World Heritage New Zealand

World Heritage New Zealand

Luxury Cruise aboard the Oceanic Princess, Fully Inclusive, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Marlborough Sounds, Glaciers

Itinerary

Day 1. Milford Sound.

Early this morning depart Queenstown for the scenic drive to Milford Sound, travelling through the memorable Homer Tunnel. We depart Milford Sound early this afternoon aboard the Oceanic Princess. Settle in and enjoy the scenery as we cruise the length of Milford Sound, a breathtaking glacier-carved fiord. Tonight enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Cocktails as we cruise to Doubtful Sound, the deepest of New Zealand’s fiords, where we anchor overnight.
12 Night Stay: Oceanic Princess.
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Day 2. Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound.

Today awake to the magnificent scenery of World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. A haven for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins, the 421-metre deep Doubtful Sound will not disappoint. Explore the wonders of this magnificent fiord up close on a guided excursion aboard our Explorer or Zodiacs. Cruise to Breaksea and Dusky sounds, past sheer cliffs and tumbling waterfalls.
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Day 3. Snares Island, Stewart Island.

Weather permitting, today we cruise to the remote Snares Island, home to one of the world’s largest bird colonies. Alternatively we cruise to Stewart Island, New Zealand’s southern most island and home to seals, birds and other wildlife. At Stewart Island spend the day discovering and exploring through the Paterson Inlet and surrounding areas. Both island encounters include guided Explorer or Zodiac excursions, giving you the opportunity to explore the wonders of the islands up close. There’s also walks ashore under the guidance of our experienced naturalists which will encounter native birds such as the Weka, Tui, Bellbird, Kaka, Karikari and more.
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Day 4. Dunedin.

The Otago Harbour welcomes us as we cruise past the world’s largest mainland albatross colony at Tairoa Heads. Of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a diversity of experiences from abundant wildlife to historic architecture, the Otakou Maori Marae, Speights brewery and New Zealand’s oldest botanical gardens. Docking in port, today is an optional touring day.
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Day 5. Akaroa.

This morning we cruise in to the secluded Akaroa Harbour. This picturesque bay is home to penguins and dolphins. Take the opportunity to swim with one of the smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s or New Zealand dolphin. Originally settled by the French, Akaroa retains its Gallic heritage and ambience. Today is an optional touring day.
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Day 6. Kaikoura.

Today enjoy whale watching with the spectacular backdrop of the Kaikoura coastline. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where you can see the giant sperm whale in its natural environment. Joined by Dusky dolphins, seabirds, fur seals and other migratory whale species this is an unforgettable experience.
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Day 7. Marlborough Sounds.

Arriving at the dark green hills and blue-green waters of the sounds we cruise through the scenic Tory Channel. Spend the day exploring an array of spectacular waterways including the fiord-like Queen Charlotte Sound. Retracing the history of Captain Cook we visit Ships Cove a regular stop for Captain Cook on his voyage of discovery. Today there’s a multitude of guided explorations aboard the Explorer and inflatable Zodiacs to choose from. There’s also a guided visit to Moturoa Island where we enjoy an abundance of birdlife. .
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Day 8. Coastal Cruise.

A day of leisure at sea. Take in the scenic coast, read or join informative presentations from our qualified guest lecturers covering the early settlers and Maori culture in preparation for our visit to Whangara a small Maori Settlement and Gisborne the location of the first European landing. View the movie ‘Whale Rider’ filmed at Whangara as an insight to our upcoming visit to Gisborne.
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Day 9. Napier.

An earthquake led to the rebuilding of Napier. The rebuild followed the flourishing art deco trend in America and Europe at that time, and offers a wonderful heritage of art deco architecture. Today is an optional touring day to explore the sights of the city.
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Day 10. Gisborne.

The first European landing place in New Zealand, Gisborne is where Captain Cook first landed in 1769. Explore the region on this optional touring day – its history, renowned wines and vineyards and beautiful gardens. This afternoon, subject to weather, we land at Whangara Beach for an evening of Maori culture including a traditional welcome, a cultural show and tour by the elder of the Ngati Konohi people.
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Day 11. White Island.

