Just in case anybody is interested in what we'll be doing 'down under' here is a map and a day by day account.
Day 1 - 25/01 - Depart London
Your journey begins as you make your way to London Heathrow for your direct flight to Singapore today.
Day 2 - 26/01 - Arrive Singapore
Our local Singapore Tour Escort will welcome you at Changi Airport and accompany you to your hotel. This exciting two-night stopover offers you the chance to adjust to the time difference and relax between flights. More than this, you’ll gain an insight into this vibrant and sophisticated city.
Stay: Two Nights: Singapore, at the world-class InterContinental Hotel
Day 3 - 27/01 - Singapore
Discover Singapore’s main attractions this morning. A guided tour takes in the intriguing ethnic quarters, where Indian, Chinese and Malay influences fuse to produce Singapore’s unique culture. Imagine the romance of yesteryear at the historic riverfront area and enjoy a change of pace in sophisticated downtown Singapore. Later, enjoy the serenity at the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Spend the afternoon at leisure, and perhaps experience breathtaking views from the Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest observation wheel (own expense). Tonight, dine at leisure.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 4 - 28/01 - Singapore, Christchurch
Enjoy the day at leisure and the comfort of an extended checkout from your room. Perhaps browse through the shops on famous Orchard Road, treat yourself to morning tea at Raffles, travel on the modern MRT rail system, or visit Sentosa Island by cable car. Late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Christchurch.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 5 - 29/01 - Arrive Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch, the gateway to the Southern Alps. Be met upon arrival by your APT Tour Director and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax in the comfort of your hotel.
Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Day 6 - 30/01 - Christchurch, Mt Cook
Traverse the Canterbury plains to visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, perched on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Built of locally gathered stone and oak, this charming church was erected as a tribute to the early pioneers of the region. Journey into Mt Cook National Park to view Australasia’s highest mountain, Aoraki (Mt Cook), and admire the sublime alpine scenery that abounds here. This evening, get to know your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers during a special Welcome Dinner.
Stay: Two Nights: Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 7 - 31/01 - Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice
Following breakfast this morning, enjoy the opportunity to choose from a range of included sightseeing options. Perhaps visit The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, featuring a planetarium. Mt Cook National Park is home ?of some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes, so you may like to join a guided nature walk and discover the native flora and fauna. If you prefer to spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps join a stargazing session with an astronomer this evening. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 8 - 01/02 - Mt Cook, Dunedin
Set out along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Oamaru. Continue to Koekohe Beach to view the unusual spherical-shaped Moeraki Boulders. Arrive into Dunedin this afternoon and enjoy time at leisure before dinner.
Stay: Dunedin, Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 9 - 02/02 - Dunedin, Freedom of Choice, Te Anau
This morning, choose your Freedom of Choice activity. Perhaps tour Larnach Castle, visit Olveston House, or ride the Taieri Gorge Railway. Those who enjoy a beer might like to tour Speight’s Brewery. Alternatively, either visit an albatross colony, see penguins or take an off-road tour of the Otago Peninsula. Afterwards, absorb the breathtaking scenery as you traverse the rolling countryside of the spectacular Southland region. Continue to the tranquil lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Stay: Two Nights: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 10 - 03/02 - Te Anau, Freedom of Choice
Today, choose one of our exciting included activities in Te Anau. Perhaps explore an underground network of limestone caves, lit by thousands of glowworms, or set off on an incredible wilderness cruise on Doubtful Sound. Equally tempting is the option to sit back and relax with a glass of wine whilst you enjoy a film featuring Fiordland’s breathtaking landscapes. The remainder of the day is free for you to soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 11 - 04/02 - Te Anau, Milford Sound Cruise, Queenstown
Witness the incredible diversity of New Zealand’s landscape today as you experience one of the world’s most spectacular alpine drives along Milford Road. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then travel through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the majestic sight of Mitre Peak. Continue to spectacular Milford Sound where you’ll cruise along the full length of this beautiful fiord. Later, continue to Queenstown.
