Trip Overview

2023 Dates:

2024 Dates:

• Experiences in eight destinations

• Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations

• Finest dining – a total of 15 meals

• The services of an expert APT tour director and driver

• Eight nights’ hand-picked accommodation

• Return airport transfers and porterage

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
 

Welcome to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. This evening, get to know your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers during dinner.

Stay: Christchurch, Commodore Hotel

Meals: • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s greatest rail adventures.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Take in the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier region.

Journey through the Canterbury Plains, before travelling across the Southern Alps. After an exciting Signature Experience, disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika. Here, you will enjoy the opportunity to see pounamu (jade) being carved into jewellery. Continue to Franz Josef.
 
Stay: Franz Josef, Te Waonui Forest Retreat     

Meals: • Breakfast • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE DINING

This 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.
 

Enjoy a day of truly breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Haast River, capturing views of the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley. Wind your way past towering peaks, rushing waterfalls and lush rainforest. Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, where this evening you will choose from three tempting restaurants in which to dine. 


Stay: Two Nights, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Meals:  • Breakfast • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE SIGHTSEEING

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.
 

Few destinations offer as much variety, or adventure in the outdoors, as Queenstown does. With a range of Freedom of Choice activities available, you can decide how to discover this dynamic region. 

Meals:  • Breakfast

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of the pristine fiord of Milford Sound.
 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Delight in the authentic flavours of the South Island during a Taste of Fiordland Dinner, showcasing the finest local artisan produce.

Embark on a scenic drive today as you journey along the Milford Road. Coast down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then drive through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak. Afterwards, enjoy a picturesque drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. 

Stay:  Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas    

Meals:  • Breakfast • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE SIGHTSEEING

You might like to visit Olveston Historic Home or discover the history behind New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle. Alternatively, tour Speight’s Brewery and enjoy a tasting.
 

Travel to the east coast and the town of Dunedin today. Known as the Edinburgh of the south, the former gold mining town was once New Zealand’s largest city thanks to an influx of miners during the gold rush. This afternoon, choose your sightseeing activity.


Stay:  Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Meals:  • Breakfast • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Enter the pristine and rugged Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and admire the majesty of New Zealand’s highest peak.
 

FREEDOM OF CHOICE SIGHTSEEING

Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or the planetarium for a stargazing session. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.

Drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where you may select your activity of choice.


Stay:  Aoraki Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views

Meals:  • Breakfast

This morning you will travel by coach to Lake Tekapo. Here, you will pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of locally gathered stone and oak and erected as a tribute to the early European pioneers of the region. Continuing your journey, delight in the scenery of Burkes Pass as you make your way back to Christchurch. Reflect on your incredible New Zealand journey over a memorable Farewell Dinner this evening.


Stay:  Distinction Christchurch   

Meals:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Your journey comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport.


Meals:  • Breakfast

Great Northerner

Auckland to Wellington

New Zealand Wonderland

Auckland to Christchurch

New Zealand Highlighter

Auckland to Christchurch

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