New Zealand Wonderland
19 Days
Visiting: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, NZ, Te Anau, Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park, London
Tour operator:
Tour Overview
Explore New Zealand’s highlights over 17 days, from north to south, with included international return flights to and from the UK. Visit the Bay of Islands, Auckland, the Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Wellington in the North Island. In the south, ride the TranzAlpine train, see idyllic surrounds at Franz Josef, cruise Milford Sound and visit Queenstown, Dunedin, Aoraki Mount Cook and Christchurch.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Depart London, In Air
Location: Auckland
Depart the United Kingdom on your included international return flight. Let excitement and anticipation build as you fly to unforgettable New Zealand.
Day 3 : Arrive Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Grand Millennium Auckland
On arrival into Auckland, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 4 : Auckland, Bay Of Islands
Location: Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Bay of Islands, Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands where you will enjoy a visit to the historic Treaty House and ceremonial War Canoe at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Day 5 : Bay Of Islands
Location: Bay of Islands
Meals Included: Breakfast
See the spectacular Bay of Islands region on a cruise. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to further explore.
Day 6 : Bay Of Islands, Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Grand Millennium Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Auckland before selecting from our Freedom of Choice activities. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy a delicious Pacific-themed dinner.
Day 7 : Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Millennium Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous glow worm caves where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an eerie glow. Discover this natural wonder on a guided boat ride through a grotto lit by these magical creatures, before continuing to Rotorua.
Day 8 : Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.
Day 9 : Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, InterContinental Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand’s North Island this morning. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, then visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before travelling across the plateau of Tongariro National Park to Wellington.
Day 10 : Wellington
Location: Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including Mt Victoria, the waterfront area and New Zealand’s national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to further explore this coastal city and perhaps dine at a local restaurant.
Day 11 : Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Christchurch, The Commodore
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, travel to the South Island, to the quaint fishing town of Kaikoura before continuing along the central east coast all the way to Christchurch.
Day 12 : Christchurch, Tranzalpine Train, Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Franz Josef, Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pass through epic river valleys and past awesome mountain ranges on the TranzAlpine Train, then disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Hokitika, where you will see pounamu (jade) being carved into pieces of jewellery. Continue to Franz Josef.
Day 13 : Franz Josef, Queenstown
Location: Queenstown, NZ
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a day of breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Haast River Valley to Queenstown. Tonight, enjoy a Freedom of Choice Dining evening.
Day 14 : Queenstown
Location: Queenstown, NZ
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy flexibility in how to spend your day with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.
Day 15 : Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau
Location: Te Anau
Accommodation Name: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on a scenic drive today as you journey along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then drive through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak, the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound. Continue to Milford Sound. Afterwards, enjoy a picturesque drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Day 16 : Te Anau, Dunedin
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation Name: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey through Southland countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon, select your Freedom of Choice activity.
Day 17 : Dunedin, Aoraki Mt Cook
Location: Mt Cook National Park
Accommodation Name: Aoraki Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where you choose your activity.
Day 18 : Aoraki Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Lake Tekapo and pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel.
Day 19 : Depart Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your included international flight home to the UK.
Day 20 : Arrive London
Location: London
After a breathtaking 17 days in New Zealand, arrive home to the UK.
What's Included
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Return scheduled flights from the UK*
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Experiences in 15 destinations
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Freedom of Choice inclusions in five locations
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Finest dining - A total of 27 meals
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Expert APT tour director and driver
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16 nights' luxury accommodation
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Return airport transfers and porterage
Notes
Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
Prices listed are indicative and may not be available on all departure dates listed
Prices are seasonal and are subject to change
Prices are fully inclusive of all sightseeing, entrance fees, cruises, meals as specified and accommodation
Itinerary effective 6 September 2023 – 5 June 2024. Tours departing outside these dates follow a different itinerary – enquire for details.
Prices are for land only and return flights from the UK only
Check out our Q&As
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What if I have special dietary requirements?
Please ensure you advise APT during your booking process if you or any of your travelling companions have special dietary needs or requests. We aim to cater for all requests which are advised at the time of making your booking.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel Documents are sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Certain information may be required to help finalise your booking.
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What are Freedom of Choice Touring options?
For APT tour programs, you may have the opportunity to select a Freedom of Choice Touring activity. These options are at no additional cost, and confirmed whilst on tour. The Tour Directors will guide you through all of the available options, and assist with booking these for those who are interested. Your brochure or our website will feature Freedom of Choice options for some tours - where applicable. Should time permit, passengers may be given the opportunity to experience a second option by purchasing that option.
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Where do I join the tour?
Most of our itineraries commence with a transfer from the airport, or a meet and greet on Day 1. There may be times recommended for you to fly, which your Sales consultant will provide you. If you choose to fly in a few days prior to your tour commencing and explore independently you will be advised of a time and location to meet the tour group. If booking pre tour accommodation with APT on an exclusive APT tour itinerary, you will receive both a transfer from the airport and on Day 1 of the tour to join your fellow guests. For Europe River cruises, the vessels are available for early boarding upon your arrival. Luggage can be stored at reception, and passengers have access to the main lounge. Cabin check in is available from 3pm.
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How do I advise of Health/Mobility Requirements?
Your Sales consultant will ask you for any requirements pertaining to your Health & Fitness during your booking process. A questionnaire may be required to be completed, which you will be advised.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
APT has been operating for over 95 years!
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What are the luggage requirements?
Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm - length/height/width (63 inches), weight limit 20kgs (44 pounds). Additional fees may apply for additional luggage, and must be requested by time of final payment. Some safari / adventure tours may have further luggage restrictions where passengers need to pack down to a small soft duffle 10-15kg bag due to the smaller vehicles that are used whilst on tour, this includes Kimberley Wilderness Adventure, Outback Wilderness Adventures, Africa. Your Sales consultant can provide you with specific regulations.
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Is tipping included on my APT tour?
Tipping is included for all APT operated tours. There are a few activities whereby tipping is not included such as Tailor Made Holidays, Africa & South America's City Stays & Extensions, and the Northern Lights Adventure in North America.
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
APT requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 100 days before departure.