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A distant view of the Interislander Ferry cruising past land formations

Breathtaking Surrounds

Cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry and enjoy the stunning waters of Marlborough Sounds

Jewels of the South

Christchurch → Wellington
14 Days Request Quote
Trip Code: NZCCN14
  • Check Availability & Book Now
  • Trip Highlights
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Travel & Accommodation

Inclusions

  • All-inspiring sightseeing experiences in 12 destinations
  • Freedom of Choice inclusions in five locations
  • Locally inspired dining - a total of 22 meals
  • 13 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver, plus expert local guides
  • Return airport transfers, porterage

Map & Itinerary

New Zealand Map 2024-2025 NZCCN14
Christchurch → Wellington

Designed Exclusively for APT guests

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

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

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Step back in time to a golden era of public transport; enjoying drinks and canapes aboard a heritage tram while taking in the city sights of Christchurch.

We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have plenty of time to settle in, explore or relax. Tonight, enjoy a Signature Experience followed by a welcome dinner.

Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Daily :
  • Dinner

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Discover New Zealand’s highest peak, in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

This afternoon, you may during the summer months, board a MAC boat and discover icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. Perhaps visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or enjoy a stargazing session with an astronomer.

Today you'll traverse the Canterbury plains to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Onwards, you journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to view New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. On arrival, enjoy your sightseeing activity of choice.

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

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Boardwalk along side a creek with snowcapped Mt Cook in the distance

Set out along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Oamaru. Continue to Koekohe Beach to view the unusual spherical-shaped Moeraki Boulders. Arrive in Dunedin late afternoon and enjoy time at leisure before dinner.

Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Visit Olveston Historic Home, the heritage home of a wealthy merchant family built in the early 1900s. Or discover the enchanting Larnach Castle, nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula. Alternatively, those who enjoy a beer may choose to visit Speight’s Brewery for a tasting.

Begin your day with your choice of sightseeing activity. Afterwards, enjoy breathtaking scenery as you travel to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.

Stay: Two Nights, Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Explore an underground network of limestone caves, magically lit by thousands of glow worms. Alternatively, set off on an inspiring wilderness cruise on Doubtful Sound/Patea, or take an exciting jet boat ride along the Upper Waiau River to get the heart pumping.

Waking in Te Anau this morning, decide how to spend your day thanks to our range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Cruise the pristine Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.

This morning, wind down the Milford Road, through the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys. Have your cameras ready as you then travel through the Homer Tunnel, to eventually be met by the sight of Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed peaks in the country. Continue to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi where you will cruise along the full length of this fiord deep within Fiordland National Park. After, Queenstown awaits.

Stay: Three Nights, Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Movie buffs may like to visit key filming locations from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, on a Safari of the Scenes tour. Alternatively, set out on a Skippers Canyon 4WD adventure tour following the Shotover River Valley. Others may prefer a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or a cellar door tour through the wineries of the Central Otago wine region.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

On a Freedom of Choice Dining evening perhaps cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamboat for a BBQ Dinner at the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Alternatively, enjoy one of the world's most lauded burgers at Fergburger, experience an array of premium local produce at Finz Restaurant, dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Impressions Restaurant, or take a ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola up Bob's Peak to Stratosfare Restaurant and enjoy spectacular views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and of course, Queenstown.

Today, discover Queenstown your own way with the included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activities. Later, select from a handful of restaurants during a Freedom of Choice Dining evening and savour the tantalising tastes of New Zealand's celebrated South Island.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Immerse yourself in beautiful Queenstown with a full day at leisure. Enjoy a stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu or take part in the thrill of a lifetime in the country's adventure capital.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere region.

Today you'll skirt the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea, before crossing Haast Pass into Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau, where you will take in the dramatic terrain and surrounds of this picturesque region.

Stay: Franz Josef/Waiau, Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Side view of the exterior of the accommodation Te Waonui Forest Retreat

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Board New Zealand’s famous TranzAlpine train to experience one of the world’s greatest rail journeys.

Boarding in Arthur's Pass, take in the magnificent scenery as your cross the Southern Alps, following the Waimakariri River through deep gorges and river valleys. Enjoy stunning views from the open-air viewing platform as you pass the striking patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains all the way to Christchurch.

Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Daily :
  • Breakfast
Journey between Christchurch and Greymouth on the world famous TranzAlpine train.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Indulge in the finest flavours as you savour a Highlights of Marlborough Dinner. The well-paired fusion of quality produce and multi-ethnic influences have helped shape New Zealand's food and wine culture as amongs the best in the world.

This morning, follow the east coast to Kaikoura, before traversing the Marlborough region to Blenheim. Tonight, enjoy a Signature Experience, where local chefs will present each dish before you, showcasing superb local artisan produce, perfectly paired with wines from the region.

Stay: Two Nights, Blenheim, Scenic Hotel Marlborough

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Embark on a tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre; enjoy the sheer beauty of Marlborough Sounds during a Seafood Odyssea Cruise; or choose to visit some of the region’s best wineries for countryside wine tastings.

Enjoy your selected sightseeing activity.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
Sun shining down on the vineyard in Blenheim

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry and enjoy the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds while taking in breathtaking surrounds.

This morning, take in the breathtaking surrounds while you cruise to the North Island. This afternoon, take part in a fascinating city sights tour of Wellington.

Stay: InterContinental Wellington

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

We say goodbye before we transfer you to the airport for your flight.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

It has been a privilege to welcome so many guests aboard APT’s award-winning journeys, and a joy to see those guests fall in love with each new experience the world presents.

Geoff McGeary OAM – APT Company Owner -