Itinerary
Day 1. Christchurch
On arrival in the pretty Garden City of Christchurch, be met at the airport by an APT representative and transfer to your centrally-located hotel. After settling in to your room, the remainder of the day is yours at leisure to explore. Perhaps go for a stroll along Christchurch’s pretty Avon River or wander through the central city lanes to uncover some of the city’s best shopping and cuisine. Tonight, dinner is at your leisure.
Stay: Christchurch, Crowne Plaza Hotel
Day 2. Christchurch, Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine train for the journey to Greymouth. Join your coach and continue to Hokitika and see Pounamu (jade) being carved into jewellery. Tonight enjoy West Coast hospitality as you dine on sumptuous regional specialities.
Stay: Franz Josef, Te Waonui Forest Retreat
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Day 3. Franz Josef, Wanaka
View incredible scenery today as you leave this World Heritage-listed region, travelling through Haast Pass and over the Southern Alps. This scenic road takes you along the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Continue to Wanaka township, surrounded by Mt Aspiring National Park. Enjoy an overnight stay in this place of peace and tranquillity.
Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Wanaka, Edgewater Resort
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Day 4. Wanaka, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner
This morning depart Wanaka and journey to delightful Arrowtown, an old goldrush village. Continue to the popular alpine resort of Queenstown, situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu in the shadows of the stunning Remarkables mountain range. Tonight, thanks to our Dine Around Dinner concept, choose from 15 of the town’s best restaurants. Perhaps choose to take a gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner with spectacular views over Queenstown, or cruise on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a carvery dinner.
Two Night Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa
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Day 5. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today you have the opportunity to personalise your sightseeing thanks to our included Freedom of Choice Touring options. Perhaps explore some of Queenstown’s beautiful local gardens or wineries, take a tour in to majestic Skippers Canyon by 4WD, or relax with a soothing massage at the renowned Sofitel Spa. Alternatively, if it’s thrills you’re after, take an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Shotover River.
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Day 6. Milford Sound, Te Anau
Travel through Fiordland National Park where lush rainforest meets snow-capped mountains. On arrival at Milford Sound, cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord, travelling below mile-high Mitre Peak. View cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest and towering mountains. Then re-board the coach and drive through the Eglinton Valley and the Homer Tunnel to the pretty lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
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Day 7. Te Anau, Dunedin, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, journey via beautiful Lake Manapouri to Dunedin, settled by the Scottish in 1848 and renowned as the Edinburgh of the South. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it. Perhaps visit Larnach Castle or take a tour of the Otago Peninsula to view Royal Albatross or Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies in their natural environment.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
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Day 8. Dunedin, Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dine Around Dinner
Travel north along the coast to view the unique Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Stop at Oamaru, renowned for its distinctive limestone architecture. Pass hydro-electric dams and glacier-fed lakes of incredible colour on your journey to Mt Cook National Park. On arrival, join your selected touring activity - choose from a guided nature walk through the national park, a discovery of the recently opened Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or stargazing with an expert astronomy guide. This evening select from two restaurants at the Hermitage Hotel with a Dine Around Dinner.
Stay: EXCLUSIVE! Mt Cook, The Hermitage, with views of Mt Cook from your room
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Day 9. Mt Cook, Depart Christchurch
Visit Lake Tekapo, then travel across the patchwork fields of the Canterbury plains to Christchurch, where your tour concludes on arrival. A departure transfer to the airport is included.
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