Leading Australia and New Zealand escorted tour operator, AAT Kings, has announced an evolution of its touring styles with the addition of new Small Group tours for the 2026/27 season.   The brand will now operate two types of guided holidays – Small Group and Classic Tours – on itineraries across Australia and New Zealand.  Small Group tours will have an average of 16 and maximum 24 guests, offering a more intimate, deeper-access tour experience, and the shift comes from recent research and feedback from the travel trade.   Both types of tours continue to blend exploration, iconic landscapes, seamless comfort, and unique adventures and experiences – carefully curated over the brand’s 100+ year history.   14 new Small Group itineraries are being introduced, along with many new on-tour experiences. There are also nine new MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences, which offer guests extraordinary encounters championing local people, places, and the planet.   Up to 10% discount is available on select departures of 2026/27 Classic or Small Group tours, when booked before 30th September 2025.*   A series of agent training webinars are being offered with the UK sales team, Heather Colbourn and Gary Skilling, covering all the developments and key selling points for the new season. Sessions will run at 10am on:   Tuesday 5th August Wednesday 6th August Thursday 7th August Tuesday 9th September Wednesday 10th September Thursday 11th September   Pre-registration is essential, but a recording will be made available to anyone who can’t dial in on the day. There will be three giveaways per webinar of £20 life:style vouchers and registration can be done by contacting the team or completing the form at: https://forms.office.com/r/xsbVgh2rRG.   Ben Hall, AAT Kings Group CEO, said: “Guests asked for deeper local stories and more flexibility, so we’re rolling out Small Group and Classic Group departures from Tasmania to the Kimberley and right across New Zealand.   “Every new experience is designed to spark wonder, whether that’s sleeping beneath fiordland stars in Milford Sound, tasting bush tucker with Indigenous food advocate Rayleen Brown, chasing the sunrise over Uluru, or sipping organic pinot in Wairarapa. Our 2026/27 season hands you the keys to curate your own extraordinary holiday experience with many moments that surprise and delight.”   Highlights of the new Small Group itineraries for 2026/27 include:   Tropical Queensland a 9-day tour from Brisbane to Cairns – expected to be especially popular with the UK and Irish market. The chance to see the convergence of two World Heritage Sites, with highlights including 75 Mile Beach and Maheno Shipwreck on K'gari (Fraser Island), crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, the Whitsunday Islands and a stay on Hamilton Island, a full day cruise on the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Priced from £3,731pp based on twin-share and excluding international flights. First departure 26th July 2026. Broome and the Kimberley Highlights a 7-day tour from Broome to Kununurra, from £2,918pp Tasmania & Flinders Island Explorer a 6-day tour roundtrip from Launceston, from £2,526pp Outback Icons a 15-day tour from Adelaide to Darwin, priced from £5,202pp Northern Territory Top End National Parks a 6-day tour roundtrip from Darwin, from £2,381pp Outback Contrasts a 6-day tour roundtrip from Alice Springs, from £2,349pp Northern Territory Dreaming a 12-day tour from Darwin to Alice Springs, from £5,280pp New Zealand’s Northern Gems a 10-day tour Wellington to Auckland, from £3,461pp Untamed New Zealand a 17-day tour Auckland to Christchurch, from £6,611pp   New experiences for 2026/27 include:   Overnight on the Milford Mariner – Sleep beneath fiordland stars after kayaking past thundering waterfalls (Available on Untamed New Zealand; NZ Southern Sounds; NZ Southern Drift). Urlar Estate Tasting, Wairarapa – Organic wines and a seasonal platter with owners Tess & Brian (Available on Untamed New Zealand). Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, Blenheim – Weta Workshop sets WWI & II aircraft stories in cinematic motion (Available on Untamed New Zealand; NZ Southern Sounds). Kangaroo Island Wool Tour, SA – Australia’s only vertical wool mill, fleece‑to‑fashion on Kangaroo Island (Available on Tastes of Southern Australia; Great Ocean Road & KI Escape). Flinders Island by Private Flight, TAS – Beach‑hopping, seafood lunch and island‑grown wine (Available on Tasmania & Flinders Island Explorer). FORK it FARM, TAS – Sustainable charcuterie and Tasmanian wine amid rolling countryside (Available on Tasmania & Flinders Island Explorer). Luridgii Tours, Kununurra WA – Dreamtime stories and native bush foods with Aboriginal guides (Available on Broome & Kimberley Highlights).   New MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® EXPERIENCES include:   Templeton Flaxmill, Southland NZ – Help preserve New Zealand’s last working flax mill (Available on Essence of NZ; Spirit of NZ; Southern Spirit). Pounamu Carving Workshop, NZ – Watch artisans shape sacred greenstone and learn its Māori significance (Available on Spirit of NZ; Essence of NZ). Greytown Honey, Wairarapa NZ – Behind‑the‑scenes with fifth‑generation beekeeper Karly, from hive to jar (Available on Untamed New Zealand). Dabungool Cultural Experience, Hellfire Bay WA – Wudjari guide shares seasonal bush foods in Cape Le Grand NP (Available on Western Wonderland; South Western Escape). Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, TAS – Stroll among 500 rhododendron species—and spot resident platypuses (Available on Perfect Tasmania; Tassie’s Parks & Nature). Kimberley Adventure Tours, Broome WA – Pearling history, bush foods and private didgeridoo performance with local Aboriginal guide (Available on Broome & Kimberley Highlights). Kungkas Can Cook, Alice Springs – Bush‑tucker tasting with chef Rayleen Brown (Available on Outback Contrasts; NT Dreaming). Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, Watarrka NT – Luritja guides share bush foods and medicines (Available on Outback Contrasts; NT Dreaming). World Heritage Listed Budji Bim Cultural Landscape, VIC – Walk 6,600‑year‑old Gunditjmara aquaculture systems (Available on Tastes of Southern Australia; Great Ocean Road & KI Escape).   For more information visit www.aatkings.com, contact your preferred tour operator or call 020 8225 4220.   Editors’ notes   *For new bookings only made by Sep 30, 2025, or until sold out. Subject to availability. Available on selected AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays for travel from Apr 1 2026 to Mar 31, 2027.

