Day 1. Auckland

On arrival in Auckland you will be met at the airport by an APT representative and transferred to your centrally-located hotel. The rest of today is at leisure to relax and settle in, or begin exploring this wonderful city.

Stay: Two Nights: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel

Day 2. Auckland, Freedom of Choice Touring

This morning is at leisure for you to relax and discover Auckland. This afternoon, you choose the touring activity and we will include it. Your options include a cruise on Waitemata Harbour aboard the Pride of Auckland; a trip to the Auckland Museum; get up close to giant sharks, eels and scores of fish at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World or visit the Voyager National Maritime Museum. Included with each of these options is an Auckland City Sights Tour. Other options available include a head, neck and shoulders massage at Bliss Reflexology; a Wilderness Adventure into the Waitakere Rainforest; or for the more adventurous you may like to climb Auckland’s Harbour Bridge.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 3. Auckland, Bay of Islands

Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and travel through Warkworth and Wellsford. Visit the Matakohe Pioneer Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of kauri gum. Continue to Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve and view the giant kauri tree Tane Mahuta, ‘Lord of the Forest’. Travel across the country to the historic Bay of Islands and visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Later this afternoon you’ll also visit the Maori Meeting House and see the War Canoe.

Stay: Two Nights: Waitangi, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 4. Bay of Islands, Freedom of Choice Touring

Not only is the beautiful Bay of Islands the birthplace of the nation and thus full of New Zealand history, it’s also home to 144 islands and known as a playground for lovers of anything aquatic. After breakfast you have the opportunity to choose the Freedom of Choice Touring activity that most interests you. You may like to enjoy the Culture North Night Show, take a tour of Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northernmost point. Perhaps you may like to experience the life of a bygone era aboard a Tall Ship, including a hearty BBQ lunch. Alternatively you may be interested in going on a dolphin watching Adventure, relax with a round of golf at Waitangi overlooking the national maritime park, join a mini-tour of Russell or discover the small town of Kerri Kerri on a half day sightseeing tour.

Stay: Overnight Cruise option available tonight

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 5. Bay of Islands, Auckland

This morning after breakfast, embark on a Bay of Islands catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. In these world-renowned deep-sea fishing grounds, dolphins and schools of fish are frequently seen. Meander through the inner islands, viewing sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and visit a secluded bay with time for relaxation. Following your cruise journey south back to Auckland.

Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 6. Auckland, Rotorua, Hangi Feast

This morning after breakfast, travel south through the Waikato Province to the Waitomo Caves for a guided tour of the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. Unique to New Zealand, these fascinating creatures radiate a luminescent glow as your expert guide provides commentary whilst you cruise the underground limestone caverns. Then continue to the geothermal region of Rotorua, known as the centre of Maori culture. Enjoy a Maori hangi feast and cultural performance of song and dance at Mitai Maori Village tonight.

Stay: Two Nights: Millennium Rotorua

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 7. Rotorua, Freedom of Choice Touring

For an overview of the wonderful sights of this great town, the Rotorua Icons activity will take you to the Te Puia Thermal Reserve where you’ll visit some of the famous geo-thermal geysers that are world renowned icons of New Zealand. Or you may like to visit Kiwi encounter, a working nursery and hatchery of this unique bird. Perhaps visit Wai-O-Tapu, New Zealand’s largest boiling mudpool, including Lady Knox Geyser. For fans of the blockbuster series, ‘Lord of the Rings’, you may like to enjoy the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and see where your favourite scenes were filmed. If your are after something more adventurous perhaps join a 4WD Bush Safari. For a more relaxing afternoon play a round of golf or enjoy a 30 minute spa treatment at the Polynesian Spa.

Stay: Country Homestay option available tonight

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 8. Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington

This morning, follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the north island and view the Wairakei Steam Valley. Visit the thundering Huka Falls and marvel at the striking blue water that flows through the Huka River, you’ll also visit beautiful Lake Taupo, before travelling south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park on the way to Wellington, the national capital.

