AAT Kings Southern Spirit Itinerary

 
1

‘Haere Mai’ - Welcome to Christchurch

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

Easygoing Cycling Tour  Punting the Avon River  Lyttelton Harbour Wildlife Cruise
Māori Cultural EveningFrench Akaroa TourSouthern Alps Ballooning
Christchurch GondolaClearwater GolfArthur's Pass TranzAlpine Hike


Meals: none

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

christchurch
This inviting and modern brand new hotel features contemporary rooms, Restaurant & Bar. Nearby to the Cashel Street Re:START mall - this "pop up" shopping precinct is the new vibrant heart of the city, featuring many new designer shops and modern cafes. The Hotel is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access to local activities, outer lying attractions and the airport.
Ibis Hotel Christchurch.

2

Lake Pukaki & Tekapo - Mt Cook National Park

We peel off a couple more layers on a guided Christchurch tour before setting the GPS for Lake Tekapo, a blinding shade of turquoise accented by the soaring snow-capped peaks and wildflower-strewn fields that surround. It’s quite the backdrop for the stone-hewn Church of Good Shepherd. Opt for a bird’s-eye view on a scenic flight, taking you over Mount Cook and the Southern Alps, as well as Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Omarama - 1 Night

Mount Cook National Park
Set amongst landscaped gardens with views of the surrounding mountains, the Heritage Gateway Hotel is a peaceful place to stay. Featuring 98 comfortably furnished guest rooms, restaurant & bar.The Heritage Gateway is located 4 hours south of Christchurch and is truly the gateway to the South Island. This hotel has a full restaurant and cocktail bar both offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
Set amongst landscaped gardens with views of the surrounding mountains, the Heritage Gateway Hotel

3

Edinburgh of the South - Dunedin

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:

Speights Brewery Tour

   Cadbury Chocolate    Penguins and Albatross Tour

Taieri Rail Journey

   Peninsula Wildlife Cruise   Larnach Castle Tour

 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night

Dunedin

On a leafy hillside overlooking central Dunedin city, this classic old-school hotel has a modern exterior is only a 12-minute walk from the famous Dunedin Railway Station and 2 km (1.2 mi) from the historic Otago Harbour. The hotel features subdued rooms with warm wood furnishings and vibrant accents.


4

Dunedin - Invercargill

Rolling green pastures dotted with wide-eyed sheep are your backdrop to Gore. Fun fact: this is the country music capital of New Zealand. Invercargill is obsessed with something else: motor vehicles. Tributes to speed legends colour the city, telling the story of everyone from Burt Munro to Bill Richardson – his shed full of classic vehicles is the largest private collection of its type in the world.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Invercargill - 2 Nights

Kelvin Hotel is situated in the city centre, only a short walk to major attractions and a 10-minute drive to the Invercargill Airport. Accommodation options at Kelvin Hotel include deluxe rooms and superior and king suites. All rooms feature en suite bathroom, satellite television and tea/coffee making facilities. Level One Restaurant and Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Room service is available.
Kelvin Hotel

5

Stewart Island

Wild, wide and wonderful, Stewart Island’s rugged coastline cuts a dramatic form in the Southern Ocean. It’s largely untouched, which means that endemic flora and fauna thrive. But don’t take our word for it. Meet the locals on a tour through the Village and Bays


Meals: Breakfast

Stewart Island

6

Invercargill - Queenstown

You’ve probably already noticed that there’s a lot of farmland here in New Zealand. It’s fitting, then, that you meet southern girl Laura, who will introduce you to the sheep farm where she was born and raised. The Real Country Farm Show, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, offers an authentic taste of what rural New Zealand is like. For every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture. Continue to Queenstown and take the afternoon at your own pace.  


