New Zealand Escorted Tours

14 Days: 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

Highlights

• Cultural Touring Experiences
• Freedom of Choice Touring
• Enjoy a Maori hangi feast in Rotorua
• Country Homestay available in Rotorua
• Cruise across Cook Strait to the south island aboard the Interislander ferry
• Ride on the famous TranzAlpine train
• Marvel at Franz Josef Glacier
• Cruise the length of Milford Sound
• Discover Mt Cook National Park
• Enjoy Freedom of Choice Touring in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin, Mt Cook and Christchurch
• Enjoy a Dine Around Dinner in Queenstown
• Arrival and departure airport transfers
• Stay a total of two nights at the Rydges Hotel in Christchurch
• Enjoy two nights at the Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
• Stay overnight at The Hermitage, Mt Cook
• 13 Breakfasts and 10 Dinners including
• Maori Hangi feast, Rotorua
• Queenstown Dine Around Dinner
• 9 Day Southern Tourer, refer to tour code NCC09
• 17 Day New Zealand Wonderland Auckland to Christchurch, refer to tour code NCC17
• 21 Day Great New Zealand Experience Auckland to Auckland, refer to tour code NAA21
• 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 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 activities. Options include an Auckland Harbour Bridge climb, a cruise aboard the Pride of Auckland on Waitemata Harbour, a visit to Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and many more.

Day 2. Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Hangi Feast

Leaving Auckland, travel to the renowned Waitomo Caves and take a guided tour of the incredible underground limestone caverns. Continue to Rotorua and tonight immerse yourself in Maori hospitality and culture with a Maori hangi feast and performance of song and dance.

Day 3. Rotorua, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today choose your touring options 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.

Day 4. Rotorua, Wellington

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island and view Wairakei Steam Valley. Visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo before travelling south across the vast plateau of Tongariro National Park en-route to Wellington.

Day 5. Wellington, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today choose from our selection of Freedom of Choice Touring activities. Perhaps take a Wellington highlights tour, visit Zealandia: Karori Eco Sanctuary, enjoy a ‘Lord of the Rings' tour or visit the Carter Observatory and Planetarium. Dinner tonight is at your leisure to try one of the local restaurants.

Day 6. Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch

Step aboard the Interislander ferry to cruise across Cook Strait and through the stunning Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Visit the fishing town of Kaikoura, famous for its whale watching, before continuing to Christchurch.

Day 7. TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef

This morning board the award-winning TranzAlpine train and take in the stunning scenery as you journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the magnificent Southern Alps. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and continue by coach, via Hokitika, to the glacial West Coast and view Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 8. Franz Josef, Haast, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner

Enjoy a day of incredible scenery as you travel along the banks of the Haast River, capturing views of the towering peaks, waterfalls and rainforest of the Haast River Valley. Arrive in Queenstown, where this evening you'll choose from four different eateries in which to dine in. You may like to board the TSS Earnslaw and cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm for ‘The Great Kiwi Carvery' at the Colonel's Homestead. Or take a gondola ride up to the Skyline Restaurant. Finz is another option for those who are after fresh seafood and a rotisserie style restaurant. Alternatively, try Avantis, an Italian restaurant offering casual dining.

Day 9. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today you have the opportunity to choose the activity and we will include it. Perhaps enjoy a garden tour or visit some local wineries. Get the adrenalin pumping on an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Shotover River or choose to join a Double Decker Bus tour through the streets of Queenstown and Arrowtown.

Day 10. 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 fiord. Following your cruise, drive to the tranquil lakeside settlement of 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 and Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies on the Otago Peninsula. Or visit Speight's Brewery, where some of New Zealand's best-known beers are made.

Day 12. Dunedin, Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today journey north along the coast and stop to view the unique Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue past Pukaki, Aviemore and Benmore lakes to World Heritage-listed Mt Cook National Park, where you'll join your selected touring activity. Options include a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, a glacier cruise, or a guided nature walk.

Day 13. Mt Cook Christchurch

Leaving the spectacular snow-capped mountains of Mt Cook National Park behind, travel by coach to picturesque Lake Tekapo. Here, you'll pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of locally gathered stone and oak. Later, travel through Burkes Pass to Christchurch and tonight swap tales of your holiday with fellow travellers at your final dinner together.

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, enjoy a Bike Tour around the city or visit Christchurch's Must See Four. After your activity, your tour ends with a transfer to the airport in the afternoon.