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High view point of Queenstown looking over lake and mountains
Land Tour

Essence of New Zealand

2024 - 2025

Land Tour

Essence of New Zealand

Essence of New Zealand

Discover New Zealand in depth beginning in Christchurch as you explore the South Island. View Aoraki Mount Cook, visit Dunedin and Queenstown, cruise Milford Sound, see idyllic surrounds at Franz Josef, and ride the TranzAlpine train. In the North Island, visit Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland and the Bay of Islands.

20 days Tour

Itinerary

20 days / 19 night Land Tour

Day 1

Arrive Christchurch

Signature Experience

Day 2

Christchurch, Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Aoraki/Mount Cook

Signature Experience

Day 3

Aoraki/Mount Cook, Dunedin

Day 4

Dunedin, Te Anau

Day 5

Te Anau

Freedom of Choice

Day 6

Te Anau, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Queenstown

Signature Experience

Day 7

Queenstown

Freedom of Choice

Day 8

Queenstown

Day 9

Queenstown, Franz Josef/Waiau

Signature Experience

Day 10

Franz Josef/Waiau, TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch

Signature Experience

Day 11

Christchurch, Kaikōura, Blenheim

Signature Experience

Day 12

Blenheim

Freedom of Choice

Day 13

Blenheim, Picton, Wellington

Signature Experience

Day 14

Wellington, Napier

Signature Experience

Day 15

Napier, Taupō , Rotorua

Signature Experience

Day 16

Rotorua

Freedom of Choice

Day 17

Rotorua, Auckland

Freedom of Choice

Day 18

Auckland, Bay of Islands

Day 19

Bay of Islands

Signature Experience

Day 20

Bay of Islands, Depart Auckland

Coach/Vehicle
Cruise/Ferry
Rail

Trip Inclusions

Discover the inclusions provided on your all-inclusive tour, ensuring a stress-free journey where every detail is taken care of.

Experiences in 16 destinations
Freedom of Choice inclusions in seven locations
Locally inspired dining – a total of 32 meals
Services of an APT Tour Director and driver, plus expert local guides
19 nights in hand-picked accommodation
Return airport transfers and porterage

Tour Highlights

These exclusive or unique events are designed to deepen your experience, taking you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. What's more, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are often not available to a regular traveller. The following experiences are just a taste of what we have prepared especially for you.

Lake Matheson at sunset with snow covered Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain.

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a bewildering landscape of towering mountain peaks, alpine herb fields and epic glaciers. See New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and stay at the iconic Hermitage Hotel. Indulge in a delicious seasonal menu, which incorporates the finest local ingredients, at the hotel’s Alpine Restaurant.

Franz Josef/Waiau

Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Tonight, you will stay at the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Relax and unwind amid the lush rainforest and breathtaking scenery, before enjoying a four-course degustation fine dining experience.

TranzAlpine Train

Experience the romance of rail travel aboard the TranzAlpine train on one of the world’s most scenic rail routes. Admire ever-changing landscapes and spectacular gorges as you journey through the famous Southern Alps and along the Waimakariri River.

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Highlights of Marlborough Dinner

Indulge in the finest flavours as you savour a Highlights of Marlborough dinner at your hotel’s restaurant. Local chefs will present each dish before you, showcasing a superb menu that has been thoughtfully paired with exquisite wines from the region.

Scenic panorama of Cape Brett lighthouse on the coast of New Zealand during sunset. Located in Bay of Islands, popular tourist destination for its natural beauty.

Bay of Islands Cruise

Enjoy a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Notes

  • Itinerary, hotels, pricing and inclusions are subject to change

  • Weather may cause disruptions to itinerary, especially in remote locations

  • APT highly recommends travel insurance

  • Prices are fully inclusive of all sightseeing, entrance fees, cruises, and meals as specified, as well as accommodation

  • Prices are for land and/or cruise only. Flights not included unless specified