Great New Zealand Experience
21 or 18 Days, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Nelson, Franz Josef Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park, Christchurch, Premier Plus Escorted
Day 1. Arrive Auckland
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel.
Enjoy the remainder of today at leisure to explore this wonderful city.
Two Night Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Day 2. Auckland, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning is at leisure in Auckland. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it. Perhaps take an Auckland City Sights tour, visit Auckland´s Museum or embark on a Waitakere Rainforest Adventure to enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea while venturing through lush rainforest.
Day 3. Auckland, Bay of Islands
This morning we cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge, travelling through the
farming communities of Warkworth and Wellsford. Visit the Matakohe Pioneer
Museum, home to the world´s largest collection of kauri gum. Continue to
the majestic Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve where we view the giant kauri tree
Tane Mahuta ‘Lord of the Forest’. Travel across the country to the
sub-tropical Bay of Islands and visit the Waitangi Treaty House, where the
historic Treaty of Waitangi was signed. We also visit the Maori Meeting House
and see the War Canoe.
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands, Copthorne Waitangi Resort
Day 4. Bay of Islands, Freedom of Choice Touring
Not only is the Bay of Islands the birthplace of the nation and thus full of New Zealand history, it is also home to 144 islands and renowned as a favourite playground for lovers of anything aquatic; diving, sailing and big game fishing. Today you have the opportunity to choose the sightseeing activity that most interests you and we will include it, whether it be a day trip to the very top of New Zealand or sailing on a unique Tall Ship.
Day 5. Bay of Islands, Auckland
This morning our Bay of Islands cruise takes us to Cape Brett and the famous
Hole in the Rock. In these world-renowned deep sea-fishing grounds, dolphins
and schools of fish are frequently seen. Meander through the inner islands,
viewing sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and visit a secluded bay with time for
relaxation. Return this afternoon to Auckland.
Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel
Day 6. Auckland, Rotorua, Hangi (Feast)
This morning we journey to the crest of Mt Eden to enjoy panoramic views of the
city and its beautiful harbour. Travel south through the Waikato Province to
Waitomo Caves for a guided tour of the limestone caverns and glow worm grotto.
Journey to the geothermal region of Rotorua, centre of Maori culture. Tonight
is a unique Hangi (feast) and cultural performance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Millennium Rotorua.
Day 7. Rotorua, Freedom of Choice Touring
Rotorua is New Zealand´s oldest and best known resort, where generations
of visitors have enjoyed its therapeutic waters, marvelled at its fascinating
geothermal activity and experienced the region´s unique Maori culture.
Today we give you the opportunity to choose the activity and we will include
it! You may choose a leisurely soak in a natural thermal mineral pool, visit
the Rotorua Museum or be entertained and educated by a sheep show and shearing
display.
Country Homestay option available tonight.
Day 8. Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington
Today we view Wairakei Steam Valley, a unique and fascinating geothermal power
project. See spectacular Huka Falls and picturesque Lake Taupo. Travelling
south, we cross the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro
National Park. Continue to Wellington.
Stay: Wellington, Hotel InterContinental.
Day 9. Wellington, Nelson, Dine Around Dinner
Today our Interislander cruise takes us across Cook Strait to the South Island.
Sail from scenic Wellington Harbour, into the breathtaking beauty of the
Marlborough Sounds. See magnificent scenery of tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound
before arriving in the picturesque seaside port of Picton. This afternoon we
journey through the pretty orchard and vineyard region of Marlborough to
Nelson. Tonight you may choose from two fine restaurants.
Stay: Nelson, The Rutherford Hotel
Day 10. Nelson, Franz Josef, West Coast Specialities Dinner
Follow the Heritage Highway through the impressive Buller Gorge to the wild and
rugged West Coast. View the fascinating Pancake rock formations and blowholes
at Punakaiki. Stop at Hokitika to see beautiful Pounamu (jade) being carved
into jewellery and other artefacts. Continue along the dramatic West Coast and
enter World Heritage-listed Westland National Park, where you can view the
glaciers, magnificent rivers of ice. Tonight enjoy a West Coast Specialities
Dinner.
Stay: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel
Day 11. Franz Josef, Wanaka
View incredible scenery today as we leave this World Heritage-listed area,
travelling through Haast Pass and over the Southern Alps. This scenic road
takes us along the shores of picturesque lakes Wanaka and Hawea, where
crystal-clear blue waters reflect dramatic landscapes. Continue to Wanaka
township, originally settled during the goldrush era of last century and
surrounded by Mt Aspiring National Park. Enjoy an overnight stay in this
inspiring place of peace and tranquillity.
Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Wanaka, Edgewater Resort
Day 12. Wanaka, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner
Depart Wanaka this morning and journey to the delightful village of Arrowtown,
an old goldrush settlement. Continue to the alpine resort of Queenstown,
situated on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. The wide range of activities available
in Queenstown makes it a popular holiday destination at any time of year.
Tonight experience our Dine Around Dinner, where you choose from a variety of
fifteen restaurants and we will include it.
Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Queenstown, Sofitel Hotel.
