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Explore New Zealand’s highlights, riding on iconic rail lines and taking an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound/Patea. Take the TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps, ride the Glenbrook Steam Train journey aboard the Coastal Pacific. Explore Stewart Island/Rakiura, the country’s southernmost community, visit Queenstown, cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, and discover Rotorua.
Departs
September - October 2025
January - April 2026
Highlights
TranzAlpine Train
Journey across the South Island from coast to coast on this world-famous rail journey. Climb over the snow-capped Southern Alps through striking scenery to the wild West Coast.
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise
Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter.
Stewart Island/Rakiura
Travel by ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island/Rakiura and set off on a tour to learn about New Zealand’s southernmost community. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the island. With its rugged terrain, lush forests and pristine beaches, discover the beauty of this unspoilt hidden gem.
Coastal Pacific Train
Join the Coastal Pacific train at Christchurch Station, riding it all the way to beautiful Picton in the Marlborough Sounds region. Be inspired by the magnificent landscapes nestled between the mountains and sea as you travel along one of the most picturesque rail journeys in the country.
Te Pā Tū
Enjoy a feast of Māori delicacies and performance of Haka, song and storytelling at Te Pā Tū (Māori Village). Over a magical evening, you will be welcomed with a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome) and then treated to further captivating performances while enjoying seasonal canapés, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.
Inclusions
Experiences in 19 destinations
18 nights in hand-picked accommodation
Locally inspired dining – a total of 31 meals
Services of an APT Tour Director and driver, plus expert local guides
Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations
Explore New Zealand’s southernmost community on a unique visit to Stewart Island/Rakiura
Savour a four-course dinner aboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant
Delight in a unique, interactive dining experience at Cordis Hotel’s Eight Restaurant during a farewell dinner
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
Travel an hour and a half south east of Christchurch to the Banks Peninsula town of Akaroa, known for its mix of 19th-century British and French colonial history and architecture. Here, a Signature Experience awaits. Afterwards, explore Akaroa eateries for lunch (own expense) before heading back to your hotel in Christchurch. Tonight, ride the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, enjoying a four-course dinner as you take in views of the modern buildings, green spaces and public art installations that dot the city from aboard a heritage tram.
Signature Experience – Akaroa Nature Cruise
Join a two-hour nature cruise across the waters of Akaroa, a playground for Hector’s dolphins. Marvel at the opportunity to spot the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world as you glide past the rugged coastline.
Signature Experience: These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.
Daily: Breakfast Dinner
DAY 3 - Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Greymouth, Franz Josef/Waiau
Today starts with a Signature Experience, as you travel from Christchurch to Greymouth aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. 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.
Signature Experience – TranzAlpine Train
Experience the romance of rail travel aboard the TranzAlpine train. Admire ever-changing landscapes and spectacular gorges as you journey through the famous Southern Alps and alongside the Waimakariri River on one of the world’s most scenic rail routes.
Signature Experience – Franz Josef/Waiau
Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Ka
Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Tonight, you will stay at the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat, located on the edge of the Franz Josef/Waiau village. Relax and unwind amid the lush rainforest and breathtaking scenery before enjoying a four-course degustation fne dining experience.
Signature Experience: These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.
Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef/Waiau
Daily: Breakfast Dinner
DAY 4 - Franz Josef/Waiau, Queenstown
Enjoy spectacular views today as you drive towards New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown. The Haast Pass follows a trail traditionally used by Māori people in search of greenstone or jade, and cuts through a stunning mountain landscape featuring waterfalls, rushing rivers and lakes.
Stay: Two Nights, Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Daily: Breakfast
DAY 5 - Queenstown
Choose from a host of exciting sightseeing opportunities today.
Freedom of Choice – 'The Lord of the Rings’ 4WD Safari
Marvel at the beautiful scenery of this region on a 4WD safari. Based around several breathtaking sites where ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy was flmed; this tour takes you to thrilling and iconic locations.
Freedom of Choice – Skippers Canyon
Enjoy an exciting 4WD adventure following the Shotover River Valley. Admire rocky cliffs, sheer drops and breathtaking river gorges along the way.
Freedom of Choice – Dart River Wilderness Jet
A wilderness jet boat journey takes you deep into the World Heritage area of Mount Aspiring National Park on the glacier-fed Dart River. Here, your guide will share fascinating insights into the area’s rich history.
Freedom of Choice – Wine Tour
Embark on a personalised sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s southernmost wine region, as you indulge in tastings from various wineries.
Freedom of Choice – Best of Queenstown
Enjoy panoramic views of Queenstown, along with a visit to the charming township of Arrowtown. Explore Gibbston, which is home to the world's frst commercial bungy jump location. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery and to top it all off, relax during a scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
Freedom of Choice: Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options to suit your interests.
