New Zealand Southern Tour

New Zealand Southern Tour

9 days – 8 nights

Christchurch, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Dunedin, Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo

Nature, Ecology, Culture, Discovery

This program may be operated for individuals or for groups

This is a suggested itinerary

Day 1: Christchurch

Welcome to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. This evening, get to know your APT Tour Director and fellow travelers during dinner. [D]

Day 2: TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef

Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s greatest rail adventures. Journey through the Canterbury Plains, before travelling across the Southern Alps. From Arthur’s Pass, travel by coach to Hokitika. Here, you will enjoy the opportunity to see pounamu (jade) being carved into jewelry. Along the west coast, take in the dramatic terrain and icy surroundings of Franz Josef Glacier. Arrive at your luxury eco-resort near Franz Josef Glacier where you will enjoy a four-course degustation dinner. [B/D]

Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown

Enjoy a day of truly breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Haast River, capturing views of the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley. Wind your way past towering peaks, rushing waterfalls and lush rainforest before arriving in Queenstown, New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’. This evening, choose where to dine. Perhaps sample the delicious fresh produce at waterside Finz seafood restaurant, or board a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant to enjoy views across Queenstown as you dine. Alternatively, you can cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw – a vintage steamboat – or dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Elements Restaurant. [B/D]

Day 4: Queenstown

Few destinations offer as much variety, or adventure in the outdoors, as Queenstown does. With a range of activities available, you can decide how to discover this adventure-filled region today. Movie buffs may like to visit key Lord of the Rings filming locations, while thrill seekers may enjoy a ride on the Shotover Jet Boat, a . Others may prefer a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, a wine tour or a Lakeshore Forest Walk. [B]

Day 5: Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau

Embark on one of the most scenic drives today as you journey along the Milford Road. Coast down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then drive through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak. Continue to Milford Sound. Cruise along the full length of beautiful fiord Milford Sound, located deep within Fiordland National Park. Later, enjoy a picturesque drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. This evening, delight in the flavors of the South Island during a Taste of Fiordland Dinner. [B/D]

Day 6: Te Anau, Dunedin

Travel to the east coast and the town of Dunedin today. Known as the Edinburgh of the south, the former gold mining town was once New Zealand’s largest city thanks to an influx of miners during the gold rush. This afternoon, perhaps tour Larnach Castle and visit Olveston House, or head to Dunedin’s beautiful railway station and board the Taieri Gorge Railway for memorable journey. Perhaps choose to tour Speight’s Brewery, visit an albatross colony, see penguins or take an off-road tour of the Otago Peninsula. The choice is all yours today. [B/D]

Day 7: Dunedin, Mt Cook

Enter the pristine and rugged Mt Cook National Park and admire the majesty of Australasia’s highest peak – known as Aoraki to the local Indigenous people. Discover this spectacular region with our exclusive inclusions. Perhaps visit the fascinating Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, including a stargazing experience with an astronomer. Alternatively, you may prefer to admire dramatic Mt Cook on a guided nature walk through the national park. Another option is to board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. [B/D]

Day 8: Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch

This morning you will travel by coach to Lake Tekapo. Here you will pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of locally gathered stone and oak and erected as a tribute to the early pioneers of the region. Continuing your journey, delight in the scenery of Burkes Pass as you make your way back to Christchurch. Reflect on your incredible New Zealand journey over a memorable Farewell Dinner this evening. [B/D]

Day 9: Christchurch, USA

Your journey comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport. [B]

[B] = Breakfast | [D] = Dinner | [B/D] = Breakfast and Dinner

Tour includes

Arrival and departure transfers in New Zealand
8 nights’ accommodation
- Christchurch – 2 nights
- Franz Josef Glacier – 1 night
- Queenstown Lakeside – 2 nights
- Te Anau – 1 night
- Dunedin – 1 night
- Mt Cook – 1 night
Meals:
- Breakfast daily
- 7 dinners
Ride on the famous TranzAlpine train
Marvel at the impressive icy contours of Franz Josef Glacier
Enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of Milford Sound
Discover Australasia’s highest peak at Mt Cook National Park
Dedicated Tour Director and professional Driver
Additional services of expert local guides in select locations
All sightseeing, excursions and entrance fees as outlined
Travel aboard a spacious, luxurious coach
After Hours Emergency Travel Assistance

Not included in tour

International or Domestic airfares
Any taxes and surcharges relating to airfares
Travel insurance
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Other meals not mentioned in itinerary
Extras and gratuities
Early check-in, late check-out
Expenses of personal nature

Hotels

Category	Hotel Name	Tripadvisor
First Class
Christchurch	Rydges Latimer	4.5
Franz Josef Glacier	Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast	5
Queenstown Lakeview	Novotel Queenstown Lakeside	4
Te Anau	Arran Motel	4.5
Dunedin	Scenic Hotel	4
Mt Cook	The Hermitage Hotel	4
Deluxe
Christchurch	The Establishment Boutique	5
Franz Josef Glacier	Te Waonui Forest Retreat	4.5
Queenstown Lakeview	Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa	4.5
Te Anau	Te Waka Lodge	4.5
Dunedin	The Birches Bed & Breakfast	5
Mt Cook	The Hermitage Hotel	4

Hotels will be confirmed at time of booking

Prices

These programs can be customized for individuals and groups.

Changes to this program may be requested by phone (1855-55-TOURS) or using the web FIT Quote Request

Airfare

We also be glad to add the necessary airfare from your gateway so you take advantage of our special discounted leisure fares

Program

You may add or remove;

- Trip days
- Cities and sites
- Meals
Other options
- The program was designed with private services, however, we may substitute shared sightseeing where available
- If you prefer deluxe services we may operate this program including private driver, private guide and concierge service.

Quotation

Once we have designed the program the way you want we'll give you a quote within 2 business days.

Tour Code: NZ05CHC20TE

Options

Lunches and dinners can be arranged for individuals, families and groups at top restaurants or any restaurant requested by you.
We can revise the itinerary to spend more time and provide more depth in those areas that you are interested on.
Any other changes to the itinerary will be accommodated depending on the facilities available in the area.

Group Quotations

If you wish to use these programs for your group or as the basis for a customized journey please either call us (1-855-55-TOURS or use the web Group Quote Request.
In either case our specialists will work with to refine all the details and they will get you a quote with 2 business days. Quotes may be obtained for the air and land portions of just for the lad journey.
Booking both air and land with us will represent savings for you because of our buying power and longtime relationship with the airlines.
We will also may have the choice between regular fares and special leisure fares not available to the public.

New Zealand Southern Tour

New Zealand Southern Tour

Sign-up to receive our latest programs and news!