Day 13.Queenstown, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today you may personalise your sightseeing from a range of activities. Enjoy rambling through beautiful local gardens or a relaxing local winery tour. Perhaps take an exciting jetboat ride or a fun Double Decker bus tour through the streets of Queenstown and to the goldrush settlement of Arrowtown
Day 14. Milford Sound, Te Anau
This morning travel through Fiordland National Park where lush rainforests meet
snow-capped mountains. Drive along Milford Road, renowned as one of the most
spectacular alpine drives. On arrival into Milford, we cruise the full length
of this beautiful fiord, travelling below famous mile-high Mitre Peak. This
afternoon we return through the Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel to the
lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Stay: Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Day 15. Te Anau, Dunedin, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today we journey via beautiful Lake Manapouri to Dunedin, settled by the
Scottish in 1848 and renowned as the Edinburgh of the South. This afternoon
you choose the activity and we will include it! Perhaps visit Larnach Castle
or take the opportunity to tour the Otago Peninsula to view Royal albatross or
Yellow-eyed penguin colonies in their natural environment, visit Speights
Brewery and learn about the production of Speights beer, a well-known beverage
in New Zealand or enjoy a Taieri Gorge Railway excursion.
Stay: Dunedin, Southern Cross Hotel.
Day 16. Dunedin, Mt Cook, Dine Around Dinner
Travel north along the coast to view the unique and fascinating Moeraki Beach
boulders. Stop at Oamaru, a town renowned for its distinctive limestone
architecture. Pass massive hydro-electric dams and glacier-fed lakes of
incredible colour on our journey to Mt Cook National Park. This World
Heritage-listed area is home to Australasia´s highest mountain, Mt Cook
at 12,343 feet. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight over this
awe-inspiring alpine region (weather permitting, own expense). This evening
choose from three outstanding restaurants within your hotel.
Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Mt Cook, The Hermitage, with views of Mt Cook from your room
Day 17. Mt Cook, Christchurch, Dine Around Dinner
This morning we visit the beautiful glacier-fed lake of Tekapo and view the
tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built from locally gathered stone and oak.
Leaving the High Country and its sheep stations, we travel the plains of
Canterbury. On the way to Christchurch, you may choose to take the scenic
TranzAlpine Train from Arthurs Pass or continue with the coach through the
Rakaia Gorge to Christchurch. Tonight experience our Dine Around Dinner, where
you choose from three superb restaurants at your hotel and we will include it!
Stay: Christchurch, Crowne Plaza Hotel
Day 18. Christchurch, Wellington
18 Day (NAC18) guests depart tour after Freedom of Choice Touring in
Christchurch. Today view spectacular seascapes as we travel north to Kaikoura,
a renowned whale watching town. At Picton board the Interislander for our
cruise across the Cook Strait, known as one of the most beautiful crossings in
the world. Sail through breathtaking Marlborough Sounds and into Wellington
Harbour. Birdlife and dolphins are often our companions as we cross between
the two islands.
Stay: Wellington, Hotel InterContinental
Day 19. Wellington, Taupo
Leaving Wellington this morning, we cross the Rimutaka Ranges into the farming
district of the Wairarapa. Continue to the coastal township of Napier, an area
dominated by orchards and vineyards. There is time to explore this unique Art
Deco city before we continue to Taupo.
Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Taupo, Wairakei Resort.
Day 20 Taupo, Auckland
Near Taupo, stop and visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, a geothermal area
well known for its beautiful colours and mystical quality. We then visit Kiwi
Country before travelling on to the holiday beach resort of Mt Maunganui and
then to Tauranga. We make our return journey to Auckland.
Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Day 21 Depart Auckland
Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. Today is at leisure for you to explore this beautiful city, before it is time for your included departure transfer to the airport.
- See all the major sights of New Zealand on our most popular Premier Plus tour.
- On this comprehensive and stylish holiday, absorb the majestic sights of the Bay of Islands, experience Maori culture and geothermal activity in Rotorua.
- Discover the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds on your Interislander cruise and explore the rugged West Coast.
- Take a cruise of spectacular Milford Sound and explore the alpine resort of Queenstown.
- Further south, the Scottish-inspired city of Dunedin, spectacular Mt Cook and the luxurious Hermitage hotel awaits.
- Personalise your holiday experience even more with APT´s Freedom of Choice Touring and Dining options.
- The ‘Great New Zealand Experience’ covers it all!
- Visit Auckland, the City of Sails
- Enjoy a guided tour of Waitomo Caves
- Cruise across Cook Strait and picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound
- Visit World Heritage-listed Westland National Park and Franz Josef Glacier
- Cruise the length of Milford Sound aboard the Milford Mariner
- View Mt Cook National Park − a World Heritage-listed area
- Walk among colourful geothermal activity at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Reserve
- EXCLUSIVE! Two nights at the luxurious Sofitel Queenstown
- EXCLUSIVE! Overnight in Mt Cook National Park at the iconic Hermitage
- Two nights in the sub-tropical Bay of Islands at the Copthorne Waitangi Resort
- Two nights in Rotorua, a geothermal area at the Millennium Rotorua
- Stay at the Hotel InterContinental in Wellington
- Finest Dining − Includes 39 Meals
- 20 Breakfasts and 16 Dinners
- 3 Feature Dinners:
- − Maori Hangi (feast) in Rotorua
- − West Coast Specialities Dinner
- − Queenstown Dine Around Dinner
- Itinerary effective 1 April 2008.
- Tours prior follow different itinerary. Enquire for details.
-
Twin Share with Feature meals.
- APT´s Recommended Tour Price from
NZ $11,745.00 - Acrossnz Tour price from
NZ $11,158.00
Twin Share with Feature meals.
To check the tour departure dates for this tour please
click here.
If you would like to confirm this tour please click on the enquire button
(Hover mouse over map
see a larger map)
- Cultural touring experiences
- Land Content: Fully inclusive of all sightseeing, entrance fees, cruises, meals as specified and accommodation
- Fully trained Tour Director and Tour Driver
- Luxury coaches featuring large panoramic windows, reclining seats and rest room
- $5 Million Consumer Protection Guarantee
- Free travel kit including stylish travel bag