Subject to weather today we embark on an excursion to explore this active volcano. Enjoy a guided walk to the crater.
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Day 12. Mercury Islands.

With guides explore the beaches and caves of these remote islands. Subject to tides and conditions bathe at a hot-water beach. This evening join the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails while cruising among the islands of the Hauraki Gulf.
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Day 13. Auckland.

This morning cruise in to Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’ where it’s time to disembark.
Two Night Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel.
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Day 14. Auckland.

Enjoy today at your leisure.
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Day 15. Auckland, Rotorua.

Leaving Auckland travel through rich dairy land of the Waikato Province. At Waitomo Caves experience a guided tour of the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. Journey to Rotorua.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Millennium Rotorua.
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Day 16. Rotorua, Freedom of Choice.

Choose from a visit to the Agrodome, Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Rainbow Springs, the Rotorua Museum and Polynesian Spa, see a geothermal wonderland or join a guided forest walk – all at no extra cost. Country Homestay option available tonight. Please enquire for details.
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Day 17. Rotorua, Wellington.

Today visit Wairakei Steam Valley, a fascinating geothermal power project. See spectacular Huka Falls and picturesque Lake Taupo. Travelling south we cross the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. At Mt Victoria enjoy a stunning vista of the city and its harbour.
Wellington, Hotel Inter-Continental.
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Day 18. Wellington, Nelson.

This morning we board the Interislander ferry to cruise across Cook Strait. This afternoon we rejoin our coach and journey through the picturesque Marlborough region to Nelson.
Nelson, Rutherford Hotel.
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Day 19. Nelson, Franz Josef.

We follow the Heritage Highway through the impressive Buller Gorge to the wild and rugged West Coast. View the fascinating ‘Pancake’ rock formations and blowholes at Punakaiki, before continuing to Franz Josef.
Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.
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Day 20. Franz Josef, Wanaka.

View incredible scenery as we travel along the scenic road that takes us through the Haast Pass and along the shores of picturesque Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. Continue to Wanaka.
Wanaka, Edgewater Resort.
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Day 21. Wanaka, Queenstown.

Departing Wanaka we journey to the delightful village of Arrowtown, an old gold rush settlement. Continue to the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown, situated on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. The wide range of activities available in and around the area makes Queenstown a popular holiday destination.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Queenstown Gardens Hotel.
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Day 22. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice.

Enjoy Freedom of Choice. Choose from a Queenstown Double-decker bus tour, a garden tour, guided tour of local wineries or take an exhilarating jet boat ride.
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Day 23. Depart Queenstown.

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to the airport.
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What’s Included

APT Guaranteed Inclusions

• Cruise breathtaking Milford Sound
• Go whale watching at Kaikoura
• Cruise World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park
• Cruise picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound
• Look out for dolphins at secluded Akaroa Harbour
• Explore the beaches and caves of the Mercury Islands
• Explore the Scottish heritage of historic Dunedin
• Explore Napier with its art deco architecture
• Visit famous Rotorua
• See picturesque Lake Wanaka
• Visit Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city
• Join a guided tour of Waitomo Limestone Caves
• Journey through Tongariro National Park
• See the fascinating Punakaiki ‘Pancake’ rocks

Finest Dining

• The perfect combination of homestyle meals and restaurant dining
• 22 breakfasts (B), 12 healthy lunches (L) and 20 delicious dinners (D)

Outstanding Places to Stay

• Spend two nights at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Auckland
• Stay at the luxurious Millennium Rotorua, Rotorua
• Stay at Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef
• Spend two nights at Queenstown Gardens Hotel on the shore of beautiful Lake Wakatipu

The APT Difference

• Cultural touring experiences
• Fully trained Tour Director and Tour Driver
• Luxury coaches featuring large panoramic windows, reclining seats and rest room
• $5 Million Consumer Protection Guarantee
• Free travel kit including stylish travel bag

Additional Information

• Land Content fully inclusive of all sightseeing, entrance fees, meals as specified and accommodation.
• Cruise Content fully inclusive of all accommodation charges on board, services of expedition staff, all meals on board and all landing fees and port fees.