Essence of New Zealand

20 Days | Christchurch to Auckland

from $10,595pp* twin share

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Essence of New Zealand

APT – Essence of New Zealand

Christchurch to Auckland: 20 days / 19 nights Classic Journey

Visit 20 places, comprehensive & unforgettable journey through North & South Islands

From $10,595pp* twin share

Save up to $2,400 per couple*

Few countries offer the scenic splendour and diversity of ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud’. From the sunny subtropics and coastlines to glaciers in the icy south, New Zealand’s landscapes are breathtaking and unforgettable. Your journey will include travel on the best-in-class classic coaches, taking you through these picture-postcard settings in comfort and style, with an expert Tour Director and knowledgeable local drivers and guides looking after you all the way.

Signature Experiences
– Ride a heritage tram through Christchurch.
– Discover New Zealand’s highest peak in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
– Cruise the pristine Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.
– Drive through glacier country in Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
– Embark on an impressive rail adventure aboard the TranzAlpine Train.
– Savour a Highlights of Marlborough Dinner.
– Cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry.
– Discover Napier on an Art Deco tour.
– Experience true Māori culture at Te Pā Tū.
– Enjoy a cruise through the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett.

Note: *Prices subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Indulge in the finest flavours as you savour a Highlights of Marlborough Dinner. The well-paired fusion of quality produce and multi-ethnic influences have helped shape New Zealand’s food and wine culture as among the best in the world.

This morning, follow the east coast to Kaikoura, before traversing the Marlborough region to Blenheim. Tonight, enjoy a Signature Experience, where local chefs will present each dish before you, showcasing superb local artisan produce, perfectly paired with wines from the region.

Stay: Two Nights, Blenheim, Scenic Hotel Marlborough

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Blenheim

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Embark on a tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre; enjoy the sheer beauty of Marlborough Sounds during a Seafood Odyssea Cruise; or choose to visit some of the region’s best wineries for countryside wine tastings.

Enjoy your selected sightseeing activity.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Blenheim, Picton, Wellington

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry and enjoy the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds.

This morning, take in the breathtaking surrounds while you cruise to the North Island. This afternoon, take part in a fascinating city sights tour of Wellington.

Stay: InterContinental Wellington

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Wellington, Napier

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Discover the city of Napier and enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful Art Deco town, rebuilt in the style of that era after the devastating Hawkes Bay earthquake in 1931. Explore the city’s streets and learn about the iconic and unique features of Art Deco design and the history behind each building. Marvel at the intricate detailing, vibrant colours and fascinating stories of this town frozen in time.

Today you’ll drive through the Rimutaka Ranges en route to Napier.

Stay: Napier, Scenic Te Pania Hotel

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15: Napier, Taupo, Rotorua

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

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.

Today, journey through Esk Valley and Te Pohue, stopping at the charming town of Taupo. Later, travel to Rotorua and enjoy a Signature Experience.

Stay: Two Nights, Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: Rotorua

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps enjoy a sheep show at the Agrodome, followed by a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve; visit Wai-O-Tapu; or experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

This morning, it’s time to explore Rotorua on your selected sightseeing activity. The evening is yours at leisure to further explore.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Rotorua, Auckland

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Take a cruise on Waitemata Harbour; enjoy a unique All Blacks experience; visit Auckland Zoo to discover the native flora and fauna of New Zealand; experience and journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop; or escape the bustle of the city on a tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest.

This morning, travel through Waikato’s farmland to Auckland. Afterwards, enjoy your selected sightseeing activity.

Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18: Auckland, Bay of Islands

Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Parry Kauri Park to view the large kauri trees and soak up the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands.

Stay: Two Nights, Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 19: Bay of Islands

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.

See the spectacular Bay of Islands region on a cruise. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to further explore, before your farewell dinner.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 20: Bay of Islands, Depart Auckland

After breakfast, travel to Auckland where your New Zealand adventure concludes. We say goodbye before we transfer you to the airport for your flight.

Included meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

  • All-inspiring experiences in 16 destinations
  • Locally inspired dining – a total of 32 meals
  • 19 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • Freedom of Choice inclusions in seven locations

  • Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver, plus expert local guides
  • Return airport transfers and porterage

Terms & Conditions

Our professional services are available for the purchase of any type of travel, however the following charges apply:

1. Administration Planning Service

Should a detailed itinerary/quote be requested a non-refundable planning fee will be charged per itinerary, as per the Schedule of Fees, prior to each itinerary being prepared.

