Fully Guided Group
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Trip Style
Land Journey
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
48
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NRCA16
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 16 Day New Zealand Rail and Cruise Spotlight. Discover the wonders of New Zealand on this rail and cruise spotlight of discovery. Explore stunning lansdcapes, and ride iconic railways, all on this 16 day escorted holiday.
Itinerary
Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Later, enjoy dinner at your hotel. Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch (D)
After your arrival in Greymouth, board a coach for the scenic trip down the west coast to glacier country, and the lovely town of Franz Josef. Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Today, you ride aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, considered one of the world's great rail journeys. Enjoy awe-inspiring views as you cross the Southern Alps from the east coast to the west.
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. Stay Two Nights: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (B)
Choose from a host of exciting sightseeing opportunities today. (B)
Freedom of Choice:
Freedom of Choice:
- Choose your activity today. Visit where The Lord of the Rings was filmed; enjoy a cruise on Lake Wakatipu; take a Skippers Canyon adventure; join a river safari along Dart River; or enjoy a winery tour.
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 Te Anau, where you savour a special Taste of Fiordland dinner featuring local specialties. Stay: Distinction Hotel Te Anau (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Marvel at the spectacle of Milford Sound 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.
Take the short drive from Te Anau to lakeside Manapouri, where you join your Signature Experience cruise. Stay: Doubtful Sound overnight cruise (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Remote and mysterious Doubtful Sound is one of Fiordland's most magical places. Step aboard your ship here for an unforgettable overnight cruise to discover rugged peaks, hidden islets and pristine rainforests.
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. Stay Two Nights: Ascot Hotel Invercargill (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Visit Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill, which houses an amazing collection of classic cars and trucks, from Model-T Fords to VW Kombis and a spectacular 1940 Dodge Airflow Texaco tanker. There are more than 300 vehicles on show, the largest private collection of its type in the world.
Drive by coach from Invercargill to the coastal town of Bluff for your Stewart Island Signature Experience. After your exploration, return by ferry to Bluff in the late afternoon and take a coach transfer back to Invercargill for dinner. (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Travel by ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island. Head off on the Stewart Island Village and Bays Tour and gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand's southernmost community, learning about its history and environment. The tour lasts for 90 minutes, after which there is another hour and a half of free time to explore.
Travel from Invercargill to Balclutha, then veer briefly southwest onto the Southern Scenic route towards the Carlins Coast to view the historic Nugget Point Lighthouse, perched high above rocks named by Captain Cook because he thought they looked like pieces of gold. Then travel north to the Otago Peninsula to visit an albatross colony with spectacular views of the land and seascapes. You arrive in Dunedin in time for an afternoon tour of the local sights. Stay: Distinction Hotel Dunedin (B)
Head north through stunning countryside to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the centrepiece of which is Australasia's highest mountain peak. Tonight, enjoy a buffet dinner in your hotel's Alpine Restaurant. Stay: Aoraki Mount Cook, Hermitage Hotel (B/D)
Today you head back to Christchurch, stopping en route to view the much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo. Enjoy a city sights tour on arrival in Christchurch. Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch (B)
Enjoy a rail journey along the rugged east coast to Picton. Cross Cook Strait and through the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds to Wellington. Stay: InterContinental Wellington (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Join the Coastal Pacific train at Christchurch Station, riding it all the way to beautiful Picton in the Marlborough Sounds region.
- Take the afternoon ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington, enjoying stunning views of the Marlborough and Queens Charlotte sounds as you begin your journey.
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. En route, visit the spectacular Huka Falls. Stay: Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuals Taupo (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- The Fell Locomotive Museum houses H199, the only locomotive of its kind remaining in the world. It was built to deal with the steep gradients on the famous Rimutaka Incline, and used an ingenious method of four grip wheels on a raised central track.
Today you leave Taupo for your first Signature Experience at Taumaranui. Then continue on to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Stay Two Nights: Novotel Rotorua (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- At Taumaranui, enjoy the Forgotten World Railway experience, boarding a self-drive cart rail along a decommissioned railway line and passing through 10 hand-dug tunnels.
- This evening, enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast and performance.
Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore at your leisure. (B)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Perhaps experience one of New Zealand's best-loved attractions, the Agrodome, with its entertaining sheep shearing demonstration, dog trials and animal nursery then visit the Te Puia Thermal Reserve; alternatively, choose to visit Wai-O-Tapu or experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Enjoy a ride on the historic Glenbrook steam train before heading to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Your tour concludes upon arrival in Auckland. (B)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Step back in time as you experience the history and charm of Glenbrook Vintage Railway.
Trip Inclusions
- Enjoy an Akaroa Nature cruise and look out for the rare Hector's dolphins
- Ride the famous TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth
- Cruise the full length of pristine Milford Sound, and enjoy a Doubtful Sound overnight cruise
- Experience true Maori Culture at a traditional Hangi feast
- Board the Glenbrook steam train
- Experiences in 18 destinations
- The services of an APT Tour Director and Driver
- Finest dining - a total of 25 meals
- 15 nights hand-picked accommodation
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Ask us about pre and post accommodation
- Prices are for land/rail only. Flights not included
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
