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Land and Small Ship Cruise

New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Islands to Adventure Escape

Auckland → Queenstown
18 Days Request Quote
Trip Code: XPCNZA18
  • Trip Highlights
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Travel & Accommodation

Your Vacation Includes

  • Experiences in 17 destinations
  • 10 nights aboard the luxurious Le Soleal with excursions on Zodiac vessels
  • Locally inspired dining – a total of 43 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
  • The services of an APT Cruise Director and expert expedition team
  • Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver, plus expert local guides
  • Enjoy a Maori cultural experience in Rotorua
  • Indulge in a wine tasting in the famous Marlborough region
  • Explore the French influenced seaside town of Akaroa

Map & Itinerary

New Zealand Map 2024-2025 XPCNZA18
Auckland → Queenstown

Designed Exclusively for APT guests

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options

We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have plenty of time to settle in, explore or relax. Tonight, get to know your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers during a welcome dinner.

Stay: Cordis Auckland or Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments

Daily :
  • Dinner

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, a sub-tropical region comprised of 144 islands, abundant marine life, and steeped in history. Later, dock in the historic and charming town of Russell, known as the country’s first European settlement. Offering waterfront cafes and beautiful beaches, this town combines natural beauty and an interesting historical background. Enjoy a dinner of locally sourced produce and world-class seafood at the Duke of Marlborough.

Stay: Two Nights, Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or Copthorne Hotel Bay of Islands

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Aerial view of Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand

Join a cruise to Cape Brett and see the famous natural rock formation, the Hole in the Rock. Throughout the cruise, you may spot marine wildlife that inhabit the waters of this region. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was first signed in 1840. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps join an Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise, enjoy a unique All Blacks experience, visit Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm Auckland to discover the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop Unleashed or escape the bustle of the city on a tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest.


Enjoy your selected sightseeing activity today.

Stay: Cordis Auckland or Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments

Daily :
  • Breakfast

Spend today on Waiheke Island, located a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland. Attracting discerning travellers, artists and wine lovers from all over the world, Waiheke is famous for its 40 kilometres of pristine white-sand beaches, hilly terrain, stunning views, bohemian arts scene and, of course, internationally awarded vineyards and wineries. Enjoy lunch before returning to Auckland to be transferred to your ship. Meet your captain and crew at tonight’s welcome reception and dinner.

Stay: 10 nights, Le Soleal

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
The Le Lyrial ship at sea in waters off South America

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

You may choose to step into the remarkable world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, made famous in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy; discover the Art Museum and Historic Village on a tour of Tauranga, featuring a collection of restored and preserved buildings showcasing it’s rich history and culture; discover the stunning Mount Maunganui beachfront with its crystal-clear waters, breathtaking views and picturesque setting; or embark on a Bay of Plenty Foodie Tour discovering speciality food shops and indulging in tasting of local delicacies, and exploring beautiful kiwifruit and avocado orchards.


Today, select an activity from your Freedom of Choice options.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Arrive at Whakatane and drive to Rotorua. From explosive geysers to bubbling mud pools and steaming natural hot springs, Rotorua is a major highlight when visiting New Zealand. Pass through Rotorua to one of New Zealand's leading cultural and thermal attractions. See young Maori apprentices being taught the ancient art of carving and weaving before discovering the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Rotorua's largest and best-known thermal area. Exploration of the site is on foot, passing boiling mud pools and the soaring Pohutu geyser. This incredible display of nature's raw force provides insight into the awesome natural forces at work below. Te Puia's Maori cultural performance will transport you back in time, beginning with a spine-tingling wero (challenge) from a Maori warrior followed by a traditional powhiri (welcome). You are then invited inside the beautifully carved wharenui (meeting house), to experience a traditional and unique Maori concert. After, indulge in a delectable Hangi style lunch, savouring Maori-inspired dishes featuring fresh locally sourced produce.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Delight in exploring two of the local boutique vineyards where you will taste award-winning wine and enjoy gourmet food experiences in lush green surrounds; embark on a memorable 40-minute steam train ride down the picturesque Poverty Bay coastline to Muriwai. Upon reaching Muriwai, alight on the grass platform and enjoy several photo opportunities as well as a lively Maori cultural performance, featuring songs and dances of the local iwi (tribe).


Captain James Cook named Gisborne in honour of one of his crew who first sighted land in 1769. Today, we find a sunny coastal town rich in Maori heritage and culture, featuring stunning beaches with stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

You may wish to set out on a guided tour of Napier, the beautiful Art Deco town rebuilt in the style of that era after the devastating Hawke's Bay earthquake in 1931. Explore the city and learn the history behind each building in a town frozen in time. Continue to nearby Hastings to admire its Art Deco buildings, history and impressive public artworks before visiting the city's historic Opera House. Alternatively, explore Napier aboard the Hawke's Bay Express, a modern road-train with a design straight out of the Art Deco era. The journey includes commentary outlining the history of the city and the 1931 earthquake as it trundles through the heart of Napier.


