Enriching Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice Inclusions Finest dining; a total of 15 meals 8 nights hand-picked accommodation Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver Return airport transfers and porterage
9 Day Southern Tourer
Enriching Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice Inclusions Finest dining; a total of 15 meals 8 nights hand-picked accommodation Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver Return airport transfers and porterage
Travelling with Inspiring Vacations allows you to explore the wonders of the world in a variety of different ways. We have partnered with a worldwide network of local travel experts to bring you culturally unique and delightfully unforgettable travel experiences. Whether it is meandering through narrow canyons by rail, cruising the idyllic waters of the Mediterranean or touring through the backroads of provincial towns, Inspiring Vacations trips offer amazing value and will leave you inspired.
Would you like the itinerary
Please join our community to download the tour itinerary.
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.
Meals
Dinner
Day 2 Christchurch Franz Josef
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.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Franz Josef Queenstown
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.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 Queenstown
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.
Meals
Breakfast
Day 5 Queenstown Milford Sound Te Anau
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.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Te Anau Dunedin
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.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 Dunedin Aoraki Mt Cook
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.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Aoraki 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.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 Christchurch
Your journey comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport.
Meals
Breakfast
Inclusions
Whats Included
Enriching Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice Inclusions
Finest dining; a total of 15 meals
8 nights hand-picked accommodation
Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver
Return airport transfers and porterage
Fine Print
How to Book & Payments
Deposit & Payments
Book now and secure your package with only a $200 deposit per person.
Pay a 2nd instalment of $710 per person within 28 days.
You will then be invoiced for final payment 90 days prior to departure.
Booking Process
Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password)
Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure)
Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfil your booking
Your position on the tour will be confirmed within 48 hours of completing your order. If your place cannot be confirmed, a full refund of the deposit will occur.
Optional Tours
None
Exclusions
Airfares
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance
Optional activities
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary or optional
Hotel List
Christchurch - The Commodore
Franz Josef Glacier - Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Queenstown - Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Te Anau - Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Dunedin - Distinction Dunedin
Aoraki Mt Cook - The Hermitage Hotel (in a room with alpine views)
Christchurch - Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Important Information
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
A single supplement is available on all nights of this trip from an extra $1600 subject to availability.
Triple Share
Not available.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.