APT Essence Of New Zealand

Aoraki/Mount Cook
Take a journey through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you’ll see New Zealand’s tallest mountain and stay in the iconic Hermitage Hotel. Dine at the hotel’s Alpine Restaurant

Franz Josef/Waiau
Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park to the dramatic landscapes of Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Stay tonight at the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat, where you can relax in the rainforest before a four-course fine dining experience.

TranzAlpine Train
Travel coast to coast on the South Island aboard the famous TranzAlpine Train

Highlights of Marlborough Dinner
Enjoy a Highlights of Marlborough dinner at your hotel, where local chefs present each course, expertly paired with exceptional regional wines.

Bay of Islands Cruise
Head out on a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, sailing past islands, beaches and rocky outcrops

• Return airport transfers and porterage
• 19nts accommodation
• 33 meals
• Experiences in 16 destinations
• Freedom of choice inclusions in five locations
• Services of an APT Tour Driver and driver, as well as expert local guides

Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch
Once you’ve arrived in Christchurch, you’ll be met and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy an afternoon relaxing before taking a private tram ride through the city, learning about the regeneration of the city following the 2010 & 2011 earthquakes.
Dinner | Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Day 2: Lake Tekapo & Aoraki/Mount Cook
Leave Christchurch and travel over the Canterbury plains to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Later, head into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park where you’ll check into the iconic Hermitage Hotel and enjoy a delicious seasonal menu in the restaurant. Afterwards, choose one of the ‘Freedom of Choice Experiences’.
Breakfast & Dinner | The Hermitage Hotel

Day 3: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Dunedin
Travel along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Oamaru. From here, continue to Koekohe Beach to view the unusual Moeraki Boulders. Continue to Dunedin, arriving in the afternoon with free time before dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner | Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Day 4: Dunedin, Te Anau
This morning, visit Larnach Castle, exploring its history and gardens on a guided tour. Then, travel to the lakeside town of Te Anau where you’ll enjoy a ‘Taste of Fiordland’ dinner at the MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar.
Breakfast & Dinner | Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Day 5: Te Anau
Enjoy a full day in Te Anau, choosing from the selection of ‘Freedom of Choice’ activities on offer today.
Breakfast | Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Day 6: Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown
Travel down the Milford Road this morning, passing into Fiordland National Park to reach Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. On arrival, take a cruise along the full length of the sound to admire the stunning scenery. After disembarking, continue to Queenstown.
Breakfast & Dinner | Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 7: Queenstown
Today, discover Queenstown your own way with an included ‘Freedom of Choice’ sightseeing activity. Later, choose where to enjoy dinner with the ‘Freedom of Choice’ dining options and savour the tantalising tastes of New Zealand’s celebrated South Island.
Breakfast & Dinner | Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 8: Queenstown
Enjoy a full day at leisure,
Breakfast | Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 9: Queenstown, Franz Josef/ Waiau
Leave Queenstown and drive past Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea before crossing Haast Pass to reach Franz Josef/Waiau. Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park to the dramatic landscapes of Franz Josef Glacier. Stay at the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat on the edge of Franz Josef/Waiau village, unwind in the rainforest, and enjoy a four-course degustation dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner | Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Day 10: Franz Josef/Waiau, TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch
Travel aboard the TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch, covering the width of the island. Along the way, you’ll see some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes.
Breakfast | Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Day 11: Christchurch, Kaikōura, Blenheim
This morning, travel along the coast to Kaikōura before continuing to Blenheim where you’ll stay the night. In the evening, enjoy a ‘Highlights of Marlborough’ dinner at the hotel, with a superb menu prepared by local chefs and paired with exquisite wines.
Breakfast & Dinner | Scenic Hotel Marlborough

Day 12: Blenheim, Piction, Wellington
Visit a family-owned winery in the heart of Marlborough’s ‘Golden Mile’. Enjoy a wine tasting followed by a banquet lunch. Then, travel to Picton to take the Interislander ferry to Wellington.
Breakfast & lunch | Intercontinental Wellington

Day 13: Wellington
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s landmarks including Mount Victoria and the waterfront, as well as a visit to Te Papa Museum to learn about New Zealand’s history and culture.
Breakfast & Dinner | Intercontinental Wellington

Day 14: Wellington, Napier
Drive through the Kāpiti Coast to reach the wine region of Hawke’s Bay where you’ll explore Craggy Range Winery on a guided tour and enjoy a tasting and a two-course lunch. Then, continue to the city of Napier.
Breakfast & lunch | Scenic Te Pania Hotel

Day 15: Napier, Taupō, Rotorua
Today, journey through Esk Valley and Te Pōhue, stopping at the charming town of Taupō. Later, travel to Rotorua where you’ll enjoy an evening at Te Pā Tū with Māori delicacies, a haka pōwhiri welcome, and captivating song and storytelling, accompanied by seasonal canapés, aperitifs, and a three-course dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner | Pullman Rotorua

Day 16: Rotorua
This morning, discover the beauty of Rotorua as you enjoy your chosen ‘Freedom of Choice’ activity. The evening is yours at leisure to explore further.
Breakfast | Pullman Rotorua

Day 17: Rotorua, Auckland
This morning, travel through the region of Waikato to Auckland. On arrival, enjoy your chosen ‘Freedom of Choice’ activity.
Breakfast & Dinner | Crowne Plaza Auckland

Day 18: Auckland, Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland Harbour Bridge and follow the Hibiscus Coast, stopping at Parry Kauri Park to see majestic kauri trees and learn about Northland’s pioneering history, before continuing to the Bay of Islands.
Breakfast | Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Day 19: Bay of Islands
Take a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, exploring the inner islands and admiring their sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. Then, enjoy a free afternoon to explore before a farewell dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner | Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Day 20: Depart
After breakfast, journey to Auckland, where your New Zealand adventure ends, and transfer to the airport for your departure.
Breakfast

Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a range of experiences.

Day 2:

• Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre visit
• Stargazing
• Glacier Explorer Cruise

Day 5:

• Te Anau Glowworm Cave
• Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
• Fiordland Jet Boat Ride

Day 7: 

• ‘The Lord of the Rings’ 4WD Safari
• Wine Tour
• Skippers Canyon 4WD adventure
• Million Dollar Cruise
• Dart River Wilderness Jet boat journey
• Best of Queenstown
• Walter Peak Restaurant: BBQ Dinner
• Stratosfare Restaurant: Local and international cuisine with views over Queenstown and Remarkable Mountains
• Fergburger Restaurant: World-renowned burgers
• Finz Restaurant: Seafood & Grill

Day 16: 

• Rotorua Icons tour
• Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
• Eco-Thermal Tour
• Wai Ariki Hotel Springs & Spa

Day 17: 

• Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise
• All Blacks Experience
• Wētā Workshop Unleashed
• Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo
• Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure

Important Information: Prices are available on request and will include all mandatory charges, taxes, and fees applicable to your booking. Some destinations may have local taxes or resort fees payable on arrival; these will be clearly confirmed in your personalised quote.