Day by Day
Day 1 London to Singapore
Head to London Heathrow for your flight with Singapore Airlines direct to Singapore. Your Fully-Inclusive Tour starts now, with our friendly company representative on hand 3 hours prior to departure to assist you.
Day 2 Singapore
Our local Singapore Tour Escort will welcome you at Changi Airport and accompany you to your hotel. This exciting 2 night stopover offers you the chance to adjust to the time difference and relax between flights. More than this, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into this vibrant and sophisticated city. This evening, perhaps dine in one of the hotel’s award-winning restaurants (own expense).
Staying for 2 nights at Intercontinental Hotel, Singapore
Day 3 Singapore
Discover Singapore’s main attractions this morning. Our 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.
Day 4 Singapore to Christchurch
Enjoy the day at leisure and the comfort of an extended checkout from your room. 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.
Day 5 Christchurch
Arrive Christchurch, the gateway to the Southern Alps. You will be met upon arrival by your APT Tour Director and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax in the comfort of your hotel. This evening, you’re free to dine at leisure (own expense).
Staying at Christchurch, Latimer Hotel
Day 6 Christchurch, Mt Cook
Traverse the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury plains to the High Country this morning. Then, travel to beautiful Lake Tekapo and visit the Tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Absorb the serenity of this magical setting before entering Mt Cook National Park. Here, appreciate the sheer magnitude of Australasia’s highest mountain, Aoraki (Mt Cook). This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your APT Tour Director and your fellow travellers.
Staying for 2 nights at The Hermitage Hotel
Daily Meals Include:
Day 7 Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice
Today, enjoy a choice from a range of exciting included sightseeing options. Perhaps visit the state of the art Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or immerse yourself in the region’s incredible native flora and fauna on a guided nature walk. During the summer months, enjoy an up-close encounter with spectacular icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake, or perhaps join an exciting expert-led stargazing session this evening.
Daily Meals Include:
Day 8 Mt Cook, Dunedin, Freedom of Choice
Leave the immense landscapes of Mt Cook National Park behind today and set out along the shores of the distinctive blue Lake Pukaki. Pass the massive Benmore Power Project along the way to Oamaru. See the unique collection of elegant Victorian-style architecture here, as we follow the coast to view the mysterious Moeraki Boulders along Koekohe Beach. Measuring up to four metres in circumference and weighing several tonnes, these are a must-see for travellers in New Zealand. Continue onto Dunedin, a university town that was planned in Scotland and still maintains its Victorian and Edwardian heritage. This afternoon, choose from our extensive range of Freedom of Choice Sightseeing inclusions.
Staying at Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Daily Meals Include:
Day 9 Dunedin, Te Anau
Depart Dunedin and absorb the breathtaking scenery as we traverse spectacular Southland to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Covering more than 186 square miles and with 311 miles of uninhabited shoreline, Lake Te Anau is the second largest lake in New Zealand. Pristine natural beauty abounds here, with the entire western side a lush wilderness of forest and mountains.
Staying for 2 nights at Distinction Hotels and Villas
Daily Meals Include:
Day 10 Te Anau, Freedom of Choice
Today, choose from a range of exciting activities. Perhaps explore an incredible underground network of limestone caves, lit by thousands of glowworms. Equally tempting is the option to sit back and relax with a glass of wine while you enjoy a film featuring Fiordland’s breathtaking landscapes. The rest of the day is free for you to soak up the peaceful atmosphere that tranquil Lake Te Anau inspires.
Daily Meals Include:
Day 11 Te Anau, Milford Road, Milford Sound Cruise, Queenstown
Witness the incredible diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes as lush rainforest meets snow-capped mountains in Fiordland National Park. Experience one of the world’s most spectacular alpine drives along Milford Road en route to stunning Milford Sound. Enjoy an exceptional cruise along the full length of this beautiful fiord as you take in the cascading waterfalls and keep an eye out for seals, penguins and dolphins. Return via the scenic Eglinton Valley to Queenstown.
Staying for 3 nights in Queenstown, Crowne Plaza Hotel
Daily Meals Include:
Day 12 Queenstown, Freedom of Choice
Personalise your holiday experience today, as you enjoy your chosen Freedom of Choice activity. ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans will jump at the chance to visit key filming locations, whilst thrill-seekers will find the exhilarating Shotover Jetboat ride tough to resist. Or, get back to nature with an enthralling lakeshore forest and bird watching walk complete with a delicious morning tea. Others may enjoy exploring the country’s premier wine region, or taking in the city sights from a double decker bus - the choice is all yours. This evening, enjoy even more variety as you select from a range of Freedom of Choice Dining inclusions.
Daily Meals Include:
Day 13 Queenstown
Immerse yourself in beautiful Queenstown as you enjoy a full day at leisure. Take a relaxing stroll along the shore of Lake Wakatipu, browse through the stores in the central shopping district, or take advantage of being in the adventure capital of the world and indulge in the thrill of a lifetime.
