone. At least one member of our team here at Global Journeys experiences touring with Grand Pacific first-hand every year, so just ask if you have any queries.
Stats
No. of Trips
75
No. of Departures
3,031
Avg. Trip Length
9 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$551
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 Star
Budget
Affordable & Premium
Trip Styles Coach ToursShort BreaksCity Breaks
No. of Trips
28
No. of Departures
249
Avg. Trip Length
14 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$575
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 Star
Budget
Affordable & Premium
Regions Explored New Zealand
In Their Own Words We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
Choosing AAT Kings for your Australia or New Zealand holiday guarantees you’ll benefit from the insider secrets, off-the-beaten-path destinations and authentic interactions with local characters that only 100 years of experience can provide. With over a hundred years’ experience in sharing Australia with our guests, AAT Kings holds exclusive access to some truly unique locations, secret trails and roads less travelled that add so much value to the overall travel experience.
At AAT Kings, our on-road staff are best in class. Our Travel Directors, Driver Guides and Drivers are hand-picked for their passion, experience, and enthusiasm for the spectacular countries we live in. There is truly no one better to share with you the best destinations across Australia and New Zealand. We have been perfecting our itineraries and products for over 100 years, so the benefits gained from travelling with us are unrivalled. With over 150 expertly crafted holiday itineraries to choose from, we offer something for everyone.
Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand Coach Holiday Specialist, provide a comprehensive range of all inclusive, value for money holidays offering a highly professional and personalised service to thousands of travellers every year. Taking a coach tour is the best way to make your holiday an unforgettable experience. From the time you arrive in New Zealand a friendly smile awaits.
As the market leader for New Zealand Coach Holidays, we have something for everyone! Travel in style on our Ultimate Small Group Touring series (maximum of 20 travellers) or our Signature Touring series (premium economy comfort on a full size coach with smaller group size of 32.) with itineraries to suit all budgets and interests. Choose from Signature; Cruise & Coach and Special Interest Tours, with over 200 guaranteed departures per year. We take care of it all leaving you to get on with creating incredible holiday memories!
Recent Reviews
4.5
Chose this tour specifically for Floriade but was so much more. Our driver/director was marvelous. Really enjoyed this short break to Canberra and surrounds. Great accomodation in great location. Have done a few trips with AAT Kings now and would recommend. Georgie from Global Journeys was helpful as ever.
The trip was very well organised with some many and varied places to see that we never heard of. Lots of kms - 4,831 but we had many of stops and in house commentary and documentaries by tour leader Carolyn - she really knew her stuff and has a sense of humor. Coach driver Rhys was a great asset and lots of fun. Could not fault the whole trip - accommodation ...read more was very good, some better than others considering some motels were mainly used for workers - we were comfortable at all times. Meals that were supplied were very good - would recommend this trip to anyone - and we are in our 70's! Hannah did a great job in organising the tour and was always there to answer initial questions - thank you!
Carolyn is excellent host with a wealth of knowledge who makes everyone comfortable yet brings home reality of Australia history. She entertained us with information and data on places and people. Carolyn is an excellent “people person’ and credit to the company. We especially appreciated birthday acknowledgement. One suggestion for future is Busselton ...read more jetty - would be good to do train on the jetty, or have enough time to take it.
Wow..what a great trip we have just enjoyed with AAT Kings, thanks to Hannah and her colleagues at Global Journeys. We met some wonderful people and were in the capable hands of two lovely young ladies..Anna and Ash. Too many highlights to mention, but on a very personal level, travelling along the Stuart Highway past the stations our son worked on ...read more as a teenager in 1998 comes to mind. Thanks for all your help. The trip of a lifetime.
Loved the trip. A bit rushed. Too many early mornings and long days. Would love it if it was more spread out. The accommodation was excellent. Food and drinks were great. Fellow travellers were exceptionally friendly. NT is one place you must see. We went from 16 deg to 35 deg. Tour director and bus driver kept everyone upbeat with funny ditties and ...read more jokes. Yes - I would recommend AAT Kings.
Itinerary was good. Accommodations and included meals were good. We had a knowledgeable tour director and a safe driver. This trip covered two UNESCO sites namely Kakadu National Park and Uluru National Park. I enjoyed the Field of Lights and the natural wonder of sunrise over Uluru.
4.6
We really enjoyed the Signature North Island Tour with Grand Pacific Tours. We found the coach to be extremely comfortable with heaps of leg room. The hotels were all excellent. We had great weather throughout the tour. We really enjoyed the Hobbiton Tour and lunch. We had no idea about the Lord of the Rings movies or books but the guide was really ...read more engaging and made the Tour really enjoyable. We also really enjoyed the cruise of the Bay of Islands out to the Hole in the Rock. We had a great bunch of fellow travellers and we were all mixed ages. We would differently travel with Grand Pacific Tours again In the Future. Georgie and then Grace made the booking process really easy. Georgie and then Grace were always really quick at getting back with answers to any questions that we had. We will differently book with Global Journeys again in the future.
