Australia and New Zealand will never be short of iconic sights, with destinations like Uluṟu, Milford Sound, the Kimberley and the Great Ocean Road long having topped travellers’ wish lists. But today’s travellers are looking for something more, they want to slow down, meet the people behind the destination, uncover stories they didn’t know existed and leave with a genuine connection to place.
That’s exactly the thinking behind AAT Kings’ new 2027/28 season. Built around the campaign platform ‘Worth Every Sense. Every Story.’, the new collection of itineraries introduces experiences that invite travellers to look beyond the postcard and discover Australia and New Zealand in a more meaningful way. Better still, travellers can currently take advantage of limited-time savings on selected departures.
Here are five experiences proving that sometimes the best discoveries lie beyond the bucket list.
Wake up somewhere few travellers ever do
Milford Sound is spectacular during the day, but spending the night aboard the Milford Mariner offers an entirely different perspective. As day visitors depart, guests experience the quiet of Fiordland National Park, waking to mist-covered peaks, waterfalls and wildlife before the crowds arrive. It’s a reminder that slowing down often delivers the greatest rewards.
Experience this on the: New Zealand South Island Highlights QMC (New Small Group Tour)
Explore one of the world’s oldest living landscapes
At Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Victoria, travellers can discover the sophisticated aquaculture systems developed by the Gunditjmara people more than 6,600 years ago. Guided by local knowledge, the experience brings together culture, Country and history, giving guests a deeper understanding of a place that is far more than a scenic stop. It is the kind of encounter that turns a well-known journey through southern Australia into a story travellers will carry home.
Experience this on the: Great Ocean Road and Kangaroo Island Escape EMKA (Classic Tour)
Photo credit: Josie Withers
Meet the people who bring destinations to life
Some of the most memorable travel moments come from the people you meet along the way. Whether sharing organic wines with the owners of Urlar Estate in New Zealand, learning about fifth-generation beekeeping at Greytown Honey or hearing Dreamtime stories from Aboriginal guides in Western Australia, the new season places local characters at the heart of every journey.
Experience this on the: Untamed New Zealand tour LSAC (Small Group) and the Western Wonderland WEMP (Classic Tour)
Kalbarri Skywalk. Photo Credit: Tourism WA
Experience living culture first hand
AAT Kings’ MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences invite travellers to do more than simply visit a destination. Through experiences such as a Pounamu carving workshop in New Zealand, guests can learn about Māori traditions, the cultural significance of greenstone and the stories carried through each carefully shaped piece. These personal, hands-on encounters create a deeper connection to culture and leave travellers with a meaningful reminder of the people and places they have visited.
Experience this on the: Southern Spectacular ZCQR (Classic Tour)
See familiar destinations in a new way
Going deeper doesn’t always mean travelling somewhere new. Sometimes it means experiencing a destination differently. Whether it’s discovering the rugged coastline of Tasmania, exploring the stories behind the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim or spending more time in regional communities that many itineraries pass by, AAT Kings’ new season encourages travellers to look beyond the highlights and uncover the places that give each destination its unique character.
Experience this on: New Zealand’s Southern Sounds LSWC (Small Group Tour)
There’s never been a better time to explore
To celebrate the launch of its new 2027/28 season, AAT Kings is offering travellers the opportunity to SAVE on selected booked during the new season campaign. Combined with more immersive itineraries, new experiences across Australia and New Zealand, and over 100 years of guided touring expertise, there’s never been a better time to discover what lies beyond the bucket list.
Visit aatkings.com to explore the new season and current offers.
