Breathtaking Views
Be enchanted by the astonishing scenery that surrounds Queenstown
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Destinations
By Destination
Special DealsBy Mode of Travel
Your Holiday Includes
- Experiences in 16 destinations
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Freedom of Choice inclusions in seven locations
- Finest dining - a total of 32 meals
- APT Tour Director plus expert local guides
- 19 nights' hand-picked accommodation
- Return airport transfers and porterage
Map & Itinerary
Christchurch → Auckland
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 Christchurch
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Step back in time to a golden era of public transport; enjoying drinks and canapes aboard a heritage tram while taking in the city sights of Christchurch.
Make your own way to Christchurch, be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel where you have the afternoon to relax, before tonight enjoying a Signature Experience followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Daily :
Day
2
Christchurch, Aoraki Mt Cook
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Discover New Zealand’s highest peak, in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
This afternoon, you may during the summer months, board a MAC boat and discover icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. Alternatively, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or enjoy a stargazing session with an astronomer.
Today you'll traverse the Canterbury plains to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Onwards, you journey into Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to view New Zealand’s highest mountain: Aoraki (Mt Cook). On arrival, enjoy your sightseeing activity of choice.
Stay: Aoraki Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views
Daily :
Day
3
Aoraki Mt Cook, Dunedin
Set out along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Oamaru. Continue to Koekohe Beach to view the unusual spherical-shaped Moeraki Boulders. Arrive in Dunedin late afternoon and enjoy time at leisure before dinner.
Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Daily :
Day
4
Dunedin, Te Anau
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps visit Olveston Historic Home, the historic home of a wealthy merchant family built in the early 1900s. Or discover the history of Larnach Castle, nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula. Alternatively, those who enjoy a beer may choose to visit Speight’s Brewery for a tasting.
Begin your day with your choice of sightseeing activity. Afterwards, enjoy breathtaking scenery as you travel to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Stay: Two Nights, Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Daily :
Day
5
Te Anau
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps you may like to explore an underground network of limestone caves, magically lit by thousands of glow worms. Alternatively, set off on an inspiring wilderness cruise on Doubtful Sound; or take an exciting jet boat ride along the Upper Waiau River to get the heart pumping.
Waking in Te Anau this morning, decide how to spend your day thanks to our range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.
Daily :
Day
6
Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Cruise the pristine Milford Sound.
This morning, wind down the Milford Road, through the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys. Continue to Milford Sound, where you will cruise along the full length of this fiord deep within Fiordland National Park. After, Queenstown awaits.
Stay: Three Nights, Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Daily :
Day
7
Queenstown
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Movie buffs may like to visit key filming locations from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, on a Safari of the Scenes tour. Alternatively, set out on a Skippers Canyon 4WD adventure tour following the Shotover River Valley. Others may prefer a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or a cellar door tour through the wineries of the Central Otago wine region.
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.
Today, discover Queenstown your own way with the included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activities. Later, select from three restaurants during a Freedom of Choice Dining evening and savour the tantalising tastes of New Zealand’s celebrated South Island.
Daily :
Day
8
Queenstown
Immerse yourself in beautiful Queenstown with a full day at leisure. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu, or take part in the thrill of a lifetime in this adventurous city.
Daily :
Day
9
Queenstown, Franz Josef
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier Region.
Skirt the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea, before crossing Haast Pass on your journey to Franz Josef.
Stay: Franz Josef, Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Daily :
Day
10
Franz Josef, TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Board New Zealand’s famous TranzAlpine train to experience one of the world’s greatest rail journeys.
Travel to Arthur’s Pass to ride the celebrated TranzAlpine Train. Enjoy stunning views from the open-air viewing platform as you pass by the striking patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains, through deep gorges and river valleys. Follow the Waimakariri River and travel across the Southern Alps all the way to Christchurch.
Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Daily :
Day
11
Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Indulge in the finest flavours as you savour a Highlights of Marlborough Dinner. The well-paired fusion of quality produce and multi-ethnic influences have helped shape New Zealand's food and wine culture as among the best in the world.
This morning, follow the east coast to Kaikoura, before traversing the Marlborough region to Blenheim. Tonight, enjoy a Signature Experience, where local chefs will present each dish before you, showcasing superb local artisan produce, perfectly paired with wines from the region.
Stay: Two Nights, Blenheim, Scenic Hotel Marlborough or similar
Daily :
Day
12
Blenheim
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps embark on a tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre; enjoy the sheer beauty of Marlborough Sounds during a Seafood Odyssea Cruise; or choose to visit some of the region’s best wineries for countryside wine tastings.
Enjoy your selected sightseeing activity.
Daily :
Day
13
Blenheim, Picton, Wellington
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry and enjoy the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds.
This morning, take in the breathtaking surrounds while you cruise to the North Island. This afternoon, take part in a fascinating city sights tour of Wellington.
Stay: InterContinental Wellington
Daily :
Day
14
Wellington, Napier
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Discover the city of Napier on an Art Deco tour.
Today you'll drive through the Rimutaka Ranges en route to Napier.
Stay: Napier, Scenic Te Pania Hotel
Daily :
Day
15
Napier, Taupo, 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.
Today, journey through Esk Valley and Te Pohue, stopping at the charming town of Taupo. Later, travel to Rotorua and enjoy a Signature Experience.
Stay: Two Nights, Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Daily :
Day
16
Rotorua
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps enjoy a sheep show at the Agrodome, followed by a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve; visit Wai-O-Tapu; or experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
This morning, it's time to explore Rotorua on your selected sightseeing activity. The evening is yours at leisure to further explore.
Daily :
Day
17
Rotorua, 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 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.
This morning, travel through Waikato's farmland to Auckland. Afterwards, enjoy your selected sightseeing activity.
Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza
Daily :
Day
18
Auckland, Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Parry Kauri Park to view the large kauri trees and soak up the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands.
Stay: Two Nights, Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Daily :
Day
19
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, before your farewell dinner.
Daily :
Day
20
Bay of Islands, Depart Auckland
After breakfast, travel to Auckland where your New Zealand adventure concludes. We say goodbye before we transfer you to the airport for your flight.
Daily :It has been a privilege to welcome so many guests aboard APT’s award-winning journeys, and a joy to see those guests fall in love with each new experience the world presents.
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