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Trip Highlights
Holland America Cruise Line
Board your Holland America Line cruise ship in Auckland, and set sail onwards to Sydney
TranzAlpine Train
Enjoy the views on one of the world's greatest rail journeys as you travel across New Zealand's Southern Alps.
Discover the Bay Your Way
Explore the Bay of Islands with your choice of activity. Home to 144 islands, there is no lack of discovery options.
Your Vacation Includes
- Sightseeing in up to eight locations
- Airport transfers, port charges and tipping
- The services of an APT Tour Director and professional Driver on Days 1-10
- 14 nights luxury Ocean Cruising accommodation
- A total of 57 meals
Map & Itinerary
Christchurch to Sydney
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™ - Dining
Choose from a variety of included dining options sure to tantalise the tastebuds of every guest
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
Personalise your holiday with a choice of included sightseeing options sure to leave you with lifelong memories
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1
Arrive Christchurch
Be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening. Christchurch, Commodore Hotel
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Day
2
Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef Glacier
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s greatest rail adventures. Journey through the striking patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, before travelling across the magnificent Southern Alps within Arthur’s Pass National Park. Disembark your journey at Arthur's Pass.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Journey along the dramatic New Zealand west coast to Franz Josef, where you’ll have the opportunity to take in the dramatic terrain and icy surrounds of the striking Franz Josef Glacier. Sitting at just 250 metres above sea level, Franz Josef is quite unique as it is one of just three glaciers in the world that descends into temperate rainforest.
Travel from Christchurch to Franz Josef this afternoon. Proceed to your hotel and enjoy a degustation dinner.
Stay: APT HIGHLIGHT! Franz Josef Glacier, Te Waonui Forest Retreat
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3
Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Dining
Perhaps you’ll choose to dine aboard a vintage steamer, or take a magical gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant. Otherwise, you may choose the array of seafood at the waterfront Finz or simply your hotel’s restaurant.
Travel south along Haast River. This evening in Queenstown, choose from four restaurants.
Stay: Two Nights, Queenstown, Novotel Queenstown or similar
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4
Queenstown
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
Perhaps you’ll choose to enjoy a Dart River Safari adventure, a chance to see where scenes from The Lord of the Rings was filmed, a 4WD experience at Mt Nicholas, or a bird walk.
Explore Queenstown today with a diverse range of sightseeing inclusions.
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5
Queenstown, Mt Cook
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Discover Australasia’s highest peak in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
Perhaps visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and enjoy a stargazing session with an astronomer, or immerse yourself in the region’s incredible native flora and fauna on a guided nature walk. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.
Journey north to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and choose your activity.
Stay: Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel
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6
Lake Tekapo, Christchurch, Auckland
Travel to Lake Tekapo and visit the stunning Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, travel to Christchurch airport for your onward flight to Auckland.
Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza or similar
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7
Auckland, Bay of Islands
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and discover New Zealand’s original founding document.
Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum, then continue to the Bay of Islands.
Stay: Two Nights, Bay of Islands, Copthorne Hotel and Resort
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Day
8
Bay of Islands
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
A tall ship sailing adventure with a barbecue lunch might be the ideal way to spend the day, or you might like to embark on a dolphin-watching cruise that’ll get you up close to these intelligent creatures. Perhaps you might cruise to Russell to see New Zealand’s first European settlement, or enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. There’s also the option of taking a day trip to the northernmost point of New Zealand at Cape Reinga.
Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and discover New Zealand’s original founding document.
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9
Bay of Islands, Auckland
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Step aboard a catamaran today and enjoy a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Cruise the shimmering waters as you hear about the ecology and history of the area, keeping an eye out for dolphins, and relaxing in a secluded bay.
After your Signature Experience, travel by coach to Auckland and enjoy a special dinner at your hotel.
Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza or similar
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10
Auckland, Embark Holland America Line Ship
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
You might enjoy the fascinating Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium where you can learn about sharks, eels and many varieties of fish or a visit to the historic Auckland Museum.
Enjoy a city sights tour this morning followed by select Freedom of Choice options. Say goodbye to your APT Tour Director and board the MS Noordam, our home for the next 14 nights.
Stay: 14 Nights, Holland America Line’s MS Noordam in a Verandah Stateroom
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11
Tauranga, Rotorua
Dock in the port of Tauranga and choose to transfer to Rotorua where you can select from various optional sightseeing tours.
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12
Napier
Today the ship arrives in the town of Napier. Optional shore excursions include a tour of Hawke’s Bay Wineries or an Art Deco tour. Perhaps explore the Tuki Tuki Valley and Te Mata Peak with panoramic views.
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13
Wellington
Arrive in Wellington and select from a range of optional excursions.
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14
Picton
This morning, your ship docks on the South Island for the very first time. Maybe explore Picton which lies in the upper reaches of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound.
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15
Akaroa, Christchurch
Arrive in the port town of Akaroa, known for its historic French and English colonial architecture and vibrant cafe culture. Here you will have the option to choose from a range of optional shore excursions.
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16
Port Chalmers, Dunedin
Port Chalmers is located at the southern end of New Zealand’s South Island. Its Victorian heritage is still proudly on display.
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17
Fiordland National Park
Today you’ll enjoy a breathtaking spectacle at the Fiordland National Park as the MS Noordam skirts surrounding waters.
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18
At Sea
Relax on board with oceanic surrounds.
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19
At Sea
Enjoy another day to relax and unwind.
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20
Hobart
By the morning, your ship will have crossed the Tasman Sea and arrived in Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, on the Derwent River. Perhaps visit the Museum of Old and New Art or tour Port Arthur.
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21
At Sea
Enjoy a day of rest as you sail to Victoria.
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22
Melbourne
Having crossed Bass Strait overnight, this morning you will be docked at Station Pier in Melbourne. You could take in the views of the city from the Eureka Skydeck or visit the famous Queen Victoria Market.
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23
At Sea
Enjoy the day at leisure.
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24
Arrive Sydney
Today your voyage ends as the MS Noordam enters Sydney Harbour. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport.
Daily :Travel & Accommodation
Choose Where to Dine
With four restaurants available to choose from in Queenstown, you're guaranteed to be satisfied.
Iconic Alpine Views
Boasting sophistication and luxury, the Hermitage Hotel in Mt Cook is surrounded by iconic rugged alpine scenery.
Four-Course Degustation
Indulge in a four-course degustation dinner created with the finest local produce and ingredients of Te Waonui
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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