19 Day Ultimate Rail, Cruise and Coach Tour through New Zealand 0 Peter and Karin, NSW, Australia, Sep 2024
The whole trip was amazing but in particular, beautiful Bay of Islands, geysers of Rotorua, Te Papa Museum in Wellington, the Coastal Pacific Rail Journey from Picton, the Tranzalpine train journey, Queenstown, Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise, viewing magnificent snow covered alps, Larnarch Castle at Dunedin. We would definitely travel with Grand Pacific ...read more again and book online with Global Journeys again as our booking was handled well with no hiccups and a very comprehensive itinerary. Tips for future travellers? I would have liked to have experienced the optional extra Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa and the luge ride which was included in our itinerary in Rotorua. (Was worried about my arthritic back but should not have been concerned as the way down was bump free!!). Accommodation was very good as most hotels were situated in the centre of the city and very comfortable. We travelled in September-October and had good weather. Our fellow travellers were very easy to get on with. We really enjoyed their company.
Ultimate Rail, Cruise and Coach New Zealand - Global Journeys Booking Agent. 0 Bernard and Tracey, WA, Australia, Sep 2024
We were looking at another classy coach trip having been on 2 previous, one in South Africa and the other in UK. We chose New Zealand and Grand Pacific because of the itinerary, being able to spend 2 days in one place, majority meals and a lot of extras were included, hence saving on extra excursions. Having the coach driver organizing numbers for ...read more the tours and the participants paying direct to the vendor, we thought was terrific as the UK trip the guide was charging a fee for organizing. This trip ticked all the boxes. The only downfall was that twice we had to stay at accommodation in Christchurch which was below the standard that other accommodation facilities we had visited. Hopefully Grand Pacific will take note of the reviews and look for a better place.
We usually book our own trips and were told that we had to go through Global Journeys in Australia or New Zealand. We chose Australia. I believe when you use a Travel Agent, they do everything for you. No problems, no stress. I had noticed that there was an irregularity in the departure from Christchurch to Perth. Our transport was organised for the day we were suppose to fly out, yet our fly out day was the next day. There was a bit of confusion and a "typo" was blamed for the error and yet we had to pay for the alteration to the booking. My husband was fuming and a verbal altercation ensued. He wanted to speak to the Manager and was told that the agent was the Manager. It was a bit of a bad taste left in the mouth. Time passed and we were asked to change departure time from Christchurch due to the connecting flight (so there was plenty of time), no problems didn't cost anything that was a bonus. I was looking at the booking again and noticed that there was a error in the departure time from Perth, the booking was reflecting a time of 29:50 hours. I asked the agent to check and after a few emails to clarify the typo. The agent has since been made up to Managing Director, thought she owned the Company. Another agent was assigned to our booking and there was no problems.
(CEO. Thanks for your feedback Bernard and Tracey, and we're really happy you enjoyed your journey through NZ - Grand Pacific are fantastic operators as can be seen with the other reviews we receive. We've taken onboard your feedback regarding your flight timing issue. In a perfect world we'd all have no problems and no stress and hopefully next time that's the case! Cheers Campbell)
We usually book our own trips and were told that we had to go through Global Journeys in Australia or New Zealand. We chose Australia. I believe when you use a Travel Agent, they do everything for you. No problems, no stress. I had noticed that there was an irregularity in the departure from Christchurch to Perth. Our transport was organised for the day we were suppose to fly out, yet our fly out day was the next day. There was a bit of confusion and a "typo" was blamed for the error and yet we had to pay for the alteration to the booking. My husband was fuming and a verbal altercation ensued. He wanted to speak to the Manager and was told that the agent was the Manager. It was a bit of a bad taste left in the mouth. Time passed and we were asked to change departure time from Christchurch due to the connecting flight (so there was plenty of time), no problems didn't cost anything that was a bonus. I was looking at the booking again and noticed that there was a error in the departure time from Perth, the booking was reflecting a time of 29:50 hours. I asked the agent to check and after a few emails to clarify the typo. The agent has since been made up to Managing Director, thought she owned the Company. Another agent was assigned to our booking and there was no problems.
