2016/17 - APT New Zealand

33 NEW ZEALAND SPLENDOUR tempted by Finz, while the panoramic views from the Skyline Restaurant, reached by gondola, are hard to beat. Cruise aboard a vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country Farm, or dine at your hotel restaurant. B, FD Day 9. Queenstown. Immerse yourself in beautiful Queenstown as you enjoy a full day at leisure in this exciting destination. You may like to use this time to stroll along the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu, browse through the stores in the bustling central shopping district, or perhaps take advantage of being in the 'adventure capital of the world' and indulge in the thrill of a lifetime (all at own expense). B Day 10. Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef Glacier. View historic mining sites as you travel through Kawarau Gorge and meander through the scenery of Cromwell. Skirt the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea, taking in the dramatic vistas and surrounding mountains that seem to shift mood with the seasons. Cross Haast Pass and into Westland National Park, home to the Franz Josef Glacier. Check-in to your luxury eco-resort within pristine rainforest, before a four-course degustation dinner. APT HIGHLIGHT! Stay: Franz Josef Glacier, Te Waonui Forest Retreat. B, FD Day 11. Franz Josef Glacier, TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch. Set out for Hokitika after breakfast this morning, a cultural centre on the west coast, rich in jade greenstone. Afterwards, join New Zealand's famous TranzAlpine train and experience one of the world's greatest rail journeys. Travel through deep gorges, river valleys and across the magnificent Southern Alps within Arthur's Pass National Park before journeying via the striking patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch. Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch. BD Day 12. Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim. Follow the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island to Kaikoura. While here, perhaps enjoy a scenic whale watching flight (own expense). Later, traverse the picturesque Marlborough region, where world-famous wines are produced, to Blenheim, known as New Zealand's 'sunniest' town. After checking in to your hotel, delight in fresh regional flavours during a special Taste of Marlborough Dinner tonight. Two Night Stay: Blenheim, Scenic Hotel Marlborough. B, FD 2 Milford Sound Auckland Bay of Islands Wellington Rotorua Christchurch Napier Mt Cook Queenstown Dunedin Haast Arthur's Pass Te Anau Franz Josef Glacier Lake Tekapo Oamaru Hokitika Picton Taupo Blenheim Kaikoura 1 1 1 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Coach Cruise Cruise route TranzAlpine Train No. of nights stay National Park Day 13. Blenheim, Freedom of Choice. Choose from three exciting sightseeing inclusions in Blenheim today. Perhaps learn about historic aircraft on a tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. You may like to enjoy the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds during a greenshell mussel cruise, or visit some of region's best wineries on a half-day tour. B Day 14. Blenheim, Wellington, Freedom of Choice. Depart Blenheim this morning and travel through wine growing country then, cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry to the North Island. Disembark in New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, Tonight, choose from our range of Freedom of Choice Dining inclusions. You can take your pick from a selection of highly recommended local restaurants including the Lido Cafe, which serves up exquisite meals in a casual setting or you may choose to dine in your hotel's fine-dining restaurant. APT HIGHLIGHT! Two Night Stay: InterContinental Wellington. B, FD Day 15. Wellington, Freedom of Choice. Today, you have the opportunity to choose an activity that most interests you and explore Wellington in your own way. You may like to visit Zealandia, a premier eco-attraction and restoration project where you can learn about New Zealand's incredible natural history and the conservation projects that are currently underway. Perhaps visit the award-winning design studio behind the movie Avatar, take in the city's highlights on a guided tour, or visit some of the locations that feature in the Lord of the Rings movies. Another option is a fascinating evening tour at Zealandia. B Day 16. Wellington, Napier. Drive through the bush-clad ridges of the Rimutaka Ranges on your way to Napier. The Range is formidable, with peaks that range from 700 to 940 metres. On arrival, set off on a tour of the 'Art Deco City' that was rapidly re-built in 1931 following a large earthquake that measured 7.9 on the Richter scale, which killed nearly 260 people and flattened most buildings. The rapid rebuilding was completed within two years at the height of the Art Deco period. Later, enjoy a delicious Art Deco High Tea, featuring sweet and savoury treats. Dine at your hotel this evening. Stay: Napier, Scenic Te Pania Hotel. B, FHT, D Explore the delights of New Zealand's capital, Wellington Discover the Marlborough region where world-class wines are produced 40 MAX. GUESTS G U A R A N TE E D S M A L L E R G R O U P S

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