8 Day New Zealand South Island Escorted Tour

Save up to $200 USD or $200 CAD per couple*

Value Plus Escorted Vacation

Southern Escape

Christchurch Return

Trip Code: NTCC8

From $2,795 USD pp | From $3,695 CAD pp

Trip Overview

See the very best of New Zealand’s stunning South Island. Visit the scenic wonders of glacier country, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo.

Departure Dates

2023 Dates:

09-Sep-23, 30-Sep-23
07-Oct-23, 28-Oct-23
04-Nov-23, 25-Nov-23
02-Dec-23, 23-Dec-23

2024 Dates:

13-Jan-24, 20-Jan-24
10-Feb-24, 17-Feb-24
09-Mar-24, 16-Mar-24
13-Apr-24, 04-May-24
01-Jun-24

Your Vacation Includes

Seven nights in premium accommodation

12 meals – Seven breakfasts, one lunch and four dinners

Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and experienced Driver

Premium air-conditioned coach travel

Special Farewell Dinner

Ride the iconic TranzAlpine Train across the Southern Alps Cruise Milford Sound, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls

Stay at Peppers Bluewater Resort, near the shores of beautiful Lake Tekapo

Need to book your Airfare?

We work with all major Airlines and book airfares from most North American gateways to go with your APT vacation

Map

Itinerary

This vacation is operated by Travelmarvel, part of the award winning APT Travel Group, Australia’s largest locally-owned Travel company, with a commitment to service and innovation, and a focus on the safety and wellbeing of guests. Travelmarvel delivers premium journeys at exceptional value.

Designed
Exclusively
for APT guests

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY

Pursue your special interests and enhance your holiday with a range of optional experiences

INSIDER EXPERIENCES

Enjoy a range of included special or unique excursions and events

Christchurch Return

DAY
1

Arrive Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director.

Stay: Christchurch, Quality Elms Hotel

Meals: • Dinner

DAY
2

Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Fox Glacier

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Embark on one of the world’s great rail journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train. Watch the South Island’s snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills glide past from the comfort of your seat.

Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train, then drive through the Southern Alps, home to the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests.

Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

Meals: • Breakfast • Dinner

DAY
3

Fox Glacier, Queenstown

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Settle in for a two-night stay with the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains overseeing Lake Wakatipu

Travel past the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, through Haast Pass, skirting the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Queenstown. The city is renowned for its world-class food, so during time at leisure, perhaps enjoy one of the many local restaurants.

Stay: Two Nights, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview.

Meals: • Breakfast

DAY
4

Queenstown

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Ride the Skyline Gondola 450 metres above the city to the top of Bob’s Peak for a buffet lunch at the Stratosfare Restaurant. All of Queenstown spreads below you.

After lunch with a spectacular view at Stratosfare Restaurant, the rest of the day is at leisure. Why not try one of our Select Experiences? Join the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise to Walter Peak Station, offering an insight into farming life in New Zealand’s high country, or take an exhilarating Shotover Jet Boat ride (both at own expense). This evening, perhaps tantalise your tastebuds as you discover Queenstown’s thriving foodie scene.

Meals: • Breakfast • Lunch

DAY
5

Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Cruise the full length of Milford Sound, a magnificent fiord with spectacular landscapes surrounding this World Heritage-listed area.

This morning after breakfast, skirt The Remarkables mountain range, tracing the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park and beyond to Milford Sound. Your reward is a cruise along the full length of the sound. Carved by ancient glaciers, Milford Sound is widely regarded as one of the most incredible natural wilderness areas on earth. Later, continue by coach to Te Anau. After time to settle in to your hotel, enjoy dinner.

Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Meals: • Breakfast

DAY
6

Te Anau, Dunedin

Leaving the Fiordland region, today you’ll journey through rolling Southland countryside before arriving in Dunedin. Enjoy a tour taking in the city’s most significant landmarks and learn of its rich history. Take some time at leisure to explore the town as you please.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Meals: • Breakfast

DAY
7

Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

View majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Dine on fresh local produce at your hotel’s stylish restaurant during a memorable Farewell Dinner.

Journey along the east coast to see the Moeraki Boulders. These large spherical stones were formed more than 60 million years ago and can be found along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Continue to Oamaru to see some of New Zealand’s finest 19th-century architecture. Later, en route to Lake Tekapo, journey into Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park to admire the sublime alpine scenery. Arrive at your hotel, Peppers Bluewater Resort, situated near the shores of Lake Tekapo.

Stay: Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort

Meals: • Breakfast • Dinner

DAY
8

Lake Tekapo, Depart Christchurch

Your final day in New Zealand begins with a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd on the edge of Lake Tekapo. Enjoy the pristine natural beauty. Your journey then concludes on arrival at Christchurch Airport.

Meals: • Breakfast

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Testimonials

"We know that great service is more than just taking care of you on holiday… it’s the unprecedented warmth, care and consideration you’ll be afforded from your first call until after your return home."

Geoff McGeary OAM – APT Company Owner