 

Showcasing several of the best dark skies viewing conditions in the Southern Hemisphere

  AAT Kings, the leading Australia and New Zealand guided holiday tour operator is excited to reveal their top 2025 stargazing experiences with several destinations being recognized by the International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) program which will appeal to astrotourism clients. IDSP was founded in 2001, which certifies protected areas, parks and communities around the globe. These places protect and preserve dark sites in these ecologically sensitive areas through education and effective lighting policies including environmentally responsible outdoor lighting.   “Noctourism is one of the hottest trends for 2025 and some of the most stunning stargazing experiences are located in Australia and New Zealand and clients are traveling from across the globe to witness these starry night skies.” says Ben Hall, CEO, AAT Kings Group. “Our unforgettable guided journeys showcase the celestial spectacles of our Southern Hemisphere which will appeal to nature lovers and astrophiles who are seeking nighttime travel experiences,” he adds.   Mackenzie Region, South Island, New Zealand - Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve   On the 7-day Contrasts of New Zealand guided vacation, majestic mountains are the backdrop enroute to Lake Tekapo with is turquoise waters. This stunning destination is breathtaking and remote. The lack of light pollution showcases dazzling stargazing at the UNESCO World Heritage listed, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and it is the largest reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. Clients will marvel at the celestial experience offered at a purpose-built observation crater with expert astronomy guides. The Crater Experience located in Lake Takapō (Tekapo) offers one of the darkest and clearest skies in the world with the assistance of high-powered telescopes which provides incredible views of distant galaxies and star clusters. The guides will also provide both Māori and Western perspectives. The reserve has received global recognition as a centre for astrotourism with its vistas and preserve the dark skies of the Mackenzie region for future generations. This excursion to Aoraki Dark Sky Reserve is also available on the 18-day Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand and the 22-day Highlights of Australia & New Zealand journeys. ​ Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Australia – An accredited International Dark Sky Sanctuary   On the 8-day South Australian Outback Adventure, clients will enjoy some the world’s best stargazing conditions in  the Southern Hemisphere at the Ningana Imaging Observatory with their state of the art Digital Astro Experience. With it International Dary Sky accreditation, their nighttime skies are free from light and atmospheric pollution. Guests will enjoy the relaxing space to view the splendors of the solar system that are light years away. These Observatory tours have also garnered Advanced ecotourism accreditation.   Alice Springs, Australia- Galaxy Gazing at the Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory    On the 15-day Outback Adventure, when exploring Alice Springs, guests will enjoy the Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory and deep sky telescope while stargazing at some of the best views of the galaxy surrounded by the Outback’s dark sky nights. The sanctuary is one of only three places in the country that offer celestial viewing without light pollution or moonlight interference with star visibility. Their local astronomer will share the magic of the constellations and zodiacs with a laser-guided journey through the southern night sky.

