AGENT DIARY
Paul Mexson (left) and fam trip group
New Zealand Wonderland APT
Travelbag agent Paul Mexson reports from a fam trip to the North and South Islands s 1-2
We kicked off our stay in Auckland with a sailing trip around the harbour, which was amazing, especially as the 2021 America’s Cup will be held there. It was one of the included excursions under APT’s Freedom of Choice style, which is a great selling point as it gives you a range of options.
s 3-4
We travelled to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves – pitch-black chambers where glow-worms shine out overhead as you bob along the river – and then visited the Te Puia Thermal reserve, filled with bubbling mud pools and geysers. In the evening, we had a traditional Hangi feast and performance with Maori guides; hearing first-hand about their culture gave us that authenticity you don’t always get on tours.
s 5-6
We flew to Christchurch. I visited 20 years ago so it was fasci- nating to see how it’s been rebuilt since the 2011 earthquake. The next day we took the TranzAlpine train up to Arthur’s Pass, travelling through the amazing mountain landscapes.
7
This was one of my highlights of the trip. We flew by helicopter to the Franz Josef Glacier and it was incredible – we soared
24 September 2019
up, with sheer drops either side, then landed right on the ice to explore it on foot. Our accommodation here was really good: a modern, lodge-style hotel right by the glacier, surrounded by mountain scenery.
8
I loved Queenstown! It’s the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, of course, but there were various excursions to choose from, including more-sedate options such as vineyard tours and wilderness walks. I did the Shotover Jet, which had us bounding through canyons, water spraying up around us, and a 4x4 drive up to Skippers Canyon.
Verdict
New Zealand is incredible. I backpacked through it many years ago, and I loved it just as much this time as I did then – but in many different ways. When it comes to selling an APT tour, I’d emphasise the value aspect. When you look at the price it can seem a lot, but if you break it down by day and think about everything you’re getting, it’s actually quite good value, and the expertise you get is priceless.
BOOK IT: APT has a 21-day New Zealand Wonderland tour from Auckland to Christchurch from £6,445 per person based on two
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aptouring.co.uk
travelweekly.co.uk/atas
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