74595
74595
New Zealand Wonderland
New Zealand Wonderland
Tour/Cruise
Auckland → Christchurch
Explore New Zealand’s highlights over 17 days, from north to south. 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.Trip notes
- Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
- Ask us about pre and post accommodation
- Prices are for land only. Flights not included unless specified
- 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 2024 – 9 June 2025. Tours departing outside these dates follow a different itinerary – enquire for details.
Tour details
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| Tour Provider | APT |
| Number Of Days | 17 |
| Price From | RRP: $10,295 Our price: $8,995 |
| Start Location | Auckland, New Zealand |
| End Location | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Age Range | Avg. 45+ |
| Group Size | 10 to 45 |
| Tour Style | Luxury |
| Tour Themes | No specific theme |
| Physical Rating | Easy to Moderate |
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2 - Auckland, Bay of Islands
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 Can at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Day 3 - Bay of Islands
See the spectacular Bay of Islands region on a cruise. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to further explore.
Day 4 - Bay of Islands, Auckland
Travel to Auckland before selecting from our Freedom of Choice activities. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy a delicious Pacific-themed dinner.
Day 5 - Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
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 6 - Rotorua
Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.
Day 7 - Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington
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 8 - Wellington
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 9 - Wellington, Christchurch
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 10 - Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef/Waiau
After a special Signature Experience, disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika, famous for its stunning coastline and jade carving industry. Pounamu, or greenstone, holds great cultural significance for the Indigenous Maori people. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau.
Day 11 - Franz Josef/Waiau, Queenstown
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 12 - Queenstown
Enjoy flexibility in how to spend your day with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.
Day 13 - Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau
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/Piopiotahi. Continue to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Afterwards, enjoy a picturesque drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Day 14 - Te Anau, Dunedin
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 15 - Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook
Drive north and stop to view the Mraki Boulders on Kkohe Beach. Continue to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, where you choose your activity.
Day 16 - Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Travel to Lake Tekapo and taker in the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps and the stunning watercolours on the lake. Pay a visit to the tiny but charming Church of the Good Shepherd that features in many photographs because of its beautiful backdrop and surrounds. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight at your hotel.
Day 17 - Depart Christchurch
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Inclusions
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- All-inspiring sightseeing experiences in 15 destinations
- Freedom of Choice inclusions in five locations
- Locally inspired dining - a total of 27 meals
- 16 nights in hand-picked accommodation
- Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver, plus expert local guides
- Return airport transfers and porterage
Departure dates
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| Start | End | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 Sep 2024 | 22 Sep 2024 | Available |
$10,295 $8,995 |
| 13 Sep 2024 | 29 Sep 2024 | Available |
$10,745 $10,045 |
| 04 Oct 2024 | 20 Oct 2024 | Available |
$11,145 $10,445 |
| 11 Oct 2024 | 27 Oct 2024 | Available |
$10,895 $10,195 |
| 25 Oct 2024 | 10 Nov 2024 | Available |
$11,145 $10,445 |
| 01 Nov 2024 | 17 Nov 2024 | Available |
$10,895 $10,195 |
| 08 Nov 2024 | 24 Nov 2024 | Available |
$10,895 $10,195 |
| 15 Nov 2024 | 01 Dec 2024 | Available |
$11,145 $10,445 |
| 22 Nov 2024 | 08 Dec 2024 | Available |
$10,895 $10,195 |
| 29 Nov 2024 | 15 Dec 2024 | Available |
$11,145 $10,445 |
| 03 Jan 2025 | 19 Jan 2025 | Available |
$10,895 $10,195 |
| 10 Jan 2025 | 26 Jan 2025 | Available |
$10,895 $10,195 |
| 17 Jan 2025 | 02 Feb 2025 | Available |
$10,895 $10,195 |
| 24 Jan 2025 | 09 Feb 2025 | Available |
$10,895 $10,195 |
| 31 Jan 2025 | 16 Feb 2025 | Available |
$10,895 $10,195 |
| 07 Feb 2025 | 23 Feb 2025 | Available |
$10,895 $10,195 |
| 14 Feb 2025 | 02 Mar 2025 | Available |
$10,895 $10,195 |
| 21 Feb 2025 | 09 Mar 2025 | Available |
$10,695 $9,995 |
| 28 Feb 2025 | 16 Mar 2025 | Available |
$10,695 $9,995 |
| 07 Mar 2025 | 23 Mar 2025 | Available |
$10,695 $9,995 |
| 14 Mar 2025 | 30 Mar 2025 | Available |
$10,695 $9,995 |
| 21 Mar 2025 | 06 Apr 2025 | Available |
$10,695 $9,995 |
| 28 Mar 2025 | 13 Apr 2025 | Available |
$10,695 $9,995 |
| 04 Apr 2025 | 20 Apr 2025 | Available |
$10,295 $9,595 |
| 11 Apr 2025 | 27 Apr 2025 | Available |
$10,295 $9,595 |
| 25 Apr 2025 | 11 May 2025 | Available |
$10,295 $9,595 |
| 09 May 2025 | 25 May 2025 | Available |
$9,895 $9,195 |
| 23 May 2025 | 08 Jun 2025 | Available |
$9,895 $9,195 |
| 09 Jun 2025 | 25 Jun 2025 | Available |
$9,895 $9,195 |