Stay: Wellington, InterContinental Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 9. Wellington, Nelson, Dine Around Dinner

Join the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait to the South Island. Travel through the pretty Marlborough region to Nelson for tonight’s Dine Around Dinner. Satisfy your tastebuds with authentic Japanese dining at Miyazu, Nelson’s best Japanese dining experience consisting of a sushi bar and Teppanyaki grill. For those who prefer the tastes of the sea, perhaps try Oceano, offering the best local seafood dishes, with a rustic style menu featuring an Italian influence.

Stay: Nelson, Rutherford Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 10. Nelson, Franz Josef, West Coast Specialities Degustation Dinner

Follow the Heritage Highway to the West Coast. View the 30 million year old Pancake rock formations at Punakaiki. Stop at Hokitika to see Pounamu (jade) being carved, then enter Westland National Park, home to Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Tonight, sample regional cuisine during a West Coast Specialities Degustation Dinner.

Stay: Franz Josef, Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 11. Franz Josef, Wanaka

This morning, depart Franz Josef and view the Glacier as you travel along New Zealand’s West Coast and view incredible scenery today as you travel through Haast Pass and the Haast River Valley, over the dramatic Southern Alps. This region of the south island is home to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful lakes, you’ll have the opportunity to view lakes Wanaka and Hawea en-route to our overnight stay in Wanaka.

Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Wanaka, Edgewater Resort

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 12. Wanaka, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner

Depart Wanaka this morning and journey to Arrowtown, a small village en-route to Queenstown with a rich gold mining history. Continue to Queenstown, and tonight enjoy a Dine Around Dinner, where you have the choice of 14 restaurants to dine in.

Stay: Two Nights: EXCLUSIVE! Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 13. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today, personalise your tour with a range of Freedom of Choice Touring activities. A Safari of the Scenes tour takes you to several local sites where the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy was filmed. If you’re after an adrenaline rush, take a ride on the famous Shotover Jetboat down the Shotover river. If you’re feeling adventurous you may like to try Snow Shoeing (seasonal), with a local guide, strap on a pair of special snow shoes for a hike through Queenstown’s wilderness region. New Zealand is famous for its wines, so why not take a tour of the country’s premier wine producing region. Or for an overview of Queenstown, you may prefer to take a Double Decker Explorer ride through the streets of Queenstown and the nearby gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. These are just some of the options

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 14. Milford Sound, Te Anau

This morning travel through Fiordland National Park where lush rainforest meets snow-capped mountains. Drive along Milford Road, renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular alpine drives. On arrival at Milford Sound, cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord, keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and penguins that call this part of the world home. This afternoon, return through the Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.

Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 15. Te Anau, Dunedin, Freedom of Choice Touring

Departing Te Anau this morning, journey via beautiful Lake Manapouri to Dunedin, settled by the Scottish in 1848 and renowned as the Edinburgh of the south. This afternoon, personalise your touring when you select your Freedom of Choice Touring activity. Perhaps tour Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. In keeping with the heritage theme, perhaps visit Olveston House. Or if you prefer, visit Dunedin’s beautiful railway station and board the Taieri Gorge Railway for a journey into the rugged countryside. Beer lovers can join a tour of Speight’s Brewery which includes a tasting. Alternatively, nature lovers will enjoy visiting an Albatross colony and seeing penguins on a tour of the Otago Peninsula.

Stay: Dunedin, Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 16. Dunedin, Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dine Around Dinner

Today travel north along the coast to view the fascinating Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Stop at Oamaru, known for its distinctive limestone architecture. Then pass massive hydro-electric dams and glacier-fed lakes on the journey to Mt Cook National Park, home to Australasia’s highest mountain. On arrival, join your selected Freedom of Choice Touring activity. Perhaps visit The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or you may like to take a guided nature walk and discover the native flora and fauna of the region, or this evening enjoy a star gazing session with an astronomer. If you’re travelling during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to spectacular icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. Tonight choose to dine at either The Panorama Room or Alpine Restaurant within the hotel.

Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Mt Cook, The Hermitage, with views of Mt Cook from your room

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 17. Mt Cook, Christchurch

This morning you’ll travel to Lake Tekapo and visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Leaving the High Country behind, cross the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury plains. On the way to Christchurch, you might like to ride the TranzAlpine train from Arthurs Pass or perhaps continue by coach, through Rakaia Gorge to Christchurch.

Stay: Heritage Christchurch

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 18. Christchurch, Wellington, Dine Around Dinner

Board the coach this morning and travel to Kaikoura, a renowned whale watching town. Continue to Picton at the top of the South Island and board the Interislander ferry for the return cruise across Cook Strait to the nation’s capital, Wellington. Tonight choose from one of two restaurants in Wellington for your Dine Around Dinner. Choose from either the Chameleon Restaurant, an elegantly appointed restaurant offering award-winning local cuisine as well as a range of international favourites. Or you may prefer the themed Arizona Bar and Grill might be more your style.

Stay: Wellington, InterContinental Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 19. Wellington, Napier

Leaving Wellington this morning, cross the Rimutaka Ranges into the pretty farming district of the Wairarapa. Continue to the coastal township of Napier, an area dominated by orchards and vineyards, and world renowned for its striking Art Deco architecture. On arrival, enjoy a wine tasting tour at the New Zealand Wine Centre, followed by a city sights tour and a guided Art Deco walk. There is time to explore this unique east coast town at your leisure this afternoon, before returning to your hotel for dinner this evening.

Stay: Napier, Te Pania Scenic Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 20. Taupo, Auckland

Departing Napier this morning we travel to the outskirts of Taupo, over the vast New Zealand countryside, and through Hamilton to New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. Tonight swap stories with your new found friends of this magical 21 Day tour of New Zealand.

Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 21. Depart Auckland

Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. Enjoy time at leisure to explore this beautiful city, before it’s time for your included departure transfer to the airport. Alternatively you may like to extend your stay in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, enquire for post tour accommodation options in Auckland.

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast

Day 1. Auckland

Welcome to Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’. After settling in to your hotel enjoy the rest of today at leisure.

Stay: Two Nights: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel

Day 2. Auckland, Freedom of Choice Touring

This is a cosmopolitan city just waiting to be explored. Tailor your sightseeing today with your Freedom of Choice Touring activity, among your options is a cruise on Waitemata Harbour.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 3. Auckland, Bay of Islands

Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge, as we travel north and visit the Matakohe Pioneer Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Kauri Gum. Continue to Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve and view the giant Kauri tree Tane Mahuta, ‘Lord of the Forest’. Our journey tracks inland across the country to the Bay of Islands where we learn of New Zealand’s history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Maori Meeting House.

Stay: Two Nights: Waitangi, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 4. Bay of Islands, Freedom of Choice Touring

Not only is the beautiful Bay of Islands the birthplace of the nation and thus full of New Zealand history, it’s also home to 144 islands and known as a playground for lovers of anything aquatic. Today you have the opportunity to choose the Freedom of Choice Touring activity that most interests you. Tonight, you may wish to enjoy an overnight cruise on the Bay of Islands (Contact Us for details, must be pre-booked).

Stay: Overnight Cruise option available tonight

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 5. Bay of Islands, Auckland

Breathe in the fresh air of the Bay of Islands with a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Meander through the inner islands, viewing sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. Following our cruise we journey south back to Auckland.

Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 6. Auckland, Rotorua, Hangi Feast

Travelling through the Waikato Province we arrive at the Waitomo Caves for a guided tour of the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. Unique to New Zealand, these fascinating creatures radiate a luminescent glow as your expert guide provides commentary whilst you cruise the underground limestone caverns. We then continue to the geothermal region of Rotorua, known as the centre of Maori culture. This evening enjoy a Maori hangi feast and cultural performance of song and dance at Mitai Maori Village tonight.

