Your browser (Internet Explorer {{browserVersion}}) is out of date. It has known security flaws and may not display all the features of this and other websites.
Update my browser
Land and Rail Journey

New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery

Christchurch → Auckland
Trip Code: NRR19
  • Trip Highlights
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Travel & Accommodation

Your Vacation Includes

  • All-inspiring sightseeing experiences in 19 destinations
  • Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations
  • Locally inspired dining - 31 meals
  • 18 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver, plus expert local guides
  • Return airport transfers and porterage
1
Select Date
2
Select Bedding Preference
3
Confirm Your Booking

Check Availability & Book Now

*Promotions available for this trip. For more information on promotions, group bookings or other requirements get in touch.

Select departure date

Show More Dates

This Departure Date cannot be booked online at this time. To book please contact us

*Promotions available for this trip. For more information on promotions, group bookings or other requirements get in touch.

Select a room type

{{item.roomTypeName}}
{{item.roomTypeDesc}}
{{tpbc.getRoomTypeBasePrice(item) | currency : '$' : 0}}
{{item.currency}} pp

Select your cabin

{{item.passengerUpgrades[0].shortLabel}}
{{item.categoryName}}
No Availability {{tpbc.currentCabinUpgradePrice(item) | currency: '$'}} {{tpbc.cabinUpgradePrice(item) > 0 ? '+' : ''}} {{tpbc.cabinUpgradePrice(item) | currency: '$'}} {{tpbc.roomType.currency}} pp

New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery

Trip Code: {{tpbc.trip.tripCode}}
{{tpbc.package.packageTitle}}

- {{tpbc.package.packageDescription}}

Departing {{tpbc.date | date:'EEE d MMM yyyy'}}
Returning {{tpbc.returnDate | date:'EEE d MMM yyyy'}}
{{tpbc.roomType.roomTypeDesc}} +{{tpbc.roomCost | currency:'$':0}} pp
{{tpbc.cabin.categoryName}} +{{tpbc.currentCabinUpgradePrice(tpbc.cabin) | currency:'$':0}} pp
Start Again
Special deals available to this trip:
{{tpbc.cabin.passengerUpgrades[0].shortLabel}}
Need more information?

Passenger Details

Payment Details

Things you need to know

{{tpbc.bookingInfo.paymentSection.paymentAmount}}

{{tpbc.bookingInfo.paymentSection.paymentMethod}}

{{tpbc.bookingInfo.paymentSection.qantasSingleTransactionMessage}}

Note: You must fill in the fields marked with *

Note: You must fill in the fields marked with *

Need more information? Request a callback from one of our customer service travel experts. Need to speak to a travel advisor? Call 1 877 469 2938
{{tpbc.payment.ErrorMessage}}

New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery

Trip Code: {{tpbc.trip.tripCode}}
{{tpbc.package.packageTitle}}

- {{tpbc.package.packageDescription}}


Departing {{tpbc.date | date:'EEE d MMM yyyy'}}
Returning {{tpbc.returnDate | date:'EEE d MMM yyyy'}}
{{tpbc.roomType.roomTypeDesc}} +{{tpbc.roomCost | currency:'$':0}} pp
{{tpbc.cabin.categoryName}} +{{tpbc.currentCabinUpgradePrice(tpbc.cabin) | currency:'$':0}} pp
Start Again
Special deals available to this trip:
{{tpbc.cabin.passengerUpgrades[0].shortLabel}}

Deposit Required: {{tpbc.minimumDeposit | currency:'$':0}} USD


Total Amount

{{( tpbc.totalPrice || tpbc.price * tpbc.roomType.allowedAdultNumber) | currency:'$':0}} USD

Was {{tpbc.cabinOriginalPrice | currency:'$':0}} USD

Credit card surcharges may apply*

Your Booking Reference

{{tpbc.payment.bookingReference}}

What to Expect Next

You will receive an email confirmation with your receipt of payment shortly. One of our Customer Sales Team will be in contact within the next 2 business days to confirm your booking details.

