From seamless arrivals and thoughtfully designed days to the stories, culture, and landscapes that unfold along the way, the experience reinforced why New Zealand continues to capture hearts. April loved every moment of being back on the road, and she’s excited to share her insights—and her passion for this beautiful country —with APT travellers planning their own journey.

Tell us about your role and how you help our guests

As a Product Executive, I’m involved in many parts of our New Zealand tours, from confirming accommodation and experiences to working closely with suppliers and reviewing guest feedback. I also help support our Reservations team with tour-specific questions and ensure guests have clear pre-departure information so they know exactly what to expect.

Our guests are usually looking for meaningful, memorable experiences with everything taken care of. Māori culture is a big highlight for many, along with the comfort of effortless travel. With strong on-the-ground support and deep local knowledge, we’re able to create journeys that feel smooth, enriching, and genuinely special.

What did you expect before the tour—and what surprised you?

I knew the inclusions well, but I was genuinely surprised by how engaging the experience felt. The commentary from our Tour Directors was incredible—they don’t just point things out, they tell stories that add so much meaning.

The pace of the tour also stood out. Everything flowed beautifully, with a great balance of guided sightseeing and free time. Seeing how passionately our Tour Director and Driver shared New Zealand made the experience feel immersive and personal, even for someone familiar with the country.

Why is New Zealand a must-visit?

New Zealand has a way of making people feel truly connected. Guests leave with amazing photos, but also with a real sense of connection to the land, culture, and people. For such a small country, the scenery is incredibly diverse—from alpine peaks and glacial lakes to beaches, rainforests, and geothermal landscapes. Māori culture adds another layer, offering powerful insight through storytelling, performance, and food. Combined with the warmth of the people, it’s a destination that stays with you long after you return home.

What appealed to you about this itinerary?

I love how comprehensive and well balanced this itinerary is. It showcases both islands beautifully and includes unforgettable journeys like the Interislander Ferry and the TranzAlpine Train—these aren’t just transfers, they’re experiences. Freedom of Choice touring is another highlight, allowing guests to personalise their journey. And the constantly changing scenery means every day feels different, which keeps the experience exciting from start to finish.

How was the service on tour?

The service truly embodied APT’s “Everything to a T” promise.

From the moment guests arrive, the experience feels seamless. Walking through arrivals to be greeted by a transfer driver holding a personalised name sign immediately provides reassurance and a fantastic sense of ease when arriving in a new city. That smooth, welcoming arrival sets the tone for the tour ahead and reflects the high standard of care consistently delivered throughout the tour. Our Tour Directors and Drivers were exceptional—warm, knowledgeable, and always anticipating guest needs. Many experiences felt personal rather than transactional, with staff taking the time to share local stories, explain cultural significance, and accommodate individual needs wherever possible.

Most importantly, there was a strong sense of pride from everyone involved in showcasing New Zealand. That genuine care, combined with excellent organisation and attention to detail, elevated the tour from a well-run itinerary to a truly memorable experience. It’s this willingness to go above and beyond that really stays with guests.

How was the transportation?

Travel was extremely comfortable, with spacious modern coaches, plenty of legroom, charging points, and regular rest stops. While most travel was by coach, the itinerary also included some wonderful variations in transport. These included the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton, offering spectacular views through the Marlborough Sounds, as well as the iconic TranzAlpine Train journey from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass. The coordination was seamless…when we stepped off the train, the coach was waiting for us.

Tell us about your Tour Director

Ralph was outstanding. His storytelling brought destinations to life, especially when sharing Māori culture and local history. Ralph also had a fantastic ability to create a fun and inclusive atmosphere…A standout moment was the gumboot-throwing competition in Taihape, which brought plenty of laughter and friendly competition. Everything ran smoothly, and his warmth and organisation made a huge difference to the overall experience.

How did it compare to travelling independently?

The biggest difference is how effortless everything feels. APT has been touring New Zealand for over 55 years, and that experience really shows. We know the best places to stay, the must-see highlights, and the hidden gems that you’d likely miss when travelling on your own. Group travel offers something you simply don’t get when travelling alone—connection. The group quickly becomes a whānau (family), and friendships often continue well beyond the tour.

Favourite destination or experience?

Rotorua was a standout—it truly has everything. At Te Puia, visiting the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, seeing artists carving and weaving, was incredibly moving. I also loved Wai Ariki Hot Springs, a deeply relaxing Freedom of Choice experience that blends wellness with Māori culture. Te Pā Tū was another highlight and widely described by guests as the number one experience of the trip.

Accommodation and dining highlights

Accommodation was excellent throughout, but Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Josef was my favourite. On arrival, we were greeted with a warm towel and welcome drink…some guests were lucky enough to hear a kiwi bird calling from the surrounding bush—an unforgettable experience.

Dining was a real highlight, especially the Te Pā Tū cultural feast, featuring hāngī-style lamb, green-lipped mussels, and kūmara crème brûlée. Following dinner, we were treated to a very special moment when the iwi performed songs from the guests’ home countries. It was incredibly moving.

Any advice for travellers?

Be sure to select your Freedom of Choice activities early…some experiences have limited capacity. Pack comfortable layers, don’t forget your camera, and allow yourself time to slow down and truly soak up New Zealand.

With APT, Aotearoa isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey that’s seamless, enriching, and genuinely unforgettable.