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New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery

5.0/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
Our Price From 10,390 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 807 Per Person
 Trip Length
19 Days
 Trip Starts
Christchurch
 Trip Finishes
Auckland
19 Day New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: New Zealand
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Land Journey
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
48
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NRR19

Overview

Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 19 Day New Zealand Rail and Cruise Discovery. Discover the wonders of New Zealand on this rail and cruise discovery. Explore stunning lansdcapes, and ride iconic railways, all on this 19 day escorted holiday.

Itinerary

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. Stay Two Nights: Rydges Latimer Christchurch (D)

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. (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Historic Akaroa's waters are a playground for the smallest and rarest of dolphins, the Hector's dolphins. Today we join a two-hour Akaroa Nature Cruise to view these magical mammals and the rugged coastline.

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. Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (B/D)

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:
  • Choose your activity today. Visit filiming locations from The Lord of the Rings; 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 Te Anau Hotel & Villas (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • 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.

Take the short drive from Te Anau to lakeside Manapouri, where you join your Signature Experience cruise. Stay: Doubtful Sound/Patea Overnight Cruise (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Remote and mysterious Doubtful Sound/Patea 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:
  • 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/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. (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Travel by ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island/Rakiura Set off on a tour to 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.

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. Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel (B/D)

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. Stay: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views (B/D)

Today you head back to Christchurch, stopping en route to view the much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd in Tekapo. Stay: Christchurch, Rydges Latimer (B)

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. Stay: Sofitel Wellington (B/D)

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 Queen 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. Stay: Hilton Lake Taupo (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • 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, and used an ingenious method of four grip wheels on a raised central track.

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. Stay Two Nights: Rotorua, Millenium Hotel (B/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Board your 53-foot Luxury Catamaran named 'Tiua' which translates in Maori to 'Move with the Wind'. Cruise out to Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo which has been hailed as one of New Zealand's most extraordinary contemporary Maori artworks. Towering 14-metres above the deep water of Lake Taupo, artist Matahi Brightwell's carvings have become one of the North Island's biggest attractions.
  • Tonight, enjoy an indulgent traditional Maori feast 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 treated to further captivating performances while enjoying seasonal canapes, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. (B)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Perhaps experience one of New Zealand's best-loved attractions, the Agrodome, with its entertaining sheep shearing demonstration, dog trials and animal nursery; followed by a visit to 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 heritage Glenbrook Steam train before heading to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Stay Two Nights: Grand Millennium Auckland (B)

Signature Experiences:
  • Step back in time as you experience the history and charm of Glenbrook Vintage Railway.

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. (B/D)

Freedom of Choice:
  • Choose from an Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise, an All-Blacks experience, the Unleashed - A Weta Workshop Experience, Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo, and a Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure.

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

Trip Inclusions

  • Ride aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, considered one of the world's great rail journeys.
  • Marvel at the spectacle of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi on a cruise of its full length.
  • An unforgettable Doubtful Sound overnight cruise to discover rugged peaks, hidden islets and pristine rainforests.
  • Join the Coastal Pacific train at Christchurch Station, riding it all the way to beautiful Picton in the Marlborough Sounds region.
  • Take the ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington, enjoying stunning views of the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds as you begin your journey.
  • Enjoy an indulgent traditional Maori feast and performance of Haka, song and storytelling at Te Pa Tu (Maori Village).
  • Step back in time as you experience the history and charm of Glenbrook Vintage Railway.

  • All-inspiring sightseeing experiences in 19 destinations
  • Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations
  • Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver, plus expert local guides
  • Return airport transfers and porterage

  • 31 included meals over the course of your trip.

  • 18 nights in 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 unless specified
5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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2 Star
1 Star
Great tour of New Zealand 1 , WA, Australia, Mar 2019
It was a great tour and we saw a lot of NZ. Our bus drivers Reece (North Island) and Brownie (South Island) were very polite and Brownie (Maori) gave us an informative and humourous insight into his childhood and that of his father's and grandfather's. Annalise our Tour Director was the best, had such a wealth of knowledge.

Most of the accommodation ...read more was good but 3 hotels did not have air conditioning and because NZ was having an Indian Summer it was not comfortable for sleeping. We had great weather except on the last day when it rained and we missed seeing Mt. Cook. The meals were all awesome.

The overnight cruise was a highlight for us and of course so was the extra excursion (which everyone should do) taking a helicopter ride on Franz Josef Glacier. New Zealand is a spectacular country, people are so nice. Would recommend this trip.
First class in every detail 1 , NSW, Australia, Oct 2015
First we would like to express a grand thank you to Hannah Campbell, for her professionalism in handling our booking in a personal, kind way. APT is number one in making touring first class in every detail.
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New Zealand

APT New Zealand (2024-25)

A journey through New Zealand has so much to offer. From the paradise of the Bay of Islands in the country’s subtropical north, to the remote wilderness of Franz Josef/Waiau and the spectacular fiords waiting to be explored in the south-west corner. Charming locals endear their country to all who visit, where you can set your own pace, from kicking...more back with a glass of Queenstown’s finest wine, to exploring the volcanic wonderland around Rotorua, APT is for you.

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Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
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.

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