Tour New Zealand, Milford Sound Tours, South Island, Rotorua, Nelson, Queenstown
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46 Picture postcard perfect sights are around every turn in New Zealand Day 1. Arrive Auckland, Freedom of Choice. On arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. Choose from a range of sightseeing options. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Stay: Rendezvous Grand Hotel Auckland. FD Day 2. Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Hangi Feast. Travel to Waitomo and tour the incredible underground limestone caverns filled with thousands of glowworms. Continue to Rotorua and immerse yourself in Maori culture at a Hangi Feast. Two Night Stay: Holiday Inn Rotorua. B, FD Day 3. Rotorua, Freedom of Choice. Today, explore Rotorua however you like, with a variety of exciting sightseeing activities in Rotorua available to you. B Day 4. Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Freedom of Choice. Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway, view Wairakei Steam Valley, visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo before crossing Tongariro National Park to Wellington. Tonight, enjoy a choice of three restaurants. Two Night Stay: Amora Hotel Wellington. B, FD Day 5. Wellington. Take a tour of the city's best-loved landmarks, including the fascinating Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa. Then ride the iconic Cable Car. B Day 6. Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch. Cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry to Picton. Disembark, and head for Kaikoura then Christchurch. Stay: Christchurch, Commodore Hotel. BD Day 7. Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef Glacier. Board the TranzAlpine train for New Zealand's greatest rail adventure then disembark at Arthur's Pass. From here, journey to Hokitika. Continue to Franz Josef, and see Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy a four-course degustation dinner tonight. APT HIGHLIGHT! Stay: Franz Josef Glacier, Te Waonui Forest Retreat. B, FD Day 8. Franz Josef, Queenstown, Freedom of Choice. Travel along the Haast River, capturing views of the Haast River Valley, Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Arrive in Queenstown, and choose from four restaurants. Three Night Stay: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside. B, FD Day 9. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice. Enjoy the opportunity to personalise your Queenstown experience by selecting from one of our Freedom of Choice activities. These include a Safari of the Scenes tour, where you can visit several local sites where the popular 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy was filmed; an exhilarating ride on the famous Shotover Jet Boat; a 4WD experience at Mt Nicholas, or a Lakeshore forest and bird walk. B Days 10-12 are Independent Touring. Join local guides on day tours as per itinerary. Day 10. Milford Sound, Queenstown. Follow The Remarkables mountain range to Fiordland National Park. On arrival, cruise the full length of pristine Milford Sound. Return to Queenstown this evening for dinner. BD Day 11. Queenstown, Christchurch. Travel to Otago and visit Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Perhaps take a scenic helicopter or ski plane flight here (own expense, weather permitting). Travel to the picturesque Lake Tekapo. Here, you'll pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, travel through delightful scenery along Burkes Pass to the city of Christchurch. Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch. B Day 12. Depart Christchurch. Your journey comes to an end with an included transfer to the airport. B Scenic Sights 9 Day Luxury Escorted Journey & 3 Days of Independent Touring Auckland | Rotorua | Wellington | Franz Josef | Queenstown | Milford Sound | Christchurch ROTORUA COUNTRY HOMESTAY Perhaps experience day-to-day life in New Zealand's countryside, and enjoy a home-cooked dinner and breakfast prepared by your hosts. This experience is available to APT guests at no extra cost and replaces Day 3 accommodation and afternoon touring. Please enquire for details. www.aptouring.com.au