(CEO. Thanks for your feedback Bernard and Tracey, and we're really happy you enjoyed your journey through NZ - Grand Pacific are fantastic operators as can be seen with the other reviews we receive. We've taken onboard your feedback regarding your flight timing issue. In a perfect world we'd all have no problems and no stress and hopefully next time that's the case! Cheers Campbell)
The title of a well known song ‘Trains, and Boats and Planes’ has one missing element - Coach. Travelling the length of the North Island, across the strait, then the length of the South Island in a 20 seat Premium Coach was certainly an awesome and beautiful experience. Looking out with almost a 360 deg view enabled each passenger the opportunity to ...read more capture the natural, pristine and occasional rugged beauty of NZ. Coupled with a very efficient capable Coach Driver and Tour Guide made the journey an everlasting memorable adventure. We would certainly recommend this means of a NZ holiday offered by GPT that did include all modes of transport - planes, trains, boats and coach, and even walking/strolling. Booking the holiday through Global Journeys was a trouble free and efficient experience which comes highly recommended. All in all an EXCELLENT and everlasting holiday experience - thank you GJ and GPT.
This was our third coach trip with Grand Pacific having previously done both Islands on what was then called the mid range tour. Last year we completed the Ultimate Tour of the South Island and followed with the Ultimate Tour of the North Island this year. We have nothing but good to say in relation to our trips with Grand Pacific and would highly ...read more recommend either of the Ultimate Tours with a slight leaning towards the South Island. Having said that, our driver / guide (Megan Forrest) was outstanding and very professional & knowledgeable in all aspects. All included meals were of a very high standard. We as a group of 20 mixed very well with no complaints. The standard of vehicles for our pick up in Auckland and drop off in Wellington was 5 star. Our booking experience with Global Journeys was without a hitch and we would certainly use them again.
I’ve been back just over a week from my wonderful trip to NZ - & promised I’d let you know how my tour with Grand Pacific went. I think the words “amazing & fantastic” would cover it & I highly recommend this tour to anyone. Paying extra to do the Ultimate Tour was well worth while. Our driver & tour leader Lyndsay was excellent, very knowledgeable, ...read more organised & funny, & we knew exactly what we were doing & when we were doing it. His driving skills with that big, magnificent coach were superb!
Our hotels were of a very high standard (the best of them all being “Distinction Dunedin” - where we each had a suite of 3 rooms & our own washing machine & dryer!). The only complaint heard re our hotels was that a couple of the showers were over baths - which for access & safety reasons, were not favoured by some of the older travellers in our group. Our meals & choice of courses was wonderful - from our buffet breakfasts to our 3 course dinners each night, there was always a wonderful choice that showcased the very best of NZ food. I’m sure we all put on weight (& I’m very glad I packed some elastic waisted pants!!).
The itinerary was well paced & thought out, with so many of NZ’s main attractions & stunning scenery included & there was plenty of opportunity to do optional extras during free time. Having two night stays in some places was great & we always had regular opportunities to stretch our legs & use the loos when travelling. As with all group tours, I imagine the people you’re travelling with can make a huge difference to your enjoyment of it - & I was lucky to be blessed with a fantastic group of 19 other travellers from all around the globe. Everyone mixed, we all got on well, had many laughs & all watched out for each other, & as a first time older solo traveller (I lost my husband 2 years ago) - this really made my trip.
I do remember telling my husband some years back that you’d never ever find me on one of those “geriatric coach tours” - but things change, & I’ve now done it & absolutely loved it!! Only problem is that this tour has set the bar very high for any future tours I may do! Thanks so much for organising it for me Georgie.
Our hotels were of a very high standard (the best of them all being “Distinction Dunedin” - where we each had a suite of 3 rooms & our own washing machine & dryer!). The only complaint heard re our hotels was that a couple of the showers were over baths - which for access & safety reasons, were not favoured by some of the older travellers in our group. Our meals & choice of courses was wonderful - from our buffet breakfasts to our 3 course dinners each night, there was always a wonderful choice that showcased the very best of NZ food. I’m sure we all put on weight (& I’m very glad I packed some elastic waisted pants!!).
The itinerary was well paced & thought out, with so many of NZ’s main attractions & stunning scenery included & there was plenty of opportunity to do optional extras during free time. Having two night stays in some places was great & we always had regular opportunities to stretch our legs & use the loos when travelling. As with all group tours, I imagine the people you’re travelling with can make a huge difference to your enjoyment of it - & I was lucky to be blessed with a fantastic group of 19 other travellers from all around the globe. Everyone mixed, we all got on well, had many laughs & all watched out for each other, & as a first time older solo traveller (I lost my husband 2 years ago) - this really made my trip.
I do remember telling my husband some years back that you’d never ever find me on one of those “geriatric coach tours” - but things change, & I’ve now done it & absolutely loved it!! Only problem is that this tour has set the bar very high for any future tours I may do! Thanks so much for organising it for me Georgie.
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