2016/17 - APT New Zealand

50 Absorb the tranquility of Milford Sound Day 11. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice. Enjoy the opportunity to personalise your Queenstown experience by selecting from one of our Freedom of Choice activities. Perhaps embark on a Safari of the Scenes tour, and visit several local sites where the popular 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy was filmed as you experience the great affinity between the cinematic landscapes of New Zealand and that of Middle-earth. Alternatively, you may prefer to take an exhilarating ride on the famous Shotover Jet Boat through the breathtaking Shotover River Canyons. New Zealand is rightly famous for its many vineyards and wines, and a tour of the country's premier wine producing region is a tempting option today. Or, you may choose to take the Mt Nicholas 4WD experience, or a Million Dollar Cruise on the lake. B Day 12. Queenstown, Milford Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise. Embark on a scenic drive today as you journey along the Milford Road to Milford Sound, where you'll enjoy a stunning overnight cruise aboard the Milford Mariner. Explore the full length of this wonderful fiord with a specialist nature guide, taking you past magical waterfalls, untamed rainforest and towering mountains, before anchoring in a sheltered cove. From here, you're able to board a smaller boat, take the kayaks for a spin or, perhaps go for a swim. Others may prefer to relax on board and soak in the incredible surroundings. Later, enjoy a carvery buffet. You might like to enjoy some stargazing on the deck tonight before retiring to your private cabin. Stay: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise. B, FD Day 13. Milford Mariner, Dunedin. Wake up to the serene setting of Milford Sound this morning. Indulge in a hearty breakfast on board, before further exploration. Leave the Fiordland region and travel through the rolling and spectacular Southland countryside to Dunedin on the east coast. Known as the Edinburgh of the south, Dunedin was planned in Scotland and still maintains its Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Stay: Dunedin, Scenic Hotel Southern Cross. BD Day 14. Dunedin, Taieri Gorge Railway, Mt Cook. This morning, step aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway and journey through the beautiful Southland countryside. One of the world's greatest train trips, the Taieri Gorge Railway reveals some of the South Island's most diverse and spectacular scenery. The train snakes through tunnels and over bridges with ease, almost becoming part of the wider landscape. Disembark at Pukerangi, and from here, journey north to view the unusual Moeraki Boulders. These large spherical stones, formed over 60 million years ago, can be found along a stretch of Koekohe Beach on the Otago Coast. Maori legend tells that the boulders are remains of calabashes, kumaras and eel baskets that washed ashore after the legendary canoe, the Araiteuru was wrecked at nearby Shag Point. Later, continue to World Heritage-listed Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to view Australasia's highest mountain, Mt Cook, and admire the sublime alpine scenery. APT HIGHLIGHT! Two Night Stay: Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel. BD Day 15. Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice. Choose your sightseeing activity today. Perhaps visit The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, a state-of-the-art facility which features a 3D movie and a digital planetarium; or join a guided nature walk, discovering some of New Zealand's beautiful native flora and fauna. You may like to explore the stars of the southern night sky with binoculars, telescopes and an expert astronomer. Alternatively, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake (summer months only). This is an exciting adventure that will give you a unique insight into the Tasman Glacier and New Zealand's creation. After an exciting day's sightseeing, you'll enjoy a memorable Farewell Dinner at your hotel this evening with your fellow passengers. B, FD Day 16. Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Depart Christchurch. Travel to picturesque Lake Tekapo today and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. Built of locally gathered stone and oak, this charming church was erected as a tribute to the early pioneers of the region. Take a moment to reflect from inside the church and appreciate the breathtaking views that it offers. Later, head back to Christchurch where your tour concludes as you transfer to the airport for your return flight. B www.aptouring.com.au

• Cover