- Experiences in 16 destinations
- 19 nights in hand-picked accommodation
- Locally inspired dining - a total of 32 meals
- Services of an expert APT Tour Director and driver, plus local guides
- Freedom of Choice inclusions in six locations
- Return airport transfers and porterage
- Stay in breathtaking Queenstown for three nights
- Discover the history of Larnach Castle and its beautiful gardens on a guided tour
Essence of New Zealand
Trip Type: Land Journey , OtherNZD 11,695.00 /Person
Essence of New Zealand
Embark on an unforgettable journey in New Zealand, starting in Christchurch as you explore the South Island. Visit Aoraki/Mount Cook, Franz Josef/Waiau, Dunedin and Queenstown. Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and ride the TranzAlpine train. On the North Island, visit Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland and the Bay of Islands.
Once you’ve arrived in Christchurch, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing before enjoying a Signature Experience, followed by a welcome dinner.
Accommodation
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
- Dinners
Today, you’ll traverse the Canterbury plains to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapo. Later, venture into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience and then embark on a sightseeing activity of your choice.
Accommodation
Aoraki/Mount Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views
- Breakfast
- Dinners
Set out along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Oamaru. Continue to Koekohe Beach to view the unusual spherical-shaped Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki. Arrive in Dunedin in the late afternoon and enjoy time at leisure before dinner.
Accommodation
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinners
This morning, discover the history of Larnach Castle and its beautiful gardens on a guided tour. Situated on the stunning Otago Peninsula, it is New Zealand’s only castle and dates back to 1871. Afterwards, enjoy breathtaking scenery as you travel to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Tonight, a magnificent Signature Experience awaits.
Accommodation
Two Nights, Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
- Breakfast
- Dinners
Waking in Te Anau this morning, decide how to spend your day thanks to our range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.
Meals Included- Breakfast
This morning, travel through the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys as you wind down the Milford Road. Continue your journey into Fiordland National Park and arrive at Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where you will cruise along the full length of the fiord during a spectacular Signature Experience. Afterwards, Queenstown awaits.
Accommodation
Three Nights, Millennium Hotel Queenstown
- Breakfast
- Dinners
Today, discover Queenstown your own way with an included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity. Later, choose where to enjoy dinner with our Freedom of Choice dining options and savour the tantalising tastes of New Zealand’s celebrated South Island.
Meals Included- Breakfast
- Dinners
Immerse yourself in beautiful Queenstown with a full day at leisure. You may like to enjoy a relaxing stroll along the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu, or perhaps take part in the thrill of a lifetime in this adventurous city.
Meals Included- Breakfast
Skirt the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea before crossing Haast Pass on your journey to Franz Josef/Waiau, where a Signature Experience awaits.
Accommodation
Franz Josef/Waiau, Te Waonui Forest Retreat
- Breakfast
- Dinners
Today, travel aboard the TranzAlpine train on your Signature Experience.
Accommodation
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
- Breakfast
This morning, follow the East Coast to Kaikoura before traversing the Marlborough region to Blenheim. Tonight, enjoy a Signature Experience at your hotel.
Accommodation
Two Nights, Blenheim, Scenic Hotel Marlborough
- Breakfast
- Dinners
Enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity today.
Meals Included- Breakfast
Today starts with a Signature Experience. This afternoon, take part in a fascinating sightseeing tour of Wellington.
Accommodation
InterContinental Wellington
- Breakfast
- Dinners
Today, you'll drive through the Rimutaka Ranges en route to Napier, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience.
Accommodation
Napier, Scenic Hotel Te Pania
- Breakfast
- Dinners
Today, journey through Esk Valley and Te Pohue, stopping at the charming town of Taupo. Later, travel to Rotorua and enjoy a Signature Experience.
Accommodation
Two Nights, Pullman Rotorua
- Breakfast
- Dinners
This morning, discover the beauty of Rotorua as you enjoy your chosen sightseeing activity. The evening is yours at leisure to explore further.
Meals Included- Breakfast
This morning, travel through the dairy farming region of Waikato to Auckland. Upon arrival, enjoy your selected sightseeing activity.
Accommodation
Crowne Plaza Auckland
- Breakfast
- Dinners
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Parry Kauri Park to view the large kauri trees and soak up the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the stunning Bay of Islands.
Accommodation
Two Nights, Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
- Breakfast
Today starts with a Signature Experience, where you will be immersed in the spectacular Bay of Islands region on a cruise. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to explore further before a farewell dinner.
Meals Included- Breakfast
- Dinners
After breakfast, travel to Auckland where your New Zealand adventure concludes. We say goodbye before we transfer you to the airport for your flight.
Meals Included- Breakfast
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Itinerary, hotels, pricing and inclusions are subject to change
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Weather may cause disruptions to itinerary, especially in remote locations
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APT highly recommends travel insurance
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Prices are fully inclusive of all sightseeing, entrance fees, cruises, and meals as specified, as well as accommodation
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Prices are for land and/or cruise only. Flights not included unless specified
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