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Land Tour

Southern Tourer

2025 - 2026

Land Tour

Southern Tourer

Southern Tourer

Explore New Zealand’s South Island over nine days. Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train and take in the idyllic surrounds at Franz Josef. Discover beautiful Queenstown and cruise Milford Sound, before visiting Dunedin. Enjoy stunning views from your Aoraki Mt Cook hotel, and see Lake Tekapo’s Church of the Good Shepherd.

9 day Land Tour

Itinerary

9 days / 8 night Land Tour

Day 1

Arrive Christchurch

Day 2

Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef/Waiau

Signature Experience

Day 3

Franz Josef/Waiau, Queenstown

Freedom of Choice

Day 4

Queenstown

Freedom of Choice

Day 5

Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau

Signature Experience

Day 6

Te Anau, Dunedin

Freedom of Choice

Day 7

Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook

Signature Experience

Day 8

Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch

Day 9

Depart Christchurch

Trip Inclusions

Discover the inclusions provided on your tour, ensuring a stress-free journey where every detail is taken care of.

All-inspiring sightseeing experiences in eight destinations
Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations
Locally inspired dining – a total of 15 meals
Eight nights in hand-picked accommodation
Services of an APT Tour Director and driver, plus expert local guides
Return airport transfers and porterage

Tour Highlights

These exclusive or unique events are designed to deepen your experience, taking you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. What's more, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are often not available to a regular traveller. The following experiences are just a taste of what we have prepared especially for you.

TranzAlpine Train

Experience the romance of rail travel aboard the TranzAlpine train on one of the world’s most scenic rail routes. Admire ever-changing landscapes and spectacular gorges as you journey through the famous Southern Alps and along the Waimakariri River.

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. Relax and unwind amid the lush rainforest and breathtaking scenery, before enjoying a four-course degustation fine dining 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.

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.

Road to Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Scenic highway drive along Lake Pukaki in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, South Island of New Zealand.

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. Indulge in a delicious seasonal menu, which incorporates the finest local ingredients, at the hotel’s Alpine Restaurant.

Trip Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your cruise. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Notes

  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change

  • Ask us about pre and post accommodation

  • This tour forms part of the 17 Day New Zealand Wonderland. Refer to Trip Code: NCC17

  • Prices are for land only. Flights not included unless specified

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