Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. This evening, get to know your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers during dinner.
Day 2: Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef/Waiau
After a special Signature Experience, disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika, famous for its stunning coastline and jade carving industry. Pounamu, or greenstone, is plentiful here and holds great cultural significance for the Māori people. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau, where you will enjoy another Signature Experience.
Signature Experience – TranzAlpine Train
Experience the romance of rail travel aboard the TranzAlpine train. Admire ever-changing landscapes and spectacular gorges as you journey through the famous Southern Alps and alongside the Waimakariri River on one of the world’s most scenic rail routes.
Signature Experience – Franz Josef/Waiau
Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Tonight, you will stay at the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat, located on the edge of the Franz Josef/Waiau village. Relax and unwind amid the lush rainforest and breathtaking scenery before enjoying a four-course degustation fine dining experience.
Day 3: Franz Josef/Waiau, Queenstown
Today, admire the magnificent landscape as you travel along the Haast River Valley to Queenstown. This evening, choose where to enjoy dinner with a range of Freedom of Choice Dining options available to you.
Freedom of Choice – Walter Peak
Cruise aboard a vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country Farm to enjoy a lavish BBQ dinner featuring succulent meats expertly prepared on the rotisserie and grill, vegetables, a selection of salads and bread. And be sure to leave room for dessert.
Freedom of Choice – Stratosfare Restaurant
Take a magical gondola ride up to the Stratosfare Restaurant on Bob's Peak overlooking Queenstown. Feast on an extensive range of New Zealand and international cuisines while enjoying uninterrupted views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.
Freedom of Choice – Fergburger
This cult burger house achieved worldwide fame in 2015 when its burgers were crowned the world's best in a travel article on the website of news giant CNN. The best burgers in New Zealand, no doubt. The world? You be the judge.
Freedom of Choice – Finz Restaurant
Finz Seafood & Grill offers casual, relaxed waterfront dining right in the heart of Queenstown. Finz is a bustling bistro, where you can enjoy fresh seafood daily and other dishes in a fabulous location.
Freedom of Choice – Your Hotel Restaurant
Enjoy a contemporary fusion of local and international cuisine at your hotel.
Day 4: Queenstown
Choose how you’d like to spend today with a range of sightseeing activities on offer.
Freedom of Choice – 'The Lord of the Rings’ 4WD Safari
Discover why this beautiful landscape was chosen to portray Middle-earth in 'The Lord of the Rings' on this sensational 4WD safari. Visit several breathtaking locations where the iconic motion picture trilogy was filmed.
Freedom of Choice – Wine Tour
Embark on a personalised sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s southernmost wine region, as you indulge in tastings from various wineries.
Freedom of Choice – Skippers Canyon
Enjoy an exciting 4WD adventure following the Shotover River Valley. Admire rocky cliffs, sheer drops and breathtaking river gorges along the way.
Freedom of Choice – Million Dollar Cruise
Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life, as well as enormous trout, which are plentiful here.
Freedom of Choice – Dart River Wilderness Jet
A wilderness jet boat journey on the glacier-fed Dart River takes you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, which is part of the larger World Heritage Site of Te Wahipounamu. Here, your guide will share fascinating insights into the area’s rich history.
Freedom of Choice – Best of Queenstown
Gaze in wonder at the beauty of New Zealand’s adventure capital on this spectacular tour. Take in panoramic views of Queenstown, visit the charming township of Arrowtown and explore Gibbston, home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump location. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery and to top it all off, relax during a scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
Day 5: Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau
Embark on a picturesque drive today as you journey along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, then pass through the Homer Tunnel, to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak – the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Continue to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where a Signature Experience awaits. Afterwards, take a scenic drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Enjoy another Signature Experience in the evening.
Signature Experience – Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise
A cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi draws you into a magical world of snow-dusted mountains, breathtaking scenery and engaging wildlife. Edge close to tumbling waterfalls and colonies of seals and penguins, all beneath the ramparts of mighty peaks that rise sheer from the water as they stretch to the vast sky above.
Signature Experience – Taste of Fiordland Dinner
Delight in a delectable Taste of Fiordland dinner this evening at the exceptional MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar. With a menu that has been carefully crafted to showcase the South Island’s regional cuisine, you’ll savour mouth-watering local fare made from the finest artisan produce.
Day 6: Te Anau, Dunedin
Journey through Southland’s rugged countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon, select your Freedom of Choice activity.
Freedom of Choice – Olveston Historic Home
Wander through the historic home of a wealthy merchant family built in the early 1900s. Inside, admire fine art, furniture and artefacts, which have been collected from around the world.
Freedom of Choice – Larnach Castle
Discover the history of Larnach Castle and its beautiful gardens on a guided tour. Nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula, it is New Zealand’s only castle and dates back to 1871.
Day 7: Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook
Drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki on Koekohe Beach. A geological marvel, these gigantic calcite spheres were formed an estimated 65 million years ago. Continue to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience as well as your preferred Freedom of Choice activity.
Signature Experience – Aoraki/Mount Cook
Journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a bewildering landscape of towering mountain peaks, alpine herb fields and epic glaciers. See New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and stay at the iconic Hermitage Hotel. Dine at the hotel’s Alpine Restaurant this evening, indulging in a delicious seasonal menu that incorporates the finest local ingredients.
Freedom of Choice – Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Visit the state-of-the-art Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and discover the history of the iconic surrounding region. The museum is dedicated to the achievements of the famous mountaineer and explorer Sir Edmund Hillary and his affiliation with Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Freedom of Choice – Stargazing
Learn all about the stars of the southern sky with an expert astronomer.
Freedom of Choice – Glacier Explorer Cruise
Step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier (summer months only).
Day 8: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Christchurch
Travel to Lake Tekapo/Takapō and take in the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps as well as the lake’s distinctive colours. Pay a visit to the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, which features in many photographs thanks to its beautiful backdrop and surrounds. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at your hotel.
Day 9: Depart Christchurch
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
