Essence of New Zealand
Tour Operator: APT
Group size: 0 - 40
Prices From:
Tour Overview
Includes Return Flights from the UK. Sparkling bays, volcanic lakes, pristine sounds. From the South Island to the North Island, discover over 24 enthralling days the very best New Zealand has to offer.
Highlights
- Explore the Bay of Islands with your choice of activity. Home to 144 islands, there is no lack of discovery options.
- Cruise enchanting Milford Sound, which is set deep in Fiordland National Park.
- Enjoy the views on one of the world's greatest rail journeys as you travel across New Zealand's Southern Alps.
Places You'll See
Countries:
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart London
Your journey begins as you make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to New Zealand.
Day 3: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival, be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight.
Day 4: Christchurch, Mt Cook
Traverse the Canterbury plains to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. This afternoon, choose your Freedom of Choice Sightseeing experience.
Day 5: Mt Cook, Dunedin
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 this afternoon and enjoy time at leisure before dinner.
Day 6: Dunedin, Te Anau
Wake up this morning in Dunedin, where you may begin your day with your choice of sightseeing activity. Afterwards, absorb the breathtaking scenery as you travel to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Day 7: Te Anau
Decide how to spend your day in Te Anau thanks to our Freedom of Choice activities on offer to you today. Perhaps you may like to explore an underground network of limestone caves, lit by thousands of glow worms. Alternatively, you may prefer to set off on a wilderness cruise on Doubtful Sound. Or, take an exciting jet boat ride along the Upper Waiau River.
Day 8: Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown
Along Milford Road, wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then travel through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak. After, travel to Queenstown.
Day 9: Queenstown
Today you can discover Queenstown your own way with the included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activities available. Later, choose where to dine.
Day 10: Queenstown
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.
Day 11: Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier
Skirt the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea.
Day 12: Franz Josef Glacier, TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch
Travel through deep gorges, river valleys and across the Southern Alps all the way to Christchurch.
Day 13: Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim
Follow the east coast to Kaikoura. Later, take in a special and unique Signature Experience.
Day 14: Blenheim
Tailor your day with a choice of an included sightseeing option.
Day 15: Blenheim, Picton, Wellington
Traverse the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds while taking in breathtaking surrounds. This afternoon, take part in a fascinating city sights tour of Wellington.
Day 16: Wellington, Napier
Drive through the Rimutaka Ranges en route to Napier.
Day 17: Napier, Taupo, Rotorua
Journey through Esk Valley and Te Pohue, stopping at the charming town of Taupo. Travel to Rotorua, then tonight enjoy a special Signature Experience.
Day 18: Rotorua
Select from a range of activities today. The evening is yours at leisure to further explore.
Day 19: Rotorua, Auckland
Travel through Waikato farmland to Cambridge and Auckland. Choose from a range of included sightseeing activities today.
Day 20: Auckland, Bay of Islands
Continue north to the Bay of Islands.
Day 21: Bay of Islands
Choose your Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity today.
Day 22: Bay of Islands, Auckland
Enjoy the day to spend at leisure.
Day 23: Depart Auckland
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Day 24: Arrive London
Arrive back in London.