  AAT Kings, the leading Australia and New Zealand escorted tour operator, has launched two new Short Break tours for 2024. These tours have been designed to meet the growing demand for immersive, time-efficient travel experiences in the Northern Territory.   A dedicated trade toolkit has been designed to give agents everything they need to market and sell these new tours, including tour cheat-sheets, posters, social media and e-marketing assets – all available for instant download.   AAT Kings Short Breaks range from two to five days and offer immersive adventures for travellers with limited time in the region. Itineraries are a blend of iconic sights and local culture immersion, all led by knowledgeable Driver Guides.   To celebrate the launch of these two new tours, AAT Kings is also offering 5% off 2024 departures, for bookings made by 29 February.   Ben Hall, CEO, said: "We're thrilled to unveil our latest offerings in response to the increased demand for short break experiences in the Northern Territory. We are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences that capture the essence of the state, and these itineraries showcase the best of what this region has to offer. With these new Short Breaks, we are providing travellers with unparalleled opportunities for exploration and discovery and continuing to showcase AAT Kings as the tour-leader in the Northern Territory and beyond.”   The new Short Break tours are:   Kings Canyon and Uluru (3 days)   Guests will embark on a journey to witness the vibrant colors of the outback sunset against the majestic backdrop of Uluru. They will delve into the rich red ochre landscape, home to unique flora, fauna, and ancient Aboriginal rock art, as well as experience the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon Rim Walk, offering sweeping views and fascinating geological formations.   Tour highlights:  

• Uluru sunset with sparkling wine
• Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole
• Explore Aboriginal Rock Art
• Kings Canyon Rim Walk

  The inaugural departure of the Kings Canyon and Uluru Short Break is scheduled for 15 May 2024. Prices from £774 per person twin-share, inclusive of the 5% discount, or £815 pp after the launch promotion ends.   Kings Canyon, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (4 days)   Travellers will be immersed in the wonders of the Australian outback with this comprehensive 4-day Short Break. Witness the breathtaking sunset at Uluru while indulging in sparkling wine, followed by a captivating sunrise experience at Kata Tjuta. Traverse stunning valleys and canyons as guests uncover the geological marvels, rich history, and cultural significance of the region.   Tour highlights:  

• Uluru sunset with sparkling wine
• Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole
• Kings Canyon Rim Walk
• Kata Tjuta Sunrise
• Explore Walpa Gorge at Kata Tjuta
• Dot Art Painting Workshop

  The inaugural departure of the Kings Canyon, Uluru, and Kata Tjuta Short Break is scheduled for 7 May 2024. Priced from £1,135 per person twin-share, inclusive of the 5% discount, or £1195pp after end of Feb.

