GREAT NEW ZEALAND EXPERINCE
Premier Plus Touring
LIMITED TO 30 PASSENGERS
See all the major sights of New Zealand on our most popular Premier Plus 21 Day Tour. On this comprehensive and stylish holiday, absorb the majestic sights of the Bay of Islands, experience Maori culture and geothermal activity in Rotorua, discover the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds on your Interislander cruise and explore the rugged West Coast. Cruise the full length of spectacular Milford Sound and explore the alpine resort of Queenstown. Further south, the Scottish-inspired city of Dunedin, spectacular Mt Cook and the luxurious Hermitage Hotel await. Personalise your holiday experience even more with Freedom of Choice Touring and Dine Around Dinners. The ‘Great New Zealand Experience’ covers it all!
TOUR CODE AP-NAA21
HIGH SEASON OCT 2010 - APRIL 2011
TOUR COST FROM nz$9355 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (With Breakfasts)
TOUR COST FROM nz$10,795 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (Breakfasts & Dinners)
LOW SEASON MAY 2011 - SEPT 2011
TOUR COST FROM nz$8230 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (With Breakfasts)
TOUR COST FROM nz$9495 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (Breakfasts & Dinners)
DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2010
5 17 20 29 OCT; 6 9 14 17 20 26 NOV; 10 18 22 DEC
DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2011
2 7 15 19 29 JAN; 2 4 6 8 11 13 16 18 22 24 26 28 FEB;
8 12 15 19 24 MARCH 2 8 16 20 APRIL; 6 MAY; 17 JUNE; 8 JULY
26 AUG 9 14 24 SEPT 1 11 21 26 OCT; 4 8 12 16 18 23 26 NOV
3 9 14 DEC
Day 1
Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be met at the airport by an APT Representative and transferred to your centrally-located hotel. The rest of today is at leisure to relax and settle in, or begin exploring this wonderful city.
Two Night Stay: Auckland
Day 2
Auckland - Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning is at leisure for you to relax and discover Auckland. This afternoon, you choose the touring activity and we will include it. Perhaps take an Auckland City Sights tour, visit Auckland’s museum, explore Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World or embark on a Waitakere Rainforest Adventure.
Day 3
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and travel through Warkworth and Wellsford. Visit Matakohe Pioneer Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of kauri gum. Continue to Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve and view the giant kauri tree Tane Mahuta, ‘Lord of the Forest’. Travel across the country to the historic Bay of Islands and visit the Waitangi Treaty House. Later this afternoon you’ll also visit the Maori Meeting House and see the War Canoe.
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands,
Day 4
Bay of Islands - Freedom of Choice Touring
Not only is the beautiful Bay of Islands the birthplace of the nation and thus full of New Zealand history, it is also home to 144 islands and known as a playground for lovers of anything aquatic. After breakfast you have the opportunity to choose the activity that most interests you, with options including a day trip to Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand and a dolphin watching adventure.
Day 5
Bay of Islands - Auckland
This morning after breakfast, embark on a Bay of Islands catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. In these world-renowned deep-sea fishing grounds, dolphins and schools of fish are frequently seen. Meander through the inner islands, viewing sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and visit a secluded bay with time for relaxation. Following your cruise, journey south back to Auckland.
Stay: Auckland
Day 6
Auckland - Rotorua
This morning after breakfast, travel south through the Waikato Province to Waitomo Caves for a guided tour of the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. Then continue to the geothermal region of Rotorua, known as the centre of Maori culture. Enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and cultural performance of song and dance at Mitai Maori Village tonight.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua
Day 7
Rotorua - Freedom of Choice Touring
Rotorua is New Zealand’s oldest and best-known resort, where generations of visitors have marvelled at its geothermal activity and experienced Maori culture. Today, you select the activity and we will include it! You may choose to take a soak in a natural thermal mineral pool, visit the Rotorua Museum or be entertained by a sheep show and shearing display.
Day 8
Rotorua - Taupo - Wellington
Today visit Wairakei Steam Valley, a unique and fascinating geothermal power project. See spectacular Huka Falls and picturesque Lake Taupo. Travelling south, cross the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park on the way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.
Stay: Wellington
Day 9
Wellington - Nelson
Join the Interislander Cruise across Cook Strait to the South island. Travel through the pretty Marlborough region to Nelson for tonight’s Dine Around Dinner.
Stay: Nelson,
Day 10
Nelson - Franz Josef
Follow the Heritage Highway to the West Coast. View the Pancake rock formations at Punakaiki, fascinating limestone formations that began forming 30 million years ago. Stop at Hokitika to see Pounamu (jade) being carved, then enter Westland National Park to view the famous glaciers. Tonight, sample regional cuisine during a West Coast Specialities Dinner.
