Magical Milford Sound
Encounter the still waters and towering mountains of Milford Sound
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Destinations
By Destination
Special DealsBy Mode of Travel
Your Vacation Includes
- Experiences in 15 destinations
- Freedom of Choice inclusions in five locations
- Finest dining - A total of 27 meals
- The services of an expert APT tour director and driver
- 16 nights' hand-picked accommodation
- Return airport transfers and porterage
Map & Itinerary
Auckland → Christchurch
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
Day
1
Arrive Auckland
On arrival into Auckland, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Stay: Auckland, Grand Millennium Hotel
Day
2
Auckland, Bay of Islands
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840.
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands where you will enjoy a visit to the historic Treaty House and ceremonial War Canoe at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Stay: Two Nights, Bay of Islands, Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Daily :
Day
3
Bay of Islands
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.
See the spectacular Bay of Islands region on a cruise. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to further explore.
Daily :
Day
4
Bay of Islands, 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; or immerse yourself in Unleashed - A Weta Workshop 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.
Travel to Auckland before selecting from our Freedom of Choice activities. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy a delicious Pacific-themed dinner.
Stay: Auckland, Grand Millennium Hotel
Daily :
Day
5
Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonight, enjoy an indulgent traditional Maori feast and performance of Haka, song and storytelling at Te Pa Tu (Maori Village). Over a magical evening, you will be welcomed with a Haka powhiri (cultural welcome) and then treated to further captivating performances while enjoying seasonal canapes, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.
Travel to 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 :
Day
6
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.
Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.
Daily :
Day
7
Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand’s North Island this morning. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, then visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before travelling across the plateau of Tongariro National Park to Wellington.
Stay: Two Nights, InterContinental Wellington
Daily :
Day
8
Wellington
After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including Mt Victoria, the waterfront area and New Zealand’s national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to further explore this coastal city and perhaps dine at a local restaurant.
Daily :
Day
9
Wellington, Christchurch
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Step aboard the Interislander ferry to cruise across Cook Strait and through the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds to Picton.
This morning, travel to the South Island, to the quaint fishing town of Kaikoura before continuing along the central east coast all the way to Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch, Commodore Hotel
Daily :
Day
10
Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef
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.
Pass through epic river valleys and past awesome mountain ranges on the TranzAlpine Train, then disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Hokitika, where you will see pounamu (jade) being carved into pieces of jewellery. Continue to Franz Josef.
Stay: Franz Josef, Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Daily :
Day
11
Franz Josef, Queenstown
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
On a Freedom of Choice Dining evening perhaps cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamboat for a BBQ Dinner at the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Alternatively, enjoy one of the world’s most lauded burgers at Fergburger, experience an array of premium local produce at Finz Restaurant, or dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Elements Restaurant.
Enjoy a day of breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Haast River Valley to Queenstown. Tonight, enjoy a Freedom of Choice Dining evening.
Stay: Two Nights, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Daily :
Day
12
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.
Enjoy the flexibility of how to spend your day with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.
Daily :
Day
13
Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of the pristine fiord which is Milford Sound.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonight, enjoy a Taste of Fiordland Dinner, and savour local delights such as salmon and lamb.
Embark on a scenic drive 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 & Villas
Daily :
Day
14
Te Anau, Dunedin
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps visit Olveston Historic Home, or discover the enchanting Larnach Castle, nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula. Those who enjoy a beer may choose to visit Speight’s Brewery for a tasting.
Journey through Southland countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon, select your Freedom of Choice activity.
Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Daily :
Day
15
Dunedin, Aoraki Mt Cook
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to see New Zealand’s highest mountain.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or the planetarium for a stargazing session. 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 Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where you choose your activity.
Stay: Aoraki Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views
Daily :
Day
16
Aoraki Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Travel to Lake Tekapo and pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel.
Stay: Distinction Christchurch
Daily :
Day
17
Depart Christchurch
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Daily :The staff of APT, Malcolm, Ann and Chris were excellent representatives of your company and carried out their many tasks with great skill and patience.
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Auckland → Christchurch
Days
14
Locations
19
Country
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Save up to $400 per person*
From
$6,695 USD pp