2024: Jac 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Apr 6, 13, 20;
May 4, 18; Jun 1, 15
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH: You’ll begin and end in Christchurch experiencing the best of New Zealand’s South Island. Travel by coach to view famous sites like Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin and Mount Cook.
This 9 day round trip from Christchurch brings you to all the South Island’s natural highlights and historic cities in fully escorted comfort.
Early arrivals to the historic city of Christchurch might consider a visit to the International Antarctic Centre or the Air Force Museum, before hopping the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps to Franz Josef, home of the namesake glacier. Explore the Haast River Valley by safari jetboat before going on to the adventure capital of Queenstown.
A Mecca for skiers, Queenstown puts you in the heart of the South Island’s mountain landscape. Freedom of Choice Touring options let you choose from a range of activities, such as a double decker bus tour, or a jetboat ride on the Shotover River (a Queenstown favourite). Then go on to Te Anau to enjoy a cruise along the full length of Milford Sound, a breathtaking, 16km long fjord carved by glaciers out to the Tasman Sea.
The beautiful, Scottish-influenced town of Dunedin offers yet more options for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Visit the Royal Albatross and Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies of Otago Peninsula, or spook yourself at Larnach Castle, a Dunedin landmark with a dark past, where close to 30 encounters with ‘cranky spirits’ have been reported. A northbound journey along the coast takes you to visit the unique Moeraki Boulders on your way to Mt Cook National Park. Take a guided nature walk, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or try a stargazing experience with an expert astronomy guide. Cap off your day with an exclusive stay at The Hermitage, with views of majestic Mt Cook – known to the Maori as ‘Cloud Piercer’ – before returning to 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 travellers during dinner.
Meal Plan | Dinner |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Accommodation |
Commodore Hotel Christchurch Airport |
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.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world's greatest rail adventures.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Take in the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier region.
Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Accommodation |
Te Waonui Forest Retreat |
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 three tempting restaurants in which to dine.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE DINING
Perhaps cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw - a vintage steamboat - or dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Finz Restaurant. As another option, enjoy one of the world's most lauded burgers at Fergburger or enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
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Duration | 2 Nights |
Accommodation |
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside |
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.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE SIGHTSEEING
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.
Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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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.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of the pristine fiord of Milford Sound.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Delight in the authentic flavours of the South Island during a Taste of Fiordland Dinner, showcasing the finest local artisan produce.
Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Accommodation |
Distinction Hotel and Villas Te Anau |
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.
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.
Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Accommodation |
Distinction Dunedin |
Drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where you may select your activity of choice.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Enter the pristine and rugged Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and admire the majesty of New Zealand's highest peak.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE SIGHTSEEING
Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or the planetarium for a stargazing session. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.
Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Accommodation |
The Hermitage Aoraki Mount Cook |
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.
Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
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Duration | 1 Night |
Accommodation |
Distinction Hotel Christchurch |
Your journey comes to an end today as you are transferred to the airport.
Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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