We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have plenty of time to settle in, explore or relax. Tonight, get to know your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers during a welcome dinner.

Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands, a sub-tropical region comprised of 144 islands, abundant marine life, and steeped in history. Later, dock in the historic and charming town of Russell, known as the country’s first European settlement. Offering waterfront cafes and beautiful beaches, this town combines natural beauty and an interesting historical background. Enjoy a dinner of locally sourced produce and world-class seafood at the Duke of Marlborough.

Join a cruise to Cape Brett and see the famous natural rock formation, the Hole in the Rock. Throughout the cruise, you may spot marine wildlife that inhabit the waters of this region. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was first signed in 1840. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

Enjoy your selected sightseeing activity today.

Spend today on Waiheke Island, located a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland. Attracting discerning travellers, artists and wine lovers from all over the world, Waiheke is famous for its 40 kilometres of pristine white-sand beaches, hilly terrain, stunning views, bohemian arts scene and, of course, internationally awarded vineyards and wineries. Enjoy lunch before returning to Auckland to be transferred to your ship. Meet your captain and crew at tonight’s welcome reception and dinner.

Today, select an activity from your Freedom of Choice options.

Travel by coach to Rotorua and visit one of New Zealand's leading cultural and thermal attractions, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience. Later, return to Tauranga.

Captain James Cook named Gisborne in honour of one of his crew who first sighted land in 1769. Today, we find a sunny coastal town rich in Maori heritage and culture, featuring stunning beaches with stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

Take in the fascinating history of Napier and the Hawke's Bay region on your selected Freedom of Choice activity today. Or you may wish to join a guided excursion to experience the world's largest mainland gannet colony up close on an exhilarating visit to Cape Kidnappers (own expense).

Today, enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice activity.

Cruise through the winding waterways, secluded bays and admire the stunning lush green scenery of Marlborough Sounds as you make your way to the seaside town of Picton.

Discover the scenic beauty, history, nature and culture of Akaroa in one complete comprehensive tour. Visit some of the most important historic sites such as Takapuneke, the site of the Brig Elizabeth Te Rauparaha massacre, Onuku Marae, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and Britomart Monument, the place of the British declaration of sovereignty.

Experience fascinating natural sites like the Heritage Park that provides stunning views over Akaroa, the Wildside Project, a community-driven collaboration for predator control and the protection of native species, and the internationally renowned Hinewai Reserve. Visit Barrys Bay Cheese, who produced its first cheddar in 1895 when it was just one of nine small, family-owned dairy cooperatives dotted around Banks Peninsula and remains one of the last traditional cheese makers on the Peninsula.

Today, enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice activity in and around the beautiful South Island city of Christchurch. Home to almost 400,000 people, Christchurch is a picturesque city graced with 1,200 parks and gardens, earning it the title of New Zealand's garden city.

Enjoy an orientation drive through Dunedin that will introduce you to a well-preserved Victorian city. Soak up the grandeur of its architecture, from the classical ANZ Bank to the buildings surrounding the Octagon, an eight-sided plaza that forms the core of Dunedin's lively business district. Visit the iconic Larnach Castle, built in the late 19th century by prominent businessman and politician William Larnach and known as one of New Zealand’s finest examples of Victorian architecture. Boasting intricate detailing, the castle features a unique blend of Gothic and styles with beautiful views of the Otago Peninsula. Afterwards, explore the peninsula further and discover its picturesque bays and stunning views at every turn. The peninsula is home to diverse wildlife including albatrosses, sea lions and penguins and offers a memorable experience in the heart of the South Island. Finish the day with a visit to Penguin Place, a conservation reserve located on the peninsula dedicated to protecting the endangered yellow-eyed penguin – native to New Zealand and one of the rarest penguin species in the world.

After breakfast, board your coach to Wanaka, a charming town nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island with stunning natural landscapes and the beautiful Lake Wanaka surrounded by majestic mountains. Explore Arrowtown with your Tour Director, a historic gold mining town in the Otago region and the gateway to the nearby Southern Alps. Explore the preserved heritage buildings and boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. With its vibrant atmosphere and stunning landscapes, Queenstown is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

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.

Enjoy the flexibility of how to spend your day with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight at Stratosfare Restaurant, taking the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak which offer’s breathtaking panoramic views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.

Your New Zealand tour concludes after breakfast.