GREAT NEW ZEALAND EXPERIENCE

Day 1. Arrive Auckland.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy the remainder of today at leisure to explore.
Two Night Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Day 2. Auckland, Freedom of Choice Touring.
This morning is at leisure in Auckland. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it! Perhaps choose from an Auckland City sights tour, a visit to Auckland’s Museum or a Waitakere Rainforest Adventure, enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea while venturing through lush rainforest. Adventure Options also available. Freedom of Choice Touring includes Auckland – 8 choices: Up the Sky Tower, cruise Waitemata Harbour, Waitakere Wilderness walk, a 1/2 Day sightseeing tour, visit Kelly Tarlton’s, Royal Reflexology treatment, visit the Maritime or Auckland Museum.
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Day 3. Auckland, Bay of Islands.
This morning we cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge, travelling through the farming communities of Warkworth and Wellsford. Visit the Matakohe Pioneer Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Kauri gum. Continue to the majestic Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve where we view the giant Kauri tree Tane Mahuta ‘Lord of the Forest’. Travel across country to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands Join a guided visit to the Waitangi Treaty House, Maori Meeting House and War Canoe.
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands, Waitangi Resort.
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Day 4. Bay of Islands, Freedom of Choice Touring.
Not only is the Bay of Islands the birthplace of the nation and thus full of New Zealand history, it is also home to 144 islands and renowned as a favourite playground for lovers of anything aquatic; diving, sailing and big game fishing. Today you have the opportunity to choose the sightseeing activity that most interests you and we will include it. Whether it be a day trip to the very top of New Zealand, a tour of the first capital town or sailing on a unique Tall Ship. The Choice is Yours! Adventure Options also available. Freedom of Choice Touring includes Bay of Islands – 7 choices: Go sailing on a Tall Ship and BBQ lunch, tour Russell, join the Dolphin Encounter, tour Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach, go fishing, a round of golf or take an Arts and Crafts Tour of Kerikeri.
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Day 5. Bay of Islands, Auckland.
This morning our Bay of Islands cruise takes us 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. Return this afternoon to Auckland.
Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel.
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Day 6. Auckland, Rotorua.
This morning we journey to the crest of Mt Eden, one of Auckland’s extinct volcanoes, to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city and its beautiful harbours. Leaving the ‘City of Sails’, we travel south through the rich dairy land of the Waikato Province to Waitomo Caves, here experience a guided tour of the limestone caverns and glow worm grotto. Journey to the the geo-thermal region of Rotorua, centre of Maori culture. Tonight is a unique experience, enjoy a Hangi (feast) and cultural performance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Millennium Rotorua.
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Day 7. Rotorua, Freedom of Choice Touring.
Rotorua is New Zealand’s oldest and best known resort, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its therapeutic waters, marvelled at its fascinating geo-thermal activity and experienced the regions’ unique Maori culture. Today we give you the opportunity to choose the activity and we will include it! You may choose a leisurely soak in a natural thermal mineral pool and a visit to the Rotorua Museum or be entertained and educated by a sheep show and shearing display. The choice is yours! Adventure Options also available. Freedom of Choice Touring includes Rotorua – 7 choices: ‘Must See Three’ attractions, Rotorua Museum and Realm of Tane cultural show, a Country Homestay, play a round of golf, an Eco-Thermal tour, spa treatment at the Polynesian Spa or a 4WD Bush Safari.
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Day 8. Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington.
Today we view Wairakei Steam Valley, a unique and fascinating geo-thermal power project. See spectacular Huka Falls and picturesque Lake Taupo. Travelling south, we cross the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.
Wellington, Hotel Inter-Continental.
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Day 9. Wellington, Nelson, Dine Around Dinner.
Today our Interislander cruise takes us across Cook Strait to the South Island. Sail through scenic Wellington Harbour, into the breathtaking natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. See magnificent scenery in tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound before arriving in the picturesque seaside port of Picton. This afternoon we journey through the pretty orchard and vineyard region of Marlborough to Nelson. Tonight you may choose from two fine restaurants. Miyazu, a critically acclaimed Japanese restaurant or Oceano, a haven for seafood lovers.
Nelson, The Rutherford Hotel.
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Day 10. Nelson, Franz Josef.
Follow the Heritage Highway through the impressive Buller Gorge to the wild and rugged West Coast. View the fascinating ‘Pancake’ rock formations and blowholes at Punakaiki. Stop at Hokitika to see beautiful Pounamu (jade) being carved into jewellry and other artefacts. Continue along the dramatic West Coast and enter World Heritage-listed Westland National Park, where you can view the glaciers, magnificent rivers of ice.
Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.
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Day 11. Franz Josef, Wanaka.
View incredible scenery today as we leave this World Heritage-listed area, travelling through Haast Pass and over the incredible Southern Alps. This scenic road takes us along the shores of picturesque Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, where crystal-clear blue waters reflect dramatic landscapes. Continue to Wanaka township, originally settled during the goldrush era of last century and surrounded by Mt Aspiring National Park. Enjoy an overnight stay in this inspiring place of peace and tranquillity.
APT EXCLUSIVE! Wanaka, Edgewater Resort.
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Day 12. Wanaka, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner.
Depart Wanaka this morning and journey to the delightful village of Arrowtown, an old goldrush settlement. Continue to the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown, situated on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. The wide range of activities available in Queenstown makes it a popular holiday destination at any time of year. Tonight experience our Dine Around Dinner, where you choose from a variety of fifteen restaurants and we will include it.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Novotel Gardens Hotel.
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Day 13. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice Touring.
Today you may personalise your sightseeing from a range of activities, and we will include it! Enjoy rambling through beautiful local gardens or a relaxing local winery tour. Perhaps take an exciting river safari or a fun Double-Decker bus tour through the streets of Queenstown and to the settlement of Arrowtown. The choice is yours! Adventure Options also available. Freedom of Choice Touring includes Queenstown – 9 choices: Guided tour of local gardens or wineries, an exhilarating jetboat, a fun Double-Decker bus tour, enjoy a lakeshore and forest walk, 4WD ‘Lord of the Rings’ safari, venture to Skippers Canyon, Full Day Ski Pass (seasonal) or a guided walk in Mt Aspiring National Park.
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Day 14. Milford Sound, Te Anau.
This morning travel through Fiordland National Park where lush rainforests meet snow capped mountains. Drive along Milford Road, renowned as one of the most spectacular alpine drives. On arrival into Milford, we cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord. Travel below famous mile-high Mitre Peak, beneath spectacular waterfalls, towering mountains and dense rainforest. This afternoon we have a relaxing drive returning through Eglington Valley and Homer Tunnel to the pretty lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Te Anau, Te Anau Hotel and Villas.
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Day 15. Te Anau, Dunedin, Freedom of Choice Touring.
Today we journey via beautiful Lake Manapouri to the southern-most coast of New Zealand. Continue to Dunedin, settled by the Scottish in 1848 and renowned as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it! Perhaps visit Larnach Castle or take the opportunity to cruise and tour the Otago Peninsula to view Royal Albatross or Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies in their natural environment, visit Speights Brewery and learn about the production of this well-known beverage in New Zealand or enjoy a Taieri Gorge Railway Excursion. Freedom of Choice Touring includes Dunedin – 7 choices: Tour Larnach Castle, discover Otago Peninsula, visit Speights Brewery, view Olveston House or enjoy the Taieri Gorge Railway.
Dunedin, Southern Cross Hotel.
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Day 16. Dunedin, Mt Cook.
Travel north along the coast to view the unique and fascinating Moeraki Beach Boulders. Stop at Oamaru, a town renowned for its distinctive lime-stone architecture. Pass massive hydro-electric dams and glacier-fed lakes of incredible colour on our journey to Mt Cook National Park. This World Heritage-listed area is home to Australasia’s highest mountain, Mt Cook at 3763 metres. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight over this awe-inspiring alpine region (weather permitting, own expense).
APT EXCLUSIVE! Mt Cook, The Hermitage.
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Day 17. Mt Cook, Christchurch, Dine Around Dinner.
This morning we visit the beautiful glacier-fed lake of Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built from locally gathered stone and oak in 1935. Leaving the high country and its sheep stations we travel through Burkes Pass to the patchwork plains of Canterbury. Continue via the Rakaia Gorge to the charming ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. Tonight experience our Dine Around Dinner, where you choose from three superb restaurants at your hotel and we will include it!
Christchurch, Crowne Plaza Hotel.
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Day 18. Christchurch, Wellington.
Today view spectacular seascapes as we travel north to Kaikoura, a renowned whale watching town. At Picton board the Interislander for our cruise across the Cook Strait, known as one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail through the breathtaking natural beauty of Marlborough Sounds and into the scenic Wellington Harbour. Birdlife and dolphins are often our companions as we cross between the two islands.
Wellington, Hotel Inter-Continental.
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Day 19. Wellington, Taupo.
Leaving Wellington this morning, we 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. This afternoon arrive in Taupo.
APT EXCLUSIVE! Taupo, Wairakei Resort.
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Day 20. Taupo, Auckland.
Near Taupo, stop and visit Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland, a geo-thermal area well known for its beautiful colours and mystical quality. Continue through Rotorua to Kiwifruit Country, enjoy a guided tour through the orchard on unique ‘Kiwi-Karts’. This afternoon, travel to the popular holiday beach resort of Mt Maunganui and then to the port city of Tauranga. Crossing the Hauraki Plains, we make our return journey to Auckland.
Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel.
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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.
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