Take in the fascinating history of Napier and the Hawke's Bay region on your selected Freedom of Choice activity today. Or you may wish to join a guided excursion to experience the world's largest mainland gannet colony up close on an exhilarating visit to Cape Kidnappers (own expense).

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
A blue & a white vintage car outside the National Distilley Company

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Embark on a tour of Wellington, taking in the spectacular sights of the city and bay on a cable car ride up to the lookout where you will discover the Botanical Gardens featuring unique native and exotic plants in the beautifully landscaped gardens, and discover New Zealand’s national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa; journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop; visit Zealandia, also known as the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a wide range of birds including the native kiwi, tui, kaka and bellbird.


Today, enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice activity.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Enjoy a delightful Marlborough gourmet tour, visiting two of the regions stunning wineries and a chocolaterie; be fascinated at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a renowned museum in Blenheim known for its immersive and captivating exhibitions featuring restored aircraft from the two world wars followed by a visit to a local brewery; explore the beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound on a Zodiac with your knowledgeable expedition team.


Cruise through the winding waterways, secluded bays and admire the stunning lush green scenery of Marlborough Sounds as you make your way to the seaside town of Picton.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Discover the scenic beauty, history, nature and culture of Akaroa in one complete comprehensive tour. Visit some of the most important historic sites such as Takapuneke, the site of the Brig Elizabeth Te Rauparaha massacre, Onuku Marae, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and Britomart Monument, the place of the British declaration of sovereignty.

Experience fascinating natural sites like the Heritage Park that provides stunning views over Akaroa, the Wildside Project, a community-driven collaboration for predator control and the protection of native species, and the internationally renowned Hinewai Reserve. Visit Barrys Bay Cheese, who produced its first cheddar in 1895 when it was just one of nine small, family-owned dairy cooperatives dotted around Banks Peninsula and remains one of the last traditional cheese makers on the Peninsula.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Board the TranzAlpine Train to travel through the snowcapped Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass and witness the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island, enjoy lunch in an old village before returning by coach; enjoy the serenity and scenic views of Christchurch’s parks, gardens and buildings as you glide along on the Avon River on a punting tour; or take in the city highlights and explore the rebuilding of historic Christchurch post the devastating 2011 earthquakes, followed by a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, an educational and immersive experience, located in a unique, working Antarctic campus, home to the New Zealand, United States and Italian Antarctic programs.


Today, enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice activity in and around the beautiful South Island city of Christchurch. Home to almost 400,000 people, Christchurch is a picturesque city graced with 1,200 parks and gardens, earning it the title of New Zealand's garden city.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Enjoy an orientation drive through Dunedin that will introduce you to a well-preserved Victorian city. Soak up the grandeur of its architecture, from the classical ANZ Bank to the buildings surrounding the Octagon, an eight-sided plaza that forms the core of Dunedin's lively business district. Visit the iconic Larnach Castle, built in the late 19th century by prominent businessman and politician William Larnach and known as one of New Zealand’s finest examples of Victorian architecture. Boasting intricate detailing, the castle features a unique blend of Gothic and styles with beautiful views of the Otago Peninsula. Afterwards, explore the peninsula further and discover its picturesque bays and stunning views at every turn. The peninsula is home to diverse wildlife including albatrosses, sea lions and penguins and offers a memorable experience in the heart of the South Island. Finish the day with a visit to Penguin Place, a conservation reserve located on the peninsula dedicated to protecting the endangered yellow-eyed penguin – native to New Zealand and one of the rarest penguin species in the world.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

After breakfast, board your coach to Wanaka, a charming town nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island with stunning natural landscapes and the beautiful Lake Wanaka surrounded by majestic mountains. Explore Arrowtown with your Tour Director, a historic gold mining town in the Otago region and the gateway to the nearby Southern Alps. Explore the preserved heritage buildings and boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. With its vibrant atmosphere and stunning landscapes, Queenstown is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

Stay: Three Nights, Crowne Plaza Queenstown with Lakeview Rooms or Novotel Queenstown Lakeside with Alpine View Rooms

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

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.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
Milford Sound Blue Sky, NZ

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, as is 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. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight at Stratosfare Restaurant, taking the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak which offer’s breathtaking panoramic views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your New Zealand tour concludes after breakfast.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

As a family-owned company with origins that date back to 1927, we know how to make a great holiday extraordinary