AAT Kings Southern Wonders Itinerary

Southern Wanderer Escorted Tour
1

Arrive Christchurch

‘Haere Mai’ and welcome to New Zealand!

You don’t have to arrive in Christchurch early, but we recommend you do – this South Island city has some of New Zealand’s most innovative architecture, not to mention forward-thinking restaurants and bars. Tonight, it's time to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a Welcome Reception.

Accommodation Christchurch - 1 Night

Christchurch City Tram
This inviting and modern brand new hotel features contemporary rooms, restaurant & bar. 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

TranzAlpine Train & Franz Josef

Your South Island New Zealand Tour starts on a literal high as you jump aboard the TranzAlpine train, crossing the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. This is one of the world’s most scenic rail experiences, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys.

At the other end of the line is Hokitika, the home of pounamu (native greenstone or jade). Just when you thought your day couldn't get any better, Franz Josef town twinkles on the horizon. This afternoon, you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation Franz Josef - 1 Night 

Native mountain parrot at Arthurs Pass
Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is only moments away from spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel comprises two wings, the Douglas and Graham wing - offering a variety of room types. The hotel's Canavans Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner using fresh, local produce. Next door, the Moa Bar offers a cozy spot to relax next to an open fireplace after a day of exploration.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

3

Queenstown via Haast Pass

Over the Haast Pass, alpine drama awaits. The Southern Lakes deserve their name: there are almost more waterways here than you can count. First up there’s oh-so-blue Lake Hawea and LakeDunstan, where you’ll pause to refuel on flavour-packedstone fruit. Visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, where tempting as it is to linger in streets lined with trees and character-filled boutiques, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables await in Queenstown.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Franz Josef Glacier
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.
Copthorne Resort Queenstown

4

TSS Earnslaw Crusie with Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Your New Zealand guided tour takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown. And the adventure capital of New Zealand doesn’t disappoint when it comes to activities that are fast and furious. Take your pick, you could explore the natural drama of Skippers Canyon. Prefer life at a more leisurely pace? Opt to step onto a Lord of the Rings movie set or sip your way through surrounding vineyards. Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Queenstown TSS Earnslaw Steamship

5

Milford Sound Cruise & Te Anau

Nature rules today as you motor from the Mirror Lakes through the Cleddau Valley. But this is just a teaser of what’s to come: World Heritage listed Milford Sound. A Milford Sound cruise across this dreamy expanse will give you goosebumps, its string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. Look out for fur seals – they’re a common sight here. The road back through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and gin-clear rivers, carving up the countryside en route to Te Anau. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any more magical, nestled on the edge of the South Island's largest lake, Te Anau is the perfect place to savour some peace and relaxation after the spectacle of the day.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation Te Anau - 1 Night

Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable newly refurbished accommodation within easy walking distance of the township, surrounded by all local services, this 4-star hotel welcomes guests with 2 restaurants and a fitness center.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel

6

Te Anau to Dunedin

The South Island’s biggest lake is a blissful place for an invigorating morning walk. If it doesn’t set your pulse racing, than your outlook of rolling green hills dotted with doe-eyed sheep surely will. This pastoral countryside surrounds the city of Dunedin. While away the afternoon in atmospheric art-lined alleys or sipping a lager or two in Speight’s Brewery (a national institution), or visit grand Larnach Castle, the only one of its kind in the country. You could venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country – fur seals among them.

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night

Dunedin Railway Station
This 4-star hotel is located the heart of Dunedin and is filled with modern local artwork. Located just blocks from the Octagon and walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions like the fabulous First Church of Otago, and handy to great restaurants and shopping centres. Amenities Include an on-site Restaurant, cafe/bar and fitness centre.
Scenic Hotel Dunedin

7

Omarama via Oamaru

Time is on your side this morning. Sleep in or take a stroll around the manicured grounds of Otago University to the city’s main George Street. Enjoy a visit to Oamaru, a town with a rich history, featuring Victorian architecture and original boutiques.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Omarama - 1 Night

The beautiful Larnach Castle in Dunedin.
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 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

8

Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

If there’s a lake with a more vivid turquoise colour than Tekapo, we’re yet to see it. It’s made even more dramatic by snow-capped mountains, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd and atmospheric towns that surround. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You'll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe. Back on earth, you’re becoming reacquainted with Christchurch, your in-the-know Travel Director pointing out the city’s miraculous transformation over the last decade. Local spirit is strong here.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

The snowy Mount Cook.
This inviting and modern brand new hotel features contemporary rooms, restaurant & bar. 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.

9

Farewell from Christchurch

Homeward Bound "Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!
If you feel like you’ve only seen the tip of the South Island’s iceberg, you’d be correct. This beguiling part of the country could keep travel enthusiasts entertained for eons. Thankfully, we have more itineraries – ask your Travel Director and start planning your next trip to New Zealand. 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Flights to depart any time from Christchurch Airport

Itinerary Variations
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions. 

A tram driving through the city centre of Christchurch.

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What Elizabeth says about this tour: The scenery on this 9 day tour of New Zealand's south is truly spectacular. You'll take in mountain ranges, glaciers, and cruise the lakes and Fiords by train, coach and boat! Accommodation is carefully selected for comfort and the knowledgeable driver will escort you to the many lovely surprises of the south!
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