Freycinet Lodge | Image Credit: AAT Kings    When it comes to natural wonders, Australia’s cup really does runneth over.   The country is home to 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – from rainforests and fringing reefs to destinations telling Dreamtime stories and tales of early European settlement – and hundreds of national parks, dozens of marine sanctuaries, and a lengthy list of pristine parcels of property.   The Great Barrier Reef and Uluru are the most famous, but it would be a travel sin to limit sightseeing to the top two with every patch between the Pacific and Indian oceans home to Mother Nature’s most wonderous work.   Check out some of the natural wonders that can be found in each of our states and territories to help you plan your next trip.    NATURAL WONDERS TASMANIA   The Apple Isle – the picturesque patch of Australia separated from the mainland by the deep blue of Bass Strait – is home to prized parcels of pristine wilderness, sky-scraping peaks that wear snowy white crowns during winter, and historic hideaways documenting the early days of Van Diemen’s Land more recent European discovery.   Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park often tops the register of Tasmania’s top natural wonders and it’s a title that sits comfortably with the serene World Heritage Area boasting world-class hikes that wind around alpine lakes carved by pre-historic glaciers and below dramatic serrated summits.   Freycinet National Park, on the state’s east coast, is a more recent addition to the list of Tasmania’s natural must-see sights with the pink granite peaks of the Hazards and the perfect white sand of Wineglass Bay complementing the empty emerald and sapphire coves that define the Freycinet Peninsula.   The Gordon River is the jewel of Tasmania’s west coast with the dark tannin-stained water, which drifts through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, becoming so still it is a mirror perfectly reflecting the towering trees growing along the banks.   AAT Kings’ Perfect Tasmania is a 13-day tour that completes a clockwise loop from Hobart to take in Cradle Mountain, the Gordon River and Freycinet National Park as well as visiting the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula, Russell Falls and the tranquil Tamar Valley.   NATURAL WONDERS VICTORIA   Victoria is a state that’s heavy with natural wonders, from the snow-capped peaks of the lofty Victorian Alps to the golden sand of the spectacular south coast.   The Great Ocean Road – that scenic stretch of asphalt that winds between surf-side Anglesea and bucolic Allansford – is famous far and wide thanks to icons like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Bay of Islands with the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and thundering Johanna Beach adding additional reasons to dwell.   But there are just as many places on the inland side of the road with hidden waterfalls, centuries-old forests and clear mountain streams hiding inside the Cape Otway National Park.   Follow the paths through Melba Gully after dark to see the colonies of glow worms, stroll Maits Rest Rainforest Walk to see ferns thriving in the valleys beneath the beech trees, and hike below the tall California redwoods hiding deep in the Otway Ranges.   The Grampians National Park is a few hours north and home to the most extensive collection of significant Aboriginal rock art paintings and shelters in southern Australia, with this rich Indigenous history and remarkable flora and fauna combining to earn the address heritage listing.   Tastes of Southern Australia is an 11 day tour beginning in Sydney which takes in bushranger country at Beechworth and Glenrowan, the flavours of Melbourne’s vibrant foodie scene before travelling along the Great Ocean Road, visiting the quaint seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay.   Twelve Apostles | Image Credit: Tourism Victoria   NATURAL WONDERS NEW SOUTH WALES   The Blue Mountains is the undisputed champion of New South Wales when it comes to ranking the state’s natural wonders, and it’s the view of the iconic Three Sisters from Echo Point – past the pinnacles to the rolling landscape covered in the camouflage green of eucalypts – that prizes this location the crown.   The World Heritage-listed national park isn’t just celebrated for its astonishing scenery with the sprawling swathe of protected property an easy drive west from Sydney displaying significant cultural, Indigenous, botanical and geological value.   AAT Kings’ includes a day-trip visit to the Blue Mountains as part of a four-night stay in Sydney with the outing including a stop to savour Jamieson Valley sightseeing and time to ride the scenic railway, cableway or skyway to appreciate the scale of the steep valleys and rising summits.   H2 – NATURAL WONDERS CANBERRA   The national capital is famous for human history – it did rise from sheep paddocks during the early decades of last century – but, sitting in the shadows of the Brindabella Range at the northern end of the Australian Alps, it also boasts some natural wonder.   Lake Burley Griffin rests at the heart of the perfectly-planned settlement, with some of the city’s most significant structures lining the banks, while the National Arboretum now nurtures more than 44,000 trees from 100 countries growing in 94 curated forests and landscaped gardens across the 250ha hillside site.   Southern Capitals: City Meets Bush is one AAT Kings’ outings that visits Canberra with this five-day crossing from Sydney to Melbourne spending a night in the Australian Capital Territory and including an ascent of Mt Ainsley to survey the settlement surrounded by mountains.   Blue Mountains - Three Sisters | Image Credit: Tourism NSW   NATURAL WONDERS QUEENSLAND   The Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef cement Queensland position high up on the list of locations to appreciate world-famous wonders but, while these two attractions should always be high up on every traveller’s bucket list, there’s so much more to the state’s tempting tropical north.   The Atherton Tablelands is the first stop on the drive west towards Gulf Country with the road “up the Gillies Range” one of Australia’s great scenic drives and the gem-like chain of crater lakes perfect for refreshing during steamy Far-North days.   Cobbold Gorge is one of Australia’s true hidden gems with this outback oasis, that hides in the Gulf Country to the south of Georgetown, a jigsaw of cool narrow canyons and rolling sandstone ridges.   Lawn Hill National Park sits to the south of the Gulf of Carpentaria’s southern shore and is another secret spot that lets intrepid travellers stand on remote soil. The Constance Range is an impressive sandstone escarpment, best seen at dawn and dusk when the fields of spinifex cast long shadows on the scorched rock, and Adel Gorge another sanctuary of lush green in kilometres of outback ochre.   AAT Kings’ adventurous Gulf Savanna Wanderer departs Cairns to spend nine days surveying the splendid scenery west of the Tropical North Queensland capital with a tour of the Undara Lava Tubes, a sunset Gulf of Carpentaria cruise, and journeys aboard the Gulflander and Savannahlander trains also on the schedule.   Great Barrier Reef | Image Credit: Tourism Queensland   NATURAL WONDERS NORTHERN TERRITORY   Australia’s Northern Territory can comfortably be divided into two sight-seeing segments – the Red Centre and Top End – with each boasting a wealth of natural wonders inside the 24 national parks and more than 70 nature reserves, conservation areas and marine sanctuaries.   Kakadu National Park is rugged but not remote – an easy drive from Darwin, with comfortable accommodation and impressive infrastructure – and caters to those set on seeing cascading waterfalls, lagoons alive with native flora and fauna, and the sun setting on a sunburnt escarpment.   Litchfield National Park is a local favourite, and possibly the Territory’s best-kept secret, with this parcel of protected land just an hour from Darwin offering the opportunity to float in rockpools and the ponds below tumbling waterfalls.   Nitmiluk National Park and the string of 13 sandstone canyons that make up Katherine Gorge are always listed with the Top End’s most celebrated natural wonders and best appreciated by foot, kayak, boat or helicopter.   While the colours continue to change during the day, and the hours around noon deposit dramatic shadows on the sheer canyon walls, the most tempting time to visit is during sunrise and sunset when the theatrical blue hues of dawn and dusk consume the landscape.   Further south in Australia’s arid red heart there are two stars of the natural wonders show with Uluru and Kata Tjuta demanding the spotlight but needing no introduction.   Kings Canyon is another Central Australian wonder that doesn’t get as much glory as its neighbours but definitely deserves attention, with the challenging 6km Rim Walk or shorter 2.6km Kings Creek tramp the best options for exploring.   Outback Safari is an AAT Kings’ itinerary that takes in the best of the Territory’s natural wonders with this 11-day expedition from Alice Springs to Darwin visiting Red Centre locations like Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon as well as Kakadu and Litchfield national parks, Katherine and Mataranka in the north.   Ord River | Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia   NATURAL WONDERS SOUTH AUSTRALIA   When it comes to rating natural wonders, South Australia doesn’t immediately spring to mind. But the state is punching above its weight with the Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula three striking spots to appreciate Mother Nature’s very best work.   The Flinders Ranges – from Quorn in the south, through Blinman and Beltana in the heart of the region, to Arkaroola in the north – can only be described as magnificent and, just a five-hour drive from Adelaide, must be considered Australia’s most accessible area of authentic outback.   While Wilpena Pound is the focus for most visitors, with a stroll into the natural bowl an easy way to appreciate the scenery, it’s only one location to take in the geological grandeur of the snaking Elder and Alphabet ranges formed 600 million years ago during the Ediacaran Period.   Those set on surveying the glory of the Flinders Rangers should embark on AAT Kings’ Outback Explorer with the 10-day journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs continuing to the Red Centre after crossing the South Australian border.   If coastline and islands call then Great Ocean Road & Kangaroo Island Escape is an AAT Kings’ tour that combines the beauty of Victoria’s splendid south-west coast with South Australia’s south-east corner.   The tour dashes across the state border on the second day of this week-long trip and navigates the rolling hills of the Fleurieu Peninsula before boarding the ferry to Kangaroo Island where a guided walk of the Seal Bay Conservation Park waits after seeing Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks.   Remarkable Rocks Kangaroo Island | Image Credit: South Australia Tourism 

