New Zealand Insight
Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch,
Franz Josef Glacier, Dunedin, Affordable Value
Day 1. Arrive Auckland
You will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy the rest
of today at leisure.
Stay: Auckland, Hotel Ibis.
Day 2. Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Hangi (Feast).
This morning we travel south through the rich dairy land of the Waikato
Province to Waitomo Caves. Take a guided tour of the limestone caverns and you
can view thousands of glow worms. This afternoon arrive in Rotorua. Tonight
enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance of song and dance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Hotel Ibis.
Day 3. Explore Rotorua
Today experience the attractions of Rotorua. We visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve,
New Zealand´s major geyser field. The area has over 500 hot springs and
most forms of geothermal activity, including steaming ground, boiling mud
pools, hot springs and impressive geysers. Enjoy a guided tour through the
Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where our guide will explain the history and
origins of the Maori. Continue to the Agrodome to enjoy an entertaining sheep
show and learn about New Zealand´s important sheep industry. The
remainder of today is at leisure for you to explore the region of geothermal
Rotorua.
Country Homestay option available tonight
Day 4. Rotorua, Taupo, Napier.
Depart Rotorua this morning and travel via Wairakei Park and the mighty Huka
Falls then onto New Zealand´s largest lake, Lake Taupo. Enjoy a tour and
wine tasting at Church Road Winery then continue to Napier for a city sights
tour with a guided Art Deco walk around Napier city.
Stay: Napier, Tennyson Motor Inn.
Day 5. Napier, Wellington.
Today depart Napier and travel south via Hastings. Here we turn inland and
travel across to the West Coast of the North Island. We follow the Kapiti
Coast before arriving in Wellington, the nation´s capital city. On
arrival enjoy a city highlights tour. View Parliament Buildings and enjoy
spectacular panoramic views of this amazing cosmopolitan city from the summit
of Mt Victoria.
Stay: Wellington, Bay Plaza Hotel.
Day 6. Wellington, Picton.
Today, visit New Zealand´s National Museum, Te Papa. This afternoon we
join our cruise for the journey across Cook Strait to the South Island,
renowned as one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail from scenic
Wellington Harbour, across Cook Strait and through Marlborough and Queen
Charlotte sounds to Picton.
Stay: Picton, Beachcomber Inn.
Day 7. Picton, Christchurch.
This morning arrive in the thriving seaside settlement of Kaikoura, an area
offering unique whale, seal and dolphin watching experiences. Journey between
the Pacific Ocean and rugged Kaikoura Ranges, through North Canterbury to
Christchurch. On arrival we enjoy a city sightseeing tour and the afternoon is
at your leisure to explore this Garden City.
Stay: Christchurch, Hotel Ibis.
Day 8. TranzAlpine Train, Greymouth.
This morning board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train. Cross the vast
patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before climbing up into the Main
Divide. Journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the
country´s greatest mountain range, the magnificent Southern Alps. On
arrival in Greymouth, rejoin your coach and travel north along the dramatic
coastline to Punakaiki to view the Pancake rock formations and blowholes.
Stay: Greymouth, Kingsgate Greymouth.
Day 9. Greymouth, Franz Josef, Haast.
Journey to Hokitika, where you will have the opportunity to see Pounamu (Jade)
being carved into jewellery and other artefacts. Continue along the coast
through dense rainforest to World Heritage Westland National Park. Travel
along the West Coast, through a world of mountains and glaciers, limestone
landscapes, tranquil lakes, raging rivers and rare bird and plant life.
Stay: Haast Heritage Hotel.
Day 10. Haast, Queenstown, Walter Peak Dinner.
Cross the snow-capped Southern Alps and through Haast Pass, previously an
ancient Maori greenstone trail. We trace the beautiful shorelines of lakes
Wanaka and Hawea to the action-packed alpine resort of Queenstown. This
evening, experience a relaxed cruise to Walter Peak Sheep Station to enjoy a
candlelit dinner at the Colonel´s homestead.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Goldridge Hotel.
Day 11. Queenstown at Leisure.
Queenstown is perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this beautiful town is overlooked by the majestic Remarkables Range. Today is free for you to explore the endless scenic attractions available (own expense).
Day 12. Queenstown, Milford Sound Overnight.
Today we follow the Remarkables mountain range and trace the shores of Lake
Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Journey along the Milford Road, renowned
as one of the world´s finest alpine drives, to Milford Sound. We board
the Milford Mariner and cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord. View
the cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, dense rainforest and towering
mountains of this World Heritage-listed area. After reaching the open sea,
return and anchor for the night in sheltered Harrison´s Cove. Explore
further on the Mariner´s kayaks.
Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Milford Sound, Milford Mariner.
Day 13. Milford Sound, Dunedin, Scottish Ceremony.
Departing Milford Sound we travel through Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin.
Scottish influence is still apparent today in the architecture of the many
buildings including the University of Otago. Tonight enjoy dinner along with a
Scottish evening at your hotel.
Two Night Stay: Dunedin, Mercure Leisure Lodge.
Day 14. Dunedin City Sightseeing Tour.
This morning we enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Dunedin before touring Larnach Castle, New Zealand´s only castle. The remainder of today is at leisure in Dunedin, Edinburgh of the South (own expense).
Day 15. Dunedin, Lake Ohau, High Country Dinner.
This morning visit historic Olveston House with its extensive collection of
antiques and New Zealand paintings. 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 the pretty
settlement of Lake Ohau. This evening enjoy a High Country Hospitality Dinner.
Stay: Lake Ohau Lodge.
Day 16. Lake Ohau, Mt Cook, Christchurch.
This morning we travel to beautiful Lake Tekapo and view the picturesque tiny stone Church of the Good Shepherd. Travel through the vast Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the Garden City. Your tour concludes upon arrival and a departure transfer to the airport is included.
- Enter World Heritage Westland National Park to see Franz Josef Glacier
- EXCLUSIVE! Overnight on Milford Sound aboard the Milford Mariner
- Take a guided glow-worm tour at Waitomo Caves
- Experience a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance
- Take in the geothermal activity of Rotorua
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Art Deco city of Napier
- Visit Church Road winery in Hawke´s Bay
- Cruise Cook Strait through Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds
- Travel aboard the award-winning TranzAlpine Train
- Discover Queenstown, the alpine resort
- Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South
- 6 Feature Meals
- Two nights in Queenstown at the Goldridge Hotel
-
Twin Share with feature meals
- APT´s Recommended Tour Price from
NZ $5,030.00 - Acrossnz Tour price from
NZ $4,779.00
Twin Share with feature meals
To check the tour departure dates for this tour please
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If you would like to confirm this tour please click on the enquire button
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- With APT, we have a great mix of cultural touring experiences so you can discover the local culture first-hand.
- 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
