New Zealand Escorted Tours

12 Days: Discover the key attractions of both the North and South islands over an unforgettable 12 Days. Beginning in the harbour city of Auckland, travel south to geothermal Rotorua and Wellington, the nation's capital, before cruising aboard the Interislander to the South Island.

Highlights

• Cultural Touring Experiences
• Dine Around Dinners
• 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 the impressive Franz Josef Glacier
• Cruise the length of Milford Sound
• Discover Mt Cook National Park
• Enjoy Freedom of Choice Touring in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington and Queenstown
• Enjoy a Dine Around Dinner in Queenstown
• You'll have the services of a dedicated Tour Director and professional Driver
• Arrival and departure airport transfers
• Two nights at the Holiday Inn, Rotorua
• Three nights at the centrally-located Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
• 11 Breakfasts and 7 Dinners including:
• Maori Hangi feast, Rotorua
• Dine Around Dinner in Queenstown
• Days 10-12 are Independent Touring. Join local guides on day tours as per the itinerary
• 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. Arrive 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 a climb up Auckland Harbour Bridge, 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 at a Maori hangi feast and performance of song and dance.

Day 3. Rotorua, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today choose your touring option from our range of activities. Such as a visit to 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 enjoy a full day to explore the nation's capital. Exclusive to a Premier Escorted Tour, choose from our selection of Freedom of Choice Touring activities in and around Wellington. Perhaps tour the sights of Wellington on a highlights tour which includes a guided tour of the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, the Old Parliament buildings and visit the Old St Paul's Cathedral. For those with an interest in all things nature, perhaps visit Zealandia: Karori Eco Sanctuary, where you can learn of New Zealand's incredible natural history and renowned conservation projects. Or you might like to take a half day ‘Lord of the Rings' tour where you'll visit seven of the best set locations in the Wellington area. If you've ever had a fascination for all things celestial, then a visit to the Carter Observatory and Planetarium is for you. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.

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

Board the award-winning TranzAlpine train for New Zealand's greatest rail adventure. Journey through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, before travelling through gorges, river valleys and across the magnificent Southern Alps within Arthurs Pass National Park. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and journey to Hokitika by coach. Here, see Pounamu (jade) being carved into jewellery, then continue along the dramatic West Coast to Franz Josef, where you'll have the opportunity to see Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 8. Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner

Enjoy a day of incredible scenery as you travel along the Haast River, capturing views of the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley, towering peaks, waterfalls and rainforest. 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 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 adrenaline 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. Dinner tonight is at your leisure to try some of Queenstown's local restaurants for yourself.

Day 10. Milford Sound, Queenstown

This morning, leave your escorted tour for independent touring. Follow the Remarkables mountain range to Fiordland National Park. On arrival, cruise the full length of Milford Sound. View waterfalls, cliffs, dense rainforest, mountains and the famous Mitre Peak, Keep an eye out for wildlife that frequent these waters, such as seal, dolphins and penguins. This afternoon return to Queenstown.

Day 11. Queenstown, Christchurch

Travel to Otago and visit Mt Cook National Park. Join an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight with a snow landing (own expense, weather permitting). Stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo before continuing on to Christchurch.

Day 12. Depart Christchurch

This morning after breakfast your tour comes to an end with an included airport transfer.