Meals: Breakfast, 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 nights

Queenstown
Experience tranquillity all year round. The Copthorne Resort Lakefront in Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Exploring panoramic views of the lake and nearby mountains, the Copthorne is the perfect venue to relax! The Copthorne Lakefront blends superior facilities and comfort with friendly service. The hotel Balconies and garden views are a feature of many rooms.
Copthorne Resort Queenstown

7

Queenstown

We wouldn’t blame you for using today to linger by the banks of Lake Wakatipu, marvelling at sky-scraping Remarkables. But if you want to venture further afield, we have a few ideas. Top of our list today is an epic journey through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, carved by waterfalls and a playground for dolphins and seals as you’ll discover on a Milford Sound cruise. There’s a reason why this part of the island has World Heritage status.  

Included Meals: Breakfast

Milford Sound

8

Queenstown - Franz Josef

Atmospheric Arrowtown was born from gold, and its movie-set-like streets still shimmer today. It’s hard to tear yourself away, but the Alpine country of the Southern Lakes is calling, from Lake Dunstan – pause for juicy stone fruit picked fresh from the tree – to oh-so-blue Lake Hawea and lovely Lake Wanaka, with its shoreline of poplars and willows. Over the Haast Pass, the pretty town of Franz Josef/Waiau, awaits. Get some perspective on an optional Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere flight tour – if the weather behaves, you may even get to land on it. New Zealand tours don’t get much cooler than this.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef  - 1 Night

Franz Josef Glacier
Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier will welcome you in true New Zealand style. The Hotel makes the most of its alpine location and is only moments from spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The highly regarded Hot Pools are within walking distance. Featuring patios or balconies, the simple, warmly decorated rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add living areas. (formerly known as the Scenic Circle Franz Josef Glacier Hotel) has quality rooms with balcony views and special access.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

9

Franz Josef Glacier / Punakaki

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

Pancake Rocks

10

Buller Gorge / Nelson

Soak up the scenic wilderness of the Heritage Highway through the impressive Buller Gorge and Kahurangi National Park before arriving in Nelson

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Nelson- 2 Nights

Nelson

The Rutherford Hotel  is an icon of the region standing next to the Cathedral steps and an easy stroll into the city of Nelson.  Nelson is a haven for art enthusiasts, and has a reputation for excellent produce, craft beer and fine wines. The Rutherford Hotel features restaurants and bars and caters for all room categories from studios, interconnecting rooms and suites.

Rutherford Hotel Nelson

11

Relax - Nelson at Leisure

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

Abel Tasman

12

Queen Charlotte Sound / Wellington

Swap wheels for water aboard the Inter-islander for a cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound, up the Tory Channel and across Cook Strait, from the South Island to the North, navigating a maze of arms and inlets into New Zealand’s cool little capital of Wellington. Bring your appetite – the city is known for its oh-so-cool restaurants and bars. Ask us for tips before your  day in Wellington  kicks off tomorrow.  

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Interislander Ferry Crossing
Accommodation:

Located in a modern tower 300m from the waterfront, the Travelodge is just a few minutes walk from the harbour and the centre of Wellington. Main attractions such as the famous Cable Car, Botanic Garden and Te Papa (the national museum) all are situated within walking distance so transportation in the city centre is unnecessary. From here it is easy to enjoy a city trip that includes everything you don't want to miss when visiting New Zealand's (culture) capital! 

Travelodge Wellington

13

The Cool Little Capital - Wellington

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.

National Museum - Te Papa Visit Cuba StreetWeta Workshop Tour
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve     

 Wellington Cable Car    

Carter Observatory 


Meals: Breakfast

Nice painting of the harbour in Wellington.

14

Bon Voyage

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

Cheers

Inclusions

Highlights

  • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo
  • Explore the Glowworm caves at Te Anau by boat
  • Farm Tour & BBQ Walter Peak Station, TSS Earnlsaw
  • 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
  • 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
  • 1 Lunch

Flight Information

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

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Profile picture for user Judith
What Judith says about this tour: A great value indepth tour of the South Island. All of the key locations are included - stunning scenery of mountains, lakes, fiords and glaciers. You will be spoilt for choice in the resort town of Queenstown with a 3 night stay. A lovely contrast to that world class experience will be your 2 night stays in friendly Nelson and the arts capital of Wellington.
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The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price