Stay: Two Nights: Rotorua Millennium Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 7. Rotorua

The Rotorua Icons tour will take you to the Te Puia Thermal Reserve where you’ll visit some of the famous geothermal geysers that are world-renowned icons of New Zealand. This is just one of the Freedom of Choice Touring activities on offer today. Tonight you may wish to enjoy a Country Homestay option (Contact Us for details, must be pre-booked).

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 8. Wellington

Departing Rotorua, we travel through a region abundant with geothermal activity, natural spas, crystal clear lakes and streams. Visit Lake Taupo and thundering Huka Falls with its striking blue water before travelling south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. Arrive in Wellington, the national capital.

Stay: Wellington, InterContinental

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 9. Nelson

Named after Captain James Cook, the first European to sail through the narrow body of water in 1770, Cook Strait separates the North and South Islands. The Interislander ferry takes us through Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds, one of the most picturesque cruises in the world. In Nelson tonight satisfy your tastebuds with a Dine Around Dinner.

Stay: Nelson, The Rutherford Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 10. Franz Josef, West Coast Specialities Degustation Dinner

Follow the Heritage Highway to the West Coast, where we view the 30 million year old Pancake rock formations at Punakaiki. Stop at Hokitika to see Pounamu (jade) being carved, before entering Westland National Park, home to Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Tonight, we sample regional cuisine during a West Coast Specialities Degustation Dinner.

Stay: Franz Josef, Te Waonui Rainforest Retreat

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 11. Franz Josef, Wanaka

A day of incredible scenery awaits as we travel along the Haast River, capturing views of towering peaks, waterfalls and rainforest in the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley. The region is home to New Zealand’s beautiful lakes. View Lake Wanaka and Hawea en-route to our overnight stay in Wanaka.

Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Wanaka, Edgewater

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 12. Wanaka, Queenstown

Departing Wanaka we journey to Arrowtown, a small village steeped in gold mining history. Continue to Queenstown for tonight’s Dine Around Dinner.

Stay: Two Nights: Queenstown, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 13. Queenstown

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. Choose from a selection of Freedom of Choice Touring activities. Perhaps experience the thrills of a Shotover Jet boat ride into river canyons.

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 14. Milford Sound

We journey along the spectacular Milford Road, winding its way down the Eglinton and Hollyford valley’s, through the Homer Tunnel, to be met by the imposing scenery of Fiordland National Park. Cruise the full length of pristine Milford Sound a true highlight of any visit to New Zealand’s south island.

Stay: Te Anau, Distinction Hotel and Villas

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 15. Te Anau, Dunedin

We travel via beautiful Lake Manapouri to Dunedin. Discover Dunedin the way you wish with your chosen Freedom of Choice Touring activity.

Stay: Dunedin, Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 16. Mt Cook

Journey north along the coast and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders, before continuing to Mt Cook National Park, where you choose your Freedom of Choice Touring activity. This evening experience a Dine Around Dinner at The Hermitage.

Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Mt Cook, The Hermitage

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 17. Mt Cook, Hanmer Springs

A visit to Lake Tekapo and the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd is sure to be a highlight of today, as we cross the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury plains. On the way to Hanmer Springs, perhaps ride the TranzAlpine train.

Stay: Hanmer Springs, Heritage Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 18. Wellington

Travel to Kaikoura, a renowned whale watching town. Continue to Picton and make the return crossing of Cook Strait to Wellington. This evening enjoy a delightful Dine Around Dinner.

Stay: Wellington, InterContinental

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 19. Napier

The pretty farming district of Wairarapa, dominated by orchards and vineyards, awaits us en-route to Napier. A wine tasting tour at the New Zealand Wine Centre provides an insight into local wine production, followed by a city tour and an Art Deco walk.

Stay: Napier, Te Pania Scenic Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 20. Auckland

We travel to the outskirts of Taupo, over the vast New Zealand countryside to Auckland. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel

Daily Meals Included:  • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 21. Depart Auckland

Following a morning at leisure, you’ll be transferred to the airport.

Daily Meal Included:  • Breakfast