Stay: Three Nights: Crowne Plaza Queenstown
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 12 - 05/02 - Queenstown, Freedom of Choice
Choose from a range of activities today. ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans will jump at the chance to visit key filming locations, whilst thrillseekers can try the exhilarating Shotover jet boat ride or a Skippers Canyon adventure. Why not tour the country’s premier wine producing region, or explore the surrounding wilderness on a bird walk or garden tour. Perhaps a zip line ride above the Kawarau Gorge is more your style. Or, you may like to join a Double Decker Explorer ride. This evening, select from a range of Freedom of Choice Dining inclusions. Seafood lovers will be tempted by Finz, whilst the panoramic views from the Skyline Restaurant, reached by gondola, are hard to beat. Cruise aboard a vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country Farm, or dine at your stylish hotel restaurant.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 13 - 06/02 - Queenstown
Immerse yourself in beautiful Queenstown as you enjoy a full day at leisure in this exciting city. You may like to use this time to take a relaxing stroll along the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu, browse through the stores in the bustling central shopping district, or perhaps take advantage of being in the ‘adventure capital of the world’ and indulge in the thrill of a lifetime.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 14 - 07/02 - Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef
Following breakfast this morning, view historic mining sites as you travel through beautiful Kawarau Gorge and meander through the picturesque scenery of Cromwell. Skirt around the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea, taking in the dramatic vistas and surrounding mountains that seem to shift mood with the seasons. Cross spectacular Haast Pass and into Westland National Park, home to Franz Josef Glacier. Check in to your luxury eco-resort this afternoon, located within pristine rainforest, before enjoying a spectacular four-course degustation dinner.
Stay: Franz Josef, Te Waonui Forest Retreat
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 15 - 08/02 - Franz Josef, TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch
Set out for Hokitika this morning, a cultural centre on the west coast, rich in jade greenstone. Afterwards, join New Zealand’s famous TranzAlpine train and experience one of the world’s greatest rail journeys. Travel through deep gorges, river valleys and across the magnificent Southern Alps within Arthur’s Pass National Park before journeying through the striking patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch.
Stay: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 16 - 09/02 - Christchurch, Kaikoura, Nelson
Follow the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island to Kaikoura. While you’re here, perhaps you’d like to experience the captivating landscape from the air during an incredible scenic whale watching flight (own expense), before continuing to the vibrant Nelson region.
Stay: Two Nights: Nelson, Trailways Hotel
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 17 - 10/02 - Nelson, Freedom of Choice
Enjoy the opportunity to choose from three sightseeing inclusions in Nelson today. Perhaps set off on a relaxing cruise through the Abel Tasman National Park. Alternatively, you may prefer to indulge in a wine and art tour, or wander through the World of Wearable Arts and Classic Cars Museum.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 18 - 11/02 - Nelson, Wellington, Freedom of Choice
In Nelson today, traverse the picturesque Marlborough region, where world-famous wines are produced. Then, cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry to the North Island. Disembark in Wellington and tonight, choose where to dine.
Stay: Two Nights: Amora Hotel Wellington
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 19 - 12/02 - Wellington, Freedom of Choice
Today you have the opportunity to choose an activity that most interests you. You may like to visit Zealandia, a premier eco-attraction and restoration project. Perhaps you’d prefer to explore the Carter Observatory and Planetarium, take in the city’s highlights on a guided tour, or visit some of the locations that feature in the famous ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 20 - 13/02 - Wellington, Napier
Drive through the Rimutaka Ranges on your way to Napier today. On arrival, enjoy a tour and a delicious wine tasting at the New Zealand Wine Centre. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.
Stay: Napier, Scenic Te Pania Hotel
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 21 - 14/02 - Napier, Taupo, Rotorua
Journey through Esk Valley and Te Pohue, stopping at the charming town of Taupo, situated alongside New Zealand’s largest lake - Lake Taupo. Continue to Rotorua, the geothermal capital of New Zealand. Tonight at the Tamaki Maori Village, experience the dance, music and culture of the Maori people as you enjoy a traditional Hangi Feast.
