New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery

Overview

Highlights

• Ride iconic railways such as the famous TranzAlpine train, the Glenbrook steam train and the Coastal Pacific.
• Experiences in 19 destinations.
• 10 Signature Experiences, including an indulgent traditional Māori feast
  and performance of Haka, song and storytelling at Te Pā Tū.
• 30 meals, return airport transfers and porterage are included.

Inclusions

• All-inspiring sightseeing experiences in 19 destinations
• Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations
• Locally inspired dining - 31 meals
• 18 nights in hand-picked accommodation
• Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver, plus expert local guides
• Return airport transfers and porterage

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Designed Exclusively for APT guests

These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Later, meet our crew at the welcome dinner, a Canterbury Feast celebrating local produce at the hotel.

Stay: Two Nights, Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Daily:

• Dinner

Day 2: Christchurch, Akaroa Nature Cruise, Christchurch

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Historic Akaroa’s waters are a playground for the smallest and rarest of dolphins, the Hector's dolphins. Today we join a two-hour Akaroa Nature Cruise to view these magical mammals and the rugged coastline.

Travel an hour and a half southeast of Christchurch to the Banks Peninsula town of Akaroa, known for its mix of 19th-century British and French colonial history and architecture. After your Signature Experience cruise, explore Akaroa eateries for lunch (own expense), then head back to your Christchurch hotel. Tonight, ride the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, enjoying a four-course dinner and take in the views of modern buildings, green spaces and public art installations that dot the city from aboard a colonial tram.

Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Greymouth, Franz Josef/Waiau 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Today, you ride aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, considered one of the world’s great rail journeys. Enjoy awe-inspiring views as you cross the Southern Alps from the east coast to the west.

After your arrival in Greymouth, board a coach for a scenic trip down the west coast to glacier country, and the lovely town of Franz Josef/Waiau.

Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Daily:Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Franz Josef/Waiau, Queenstown

Enjoy spectacular views as you drive today towards New Zealand’s adventure capital Queenstown. The Haast Pass follows a trail traditionally used by Maori people in search of greenstone or jade, and cuts through a stunning mountain landscape highlighted by waterfalls, rushing rivers and lakes.

Stay: Two Nights, Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Daily:Breakfast

Day 5: Queenstown 

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Choose your activity today. Visit filiming locations from The Lord of the Rings; enjoy a cruise on Lake Wakatipu; take a Skippers Canyon adventure; join a river safari along Dart River; or enjoy a winery tour.

Choose from a host of exciting sightseeing opportunities today.

Daily:Breakfast

Day 6: Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Marvel at the spectacle of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi on a cruise of its full length. Cruise beneath tall cliffs on the flanks of Mitre Peak, get close to tumbling waterfalls, and view seals, penguins and a variety of seabirds.

Travel from Queenstown along the incredibly scenic Milford Road through Fiordland National Park to join your Signature Experience cruise. Later, return to the lovely lakeside town of Te Anau, where you savour a special Taste of Fiordland dinner featuring local specialties.

Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Daily:Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Te Anau, Manapouri

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Remote and mysterious Doubtful Sound/Patea is one of Fiordland’s most magical places. Step aboard your ship here for an unforgettable overnight cruise to discover rugged peaks, hidden islets and pristine rainforests.

Take the short drive from Te Anau to lakeside Manapouri, where you join your Signature Experience cruise.

Stay: Doubtful Sound/Patea Overnight Cruise

Daily:Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Manapouri, Invercargill

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Visit Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill, which houses an amazing collection of classic cars and trucks, from Model-T Fords to VW Kombis and a spectacular 1940 Dodge Airflow Texaco tanker. There are more than 300 vehicles on show, the largest private collection of its type in the world.

Disembark your overnight cruise and head for Invercargill. On arrival in the early afternoon, choose to explore the township, or take in the included visit to Bill Richardson Transport World. Alternatively, you may decide to relax at the hotel.

Stay: Two Nights, Ascot Hotel Invercargill

Daily:Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Invercargill, Stewart Island/Rakiura Day Trip

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Travel by ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island/Rakiura Set off on a tour to gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community, learning about its history and environment. The tour lasts for 90 minutes, after which there is another hour and a half of free time to explore.