Remaining Balance

{{tpbc.paymentPrice.priceBreakDown.totalAmount - tpbc.paymentPrice.priceBreakDown.originalMinDeposit | currency:'$':0}} USD

Credit card surcharges may apply*

Amount Paid

{{tpbc.paymentPrice.priceBreakDown.originalTotalAmount + tpbc.paymentPrice.priceBreakDown.surchargeAmount | currency:'$'}} USD

{{tpbc.paymentPrice.priceBreakDown.totalAmount | currency:'$'}} USD + {{tpbc.paymentPrice.priceBreakDown.surchargeAmount | currency:'$'}} USD ({{tpbc.payment.selectedCardBrand}} {{tpbc.paymentPrice.surchargeDetails.selectedSurchargePct}} Surcharge)

{{tpbc.paymentPrice.priceBreakDown.originalMinDeposit + tpbc.paymentPrice.priceBreakDown.minDepositSurchargeAmount | currency:'$'}} USD

{{tpbc.paymentPrice.priceBreakDown.minDeposit | currency:'$'}} USD + {{tpbc.paymentPrice.priceBreakDown.minDepositSurchargeAmount | currency:'$'}} USD ({{tpbc.payment.selectedCardBrand}} {{tpbc.paymentPrice.surchargeDetails.selectedSurchargePct}} Surcharge)

{{tpbc.qantas.authObject.pointsBurned | number}} Qantas Frequent Flyer points used = {{tpbc.qantas.authObject.currencyAmount | currency}} AUD

Note: Balance is due by {{tpbc.payment.balanceDueDate}}

Booking contact details

Fill out your details and one of our customer experience consultants will be in contact shortly.

New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery

Trip Code: {{tpbc.trip.tripCode}}
{{tpbc.package.packageTitle}}

- {{tpbc.package.packageDescription}}


Departing {{tpbc.date | date:'EEE d MMM yyyy'}}
Returning {{tpbc.returnDate | date:'EEE d MMM yyyy'}}
{{tpbc.roomType.roomTypeDesc}} +{{tpbc.roomCost | currency:'$':0}} pp
{{tpbc.cabin.categoryName}} +{{tpbc.currentCabinUpgradePrice(tpbc.cabin) | currency:'$':0}} pp
Start Again
Special deals available to this trip:
{{tpbc.cabin.passengerUpgrades[0].shortLabel}}

Deposit Required: {{tpbc.minimumDeposit | currency:'$':0}} USD


Total Amount

{{( tpbc.totalPrice || tpbc.price * tpbc.roomType.allowedAdultNumber) | currency:'$':0}} USD

Was {{tpbc.cabinOriginalPrice | currency:'$':0}} USD

Credit card surcharges may apply*

Note: You must fill in the fields marked with *


Proceed to booking

Secure your trip by booking online today

Book now

All done

Thank-you for your enquiry. A customer service representative will be in touch.

Start Over
{{tpbc.qantas.authObject.pointsBurned}} Qantas Frequent Flyer Points applied
Please hold while we check availability

Map & Itinerary

New Zealand Map 2024-2025 NRR19
Christchurch → Auckland

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

Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Later, meet our crew at the welcome dinner, a Canterbury Feast celebrating local produce at the hotel.

Stay: Two Nights, Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Daily :
  • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Historic Akaroa’s waters are a playground for the smallest and rarest of dolphins, the Hector's dolphins. Today we join a two-hour Akaroa Nature Cruise to view these magical mammals and the rugged coastline.


Travel an hour and a half southeast of Christchurch to the Banks Peninsula town of Akaroa, known for its mix of 19th-century British and French colonial history and architecture. After your Signature Experience cruise, explore Akaroa eateries for lunch (own expense), then head back to your Christchurch hotel. Tonight, ride the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, enjoying a four-course dinner and take in the views of modern buildings, green spaces and public art installations that dot the city from aboard a colonial tram.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Today, you ride aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, considered one of the world’s great rail journeys. Enjoy awe-inspiring views as you cross the Southern Alps from the east coast to the west.


After your arrival in Greymouth, board a coach for a scenic trip down the west coast to glacier country, and the lovely town of Franz Josef/Waiau.

Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Tranzalpine train travelling over the Waimakariri Bridge heading towards the mountians

Enjoy spectacular views as you drive today towards New Zealand’s adventure capital Queenstown. The Haast Pass follows a trail traditionally used by Maori people in search of greenstone or jade, and cuts through a stunning mountain landscape highlighted by waterfalls, rushing rivers and lakes.

Stay: Two Nights, Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Daily :
  • Breakfast

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Choose your activity today. Visit filiming locations from The Lord of the Rings; enjoy a cruise on Lake Wakatipu; take a Skippers Canyon adventure; join a river safari along Dart River; or enjoy a winery tour.


Choose from a host of exciting sightseeing opportunities today.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Marvel at the spectacle of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi on a cruise of its full length. Cruise beneath tall cliffs on the flanks of Mitre Peak, get close to tumbling waterfalls, and view seals, penguins and a variety of seabirds.