Australasia specialist AAT Kings is prepping for the travel rebound to Australia and New Zealand with the launch of new campaign 'Wild Awaits.' AAT Kings' new direction leans into the natural wilderness and spirited adventure of a holiday with AAT Kings. Developed by award-winning, full-service creative agency Thinkerbell, 'Wild Awaits' focuses on the places, stories and tastes of Australia and New Zealand. It showcases the landscapes food and drink, stories from local people and unexpected experiences on offer. Thinkerbell worked alongside AAT Kings' in-house marketing, web and design team to bring the new brand positioning to life via creative assets, brand identity, and content. The 'Wild Awaits' campaign will launch in consumer-facing owned media, display, social, and BVOD. Margot Windenburg, Senior Sales Manager, North America, for AAT Kings, said, "Wild Awaits brings to life AAT Kings' 100+ year history  uncovering these places, stories and moments so our guests can pursue their spirit of adventure. This is not just a comms strategy, but a philosophy embodied in our people and local partners."

Long gone are the days when travel was about collecting stamps in a passport and scratching tourist attractions from a superficial sightseeing to-do list. Today’s savvy travellers are demanding encounters and experiences that leave them with knowledge and understanding as well as memories and photographs. Sure, snapping a selfie for Facebook or capturing a video for Instagram will always be part of the travel story. But posing for a picture only takes a few seconds and, these days, travel is about embarking on a significant journey of discovery that builds the knowledge needed to make the world a better place. It’s about contributions that change the world for the better and leave a location untarnished for those that follow. Travel isn’t about taking, it’s about giving. And for careful travellers it’s about being clean, green, responsible and respectful. This is sustainable tourism, and it’s at the core of everything we do at AAT Kings. Read full story