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New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Islands to Adventure Escape

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Operated by APT
Tripcode: XPCNZA18
Overview
Destination:
New Zealand
North Island
South Island
Start:Auckland, New Zealand
Finish:Queenstown, Nz, New Zealand
Duration:18 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Style:
Land Journey,
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Auckland → Queenstown
Explore the sub-tropical Bay of Islands and the multi-cultural city of Auckland before spending 10 nights aboard the Le Soleal visiting New Zealand’s highlights including wine tasting in the Marlborough Sounds, Rotorua’s geothermal park, and world-famous movie set location. Discover, Wanaka, Arrowtown and the adventure capital Queenstown.

Trip notes
  • Included return airport transfers, porterage and gratuities
  • Daily inclusions subject to change
  • Zodiac Activity – This tour includes the use of Zodiacs for sightseeing or accessing ports
  • Daily itinerary and timings subject to change
  • Prices are for land/cruise and flights as specified only

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Standard inclusions
  • Experiences in 17 destinations
  • 10 nights aboard the luxurious Le Soleal with excursions on Zodiac vessels
  • Locally inspired dining – a total of 43 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
  • The services of an APT Cruise Director and expert expedition team
  • Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver, plus expert local guides
  • Enjoy a Maori cultural experience in Rotorua
  • Indulge in a wine tasting in the famous Marlborough region
  • Explore the French influenced seaside town of Akaroa
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Auckland
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, get to know your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers during a welcome dinner.
Day 2 - Auckland, Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands, a sub-tropical region comprised of 144 islands, abundant marine life, and steeped in history. Later, dock in the historic and charming town of Russell, known as the country’s first European settlement. Offering waterfront cafes and beautiful beaches, this town combines natural beauty and an interesting historical background. Enjoy a dinner of locally sourced produce and world-class seafood at the Duke of Marlborough.
Day 3 - Bay of Islands
Join a cruise to Cape Brett and see the famous natural rock formation, the Hole in the Rock. Throughout the cruise, you may spot marine wildlife that inhabit the waters of this region. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was first signed in 1840. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.
Day 4 - Bay Of Islands, Auckland
Enjoy your selected sightseeing activity today.
Day 5 - Auckland, Waiheke, Auckland, Embark Ship
Spend today on Waiheke Island, located a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland. Attracting discerning travellers, artists and wine lovers from all over the world, Waiheke is famous for its 40 kilometres of pristine white-sand beaches, hilly terrain, stunning views, bohemian arts scene and, of course, internationally awarded vineyards and wineries. Enjoy lunch before returning to Auckland to be transferred to your ship. Meet your captain and crew at tonight’s welcome reception and dinner.
Day 6 - Tauranga
Today, select an activity from your Freedom of Choice options.
Day 7 - Tauranga, Rotorua
Travel by coach to Rotorua and visit one of New Zealand's leading cultural and thermal attractions, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience. Later, return to Tauranga.
Day 8 - Gisborne
Captain James Cook named Gisborne in honour of one of his crew who first sighted land in 1769. Today, we find a sunny coastal town rich in Maori heritage and culture, featuring stunning beaches with stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.
Day 9 - Napier
Take in the fascinating history of Napier and the Hawke's Bay region on your selected Freedom of Choice activity today. Or you may wish to join a guided excursion to experience the world's largest mainland gannet colony up close on an exhilarating visit to Cape Kidnappers (own expense).
Day 10 - Wellington
Today, enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice activity.
Day 11 - Picton
Cruise through the winding waterways, secluded bays and admire the stunning lush green scenery of Marlborough Sounds as you make your way to the seaside town of Picton.
Day 12 - Akaroa

Discover the scenic beauty, history, nature and culture of Akaroa in one complete comprehensive tour. Visit some of the most important historic sites such as Takapuneke, the site of the Brig Elizabeth Te Rauparaha massacre, Onuku Marae, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and Britomart Monument, the place of the British declaration of sovereignty.

Experience fascinating natural sites like the Heritage Park that provides stunning views over Akaroa, the Wildside Project, a community-driven collaboration for predator control and the protection of native species, and the internationally renowned Hinewai Reserve. Visit Barrys Bay Cheese, who produced its first cheddar in 1895 when it was just one of nine small, family-owned dairy cooperatives dotted around Banks Peninsula and remains one of the last traditional cheese makers on the Peninsula.

Day 13 - Lyttelton, Christchurch
Today, enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice activity in and around the beautiful South Island city of Christchurch. Home to almost 400,000 people, Christchurch is a picturesque city graced with 1,200 parks and gardens, earning it the title of New Zealand's garden city.
Day 14 - Dunedin
Enjoy an orientation drive through Dunedin that will introduce you to a well-preserved Victorian city. Soak up the grandeur of its architecture, from the classical ANZ Bank to the buildings surrounding the Octagon, an eight-sided plaza that forms the core of Dunedin's lively business district. Visit the iconic Larnach Castle, built in the late 19th century by prominent businessman and politician William Larnach and known as one of New Zealand’s finest examples of Victorian architecture. Boasting intricate detailing, the castle features a unique blend of Gothic and styles with beautiful views of the Otago Peninsula. Afterwards, explore the peninsula further and discover its picturesque bays and stunning views at every turn. The peninsula is home to diverse wildlife including albatrosses, sea lions and penguins and offers a memorable experience in the heart of the South Island. Finish the day with a visit to Penguin Place, a conservation reserve located on the peninsula dedicated to protecting the endangered yellow-eyed penguin – native to New Zealand and one of the rarest penguin species in the world.
Day 15 - Dunedin, Disembark Ship, Wanaka, Queenstown
After breakfast, board your coach to Wanaka, a charming town nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island with stunning natural landscapes and the beautiful Lake Wanaka surrounded by majestic mountains. Explore Arrowtown with your Tour Director, a historic gold mining town in the Otago region and the gateway to the nearby Southern Alps. Explore the preserved heritage buildings and boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. With its vibrant atmosphere and stunning landscapes, Queenstown is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.
Day 16 - Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise
Marvel at the spectacle of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi on a cruise of its full length. Cruise beneath tall cliffs on the flanks of Mitre Peak, get close to tumbling waterfalls, and view seals, penguins and a variety of seabirds.
Day 17 - Queenstown
Enjoy the flexibility of how to spend your day with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight at Stratosfare Restaurant, taking the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak which offer’s breathtaking panoramic views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.
Day 18 - Depart Queenstown
Your New Zealand tour concludes after breakfast.
Operator
APT

APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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17 nights
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