Experiences in 15 destinations Freedom of Choice Inclusions in six locations Finest dining - A total of 27 meals 16 nights in hand-picked accommodation The services of an APT Tour Director and Driver Return airport transfers and porterage
17 Day New Zealand Wonderland
Experiences in 15 destinations Freedom of Choice Inclusions in six locations Finest dining - A total of 27 meals 16 nights in hand-picked accommodation The services of an APT Tour Director and Driver Return airport transfers and porterage
Travelling with Inspiring Vacations allows you to explore the wonders of the world in a variety of different ways. We have partnered with a worldwide network of local travel experts to bring you culturally unique and delightfully unforgettable travel experiences. Whether it is meandering through narrow canyons by rail, cruising the idyllic waters of the Mediterranean or touring through the backroads of provincial towns, Inspiring Vacations trips offer amazing value and will leave you inspired.
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On arrival into 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
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the original treaty between the British and Māori people was signed.
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 Māori Meeting House and War Canoe at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Bay of Islands
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Meander through the Bay of Islands and keep watch for marine life, then spend some time in a secluded bay.
Explore the Bay of Islands on a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock.
Meals
Breakfast
Day 4 Bay of Islands Auckland
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
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.
Travel to Auckland and take in the city sights before selecting from our Freedom of Choice activities. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy a delicious Pacific-themed dinner.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 Auckland Waitomo Caves Rotorua
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Immerse yourself in Māori culture as you enjoy a traditional Hāngī Feast and performance of song and dance.
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 tour, before continuing to Rotorua.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Rotorua
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps enjoy a sheep show at the Agrodome followed by a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Alternatively, choose to visit Wai-O-Tapu or experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.
Meals
Breakfast
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.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Wellington
After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including 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.
Meals
Breakfast
Day 9 Wellington Christchurch
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
This morning, step aboard the Interislander ferry to cruise across Cook Strait and through the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds to Picton.
Arrive on the South Island and travel to the quaint fishing town of Kaikoura before continuing along the central east coast all the way to Christchurch.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 Christchurch Franz Josef
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s greatest rail adventures.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Take in the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier.
Pass through epic river valleys and past awesome mountain ranges then disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Hokitika, where you will see pounamu (jade) being carved into pieces of jewellery. Continue to Franz Josef. Arrive later at your luxury eco-resort for a special four-course dinner.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 Franz Josef Queenstown
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Dining
On a Freedom of Choice Dining evening perhaps sample quality crafted beer at Canyon Food & Brew Co. Alternatively, take a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner with a view. You may prefer a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamboat, or dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Elements Restaurant.
Enjoy a day of breathtaking scenery as you travel to Queenstown.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 Queenstown
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps visit several local sites where The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Alternatively, set out on a Skippers Canyon adventure or a river safari along the beautiful Dart River. A tour of the country’s premier wine-producing region is a tempting option, or a leisurely cruise over the waters of Lake Wakatipu.
Enjoy the flexibility of how to spend your morning with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.
Meals
Breakfast
Day 13 Queenstown Milford Sound Te Anau
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of the pristine fiord which is Milford Sound.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonight, enjoy a Taste of Fiordland Dinner, and savour local delights such as salmon and lamb.
Embark on one of the most scenic drives 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. Continue to Milford Sound. Afterwards, enjoy a picturesque drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 Te Anau Dunedin
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps visit Olveston Historic Home, or discover the history of Larnach Castle, nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula. Those who enjoy a beer may choose to visit Speight’s Brewery for a tasting.
Journey through Southland countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon, choose your Freedom of Choice activity.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 Dunedin Aoraki Mt Cook
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to see New Zealand’s highest mountain.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or the planetarium for a stargazing session. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.
Drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where you choose your activity.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16 Aoraki Mt Cook Lake Tekapo Christchurch
Travel to Lake Tekapo and pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17 Christchurch
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Meals
Breakfast
Inclusions
Whats Included
Experiences in 15 destinations
Freedom of Choice Inclusions in six locations
Finest dining - A total of 27 meals
16 nights in hand-picked accommodation
The services of an APT Tour Director and Driver
Return airport transfers and porterage
Fine Print
How to Book & Payments
Deposit & Payments
Book now and secure your package with only a $200 deposit per person.
Pay a 2nd instalment of $1129 per person within 28 days.
You will then be invoiced for final payment 90 days prior to departure.
Booking Process
Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password)
Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure)
Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfil your booking
Your position on the tour will be confirmed within 48 hours of completing your order. If your place cannot be confirmed, a full refund of the deposit will occur.
Optional Tours
None
Exclusions
Airfares
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance
Optional activities
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary or optional
Hotel List
Auckland - Grand Millennium Hotel
Bay of Islands - Copthorne Hotel and Resort
Rotorua - Millennium Rotorua
Wellington - InterContinental Wellington
Christchurch - Commodore Hotel
Franz Josef - Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Queenstown - Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Te Anau - Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Dunedin - Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Christchurch - Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Important Information
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
A single supplement is available on all nights of this trip from an extra $2800 subject to availability.
Triple Share
Not available.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.