AAT Kings Southern Wonders Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ and welcome to New Zealand!

Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City. After you check-in, you can head out and explore Christchurch. Step back in time to a grand era of transport and relax as the Christchurch Tram takes you around the 'must-see' central attractions. The tram drivers provide a live commentary throughout the loop, identifying points of interest, historic architecture and the changes the city is under-going since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. This evening, you will meet everyone at a welcome reception.  

Accommodation Christchurch - 1 Night

Today we travel from the Canterbury Plains, over the Arthurs Pass the road that winds through the very heart of the Southern Alps, a mighty mountain landscape that’s home to craggy gorges, soaring peaks and ribbons of crystal-clear rivers. 

This afternoon, we drive to Hokitika, where a nearby river is famous for being a traditional source of pounamu (greenstone). We stop in at a pounamu jewellery factory for a close-up look at this special native gem. Journeying onwards, we reach our final destination of Franz Josef Village – and here, you’re in for a real treat. The Franz Josef Glacier tumbles down from the Southern Alps almost to the sea, its ancient icy faces contrasting spectacularly with the surrounding rainforests.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation Franz Josef - 1 Night 

Today we venture across the mountains, driving up and over the Haast Pass and travelling past dramatic rivers, forests and mountains. We stop to stretch our legs on an easy forest track that leads to dazzling blue pools and the amazing Thunder Creek Falls. We journey along the shores of the turquoise-blue lakes of Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan, and make our way through the rugged cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge and onwards to Cromwell. This is the stone fruit capital of New Zealand, so we stop to pick up a bag or two of delicious cherries, nectarines or apricots. In the afternoon we make our way to the charming village of Arrowtown, located on the banks of the Arrow River and steeped in gold mining heritage.

The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, is our final destination for today. Enjoy an evening of free time in this stunningly picturesque place.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

The alpine grandeur, adventure activities and relaxing pursuits of Queenstown are all yours to enjoy as you see fit. If you’re after excitement, choose from activities like a thrilling wilderness jet boat ride or an adventurous white water rafting trip. For something more relaxing, wine tours in the Gibbston Valley or a stroll around the Botanic Gardens are both highly enjoyable. This evening a special experience awaits across the other side of Lake Wakatipu this evening. We cruise the pristine waters aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship – the TSS Earnslaw – to our destination of Walter Peak Station. Here, we enjoy a delicious carvery dinner and a farm show at the Colonel’s Homestead.

Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Today promises to be one of the major highlights of your time in New Zealand. We journey to Te Anau, the gateway to the stunning Fiordland National Park, before driving the spectacular Milford Road. Lush forests, glacier-carved valleys, snowy peaks and mirror-like lakes dot this very special driving experience into a renowned World Heritage Site. Continuing through the hand-carved Homer Tunnel and on to Milford Sound itself, the views of this grand fiord are breath taking. We explore its inky waters on a boat cruise, soaking up the surroundings of granite cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and unique wildlife before journeying back to Te Anau for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation Te Anau - 1 Night

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. You could venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country – fur seals among them.

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation Dunedin - 1 Night

This morning you have some free time in Dunedin. You may want to journey out to the gorgeous Larnach Castle – New Zealand’s only castle. Or you may just wish to roam around the beautiful grounds of New Zealand’s first university, Otago University. Bidding a fond farewell to Dunedin, we drive north to Oamaru and see the stunning 19th - century architecture the town is famous for. Following the banks of the Waitaki River we pass the huge hydro-electric dams of Waitaki, making our way to Omarama – our destination for tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Omarama - 1 Night

f 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.

 Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Accommodation Christchurch - 1 Night

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
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