Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
Christchurch
Trip Finishes
Christchurch
Countries Explored:
New Zealand
Trip Style
Land Journey
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
48
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NCC09
Overview
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 9 Day Southern Tourer. Discover the best of New Zealand's South Island on this Land Journey. Journey to Lord of the Rings filming locations, discover the Franz Josef Glacier and relax at Lake Tekapo.
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. Stay: Christchurch, Commodore Hotel (D)
After a special Signature Experience, disembark at Arthur's Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika, famous for its stunning coastline and jade carving industry. Pounamu, or greenstone, holds great cultural significance for the Indigenous Maori people. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau. Stay: Franz Josef/Waiau, Te Waonui Forest Retreat (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world's greatest rail adventures.
- Take in the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere region.
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 a handful of tempting restaurants in which to dine. Stay Two Nights: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (B/D)
Freedom of Choice:
Freedom of Choice:
- On a Freedom of Choice Dining evening perhaps cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamboat for a BBQ Dinner at the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Alternatively, enjoy one of the world's most lauded burgers at Fergburger, experience an array of premium local produce at Finz Restaurant, dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Elements Restaurant, or take a ride in the iconic Skyline Gondola up Bob's Peak to Stratosfare Restaurant and enjoy spectacular views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and of course, Queenstown.
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 dynamic region. (B)
Freedom of Choice:
Freedom of Choice:
- Perhaps visit several local sites where The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Alternatively, set out on a Skippers Canyon adventure or a river safari along the beautiful Dart River. A tour of the country's premier wine-producing region is a tempting option, as is a leisurely cruise over the waters of Lake Wakatipu.
Embark on a scenic drive 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. Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
Signature Experiences:
- Enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of the pristine fiord of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.
- Delight in the authentic flavours of the South Island during a Taste of Fiordland Dinner, showcasing the finest local artisan produce.
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. Stay: Fable Dunedin (B/D)
Freedom of Choice:
Freedom of Choice:
- 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.
Drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you may select your activity of choice. Stay: Aoraki/Mount Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views (B/D)
Freedom of Choice:
Freedom of Choice:
- Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or enjoy a fascinating stargazing session with a knowledgeable astronomer guide. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.
- Enter the pristine and rugged Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and admire the majesty of New Zealand's highest peak.
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 European 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. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (B/D)
Your journey comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world's greatest rail adventures.
- Take in the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere region.
- Enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of the pristine fiord of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.
- Delight in the authentic flavours of the South Island during a Taste of Fiordland Dinner, showcasing the finest local artisan produce.
- Enter the pristine and rugged Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and admire the majesty of New Zealand's highest peak.
- All-inspiring sightseeing experiences in eight destinations
- Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations
- Services of an APT Tour Director and Driver, plus expert local guides
- Return airport transfers, porterage
- 15 included meals over the course of your trip.
- Eight nights in hand-picked accommodation
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Ask us about pre and post accommodation
- This tour forms part of the 17 Day New Zealand Wonderland. Refer to Trip Code: NCC17
- Prices are for land only. Flights not included
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Southern Tourer' Reviews
5.0
5 Star
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1 Star
A nine day tour of the bucket list of NZ spectacular scenery including the Tranzalpine train to Arthur’s Pass, Queenstown steamer lake cruise and dinner, a spectacular scenic drive to a cruise on Milford Sound, and then on to Mt Cook Lake Tekapo and back to Christchurch. A journey worth every minute of enjoyment. Well organised. Efficient tour guide. ...read more Very knowledgeable and accommodating driver. Large coach and a small group of like minded tour companions. Excellent accommodation and meals to remember. Hats off to APT, a wonderful experience. Thank you.
Brochure
APT New Zealand (2024-25)
A journey through New Zealand has so much to offer. From the paradise of the Bay of Islands in the country’s subtropical north, to the remote wilderness of Franz Josef/Waiau and the spectacular fiords waiting to be explored in the south-west corner. Charming locals endear their country to all who visit, where you can set your own pace, from kicking...more back with a glass of Queenstown’s finest wine, to exploring the volcanic wonderland around Rotorua, APT is for you.
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Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