Stay: Franz Josef
Day 11
Franz Josef - Wanaka
View incredible scenery today as you travel through Haast Pass, over the Southern Alps and past lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Wanaka.
Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Wanaka, Edgewater Resort
Day 12
Wanaka - Queenstown
Depart Wanaka and journey to Arrowtown, an old goldrush settlement. Continue to Queenstown, a popular holiday destination on Lake Wakatipu. Tonight choose to dine at one of 14 different restaurants.
Two Night Stay Queenstown
Day 13
Queenstown - Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, thanks to our Freedom of Choice Touring concept, you are able to personalise your sightseeing from a range of activities. You might like to go rambling through a selection of beautiful local gardens or take a relaxing local winery tour. Perhaps take an exciting jetboat ride, or a fun Double Decker Bus tour through the streets of Queenstown to the goldrush settlement of Arrowtown.
Day 14
Milford Sound - Te Anau
This morning travel through Fiordland National Park where lush rainforest meets snow-capped mountains. Drive along Milford Road, renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular alpine drives. On arrival at Milford Sound, cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord, travelling below famous mile-high Mitre Peak. This afternoon, return through the Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Stay Te Anau
Day 15
Te Anau - Dunedin - Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, journey via beautiful Lake Manapouri to Dunedin, settled by the Scottish in 1848 and renowned as the Edinburgh of the South. This afternoon select an activity from our Freedom of Choice Touring options. Perhaps visit Larnach Castle, tour the Otago Peninsula, visit Speight’s Brewery, or enjoy a Taieri Gorge Railway excursion.
Stay: Dunedin
Day 16
Dunedin - Mt Cook Freedom of Choice Touring, Dine Around Dinner
Today travel north along the coast to view the fascinating Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Stop at Oamaru, known for its distinctive limestone architecture. Then pass massive hydro-electric dams and glacier-fed lakes on the journey to Mt Cook National Park, home to Australasia’s highest mountain. On arrival, join your selected Freedom of Choice Touring activity. Choose from a guided nature walk through the national park, an afternoon of discovery at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or stargazing with an astronomy guide. Tonight choose to dine at either The Panorama Room or Alpine Restaurant within The Hermitage.
Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Mt Cook, The Hermitage, with views of Mt Cook from your room
Day 17
Mt Cook - Christchurch, Dine Around Dinner
This morning you’ll travel to Lake Tekapo and visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built from locally gathered stone and oak. Leaving the High Country behind, cross the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury plains. On the way to Christchurch, you might like to ride the TranzAlpine train from Arthurs Pass or perhaps continue with the coach, which will travel through the Rakaia Gorge to Christchurch. Tonight choose from three superb restaurants at your hotel.
Stay: Christchurch,
Day 18
Christchurch - Wellington
Enjoy Freedom of Choice Touring activity in Christchurch before boarding the coach and travel to Kaikoura, a renowned whale watching town. Continue to Picton at the top of the South Island and board the Interislander ferry for the return cruise across Cook Strait to Wellington.
Stay: Wellington,
Day 19
Wellington - Taupo
Leaving Wellington this morning, cross the Rimutaka Ranges into the farming district of the Wairarapa. Continue to the coastal township of Napier, an area dominated by orchards and vineyards. There is time to explore this unique Art Deco city before you continue to Taupo.
Stay: Taupo
Day 20
Taupo, Auckland
Near Taupo, stop and visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, a well-known geothermal area. Then visit Kiwifruit Country before travelling to the beach resort of Mt Maunganui and on to Tauranga. Later, return to Auckland.
Stay: Auckland,
Day 21
Depart Auckland
Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. Today is at leisure for you to explore this beautiful city, before it is time for your included departure transfer to the airport.
Included Signature Experiences
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Bay of Islands overnight cruise option
Enjoy a Maori Hangi feast in Rotorua
Country Homestay available in Rotorua
Luxury Huka Lodge upgrade available
Cruise between the North and South islands aboard the Interislander ferry
Marvel at impressive Franz Josef Glacier
Cruise the length of Milford Sound
Discover Mt Cook National Park
Ride on the famous TranzAlpine train
Outstanding Places to Stay
NEW! Te Waonui Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
EXCLUSIVE! Stay at the Edgewater Resort, Wanaka, a tranquil lakeside haven
EXCLUSIVE! Two nights at the luxurious Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
EXCLUSIVE! Stay at the iconic Hermitage, Mt Cook, with views of Mt Cook
Finest Dining
20 Breakfasts and 19 Dinners (Dinner extra optional cost as above)
Queenstown Dine Around Dinner
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