Southern Tourer

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.

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. Enjoy a two-night 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 and savour a four-course dining experience. 

Select from a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer today.

Freedom of Choice – Franz Josef/Waiau Guided Nature Walk

Head out on an eco tour and discover the wonders of the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Marvel at the ancient rainforest and stroll along a pristine glacial-fed river. Your knowledgeable guide will provide profound insights into the surrounding ecosystem, offering fascinating stories about the local history, flora and fauna.

Freedom of Choice – Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise

Explore Lake Mapourika on a relaxing scenic cruise, where the calm waters create mirror-like reflections of the Southern Alps and surrounding glaciers. Cruise across one of the West Coast's most peaceful environments led by a team of expert local skippers as you spot native birdlife and connect with nature.

Freedom of Choice – West Coast Wildlife Centre VIP Backstage Tour

Enjoy behind-the-scenes access at the West Coast Wildlife Centre and encounter one of New Zealand’s rarest and most beloved birds. This all-weather attraction is home to the hatching and conservation programme for the endangered Rowi and Haast tokoeka kiwi. Take a guided tour, explore interactive exhibits, and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the West Coast’s rainforest environment.

Freedom of Choice – Franz Josef/Waiau Lomi Lomi Massage

Experience tranquility with a Lomi Lomi massage, the traditional Polynesian technique that features long, flowing strokes from head to toe for deep relaxation. Enjoy your treatment in a rainforest-inspired room, designed to help you slow down and quiet your mind so you leave feeling restored.

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.

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, wander through the historic charm of Arrowtown and visit Ayrburn, Queenstown's newest and most delicious destination. To top it all off, enjoy a wine tasting and cheese platter at a local winery.

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.

Today, travel from Te Anau via Queenstown and the stunning Lindis Pass before arriving in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Upon arrival, embark on your chosen 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

Experience the magic of the night sky in one of the world’s best stargazing locations. Nestled in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, 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 — New Zealand’s largest glacier. Surrounded by the dramatic alpine landscape of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, you’ll glide across the milky-blue waters while learning about the glacier’s history, geology, and ongoing changes.

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. 

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.