Daily Meals Include:
Day 14 Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef
See historic mining sites as we travel through beautiful Kawarau Gorge this morning and meander through Cromwell. See the incredible orchards and vineyards that have been inspiring artists for decades. As we skirt around the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, see the dramatic vistas and surrounding mountains that shift mood with the seasons. Cross spectacular Haast Pass and into Westland National Park, home to the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier.
Staying at Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel
Daily Meals Include:
Day 15 Franz Josef, TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch
Set out for Hokitika this morning, a town rich in jade greenstone. Join the TranzAlpine Train at the summit of Arthur’s Pass and prepare to experience one of the world’s greatest train journeys. Wind your way through the snow-capped Southern Alps into Christchurch.
Staying in Christchurch, Latimer Hotel
Daily Meals Include:
Day 16 Christchurch, Kaikoura, Nelson
Follow the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island to Kaikoura, where the unique combination of mountains and ocean creates a stunning contrast. Here, perhaps take in a scenic whale watching flight (own expense), before continuing to the vibrant Nelson region.
Staying for 2 nights in Nelson, Trailways Hotel
Daily Meals Include:
Day 17 Nelson, Freedom of Choice
Enjoy a range of Freedom of Choice inclusions today, including a visit to the quirky Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum, or perhaps spend the day exploring Nelson’s art and wine scene.
Daily Meals Include:
Day 18 Nelson, Wellington
Travel through the picturesque Marlborough region, home to New Zealand’s world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc. Board the Interislander ferry and cross Cook Strait to the North Island. Disembark in New Zealand’s vibrant capital city - Wellington.
Staying for 2 nights in Wellington, Amora Hotel.
Daily Meals Include:
Day 19 Wellington. Freedom of Choice
Experience the capital’s many delights today. Learn about New Zealand’s incredible natural history at Zealandia, or perhaps explore the Carter Observatory and Planetarium complete with a cable car ride. Take in the city’s highlights, or see the areas of Wellington that feature in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.
Daily Meals Include:
Day 20 Wellington, Napier
Today’s drive takes us over the Rimutaka Ranges and through the historic towns of Greytown and Masterton. Travel through scenic Woodville and Waipukurau to the seaside city of Napier, home to the Hawke Bay wine region. Take a guided tour of Napier’s impressive Art Deco architecture. Round off your day with a delicious tasting tour at the New Zealand Wine Centre.
Staying in Napier, Scenic Hotel Te Pania.
Daily Meals Include:
Day 21 Napier, Rotorua
Today, follow the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Journey along the Milford Road, considered to be one of the world’s best alpine drives, to Milford Sound. Like a Local - Cruise the full length of Milford Sound, a mighty fiord with views of cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest, sheer cliffs and the surrounding mountains of this World Heritage-listed area.
Staying at Te Anau, The Village Inn
Daily Meals Include:
Day 22 Rotorua. Freedom of Choice
Select from a fantastic range of sightseeing activities today. Take in an entertaining sheep show at the Agrodome followed by a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Alternatively, see the colourful hot springs and the country’s largest boiling mudpool at Wai-O-Tapu. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at The Longlands Farm.
Daily Meals Include:
Day 23 Rotorua, Paihia
Travel through the lush Waikato farmland to Cambridge and then continue north to Auckland. Admire the view over Waitemata Harbour as we take the Auckland Harbour Bridge and head north through Albury, Orewa Beach and Warkworth. Follow the east coast Pacific Ocean Drive through Whangarei to Paihia in the spectacular Bay of Islands, an area of remarkable natural beauty and the cradle of New Zealand’s history.
Staying for 2 nights at Waitangi, Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands
Daily Meals Include:
Day 24 Paihia. Freedom of Choice
The Bay of Islands is home to an incredible 144 islands and is a wonderland for lovers of all things aquatic. The area is the birthplace of New Zealand and as such, teems with history. After breakfast, select the Freedom of Choice activity that most appeals to your interests.
Daily Meals Include:
Day 25 Paihia, Hole in the Rock Cruise
Step aboard a catamaran this morning and take in the views on 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. This evening, relax in your Auckland hotel.
Staying for 2 nights in Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel
Daily Meals Include:
Day 26 Auckland, Freedom of Choice
Today you’ll enjoy the freedom to choose from a range of included sightseeing activities here in Auckland. Hop aboard one of the yachts in the Pride of Auckland fleet and enjoy a magical cruise on Waitemata Harbour or discover the diverse artistic legacy and cultures of New Zealand at the Auckland Museum. Enjoy an up-close encounter with giant sharks, eels and scores of fish at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, or delve into New Zealand’s rich maritime history at the Voyager Maritime Museum. Other options available to you include a head, neck and shoulder massage at Bliss Reflexology, and a wilderness adventure into the Waitakere Rainforest. This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner.
Daily Meals Include:
Day 27 Auckland
After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport and board your flight home. Staying for 2 nights at Waitangi, Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands
Daily Meals Include:
Day 28 Back in London
Arrive back in London as your New Zealand journey ends.
