New Zealand Wonderland - 17 days
New Zealand Wonderland
- 17 day tour
- Flights included
from
£4,999 pp
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Be met on arrival in Auckland, then join your selected touring activity. Options include a cruise on Waitemata Harbour, a sightseeing tour of Auckland, a trip to the Auckland Museum or explore the world of sharks, giant eels and fish in ocean-like depths at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium.
Hotel: Rendezvous Grand Hotel Auckland.
Day 2: Auckland | Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland’s busy Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe’s Kauri Museum. Then journey to the Bay of Islands and visit the Waitangi Treaty House, Maori Meeting House and War Canoe.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands, 2 nights.
Day 3: Bay of Islands
Today in the beautiful Bay of Islands you choose your own sightseeing activity from our Freedom of Choice Touring options.
Day 4: Bay of Islands | Auckland
This morning explore the Bay of Islands on a cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Returning to Paihia, your coach will then take you to Auckland where you will be treated to a special Pacific-themed dinner with New Zealand produce at the Rendezvous Grand Hotel. *14 day tour starts here.
Hotel: Rendezvous Grand Hotel Auckland.
Day 5: Auckland | Waitomo | Rotorua | Hangi Feast
Leaving the City of Sails, travel to Waitomo and experience a guided tour of the underground limestone and glowworm caverns. Continue to geothermal Rotorua and tonight immerse yourself in traditional Maori hospitality and culture as you enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and performance of song and dance.
Hotel: Holiday Inn, Rotorua, 2 nights.
Day 6: Rotorua
Today, choose the activity that interests you from the Freedom of Choice options. Perhaps experience the icons of Rotorua at the Agrodome Farm Show, make your way to Rainbow Springs Nature Park to see a working Kiwi nursery and visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Alternatively, take a ‘Hobbiton Movie Set’ tour for an enthralling insight into the making of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Country Homestay option available.
Day 7: Rotorua | Wellington | Taupo
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island and view Wairakei Steam Valley. Visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo before travelling south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage Listed Tongariro National Park on the way to Wellington.
Hotel: Amora Hotel, Wellington.
Day 8: Wellington
Explore the vibrant city of Wellington on a sightseeing tour. See the Parliament buildings, Oriental Bay and much of Marine Drive. Take time to visit Te Papa, the stunning Museum of New Zealand. Take the Cable Car down the mountain.
Day 9: Wellington | Kaikoura | Christchurch
Step aboard the Interislander ferry to cruise across Cook Strait and through the stunning Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Visit the fishing town of Kaikoura, famous for its whale watching
Hotel: Christchurch Commodore Hotel.
Day 10: TranzAlpine Train | Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine train, New Zealand’s greatest rail adventure. Journey through gorges,river valleys and across the magnificent Southern Alps. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and journey to Hokitika, then continue to Franz Josef.
Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat Franz Josef – An APT highlight.
Day 11: Franz Josef | Queenstown
Enjoy a day of truly breath-taking scenery as you travel along the Haast River. Arrive in Queenstown, the country’s ‘adventure capital’, where you’ll choose from four tempting restaurants. Perhaps sample the delicious fresh produce at waterside Finz seafood restaurant, or take a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant. You may prefer to cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamboat, or dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Elements Restaurant.
Day 12: Queenstown
Today in Queenstown, you have a selection of activities to choose from. Perhaps embark on a Safari of the Scenes tour, and visit several local sites where the popular ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy was filmed as you experience the great affinity between the cinematic landscapes of New Zealand and that of Middle-earth. Alternatively, you may prefer to take an exhilarating ride on the famous Shotover Jet Boat through the breath-taking Shotover River Canyons.
Day 13: Milford Sound | Te Anau
Journey along the Milford Road. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak. Cruise the full length of pristine Milford Sound, then enjoy a relaxing drive to the tranquil lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Hotel: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas.
Day 14: Te Anau | Dunedin
Leaving the Fiordland region, journey through rolling Southland countryside. Travel via Lumsden and Gore to the east coast and Dunedin. This afternoon, choose your Freedom of Choice Touring activity.
Hotel: Dunedin Scenic Hotel Southern Cross.
Day 15: Dunedin | Mt Cook
Journey north along the coast and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders. Continue to World Heritage listed Mt Cook National Park, where you choose your activity. Overnight in Mt Cook – an APT highlight.
Hotel: Mt Cook, The Hermitage.
Day 16: Mt Cook | Lake Tekapo | Christchurch
Travel to picturesque Lake Tekapo today. Here, you’ll pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, travel through delightful scenery along Burkes Pass to Christchurch. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a memorable Farewell Dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Rydges Latimer Christchurch.
Day 17: Depart Christchurch
Enjoy the morning at leisure before an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight.