20 Day Essence Of New Zealand
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
✓ Travel with Australian Pacific Touring
✓ Experiences in 16 destinations
✓ APT's Freedom of Choice Inclusions in seven locations
✓ Finest dining - a total of 32 meals
✓ APT Tour Director, plus expert local guides
✓ 19 nights hand-picked accommodation
✓ Return airport transfers and porterage
✓ Enjoy the views on one of the world's greatest rail journeys
✓ Travel across New Zealand's Southern Alps
✓ Step back in time to the 1930s as you enjoy an Art Deco guided walk
✓ Cruise enchanting Milford Sound, which is set deep in Fiordland National Park
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
On arrival, be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel where you have the afternoon to relax, before tonight enjoying a Signature Experience followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Signature Experience: See the city sights of Christchurch on board a heritage tram while enjoying drinks and canapes as you step back in time to a grand era of transport.
Today you'll traverse the Canterbury plains to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo, before journeying into Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to view Australasia’s highest mountain, Aoraki (Mt Cook). On arrival, enjoy your choice of sightseeing activity.
Signature Experience: Discover Australasia’s highest peak in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
Freedom of Choice™: This afternoon, you may during the summer months, board a MAC boat and discover icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. Alternatively, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or enjoy a stargazing session with an astronomer.
Set out along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Oamaru. Continue to Koekohe Beach to view the unusual spherical-shaped Moeraki Boulders. Arrive in Dunedin late afternoon and enjoy time at leisure before dinner.
Begin your day with your choice of sightseeing activity. Afterwards, absorb the breathtaking scenery as you travel to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Freedom of Choice™: Perhaps visit Olveston Historic Home, the historic home of a wealthy merchant family built in the early 1900s. Or discover the history of Larnach Castle, nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula. Alternatively, those who enjoy a beer may choose to visit Speight’s Brewery for a tasting.
Waking in Te Anau this morning, decide how to spend your day thanks to our range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.
Freedom of Choice™: Perhaps you may like to explore an underground network of limestone caves, magically lit by thousands of glow worms. Alternatively, you may prefer to set off on an inspiring wilderness cruise on Doubtful Sound. Or, take an exciting jet boat ride along the Upper Waiau River to get the heart pumping.
This morning, wind down the Milford Road, through the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys. Continue to Milford Sound where you will cruise along the full length of this fiord deep within Fiordland National Park. After, Queenstown awaits.
Signature Experience: Cruise pristine Milford Sound.
Today you can discover Queenstown your own way with the included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activities available. Later, select from three restaurants during a Freedom of Choice Dining evening where you can get a taste for New Zealand’s South Island’s cuisine.
Freedom of Choice™: Movie buffs may like to visit key The Lord of the Rings trilogy filming locations on a Safari of the Scenes tour. Alternatively, set out on a Skippers Canyon adventure following the Shotover River Valley on an exciting 4WD tour. Others may prefer a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu or a wine tour through the wineries of the Central Otago wine region. Perhaps board a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant to enjoy views across Queenstown as you dine. Alternatively, you can cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw – a vintage steamboat – or dine amid the stylish surrounds of your hotel restaurant.
Immerse yourself in beautiful Queenstown with a full day at leisure. You may like to take a relaxing stroll along the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu, or take part in the thrill of a lifetime in this adventurous city.
Skirt the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea, before crossing Haast Pass on your journey to Franz Josef.
Signature Experience: Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier Region.
Travel to Arthur’s Pass to ride the TranzAlpine Train. Enjoy stunning views from the open-air viewing platform as you pass by the striking patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, through deep gorges and river valleys. Follow the Waimakariri River and travel across the Southern Alps all the way to Christchurch.
Signature Experience: Seize the day and board New Zealand’s famous TranzAlpine train to experience one of the world’s greatest rail journeys.
This morning, follow the east coast to Kaikoura, before traversing the Marlborough region to Blenheim. Tonight, enjoy a Signature Experience, where local chefs will present each dish before you, showcasing superb local artisan produce, perfectly paired with wines from the region.
Signature Experience: Indulge in the finest flavours as you savour a Highlights of Marlborough Dinner. An exciting experience, the unique fusion of quality produce and ethnic influences have helped shape New Zealand's food and wine culture as amongst one of the best in the world.
Enjoy your selected sightseeing activity.
Freedom of Choice™: Perhaps embark on a tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, enjoy the sheer beauty of Marlborough Sounds during a Greenshell Mussel Cruise, or choose to visit some of the region’s best wineries for wine tastings in the countryside.
This morning, take in the breathtaking surrounds while you cruise to the North Island. This afternoon, take part in a fascinating city sights tour of Wellington.
Signature Experience: Cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry. You’ll traverse the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds.
Today you'll drive through the Rimutaka Ranges en route to Napier.
Signature Experience: Discover the city of Napier on an Art Deco tour.
Today, journey through Esk Valley and Te Pohue, stopping at the charming town of Taupo. Later, travel to Rotorua and enjoy a Signature Experience.
Signature Experience: Immerse yourself in Maori culture as you enjoy a traditional Hangi Feast and performance.
This morning, it's time to explore Rotorua on your selected sightseeing activity. The evening is yours at leisure to further explore.
Freedom of Choice™: Perhaps enjoy a sheep show at the Agrodome followed by a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Choose to visit Wai-O-Tapu or experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
This morning, travel through Waikato's farmland to Auckland. Afterwards, enjoy your selected sightseeing activity.
Freedom of Choice™: Perhaps cruise on Waitemata Harbour, enjoy a unique All Blacks experience, visit Auckland Zoo to discover the native flora and fauna of New Zealand, or immerse yourself in a Make Believe Experience and journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop, or escape the bustle of the city on a tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest.
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Parry Kauri Park to view the large kauri trees, part of the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands.
See the spectacular Bay of Islands region on a cruise. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to further explore.
Signature Experience: Enjoy a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.
After breakfast, travel to Auckland where your New Zealand adventure concludes. We say goodbye before we transfer you to the airport for your flight.
Designed Exclusively for APT guests
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
Personalise your holiday with a choice of included sightseeing options sure to leave you with lifelong memories
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Please follow the 'book now' prompts and select 1 passenger to view the single supplement cost.
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Group size varies from package to package. Depending on the services provided, the group size might range from private 2 person experiences up to coaches of 50 people depending on your selected holiday.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
For all international voyages, it is the traveller's responsibility to ensure that they have a valid passport and they meet the visa requirement. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au or https://safetravel.govt.nz/ for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
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