New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery
New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery
New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery
19 Days
Visiting: Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, NZ, Te Anau, Invercargill, Dunedin, Mt Cook National Park, Wellington, Taupo, Rotorua, Auckland
Tour operator:
Tour Overview
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2 : Christchurch, Akaroa Nature Cruise, Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel an hour and a half southeast of Christchurch to the Banks Peninsula town of Akaroa, known for its mix of 19th-century British and French colonial history and architecture. After your Signature Experience cruise, explore Akaroa eateries for lunch (own expense), then head back to your Christchurch hotel. Tonight, ride the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant, enjoying a four-course dinner and take in the views of modern buildings, green spaces and public art installations that dot the city from aboard a colonial tram.
Day 3 : Christchurch, Tranzalpine Train, Greymouth, Franz Josef/Waiau
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 4 : Franz Josef/Waiau, Queenstown
Location: Queenstown, NZ
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy spectacular views as you drive today towards New Zealand’s adventure capital Queenstown. The Haast Pass follows a trail traditionally used by Maori people in search of greenstone or jade, and cuts through a stunning mountain landscape highlighted by waterfalls, rushing rivers and lakes.
Day 5 : Queenstown
Location: Queenstown, NZ
Meals Included: Breakfast
Choose from a host of exciting sightseeing opportunities today.
Day 6 : Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau
Location: Te Anau
Accommodation Name: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel from Queenstown along the incredibly scenic Milford Road through Fiordland National Park to join your Signature Experience cruise. Later, return to the lovely lakeside town of
, where you savour a special Taste of Fiordland dinner featuring local specialties.Day 7 : Te Anau, Manapouri
Location: Te Anau
Accommodation Name: Doubtful Sound/Patea Overnight Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take the short drive from Te Anau to lakeside Manapouri, where you join your Signature Experience cruise.
Day 8 : Manapouri, Invercargill
Location: Invercargill
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Ascot Hotel Invercargill
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Disembark your overnight cruise and head for Invercargill. On arrival in the early afternoon, choose to explore the township, or take in the included visit to Bill Richardson Transport World. Alternatively, you may decide to relax at the hotel.
Day 9 : Invercargill, Stewart Island/Rakiura Day Trip
Location: Invercargill
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive by coach from Invercargill to the coastal town of Bluff for your Stewart Island/Rakiura Signature Experience. After your exploration, return by ferry to Bluff in the late afternoon and take a coach transfer back to Invercargill for dinner.
Day 10 : Invercargill, Dunedin
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation Name: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 flying bird. Afterwards, return to Dunedin and enjoy the local sights, before arriving at your hotel.
Day 11 : Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook
Location: Mt Cook National Park
Accommodation Name: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 in your hotel’s Alpine Restaurant.
Day 12 : Aoraki/Mount Cook, Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Christchurch, Rydges Latimer
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you head back to Christchurch, stopping en route to view the much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo.
Day 13 : Christchurch, Coastal Pacific Train, Picton, Interislander Ferry, Queen Charlotte Sound
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Sofitel Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a rail journey along the rugged east coast to Picton. Cross Cook Strait and view the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds en route to Wellington.
Day 14 : Wellington, Fell Locomotive Museum, Taupo
Location: Taupo
Accommodation Name: Hilton Lake Taupo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a short city tour, head to the Fell Locomotive Museum for your Signature Experience, then travel onwards towards the pretty lakeside town of Taupo.
Day 15 : Taupo, Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Rotorua, Millenium Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning enjoy your Signature Experience on Lake Taupo, then travel onwards to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua via a visit to the spectacular Huka Falls. This evening experience true Maori culture at your Signature Experience at Te Pa Tu.
Day 16 : Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Day 17 : Rotorua, Glenbrook Steam Train, Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Grand Millennium Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a ride on the heritage Glenbrook Steam train before heading to
, New Zealand’s largest city.Day 18 : Auckland
Location: Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning select your activity from our Freedom of Choice offerings. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, we gather at our hotel for a farewell dinner.
Day 19 : Depart Auckland
Location: Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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All-inspiring sightseeing experiences in 19 destinations
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Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations
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Locally inspired dining - 31 meals
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18 nights in hand-picked accommodation
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Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver, plus expert local guides
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Return airport transfers and porterage
Notes
Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
Ask us about pre and post accommodation
Prices are for land
ail only. Flights not included unless specified
Check out our Q&As
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What if I have special dietary requirements?
Please ensure you advise APT during your booking process if you or any of your travelling companions have special dietary needs or requests. We aim to cater for all requests which are advised at the time of making your booking.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel Documents are sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Certain information may be required to help finalise your booking.
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What are Freedom of Choice Touring options?
For APT tour programs, you may have the opportunity to select a Freedom of Choice Touring activity. These options are at no additional cost, and confirmed whilst on tour. The Tour Directors will guide you through all of the available options, and assist with booking these for those who are interested. Your brochure or our website will feature Freedom of Choice options for some tours - where applicable. Should time permit, passengers may be given the opportunity to experience a second option by purchasing that option.
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Where do I join the tour?
Most of our itineraries commence with a transfer from the airport, or a meet and greet on Day 1. There may be times recommended for you to fly, which your Sales consultant will provide you. If you choose to fly in a few days prior to your tour commencing and explore independently you will be advised of a time and location to meet the tour group. If booking pre tour accommodation with APT on an exclusive APT tour itinerary, you will receive both a transfer from the airport and on Day 1 of the tour to join your fellow guests. For Europe River cruises, the vessels are available for early boarding upon your arrival. Luggage can be stored at reception, and passengers have access to the main lounge. Cabin check in is available from 3pm.
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How do I advise of Health/Mobility Requirements?
Your Sales consultant will ask you for any requirements pertaining to your Health & Fitness during your booking process. A questionnaire may be required to be completed, which you will be advised.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
APT has been operating for over 95 years!
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What are the luggage requirements?
Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm - length/height/width (63 inches), weight limit 20kgs (44 pounds). Additional fees may apply for additional luggage, and must be requested by time of final payment. Some safari / adventure tours may have further luggage restrictions where passengers need to pack down to a small soft duffle 10-15kg bag due to the smaller vehicles that are used whilst on tour, this includes Kimberley Wilderness Adventure, Outback Wilderness Adventures, Africa. Your Sales consultant can provide you with specific regulations.
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Is tipping included on my APT tour?
Tipping is included for all APT operated tours. There are a few activities whereby tipping is not included such as Tailor Made Holidays, Africa & South America's City Stays & Extensions, and the Northern Lights Adventure in North America.
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Low Deposit
APT requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 100 days before departure.
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