Beginning in the North Island, this 14 Day Tour winds its way south, taking in New Zealand’s premier attractions along the way. Among other highlights, you’ll see the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, cruise Cook Strait and Milford Sound, absorb the majesty of Franz Josef Glacier and explore Mt Cook National Park. What’s more, you’ll choose from our Freedom of Choice Touring options in six locations.
TOUR CODE APNCA14
HIGH SEASON OCT 2010 - APRIL 2011
TOUR COST FROM nz$6095 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (With Breakfasts)
TOUR COST FROM nz$6745 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (Breakfasts & Dinners)
LOW SEASON SEPT 2010; MAY 2011 - SEPT 2011
TOUR COST FROM nz$5365 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (With Breakfasts)
TOUR COST FROM nz$5935 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (Breakfasts & Dinners)
DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2010
7 14 21 28 SEPT; 5 9 129 26 OCT; 2 9 13 16 20 23 27 30 NOV;
7 14 21 28 DEC
DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2011
8 11 15 18 22 25 29 JAN; 1 5 8 10 12 15 17 19 22 24 26 FEB;
1 3 8 12 15 19 22 29 MARCH 5 12 19 26 APRIL; 3 10 24 MAY; 21 JUNE;
12 JULY; 16 23 30 AUG; 6 13 20 27 SEPT; 11 15 18 25 29 OCT;
1 8 12 15 19 22 26 29 NOV; 6 13 20 24 DEC
Most dates are guaranteed - ask when booking
Day 1
Auckland, Freedom of Choice Touring
On arrival today, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Then choose the sightseeing activity that interests you the most from our range of Freedom of Choice Touring options. Options include a city sightseeing tour, a climb up Auckland Harbour Bridge, a cruise aboard the Pride of Auckland on Waitemata Harbour, a visit to Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World and many more.
Stay: Auckland,
Day 2
Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
Leaving Auckland this morning, travel to the renowned Waitomo Caves and take a guided tour of the incredible underground limestone caverns. You’ll also enjoy a silent boat ride beneath millions of glow-worms. Continue to Rotorua and tonight immerse yourself in Maori hospitality and culture at a Maori Hangi feast and performance of song and dance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua,
Day 3
Rotorua
Today choose your Freedom of Choice Touring option from our range of activities. Perhaps visit Rainbow Springs to walk along clear streams teeming with trout and view native flora and fauna. Or learn about the country’s sheep farming industry at the Agrodome. Alternatively, indulge in a leisurely soak at the Polynesian Spa. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, a 4WD Bush Safari may appeal.
Day 4
Rotorua - Wellington
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island and view Wairakei Steam Valley. Visit thundering Huka Falls and tranquil Lake Taupo before travelling south across the vast plateau of Tongariro National Park en route to Wellington, the nation’s capital.
Stay: Wellington
Day 5
Wellington - Blenheim
Enjoy a brief city tour this morning then visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Later, step aboard the Interislander ferry to cruise across Cook Strait and through the stunning Marlborough Sounds to Picton on the South Island. Rejoin the coach and travel to Blenheim for dinner and your overnight stay.
Stay: Blenheim
Day 6
Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch
Today enjoy a spectacular scenic journey between mountains andsea. Travel through the Marlborough region, an area with a strong international reputation for white wines. 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, the largest city in the South Island and renowned as the Garden City due to its profusion of elegant gardens and beautiful architecture. Christchurch was founded in 1850 as a model Church of England settlement and has retained a unique English flavor.
Stay: Christchurch
Day 7
Christchurch - TranzAlpine Train - Franz Josef
This morning after breakfast, board the award-winning TranzAlpine train for a trip through breathtaking landscapes to Arthurs Pass. Voted one of the top train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine is known as New Zealand’s Great Rail Adventure. Cross the vast patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before climbing up into the Main Divide. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and continue to Hokitika by coach. Here you will have the opportunity to see Pounamu (jade) being carved into beautiful jewelry and other items. You’ll also visit the ancient glacial scenery and take in the rain forest surrounding Franz Josef Glacier, a sweeping shelf of ice, said to be the tears of a Maori princess pining for her lost love.
Stay: Josef Glacier
Day 8
Franz Josef - Haast - Queenstown. Dine Around Dinner
Enjoy a day of incredible scenery as you travel along the Haast River by safari boat, capturing views of the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley. Continue to Queenstown, where you’ll choose from four different restaurants.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown
Day 9
Queenstown. Freedom of Choice Touring
Join your selected touring activity. Perhaps enjoy a garden tour or visit some local wineries. You may join a jetboat ride on the Shotover River or a double decker bus tour through the streets of Queenstown and to the small goldrush settlement of Arrowtown.
Day 10
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Journey along the Milford Road. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys and through the Homer Tunnel. On arrival at Milford Sound cruise the full length of this stunning fjord. Following your cruise, drive to the tranquil lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Stay: Te Anau
Day 11
Te Anau - Dunedin Freedom of Choice Touring
Journey through rolling Southland countryside to the city of Dunedin. This afternoon you choose an activity and we will include it. Perhaps jump aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway Excursion, or view the magnificent Royal Albatross or Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies on the Otago Peninsula.
Stay: Dunedin
Day 12
Dunedin - Mt Cook. Freedom of Choice Touring
Departing Dunedin, journey north to see the unusual Moeraki Boulders. Stop at Oamaru, renowned for its distinctive cream limestone buildings, then continue inland passing beautiful glacier-fed lakes of incredible color. Arrive in the heart of MacKenzie Country, surrounded by majestic mountain scenery and wide open tussock grasslands. Then journey into New Zealand’s highland and Mt Cook National Park, which was awarded World Heritage status in recognition of its qualities and rare beauty. View Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain at 12,516 feet above sea level. On arrival, join your selected Freedom of Choice touring activity, with options including a guided walk through the national park or stargazing with expert astronomy guides.
Stay: Mt Cook, The Hermitage
Day 13
Mt Cook - Christchurch
Travel to Lake Tekapo and visit the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. Leaving the High Country, cross the Rakaia River and travel through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch
Day 14
Depart Christchurch, Freedom of Choice Touring.
Choose from our range of touring activities in Christchurch. Perhaps take a Garden Tour, go punting on the Avon, take a Bike Tour around the city or visit Christchurch’s Must See Four. After your activity, the tour ends. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon.
Included Signature Experiences
Enjoy a Maori Hangi feast in Rotorua
Country Homestay available in Rotorua
Cruise between the North and South islands aboard the Interislander ferry
Ride on the famous TranzAlpine train
Marvel at impressive Franz Josef Glacier
Take the thrilling Haast River Safari
Cruise the length of Milford Sound
Discover Mt Cook National Park
Guaranteed Inclusions
Take a tour of the Waitomo Caves
Visit the coastal town of Kaikoura
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
Premier Accommodation
Premier Dining
13 Breakfasts and 11 Dinners (Dinners optional cost)
170410