New Zealand Southern Tourer

9 days/8 nights - Christchurch to Christchurch

Focusing on the South Island, the Southern Tourer is an in-depth look at this beautiful part of New Zealand. Enjoy two nights in Christchurch and Queenstown, stay in ‘off-the-beaten-track’ locations, such as Franz Josef and Twizel. Enjoy a choice of activities with Exclusive Experiences in Queenstown, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
You will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel.

Day 2: Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef (BD)
This morning board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train. This journey has been voted one of the top rail journeys in the world and is renowned as New Zealand’s ‘Great Rail Adventure’. Cross the vast patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before climbing up into the Main Divide. Enjoy stunning scenery as we journey through gorges, river valleys and across the country’s greatest mountain range, the magnificent Southern Alps. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and continue to Hokitika by coach. Continue along the dramatic west coast and enter South West New Zealand. View magnificent Franz Josef Glacier (weather permitting). There may be the opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight over this incredible region (own expense, weather permitting).
Accommodation: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.

Day 3: Franz Josef, Queenstown Dine About (BD)
View magnificent scenery today as we travel along the rugged west coast to Haast. Experience a unique river safari, capturing breathtaking views of the massive glacier formed Haast River Valley, flanked by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and dense temperate rainforest. Rejoin our coach and continue to Queenstown. Tonight enjoy a choice of four dining options, where you choose the restaurant and we will include it!
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Copthorne Lakefront Resort.

Day 4: Queenstown, Exclusive Experiences (B)
Today we have a selection of activities for you to choose from and we will include it! Perhaps a tour through some local gardens, visit some of the local wineries or a jetboat ride. Adventure Options are also available.

Day 5: Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau (BD)
Today we travel into World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Join a cruise and travel the length of this beautiful fiord. This afternoon we rejoin our coach and travel to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Accommodation: Te Anau, Village Inn.

Day 6: Te Anau, Dunedin, Exclusive Experiences (BD)
Leaving the dramatic landscape of the Fiordland region behind, we journey to the East Coast and the city of Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, because it was first settled by the Scottish in 1848. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it! Perhaps join a cruise to the Otago Peninsula to view the Royal Albatross or Yellow-eyed Penguin in their natural habitat.
Accommodation: Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel.

Day 7: Dunedin, Twizel (BD)
Departing Dunedin we journey north to Moeraki Beach with its unusual boulders. Stop at Oamaru, a historic town renowned for its distinctive cream lime-stone buildings then continue inland passing beautiful glacier-fed lakes of incredible color. This afternoon we arrive in the heart of MacKenzie Country, Twizel.
Accommodation: Twizel, MacKenzie Country Inn.

Day 8: Mt Cook, Christchurch (BD)
Today we journey into New Zealand’s Highland and Mt Cook National Park. View Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight over this awe-inspiring alpine region (weather permitting, own expense). Continue to beautiful Lake Tekapo and visit the picturesque tiny stone Church of the Good Shepherd. Leaving the High Country we cross the braided Rakaia River to Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel.

Day 9: Depart Christchurch, Exclusive Experiences (B)
Today you choose the activity and we will include it! Adventure Options are also available. Your tour concludes after your sightseeing experience and a departure transfer to the airport is included.