AAT Kings Southern Spirit Itinerary

Community spirit is strong in Christchurch, as you’ll discover exploring its streets at your leisure. We recommend jumping on the tram to tour Christchurch and discover how the city has rebuilt itself since the 2010/11 earthquakes. Look out for the Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library.

Some suggested excursions if you have time

Meals: Welcome reception 

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Begin today with a tour of Christchurch where you will see the extensive work carried out to rebuild the city after the devastating earthquake of 2011. Later continue through the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains, stopping to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. From here travel along the shores of spectacular Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park soaking up the sensational alpine landscape. Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, helped Sir Edmund Hillary hone his climbing skills in preparation for his conquest of Everest. Your day finishes in the heart of the Mackenzie Country at Omarama. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Omarama - 1 Night

Travel onto Oamaru, while its façade is strictly of the Victorian era with ornately decorated grand white stone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels and restaurants, the ‘Oamaruivans’ are certainly not. In fact, they are quite the contrary. Unlike the Victorians they (the locals) are bohemian artisans, creative’s and antiquarians who run ‘out-there’ galleries, museums, shops and venues – it has to be seen to be believed and you'll love it.

This afternoon you will make your way down to the Southernmost New Zealand city, Dunedin. With the rest of your free afternoon you may wish to take part in an optional excursion to see more of the region. Take a Wildlife Cruise out to Otago Peninsula, visit the Speights Brewery – a New Zealand institution or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.  

Some options available in and around Dunedin:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night

Today travel through World Heritage Fiordland National Park's stunning glaciers and lush rainforest. You will see Lake Matheson, famous for its reflective views of Mount Cook, before making your way into Milford Sound, considered by many as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Tonight experience a magical dinner on an Overnight Cruise aboard the Milford Mariner. You’ll travel the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea past breathtaking waterfalls, majestic mountain ranges and native wildlife.

(Cruise may not operate on 10 Sep 2020 departure. On this date, you can enjoy a day cruise on Milford Sound and accommodation in Te Anau or Queenstown).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Milford Sound - 1 Night

Today continue your journey South to Te Anau, located on the shores of the South Island’s Largest Lake of the same name. You'll explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves by boat with a local guide, before travelling to the adventure capital - Queenstown. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the surrounding scenery is breathtaking.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

Explore exciting Queenstown your way. Perhaps play a round of golf on one of the countries best courses, unwind on a unique wine tasting tour or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment. On the first night you’ll experience an entertaining after-dinner farm show which provides you with a glimpse into high-country farm life before cruising back to Queenstown.

Recommended Queenstown Excursions:

Meals: Breakfasts

Today begins with a visit to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, located on the Arrow River. From here it's on to Cromwell where you'll get to try delicious stone fruit - peaches, plums, apricots, cherries - at a local orchard. Continue past the trio of lakes - Lake Dunstan, Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka  - then through the Haast Pass. The final stop is majestic Franz Josef Glacier.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef  - 1 Night

Today choose to see spectacular Franz Josef Glacier from the air or do a Glacier Heli Hike (optional). From here its on to Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, for a greenstone (jade) jewellery demonstration by a local carver. Later travel to Punakaiki  where you will see the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Tonight you stay in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront  - enjoy dinner while watching the thundering surf at your doorstep! 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Punakaiki  - 1 Night

Soak up the scenic wilderness of the Heritage Highway through the impressive Buller Gorge and Kahurangi National Park before arriving in Nelson. This afternoon visit the amazing World of Wearable Arts and Classic Cars, where you will experience unforgettable garments from the gala award shows held each year.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Nelson- 2 Nights

Explore Nelson at leisure today. Surrounded by sheltered mountain ranges, golden beaches, national parks and boutique wineries and breweries there's no shortage of things to see and do. Choose to journey to the top of the South Island and enjoy a relaxing cruise in the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, take a bush walk or maybe just relax in the city and explore the many arts and craft galleries.

Meals: Breakfast

Visit the picturesque seaside village of Picton before cruising the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. Head across the Cook Strait to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Here you will have a tour of the city before visiting Te Papa, the nation museum, where you'll gain insight into the country's  fascinating nature, art, history and cultural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Today you are free to explore as you wish. Perhaps join a tour of New Zealand’s Parliament buildings and the ‘Beehive’ or ride Wellington’s famous cable car up to Kelburn lookout for stunning views of the city.

Suggested outings in and around Wellington.

Meals: Breakfast

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We hope you enjoyed your holiday and our promise to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon.

Meals: Breakfast

Highlights

• Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo
• Spend the night cruising on magical Milford Sound
• Explore the Glowworm caves at Te Anau by boat
• Let loose in the adventure capital, Queenstown
• Gondola ride and dinner at Skyline Restaurant on Bob’s Peak
• See awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier
• Watch artisans carving native greenstone (jade) in Hokitika
• Punakaiki, home to Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
• Set sail on Queen Charlotte sound
• Explore Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand 
• Discover New Zealand’s capital Wellington on a city tour
• Tour through Christchurch to witness the incredible rebuild of the city

Inclusions

• Comfortable accommodation
• Travel by luxury coach
• Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide

Dining

•  13 Full Buffet Breakfasts
•  5 Dinners

Flight Information

•  Day 1 - Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
•  Day 14 - Flights to depart anytime from Wellington Airport