Drive by coach from Invercargill to the coastal town of Bluff for your Stewart Island/Rakiura Signature Experience. After your exploration, return by ferry to Bluff in the late afternoon and take a coach transfer back to Invercargill for dinner.

Daily:Breakfast ,Dinner

Day 10: Invercargill, Dunedin

This morning, travel from Invercargill to Dunedin, a city renowned for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture and Scottish heritage. Continue north to the Otago Peninsula and visit the Royal Albatross Centre for a guided tour and to learn all about the world’s largest flying bird. Afterwards, return to Dunedin and enjoy the local sights, before arriving at your hotel.

Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Daily:Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook

Head north through stunning countryside to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the centrepiece of which is New Zealand’s highest mountain peak. Tonight, enjoy a buffet dinner in your hotel’s Alpine Restaurant.

Stay: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views

Daily:Breakfast , Dinner

Day 12: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Christchurch

Today you head back to Christchurch, stopping en route to view the much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo.

Stay: Christchurch, Rydges Latimer

Daily:Breakfast

Day 13: Christchurch, Coastal Pacific Train, Picton, Interislander Ferry, Queen Charlotte Sound 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Join the Coastal Pacific train at Christchurch Station, riding it all the way to beautiful Picton in the Marlborough Sounds region.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Take the afternoon ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington, enjoying stunning views of the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds as you begin your journey.

Enjoy a rail journey along the rugged east coast to Picton. Cross Cook Strait and view the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds en route to Wellington.

Stay: Sofitel Wellington

Daily:Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Wellington, Fell Locomotive Museum, Taupo 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

The Fell Locomotive Museum houses the H199, the only locomotive of its kind remaining in the world. It was built to withstand the steep gradients on the famous Rimutaka Incline, and used an ingenious method of four grip wheels on a raised central track.

After a short city tour, head to the Fell Locomotive Museum for your Signature Experience, then travel onwards towards the pretty lakeside town of Taupo.

Stay: Hilton Lake Taupo

Daily:Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15: Taupo, Rotorua 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Board your 53-foot Luxury Catamaran named 'Tiua' which translates in Maori to 'Move with the Wind'. Cruise out to Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo which has been hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary contemporary Maori artworks. Towering 14-metres above the deep water of Lake Taupo, artist Matahi Brightwell's carvings have become one of the North Island’s biggest attractions.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Tonight, enjoy an indulgent traditional Maori feast and performance of Haka, song and storytelling at Te Pa Tu (Maori Village). Over a magical evening, you will be welcomed with a Haka powhiri (cultural welcome) and then treated to further captivating performances while enjoying seasonal canapes, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.

This morning enjoy your Signature Experience on Lake Taupo, then travel onwards to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua via a visit to the spectacular Huka Falls. This evening experience true Maori culture at your Signature Experience at Te Pa Tu.

Stay: Two Nights, Rotorua, Millenium Hotel

Daily:Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: Rotorua 

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps experience one of New Zealand’s best-loved attractions, the Agrodome, with its entertaining sheep shearing demonstration, dog trials and animal nursery; followed by a visit to the Te Puia Thermal Reserve.; Alternatively, choose to visit Wai-O-Tapu, or experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Daily:Breakfast

Day 17: Rotorua, Glenbrook Steam Train, Auckland

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Step back in time as you experience the history and charm of Glenbrook Vintage Railway.

Enjoy a ride on the heritage Glenbrook Steam train before heading to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

Stay: Two Nights, Grand Millennium Auckland

Daily:Breakfast

Day 18: Auckland 

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Choose from an Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise, an All-Blacks experience, the Unleashed - A Weta Workshop Experience, Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo, and a Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure.

This morning select your activity from our Freedom of Choice offerings. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, we gather at our hotel for a farewell dinner.

Daily:Breakfast, Dinner

Day 19: Depart Auckland

After breakfast, we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.

Daily:

• Breakfast