2. Itinerary/Reservation Cancellation

The itinerary/reservation deposit is payable at the time the reservation is requested and is in addition to any deposit fees charged by the tour operator/airline or other travel supplier. The itinerary/reservation deposit is non-refundable BUT if you proceed with the booking, the amount of the itinerary/reservation deposit will be credited against the final amount payable. If you do not proceed with or subsequently cancel the booking, the itinerary/reservation deposit is non-refundable and is in addition to cancellation fees imposed by travel principals and Southside World Travel.

3. Amendments

Any changes made to a confirmed, deposited or finalised booking prior to departure will attract an amendment fee as per the Schedule of Fees, plus any communications costs incurred in securing further confirmations.

4. Visa, Re-entry Permits etc.

A fee, as detailed in the Schedule of Fees, inclusive of registration postage and/or courier fees is payable in addition to any Government and/or Consular fees.

5. Extraordinary Costs

In the unlikely event we are unable to meet your requirements through our normal booking process or you request a late booking which requires urgent attention, we will let you know. If you wish us to continue with the booking any additional costs as notified to you, such as telephone and other communication expenses, courier charges, any associated bank costs for urgent remittance of funds, etc. will be payable by the client.

6. Insurance

We may ask you to sign a declaration if you do not accept our recommendation that you affect travel insurance. Travel insurance provides cover when the premium is paid and the policy issued, and so should be taken out as soon as any deposit or payment is made.

In the event that you elect to take out insurance with another provider (not supplied by us), the following fees will apply when providing documentation for any claim:

Administration fee for Insurance

Domestic: from $75.00 per person

Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person

International from $150.00 per person*

7. GST Provision

If a goods and services tax (GST) or similar tax is or becomes payable in respect of any supply made to you under this agreement, then in addition to the fee payable, you must pay the amount of GST payable in respect of that fee. The GST is payable at the same time and in the same manner as the fee or at such later time as Southside World Travel may request.

SCHEDULE OF FEES (including GST)

Please note: Any fees that apply to your booking will be documented in your quote and confirmation letter.

Itinerary Planning Fee / Reservation Deposit

from $150.00

*Itinerary/reservation deposit taken off final balance

Should a detailed itinerary/quote be requested with flight times and availability, combined with a tour or accommodation component, a non-refundable planning fee will be charged prior to each itinerary/reservation being prepared.

Itinerary / Reservation Cancellation Fee

from $150.00

* In addition to fees charged by operators

* Cancellation Fee once travel is paid in full – from 10% of total value of trip (see your travel insurance policy)

Airfare Ticketing Fees

Domestic: from $75.00 per person

Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person

International: from $150.00 per person*

*Dependent on destination and routing

Amendment Fees

Domestic: from $75.00 per person

Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person

International: from $150.00 per person*

*Per amendment after payment of deposits and in addition to fees charged by operator

Frequent Flyer Bookings

Domestic: from $75.00 per person

Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person

International: from $150.00 per person*

*Only applies where Southside World Travel processes Frequent Flyer Bookings on behalf of clients

Payment

Our preferred method of payment is by direct deposit or credit card. We use TravelPay to process all credit and debit card transactions.

Payment by credit card/debit cards to suppliers MAY incur a surcharge between 1.0% and 3.0% (ask your consultant for details). Credit card payments made to Southside World Travel (via Travelpay) will incur a surcharge as follows:

– Mastercard/Debit Card – 1.4%
– Visa Card/Debit Card – 1.6%
– Amex Card – 2.2%

*Credit Card/Debit Cards refunds require 5 x business working days to process.

*Personal cheques take 5 x business working days to clear.

Responsibility Clause

All coupons, vouchers, receipts and tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by the suppliers. By accepting the coupon, vouchers, tickets and utilizing our services, you agree that, apart from certain rights you have under the Trade Practices Act, neither Southside World Travel nor any subsidiary company or representative, shall be liable for any loss, injury or damage to you or your belongings or otherwise arising in any way of our services to you.

Your travel consultant will advise you on passport and visa requirements, but it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with these regulations before travelling.

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