Travel Dates
Departing 8th May 2020
Package Provider: APT
Package Type: Package
Region: New Zealand
Duration: 17 Nights
Begin in Auckland, and travel to the subtropical Bay of Islands before making your way through Rotorua and across the picturesque Marlborough Sounds to the South Island.
Cruise enchanting Milford Sound, Enjoy time to relax at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park & Explore Bay of Islands with your choice of activity!
Your Fly & Guided Holiday package includes:
Extend your flights and stay longer - talk to our travel experts about more options
Package price is based on 08 May 2020 departure. Other dates available between March & September - call us for a price.
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Date |
Itinerary |
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08 May 20 |
Arrive Auckland Your journey begins today in Auckland. Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Stay: Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland |
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09 May 20 |
Auckland FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing Perhaps take a cruise on Waitemata Harbour, head off on a Waiheke Island wine and olive tasting tour, or explore the Auckland Museum. Alternatively, get up close to the marine life at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. After a morning at leisure, enjoy your selected sightseeing activity as you choose from a range of exciting inclusions. Stay: Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland (B/D) |
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10 May 20 |
Auckland - Bay of Islands SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the original treaty between the British and MÄori people was signed. Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge this morning and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum for an insight into the pioneering history of the country’s Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands. Here, you’ll also enjoy a visit to the MÄori Meeting House and War Canoe. Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands (B/D) |
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11 May 20 |
Bay Of Islands FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing Perhaps take a day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northernmost point, and visit the iconic lighthouse. You may alternatively choose to enjoy a mini-tour of Russell. Today, discover the spectacular Bay of Islands region with a wide variety of included sightseeing activities. Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands (B) |
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12 May 20 |
Bay of Islands, Auckland SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Explore the spectacular Bay of Islands on a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. You’ll meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. This evening, be treated to a special Pacific-themed dinner with New Zealand produce at the hotel. Stay: Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland (B/D) |
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13 May 20 |
Auckland – Waitomo Caves – Rotorua SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Immerse yourself in MÄori culture as you enjoy a traditional HÄngÄ« Feast and performance of song and dance. Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous glow worm caves where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an otherworldly glow. Discover this natural wonder on a guided tour, before continuing to Rotorua. Stay: Holiday Inn Rotorua (overlooking Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve) (B/D) |
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14 May 20 |
Rotorua FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing Perhaps visit the Agrodome Farm Show and head to Rainbow Springs for a kiwi encounter before a visit to the Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Alternatively, experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Other options include a visit to New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool and colourful hot springs, and a guided walk through Redwood Treewalk while learning about MÄori culture with an elder. Today presents an outstanding opportunity to explore Rotorua your way, with a selection of fascinating included sightseeing options available. Stay: Holiday Inn Rotorua (overlooking Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve) (B/D) |
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15 May 20 |
Rotorua – Taupo – Wellington Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand’s North Island this morning. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Later, travel across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. Here you’ll discover hushed cerulean blue waters and daunting volcanic peaks. Stay: InterContinental Wellington (B/D) |
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16 May 20 |
Wellington After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour taking you to the city’s best-loved landmarks and sights. Visit New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, and take a look at the fascinating history of this country through the museum’s studded walls. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore Wellington at your own pace. Stay: InterContinental Wellington (B) |
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17 May 20 |
Wellington – Christchurch SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Cruise across Cook Strait aboard the Interislander ferry. You’ll traverse the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds, enjoying breathtaking views through to Picton. Today, travel south towards Christchurch. Proudly holding the colloquial title of the Garden City, Christchurch is well known for its English heritage and botanic attractions. This evening, you enjoy a stay among the idyllic native gardens of the Commodore Hotel. Stay: Commodore Hotel Christchurch (B/D) |
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18 May 20 |
Christchurch – TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE This morning, board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s greatest rail adventures. Journey through the striking patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before travelling across the magnificent Southern Alps within Arthur’s Pass National Park. SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Journey along the west coast to Franz Josef, where you’ll take in the dramatic terrain and icy surrounds of the region. From the alpine snowfields, to verdant rainforests, blue ice caves, beautiful lakes and glacial rivers, the natural surrounds of the area are guaranteed to captivate. Journey through the striking patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before travelling across the magnificent Southern Alps within Arthur’s Pass National Park. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika, a town teeming with fascinating historic tales of ship wrecks, goldmines and pounamu hunters. Here, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to see pounamu (jade) being skilfully carved into pieces of jewellery. Arrive later at your luxury eco-resort where you will enjoy a delicious four-course degustation dinner. Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat Franz Josef (B/D) |
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19 May 20 |
Franz Josef – Queenstown FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing Perhaps sample quality crafted beer at Canyon Food & Brew Co. Or, board a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant to enjoy views across Queenstown as you dine. Alternatively, you can cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw - a vintage steamboat - or dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Elements Restaurant. Enjoy a day of breathtaking scenery travelling along the Haast River. Afterwards, arrive in Queenstown, the country’s adventure capital where you can choose from four tempting restaurants in which to dine this evening. Stay: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Queenstown (B/D) |
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20 May 20 |
Queenstown FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing Movie buffs may like to visit key The Lord of the Rings filming locations, while thrill seekers may enjoy a ride on the Shotover Jet Boat, or a Skippers Canyon adventure. Others may prefer a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, a bike ride along Lake Wakatipu on the Station 2 Station Cycle Trail, or a wine tour. Today you can personalise your Queenstown experience with our Freedom of Choice sightseeing options. Stay: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Queenstown (B/D) |
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21 May 20 |
Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Visit Milford Sound, where you’ll enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of this pristine fiord. As mountains encompass your surrounds, carve a course across the stunning waterway. SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Enjoy a Taste of Fiordland Dinner, where you’ll be treated to a unique local dining experience. Embark on one of the world’s most scenic drives today as you journey along the Milford Road. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then drive through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of the iconic Mitre Peak which soars skywards from the shores of Milford Sound. After, enjoy a picturesque drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (B/D) |
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22 May 20 |
Te Anau – Dunedin FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing Perhaps visit Olveston House, or head to Dunedin’s beautiful railway station and board the Taieri Gorge Railway for a memorable journey. Perhaps choose to tour Speight’s Brewery, or visit an albatross colony on the Otago Peninsula.
This morning, journey through the beautiful rolling Southland countryside. Travel to Dunedin on the island’s east coast, a city known as the Edinburgh of the South. Take in the heritage Edwardian and Victorian structures, including the only castle in New Zealand. Spend this afternoon how you like and select a Freedom of Choice activity. Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (B/D) |
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23 May 20 |
Dunedin – Mt Cook SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Continue to World Heritage-listed Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, to view Australasia’s highest peak. FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing Perhaps visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which includes a visit to the planetarium and a stargazing session. Alternatively, you may like to join a guided nature walk and discover the native flora and spectacular surroundings of the area. During the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. Journey north and view the mysterious Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. These giant stones have been eroded for centuries by the changing tides, giving them a wondrous sleek touch. At Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, choose your sightseeing activity. Stay: The Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook (B/D) |
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24 May 20 |
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. Stay: The Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook (B/D) |
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25 May 20 |
Depart Christchurch Today, your New Zealand adventure concludes after breakfast. Transfer to the airport and say farewell to your fellow travellers. (B) |
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.