Tour New Zealand, Milford Sound Tours, South Island, Rotorua, Nelson, Queenstown
Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/641238
52 New Zealand Voyager 10 Day Luxury Escorted Land Journey & 14 Day Cruise Christchurch | Franz Josef | Queenstown | Bay of Islands | Rotorua | Dunedin | Milford Sound Cruise New Zealand in luxury on board the ms Noordam Day 1. Arrive Christchurch. Your journey begins today on arrival into Christchurch. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your stylish and comfortable hotel. Enjoy a City Sights tour this afternoon and a Welcome Dinner this evening. Stay: The Commodore Christchurch. FD Day 2. Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef Glacier. Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world's greatest rail adventures. Journey through the striking patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, before travelling across the magnificent Southern Alps within Arthur's Pass National Park. Disembark at Arthur's Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika. Here, you'll enjoy the opportunity to see pounamu (jade) being skilfully carved into ornaments or pieces of jewellery. Afterwards, continue along the dramatic New Zealand west coast to Franz Josef, where you'll have the opportunity to take in the dramatic terrain and icy surrounds of the striking Franz Josef Glacier. Sitting at just 250 metres above sea level, Franz Josef is quite unique as it is one of just three glaciers in the world that descends into temperate rainforest. Its low altitude and mild climate creates a spectacular environment, where stunning ice formations are juxtaposed against the lush canopy of the surrounding forest. Continue on to our hotel set on the edge of Westland National Park. Tonight, enjoy a four-course degustation dinner. APT HIGHLIGHT! Stay: Franz Josef Glacier, Te Waonui Forest Retreat. B, FD Day 3. Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Freedom of Choice. Enjoy a day of truly breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Haast River. Arrive in Queenstown, the country's 'adventure capital', where you'll choose from four tempting restaurants. Perhaps sample the delicious fresh produce at waterside Finz seafood restaurant, or take a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant. You may prefer to cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamboat, or dine amid the stylish surrounds of your hotel's restaurant. Two Night Stay: Crowne Plaza, Queenstown, or similar. B, FD Day 4. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice. Personalise your Queenstown experience today. 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 discover the great affinity between the cinematic landscapes of New Zealand and that of Middle-earth. Thrill-seekers may enjoy an exhilarating ride on the famous Shotover Jet Boat, a Skippers Canyon adventure, or a river safari along the shimmering waters of the Dart River. New Zealand is rightly famous for its many vineyards and rich wines, and a tour of the country's premier wine-producing region is a tempting option. Other activities include a bird walk through surrounding wilderness, or a leisurely cruise on shimmering Lake Wakatipu. B Day 5. Queenstown, Mt Cook. Freedom of Choice. This morning we journey north to World Heritage-listed Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where you can choose your activity. Perhaps visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, including a visit to the planetarium and a stargazing session with an astronomer. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. APT HIGHLIGHT! Stay: Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel. BD Day 6. Lake Tekapo, Christchurch, Auckland. Travel to picturesque Lake Tekapo today. Here, you'll pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, travel through delightful scenery along Burkes Pass to Christchurch airport for your afternoon flight to Auckland. Stay: Hilton Hotel Auckland. BD Day 7. Auckland, Bay of Islands. Cross Auckland's busy Harbour Bridge this morning and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe's Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of New Zealand's Northland region. Continue to the stunning Bay of Islands and visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the original treaty between the British and Maori people was signed. Here, you'll also enjoy a visit to the Maori Meeting House and War Canoe. Two Night Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands, in a room with harbour views, or similar. BD Day 8. Bay of Islands, Freedom of Choice. Today, discover this spectacular region with a choice of activities. Perhaps take NEW IN 2016/17! www.aptouring.com.au