Southern Tourer

Day 1  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 to Franz Josef Glacier      
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.

Day 3  Franz Josef Glacier to 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.

Day 4  Queenstown            
Choose how you’d like to spend today with a range of sightseeing activities on offer.

Day 5  Queenstown to 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.

Day 6  Te Anau to 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.

Day 7  Dunedin to 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.

Day 8  Mount Cook to 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  Christchurch          
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.