New Zealand Escorted Tours

14 Days: Journey through the top of the North Island on the Overlander and travel aboard the TranzCoastal train between Picton to Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. The TranzAlpine train journey is rated as one of the world's greatest, taking you from Christchurch to the wild West Coast.

Highlights

• Enjoy six rail journeys including the award-winning TranzAlpine Train
• Enjoy Freedom of Choice Touringin Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Dunedin and Mt Cook
• The Overlander Train
• Auckland to Otorohanga
• Te Kuiti to Tongariro National Park
• The TranzMetro Service
• Featherston to Wellington
• The TranzCoastal Train
• Picton to Christchurch
• The TranzAlpine Train
• Christchurch to Greymouth
• The Kingston Flyer Vintage Steam Train
• Kingston to Fairlight
• The Seasider
• Dunedin to Palmerston
• 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
• Cruise the length of Milford Sound
• Discover Mt Cook National Park
• Ride the Wellington Cable Car
• Overnight at Chateau Tongariro
• Stay at the Hermitage, Mt Cook
• 13 Breakfasts (B) and 10 Dinners (D) including
• If you're a solo traveller and are happy to share a room with a solo traveller of the same gender, you'll only pay the Twin Share price
• If we can't find you a room-mate, you'll stay in a single room by yourself at no added cost, subject to availability
• Contact us for more details
• Fully inclusive of all sightseeing, entrance fees, cruises, meals as specified and accommodation
• Land content only
• At the time of making your booking, let APT's experts secure you the best airfares available
• Contact us for more details

Day 1. Auckland, Freedom of Choice Touring

On arrival in Auckland today be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, you have your choice of our exciting Freedom of Choice Touring options, including a climb up Auckland Harbour Bridge, sail on Waitemata Harbour, an informative trip to Auckland's museum and more.

Day 2. Auckland, Overlander Train, Rotorua, Hangi Feast

This morning board the Overlander Train and journey to Otorohanga. Continue to the Waitomo caves by coach, where you will explore the impressive limestone caverns and enjoy a silent boat ride beneath millions of glow-worms. Continue the journey south to Rotorua, a centre for both geothermal activity and traditional Maori culture. Tonight, gain an insight into this culture as you enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and cultural performance of song and dance, including the fierce Haka.

Day 3. Rotorua, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today you have the opportunity to choose a Freedom of Choice Touring activity. Perhaps indulge in a leisurely soak at the Polynesian Spa, explore the Rotorua Museum or take a tour of the eco-thermal highlights of the region.

Day 4. Rotorua, The Overlander, Tongariro National Park

This morning travel to Te Kuiti by coach and join The Overlander train for a tour through the heart of the North Island. Travel over the world-renowned Raurimu Spiral. Spend this evening in the World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park.

Day 5. TranzMetro Train, Wellington

This morning you'll head south through Taihape, known as the Gumboot Capital of New Zealand. Continue through the Manawatu Gorge and the Wairarapa region and onward to the small township of Featherston. Here, you'll visit the Fell Locomotive Museum and board the TranzMetro train for our short but scenic journey to Wellington.

Day 6. Wellington

Today begins with a short stroll to the Wellington Cable Car. Ascend to the top of the Botanic Gardens and perhaps visit the Cable Car Museum, and take a relaxing walk around the Botanic Gardens. Continue to the Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa. The remainder of today is at leisure for you to explore Wellington.

Day 7. Wellington, TranzCoastal Train, Christchurch

This morning board the Interislander for a cruise between the North and South islands. This cruise takes you across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On arrival join the TranzCoastal train for a scenic journey between mountains and sea. Pass Kaikoura and continue over the North Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the Garden City.

Day 8. TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef

This morning step aboard the award-winning TranzAlpine train rail journey, voted one of the best in the world. Travel through the country's greatest mountain range, the mighty Southern Alps in Arthurs Pass National Park. Disembark at Greymouth and continue to the impressive Franz Josef Glacier on the rugged West Coast.

Day 9. Franz Josef, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner

Enjoy incredible scenery this morning as you leave the Westland National Park. See spectacular mountain ranges, untouched native forests, lakes and glaciers. Journey along the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Continue to the alpine resort of Queenstown and tonight choose from four different dining experiences.

Day 10. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today choose an activity from our Freedom of Choice options. Perhaps enjoy a garden tour or visit some local wineries. You may join an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Shotover River or choose to join a double-decker bus tour through the streets of Queenstown and to the small gold rush settlement of Arrowtown.

Day 11. Milford Sound, Te Anau

Journey along the Milford Road into Fiordland National Park. 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.

Day 12. Dunedin, Freedom of Choice Touring

On arrival in Dunedin choose your touring activity. Perhaps jump aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway Excursion, or view the magnificent Royal Albatross or Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies on the Otago Peninsula. You could even visit Speight's Brewery, where one of New Zealand's best-known beers is made.

Day 13. Dunedin, Seasider Train, Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice Touring

This morning board the Seasider train at Dunedin and journey up the east coast to Palmerston. Continue through the High Country to Mt Cook National Park and chose your touring activity.

Day 14. Mt Cook, Christchurch

Visit Lake Tekapo and the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, erected to honour the early settlers of this region. Leave the High Country and travel through Burkes Pass to Christchurch, where your tour concludes with a transfer to the airport.