Travel from Queenstown along the incredibly scenic Milford Road through Fiordland National Park to join your Signature Experience cruise. Later, return to the lovely lakeside town of Te Anau, where you savour a special Taste of Fiordland dinner featuring local specialties.

Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Remote and mysterious Doubtful Sound/Patea is one of Fiordland’s most magical places. Step aboard your ship here for an unforgettable overnight cruise to discover rugged peaks, hidden islets and pristine rainforests.


Take the short drive from Te Anau to lakeside Manapouri, where you join your Signature Experience cruise.

Stay: Doubtful Sound/Patea Overnight Cruise

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Doubtful Sound New Zealand

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Visit Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill, which houses an amazing collection of classic cars and trucks, from Model-T Fords to VW Kombis and a spectacular 1940 Dodge Airflow Texaco tanker. There are more than 300 vehicles on show, the largest private collection of its type in the world.


Disembark your overnight cruise and head for Invercargill. On arrival in the early afternoon, choose to explore the township, or take in the included visit to Bill Richardson Transport World. Alternatively, you may decide to relax at the hotel.

Stay: Two Nights, Ascot Hotel Invercargill

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Travel by ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island/Rakiura Set off on a tour to gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community, learning about its history and environment. The tour lasts for 90 minutes, after which there is another hour and a half of free time to explore.


Drive by coach from Invercargill to the coastal town of Bluff for your Stewart Island/Rakiura Signature Experience. After your exploration, return by ferry to Bluff in the late afternoon and take a coach transfer back to Invercargill for dinner.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Ferns dotted along the coast as the mountains meet the waters edge

This morning, travel from Invercargill to Dunedin, a city renowned for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture and Scottish heritage. Continue north to the Otago Peninsula and visit the Royal Albatross Centre for a guided tour and to learn all about the world’s largest flying bird. Afterwards, return to Dunedin and enjoy the local sights, before arriving at your hotel.

Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Head north through stunning countryside to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the centrepiece of which is New Zealand’s highest mountain peak. Tonight, enjoy a buffet dinner in your hotel’s Alpine Restaurant.

Stay: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today you head back to Christchurch, stopping en route to view the much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo.

Stay: Christchurch, Rydges Latimer

Daily :
  • Breakfast

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Join the Coastal Pacific train at Christchurch Station, riding it all the way to beautiful Picton in the Marlborough Sounds region.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Take the afternoon ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington, enjoying stunning views of the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds as you begin your journey.


Enjoy a rail journey along the rugged east coast to Picton. Cross Cook Strait and view the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds en route to Wellington.

Stay: Sofitel Wellington

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Customer looking out the window on the Coastal Pacific travelling around Oaro

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

The Fell Locomotive Museum houses the H199, the only locomotive of its kind remaining in the world. It was built to withstand the steep gradients on the famous Rimutaka Incline, and used an ingenious method of four grip wheels on a raised central track.


After a short city tour, head to the Fell Locomotive Museum for your Signature Experience, then travel onwards towards the pretty lakeside town of Taupo.

Stay: Hilton Lake Taupo

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Board your 53-foot Luxury Catamaran named 'Tiua' which translates in Maori to 'Move with the Wind'. Cruise out to Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo which has been hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary contemporary Maori artworks. Towering 14-metres above the deep water of Lake Taupo, artist Matahi Brightwell's carvings have become one of the North Island’s biggest attractions.

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.


This morning enjoy your Signature Experience on Lake Taupo, then travel onwards to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua via a visit to the spectacular Huka Falls. This evening experience true Maori culture at your Signature Experience at Te Pa Tu.

Stay: Two Nights, Rotorua, Millenium Hotel

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Traditional rock carving Lake Taupo North Island New Zealand

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps experience one of New Zealand’s best-loved attractions, the Agrodome, with its entertaining sheep shearing demonstration, dog trials and animal nursery; followed by a visit to the 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. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Step back in time as you experience the history and charm of Glenbrook Vintage Railway.


Enjoy a ride on the heritage Glenbrook Steam train before heading to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

Stay: Two Nights, Grand Millennium Auckland

Daily :
  • Breakfast

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Choose from an Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise, an All-Blacks experience, the Unleashed - A Weta Workshop Experience, Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo, and a Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure.


This morning select your activity from our Freedom of Choice offerings. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, we gather at our hotel for a farewell dinner.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

From the Australian Outback and Europe’s waterways to the icescapes of Antarctica and far beyond, we won’t just take you there, we’ll immerse you in the wonders of each and every place you visit