Daily: Breakfast
DAY 6 - Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau
Travel from Queenstown along the incredibly scenic Milford Road through Fiordland National Park, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience. Later, return to the lovely lakeside town of Te Anau. Savour an authentic Taste of Fiordland dinner, showcasing local specialties along with the fnest artisan produce of the region.
A cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi draws you into a magical world of snow-dusted mountains, breathtaking scenery and engaging wildlife. Edge close to tumbling waterfalls and colonies of seals and penguins, all beneath the ramparts of mighty peaks that rise sheer from the water as they stretch to the vast sky above.
Signature Experience – Taste of Fiordland Dinner
Delight in a delectable Taste of Fiordland dinner this evening at the exceptional MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar. With a menu that has been carefully crafted to showcase the South Island’s regional cuisine, you’ll savour mouth-watering local fare made from the finest artisan produce.
Signature Experience: These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.
Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Daily: Breakfast Dinner
DAY 7 - Te Anau, Doubtful Sound/ Patea
Take the short drive from Te Anau to lakeside Manapouri, where you will embark on your Signature Experience cruise.
Remote and mysterious Doubtful Sound/Patea is one of Fiordland’s most majestic places. Step aboard your ship here for an unforgettable overnight cruise to discover rugged peaks, hidden islets and pristine rainforests.
Signature Experience: These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.
Stay: Doubtful Sound/Patea Overnight Cruise
Daily: Breakfast Dinner
DAY 8 - Doubtful Sound/ Patea, Invercargill
Disembark your overnight cruise and head for Invercargill. On arrival in the early afternoon, choose to explore the township or enjoy a Signature Experience. Alternatively, you may decide to relax at the hotel.
Signature Experience – Bill Richardson Transport World
Visit Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill, a haven for car enthusiasts. The automotive museum houses an amazing collection of classic cars and trucks, from Model-T Fords to VW Kombis and a spectacular 1940 Dodge Airfow Texaco tanker. There are more than 300 vehicles on show, the largest private collection of its type in the world.
Signature Experience:
These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.
Stay: Two Nights, Invercargill, Ascot Park Hotel
Daily: Breakfast Dinner
DAY 9 - Invercargill, Stewart Island/Rakiura Day Trip
Drive by coach from Invercargill to the coastal town of Bluff for a Signature Experience. After your exploration, return by ferry to Bluff in the late afternoon and take a coach transfer back to Invercargill for dinner.
Signature Experience – Stewart Island/Rakiura
Travel by ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island/Rakiura and set off on a tour to learn about New Zealand’s southernmost community. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the island. With its rugged terrain, lush forests and pristine beaches, discover the beauty of this unspoilt hidden gem.
Signature Experience: These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.
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 fying 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 at 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: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Daily: Breakfast
DAY 13 - Christchurch, Coastal Pacific Train, Picton, Interislander Ferry
Start the day with a Signature Experience, as you embark on a rail journey along the rugged east coast to Picton. Enjoy another Signature Experience, taking the scenic ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington.
Signature Experience – Coastal Pacific Train
Join the Coastal Pacific train at Christchurch Station, riding it all the way to beautiful Picton in the Marlborough Sounds region. Be inspired by the magnificent landscapes nestled between the mountains and sea as you travel along one of the most picturesque rail journeys in the country.
Signature Experience – Interislander Ferry
Take the iconic Interislander ferry from Picton on the South Island to Wellington on the North Island. Enjoy stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds before cruising across Cook Strait and into the serene waters of Wellington Harbour.
Signature Experience: These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.
Stay: Softel Wellington
Daily: Breakfast Dinner
DAY 14 - Wellington, Fell Locomotive Museum, Taupō
After a short city tour, head to the Fell Locomotive Museum for your Signature Experience. Later, travel onwards to the pretty lakeside town of Taupō.
Signature Experience – Fell Locomotive Museum
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.
Signature Experience: These all-inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.
Stay: Hilton Lake Taupō
Daily: Breakfast Dinner
DAY 15 - Taupō | Rotorua
This morning, enjoy your Signature Experience on Lake Taupō. Afterwards, travel to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua with a stop at the spectacular Huka Falls on the way. This evening, an enriching Signature Experience at Te Pā Tū awaits .
Signature Experience – Taupō adventure
Explore New Zealand's largest lake on board a luxury yacht. Enjoy a leisurely sail on Lake Taupō while taking in the spectacular views of surrounding mountains and the pristine waters. See the Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, which have been hailed as one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary contemporary Māori artworks. With experienced skippers at the helm, participate in the sailing or simply relax and soak up the serene atmosphere.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
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Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
