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Explore Trips
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New Zealand Highlighter
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Trip Highlights
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Map & Itinerary
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Travel & Accommodation
Your Vacation Includes
- Experiences in 14 destinations
- The services of an expert APT tour director and driver
- Finest dining - a total of 23 meals
- 13 nights' hand-picked accommodation
- Immerse yourself in Maori culture at a Hangi Feast in Rotorua
- Ride on the famous TranzAlpine train
- Take in the idyllic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier Region
- Cruise the full length of the pristine Milford Sound
Map & Itinerary
Signature Experiences
Designed Exclusively for APT guests
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options
Arrive Auckland
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps cruise on Waitemata Harbour, enjoy a unique All Blacks experience, visit Auckland Zoo to discover the native flora and fauna of New Zealand, immerse yourself in a Make Believe Experience and journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop, or escape the bustle of the city on a tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest.
Transfer to your hotel then set out on your selected Freedom of Choice activity. This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner.
Stay: Auckland, Grand Millennium Hotel
Daily :
Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
This evening, immerse yourself in Maori culture as you enjoy a traditional Hangi feast and a lively performance of song and dance.
Heading out of Auckland you’ll make a stop at Waitomo, home to the famous glow worm caves where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an eerie glow. Discover this natural wonder on a guided boat ride through a grotto lit by these magical creatures, before continuing to Rotorua.
Stay: Two Nights, Millennium Rotorua
Daily :Rotorua
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps enjoy a sheep show at the Agrodome followed by a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Alternatively, choose to visit Wai-O-Tapu or experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Choose to explore Rotorua your way with a choice of included Freedom of Choice Sightseeing options.
Daily :Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through the glorious landscapes of the North Island. Gaze out over the thunderous Huka Falls and the tranquil setting of Lake Taupo, before crossing the volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park on your way to the nation’s capital, Wellington.
Stay: Two Nights, InterContinental Wellington
Daily :Wellington
Set off on a tour taking you to the city’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including New Zealand’s national museum - Te Papa Tongarewa. The afternoon and evening have been left free for you to enjoy Wellington at your own pace.
Daily :Wellington, Christchurch
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Step aboard the Interislander ferry this morning and cruise Cook Strait to the tip of the South Island.
This morning, cruise to Picton at the tip of the South Island. Rejoin your coach and travel via the stunning landscapes of Marlborough and Kaikoura to Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch, The Commodore Hotel or Rydges Latimer Hotel
Daily :
Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef Glacier
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s greatest rail adventures.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Take in the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier Region.
After a special Signature Experience, disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika. Here, you will see pounamu (jade) being expertly carved into pieces of jewellery. Continue to Franz Josef.
Stay: Franz Josef, Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Daily :Franz Josef, Queenstown
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
This evening, perhaps take a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant where you can enjoy your meal with stunning panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you may prefer a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamboat, or dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Elements Restaurant.
Enjoy a day of truly breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Haast River on your way to Queenstown. Tonight, choose between three restaurants for your dining experience.
Stay: Two Nights, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Daily :Queenstown
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps visit several local sites where The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Alternatively, set out on a Skippers Canyon adventure or a river safari along the beautiful Dart River. A tour of the country’s premier wine-producing region is a tempting option, or a leisurely cruise over the waters of Lake Wakatipu.
Personalise your experience today with our range of Freedom of Choice activities.
Daily :
Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Cruise the full length of Milford Sound.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
In Te Anau, sample authentic regional cuisine of the South Island during a Taste of Fiordland Dinner.
Embark on one of the most scenic drives today as you journey along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then drive through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak, the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound. Continue to Milford Sound. Afterwards, enjoy a picturesque drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Daily :Te Anau, Dunedin
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
You might like to visit Olveston Historic Home or discover the history behind New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle. Alternatively, tour Speight’s Brewery and enjoy a tasting.
Journey through Southland countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon, choose your Freedom of Choice activity.
Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Daily :Dunedin, Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit World Heritage-listed Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to see New Zealand’s highest mountain.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or enjoy a visit to the planetarium for a stargazing session with an astronomer. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.
Drive north and stop to view the large spherical Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue to World Heritage-listed Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where you can choose your activity.
Stay: Aoraki Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views
Daily :Aoraki Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Travel to Lake Tekapo to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, erected as a tribute to the early pioneers of the region. Head to Christchurch for a Farewell Dinner tonight.
Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Daily :Depart Christchurch
Transfer to the airport.
Daily :Our wonderful tour manager had extensive knowledge of the country, and a very personal connection with the Maori people and their culture and customs. We would definitely travel again with APT.