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APT
Rail and Cruise Tour

New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery

2025 - 2026

Escorted Tour

New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery

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APT Escorted Tour
Delivering the ultimate luxury holiday experience, you will discover the true essence of each fascinating destination in comfort and style.

New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery

Explore New Zealand’s highlights, riding on iconic rail lines and taking an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. Take the TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps, ride the Glenbrook Steam Train journey aboard the Coastal Pacific. Explore Stewart Island, the country’s southernmost community, visit Queenstown, cruise Milford Sound, and discover Rotorua.

19 day Escorted Tour

Itinerary

19 days / 18 night Escorted Tour

Day 1

Arrive Christchurch

Day 2

Christchurch, Akaroa Nature Cruise, Christchurch

Signature Experience

Day 3

Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Greymouth, Franz Josef/Waiau

Signature Experience

Day 4

Franz Josef/Waiau, Queenstown

Day 5

Queenstown

Freedom of Choice

Day 6

Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau

Signature Experience

Day 7

Te Anau, Manapouri

Signature Experience

Day 8

Manapouri, Invercargill

Signature Experience

Day 9

Invercargill, Stewart Island/Rakiura Day Trip

Signature Experience

Day 10

Invercargill, Dunedin

Day 11

Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook

Day 12

Aoraki/Mount Cook, Christchurch

Day 13

Christchurch, Coastal Pacific Train, Picton, Interislander Ferry, Queen Charlotte Sound

Signature Experience

Day 14

Wellington, Fell Locomotive Museum, Taupo

Signature Experience

Day 15

Taupō, Rotorua

Signature Experience

Day 16

Rotorua

Freedom of Choice

Day 17

Rotorua, Glenbrook Vintage Railway, Auckland

Signature Experience

Day 18

Auckland

Freedom of Choice

Day 19

Depart Auckland

Cruise
Coach/Vehicle
Rail

Trip Inclusions

Enjoy special Insider Experiences and optional Enhance Your Journey activities available on your premium tour, ensuring an immersive journey perfectly suited to you.

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

Tour Highlights

These are carefully crafted experiences designed to take your holiday from amazing to extraordinary.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Only for use in conjunction with Coastal Pacific.

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.

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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.

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, rail and cruise only. Flights not included unless specified

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