New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery

Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Later, meet your APT Tour Director and fellow guests at the welcome dinner, a Canterbury Feast celebrating local produce at the hotel. Stay Two Nights: Rydges Latimer Christchurch (D)

• Join a two-hour nature cruise across the waters of Akaroa, a playground for Hector's dolphins. Marvel at the opportunity to spot the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world as you glide past the rugged coastline.

• Experience the romance of rail travel aboard the TranzAlpine train. Admire ever-changing landscapes and spectacular gorges as you journey through the famous Southern Alps and alongside the Waimakariri River on one of the world's most scenic rail routes.
• Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Tonight, you will stay at the luxurious Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, located on the edge of the Franz Josef/Waiau village. Relax and unwind amid the lush rainforest and breathtaking scenery before enjoying a four-course degustation fine dining experience.

Enjoy spectacular views today as you drive towards New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. The Haast Pass follows a trail traditionally used by Maori people in search of greenstone or nephrite jade, and cuts through a stunning mountain landscape featuring waterfalls, rushing rivers and lakes. Stay Two Nights: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (B)

• 'The Lord of the Rings' 4WD Safari: Discover why this beautiful landscape was chosen to portray Middle-earth in 'The Lord of the Rings' on this sensational 4WD safari. Visit several breathtaking locations where the iconic motion picture trilogy was filmed.
• Wine Tour: Embark on a personalised sightseeing tour of New Zealand's southernmost wine region, as you indulge in tastings from various wineries.
• Skippers Canyon: Enjoy an exciting 4WD adventure following the Shotover River Valley. Admire rocky cliffs, sheer drops and breathtaking river gorges along the way.
• Dart River Wilderness Jet: A wilderness jet boat journey on the glacier-fed Dart River takes you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, which is part of the larger World Heritage Site of Te Wahipounamu. Here, your guide will share fascinating insights into the area's rich history.
• Best of Queenstown: Gaze in wonder at the beauty of New Zealand's adventure capital on this spectacular tour. Take in panoramic views of Queenstown, visit the charming township of Arrowtown and explore Gibbston, home to the world's first commercial bungy jump location. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery and to top it all off, relax during a scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

• A cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi draws you into a magical world of snow-dusted mountains, breathtaking scenery and engaging wildlife. Edge close to tumbling waterfalls and colonies of seals and penguins, all beneath the ramparts of mighty peaks that rise sheer from the water as they stretch to the vast sky above.
• Delight in a delectable Taste of Fiordland dinner this evening at the exceptional MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar. With a menu that has been carefully crafted to showcase the South Island's regional cuisine, you'll savour mouth-watering local fare made from the finest artisan produce.

• Remote and mysterious, Doubtful Sound/Patea is one of Fiordland's most majestic places. Step aboard your ship here for an unforgettable overnight cruise to discover rugged peaks, hidden islets and pristine rainforests.

• Visit Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill, a haven for car enthusiasts. The automotive museum 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.

• Travel by ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island/Rakiura and set off on a tour to learn about New Zealand's southernmost community. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the island. With its rugged terrain, lush forests and pristine beaches, discover the beauty of this unspoilt hidden gem.

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 heading to your hotel. Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (B/D)

Head north through the stunning countryside to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the centrepiece of which is New Zealand's highest mountain peak.

Tonight, enjoy a buffet dinner at your hotel's Alpine Restaurant. Stay: Aoraki/Mount Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views (B/D)

Today, head back to Christchurch, stopping en route to view the much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapo. Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch (B)

• Join the Coastal Pacific train at Christchurch Station, riding it all the way to beautiful Picton, the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. Be inspired by the magnificent landscapes nestled between the mountains and sea as you travel along one of the most picturesque rail journeys in the country.
• Take the iconic Interislander ferry from Picton on the South Island to Wellington on the North Island. Enjoy stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds before cruising across Cook Strait and into the serene waters of Wellington Harbour.

• The Fell Locomotive Museum houses the H199, the only locomotive of its kind remaining in the world. It was built to withstand the steep gradients on the famous Rimutaka Incline, using an innovative method of four grip wheels on a raised central track.

• Explore New Zealand's largest lake aboard a luxury catamaran. Enjoy a leisurely sail on Lake Taupo while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and pristine waters. See the Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings, which have been hailed as one of New Zealand's most extraordinary contemporary Maori artworks. With experienced skippers at the helm, participate in the sailing or simply relax and soak up the serene atmosphere.
• Enjoy a feast of Maori delicacies and performance of haka, song and storytelling at Te Pa Tu (Maori Village). Over a magical evening, you will be welcomed with a haka powhiri (cultural welcome) and then be treated to further captivating performances while enjoying seasonal canapes, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.

• Rotorua Icons: Embark on a Rotorua adventure. Experience the lively Agrodome Farm Show and visit The National Kiwi Hatchery before heading to the incredible natural geothermal wonder that is renowned for its healing properties, the mineral-rich Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: A must for any fan of ‘The Lord of the Rings', this tour explores locations where some of the famous movie scenes were filmed. You'll feel as though you're a part of the massive blockbuster trilogy.
• Eco-Thermal Tour: Drive through a unique mix of forest and farmland to visit New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and a series of colourful hot springs at the calming Waiotapu.
• Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa: Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating geothermal waters of Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa on a Restorative Journey, which draws on age-old Ngati Whakaue healing practices and Maori culture.

• Step back in time as you experience the history and charm of the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Board the historic steam train and glide through the North Island's enchanting landscapes.

• Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise: Sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, spot volcanic peaks and admire the iconic city skyline from the water aboard a 50-foot monohull sailboat.
• All Blacks Experience: Immerse yourself in a guided encounter that connects you to the history and culture of one of the world's greatest sports teams. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the people who have made the All Blacks such an important part of New Zealand's story.
• Weta Workshop – Unleashed: Journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop and see how blockbuster films such as ‘The Hobbit' are created.
• Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo: At Auckland Zoo, explore six stunning habitats showcasing the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. See the iconic kiwi, cheeky kea and more than 50 other native species.
• Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure: Escape the bustle of the city on a half-day tour to Auckland's wild black-sand beaches and lush rainforest. Join an experienced guide and learn about the forest's unique plants and wildlife.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. (B)