Stay: Two Nights: Millennium Hotel Rotorua, located on beautiful Lake Rotorua
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 22 - 15/02 - Rotorua, Freedom of Choice
Choose from a range of activities today. Enjoy a sheep show at the Agrodome followed by a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Set out on a Kiwi Encounter, or visit Wai-O-Tapu. See some of the sets from the ‘Lord of the Rings’ or embark on a 4WD Bush Safari. Alternatively, relax with a round of golf or visit Rotorua Museum. Then, enjoy a taste of New Zealand rural life with a tour and dinner at Longlands Farm.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 23 - 16/02 - Rotorua, Bay of Islands
Travel through the lush Waikato farmland to Cambridge, and then continue north to Auckland. Follow the east coast Pacific Ocean Drive to Paihia in the spectacular Bay of Islands.
Stay: Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 24 - 17/02 - Bay of Islands, Freedom of Choice
The Bay of Islands is home to an incredible 144 islands. After breakfast, choose your preferred Freedom of Choice Sightseeing activity. Take a tall ship sailing adventure or embark on a dolphin watching cruise. Play a round of golf or cruise to Russell to see New Zealand’s first European settlement. Discover Kerikeri, or visit the northernmost point of New Zealand at Cape Reinga.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 25 - 18/02 - Bay of Islands Cruise, Auckland
Step aboard a catamaran today and enjoy a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Hear about the ecology and history of the area as you keep an eye out for dolphins in this subtropical marine paradise. Afterwards, reboard your coach and continue down the coast to Auckland.
Stay: Two Nights: Crowne Plaza Auckland
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
Day 26 - 19/02 - Auckland, Freedom of Choice
Enjoy the freedom to choose from a range of included sightseeing activities today, with a sail boat cruise on the harbour or a visit to the fascinating aquarium just a few of the exciting options available. This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers and APT Tour Director.
- Daily Meals Included:
- • Breakfast
- • Dinner
Day 27 - 20/02 - Depart Auckland
After breakfast this morning, instead of flying home with the rest of our group we will collect a hire car and drive to Taurunga to begin an extra week touring alone (not shown on map)
119m (2.5hrs)
Day 28 - 21/02 - Taurunga
Spend day with Gwen and Ron. Leave Taurunga at 6pm and drive to Rotorua and book into Aroden B & B.
53m (1.5hrs)
Stroll through the Giant Redwoods.
4pm drive to Tongariro Adventure Lodge and Motel
125m (2.5hrs)
A big day today trekking the 19.4kms of the Tongariro Crossing http://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/ Fingers crossed there's no volcanic activity.
After breakfast drive to Waitamo, 103m (2hrs) and at 2pm continue to Raglan 64m (1hr 15mins)
Spend the day with Alan and Wendy before reluctantly driving to Auckland Airport at 6pm. Book into Best Western BKs Pioneer Motor Lodge.
90m (1hr 50)
After breakfast, return car, check in at 10:30 and fly home at 13:30
After a long flight arrive back in the UK at 05:55.
119m (2.5hrs)
Day 28 - 21/02 - Taurunga
Spend day with Gwen and Ron. Leave Taurunga at 6pm and drive to Rotorua and book into Aroden B & B.
53m (1.5hrs)
Day 29 - 22/02 - Lake Tarawera
Drive to Lake Tarawera to walk the Tarawera Trail (15km) to Hot Water Beach. Water taxi from Hot Water Beach at 16:30
Day 30 - 23/02 - Rotorua
4pm drive to Tongariro Adventure Lodge and Motel
125m (2.5hrs)
Day 31 - 24/02 - Tongariro Crossing
Day 32 - 25/02 - Waitamo and Raglan
Day 33 - 26/02 - Raglan
90m (1hr 50)
