9 Day Southern Tourer

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 travellers during dinner.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s greatest rail adventures.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Take in the dramatic terrain and icy surrounds of Franz Josef Glacier.

Journey through the Canterbury Plains, before travelling across the Southern Alps. After an exciting Signature Experience, disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika. Here, you will enjoy the opportunity to see pounamu (jade) being carved into jewellery. Continue to Franz Josef. Arrive later at your luxury eco-resort where you will enjoy a special four-course dinner.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Dining
Perhaps sample quality crafted beer at Canyon Food & Brew Co. 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.

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. Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’, where this evening you will choose from four tempting restaurants in which to dine.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Movie buffs may like to visit key The Lord of the Rings filming locations, alternately take a Skippers Canyon adventure; join a river safari; set out on a winery tour; or a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

Few destinations offer as much variety, or adventure in the outdoors, as Queenstown does. With a range of Freedom of Choice activities available, you can decide how to discover this adventure-filled region.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Continue to Milford Sound, where you’ll enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of this pristine fiord.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Delight in the authentic flavours of the South Island during a Taste of Fiordland Dinner, showcasing the finest local artisan produce of the region.

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. Afterwards, enjoy a picturesque drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
You might like to visit Olveston Historic Home or discover the history behind New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle. Alternatively, tour Speight’s Brewery and enjoy a tasting.

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, choose your sightseeing activity.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Enter the pristine and rugged Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and admire the majesty of Australasia’s highest peak - known as Aoraki to the local Indigenous people.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps visit the fascinating Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or take a stargazing experience with an astronomer. Alternatively, you may prefer to admire dramatic Aoraki 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.

Discover the spectacular region of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with our exclusive Freedom of Choice inclusions.

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.

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