Tour Type: Low Cost Escorted Tour
Duration: 9 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $1600 pp
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9 Day Southern Spectacular Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
- Professional Tour Director
- Professional Luxury Coach Driver
- Admissions Outlined in the Itinerary
- Full Buffet Breakfasts (8) (B)
- Hotel Dinners (6) (D)
- Welcome Drink
- Airport Transfers
- Hotel Porterage & Service Charges
Tour Highlights:
Back to top |
Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm). The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Christchurch. You could visit Hagley Park, the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Cathedral and the Botanic Gardens. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink. Stay: Hotel Ibis Christchurch |
Day
2 |
Mt Cook
Start the day your way – go shopping, ride the Christchurch Tram or simply relax. Later, travelling over the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains, the spectacular sightseeing begins. Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki are first up. Next we’ll visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before soaking up the sensational alpine landscape of Mt Cook National Park – a scenic highlight! You may choose to take an optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook (weather permitting). Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama (B/D) |
Day
3 |
Dunedin
Our day starts along the Waitaki River with the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore dam. We travel through oamaru with its famous white limestone buildings to Dunedin, where we tour the city. Then you’ve got the afternoon to yourself – take a wildlife cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Dunedin (B/D) |
Day
4 |
Dunedin – Te Anau
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Opportunity to visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only authentic castle. Travel south through Balclutha and the farming town of Gore. Cross the rich fertile country of South Otago and continue to Te Anau, situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, which was gouged out by a huge glacier. Tonight you may choose to travel by boat to the Te Anau Glow worm caves. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau (B/D) |
Day
5 |
Milford Sound
You’ll be awe-struck by great sights from Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Along the way to Queenstown, we’ll see Mirror Lakes, Cleddau valley, The Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. At Queenstown we’ll have an orientation tour on arrival and enjoy an Alpine dinner with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Stay: Mercure Queenstown Resort, Queenstown (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
6 |
Queenstown
Today is free for you to enjoy the many scenic delights of Queenstown. Your Tour Director will happily advise you on
the optional activities available. Perhaps go whitewater
rafting or take a thrilling jet boat ride! This evening you
have the opportunity to ride the Skyline Gondola to the top
of Bob's Peak for a delicious buffet dinner. Then later, optionally experience the Kiwi Haka Maori Show. (B) |
Day
7 |
Fox Glacier
Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colourful township steeped in local history. Next is Cromwell and its
sensational stone fruit. Then
it’s a trio of lakes – Lake
Dunstan, Lake Hawea & Lake
Wanaka. Travel through Haast Pass which winds its way through Mount Aspiring National Park and dramatic mountain and forest scenery. View Thunder
Creek Falls and take a rainforest
walk. Continue north along the coastal road to Fox Glacier – a rare, still advancing
glacier. (optional Fox Glacier
scenic flight). Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier (B/D) |
Day
8 |
Punakaiki – Christchurch
We visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade), for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration first up. We travel through Greymouth, the largest town on the west coast, to experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki, before heading back to Christchurch. Stay: Hotel Ibis Christchurch (B/D) |
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TranzAlpine Train Option
Experience one of the world’s top 6
train trips aboard the TranzAlpine to Christchurch. Additional cost $NZ 162 per person from Greymouth (option is only applicable for departures after September 2010) or $NZ 118 per person from Arthur’s Pass. (option available on all departures) |
Day
9 |
Depart Christchurch
Today is yours, take your time exploring Christchurch – the Garden city – famous for its gardens and being the most english city outside of England. See Hagley Park and the Canterbury Museum – just make the most of it – it’s your last chance to experience New Zealand before we transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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To view this tour in pdf format click here for all departures leaving before October 2010. For next seasons departures October 2010 to September 2011 click here. |
Everyone we interacted with in arranging and conducting the tour was outstanding; Georgina Walpole from Relaxing Journeys, the tour director, Marty, the coach driver John, and Frank who shuttled us to the Christchurch Airport. We lived in New Zealand for nearly a year about 26 years ago and drove to nearly everywhere included in this tour. We selected this tour because we felt that it covered the best places that the South Island has to offer, as we were traveling with friends who had not been to New Zealand before. We thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the many scenic locations and activities that the tour offered. The tour was very enjoyable, and we learned many new things from Marty's commentary. Because of the size of the group, some rest stops were a little inconvenient for the ladies, as there were long lines to use the facilities. However, everyone seemed to accept that condition, and people did not appear to be too upset about it. Based on this experience, we would certainly return to Relaxing Journeys and AAT Kings if we were to travel to New Zealand again.
Roy Nishimoto (United States)
Tour Date 14/03/2010 |
This was the most spectacular and enjoyable tour. Our tour director Julie and driver Tamatai were both amazing and Julie's knowledge and commentaries were fantastic. We met lovely people. The tour was excellent value for money, hotels and foods first class, could not fault it. If we ever do another trip we will certainly book with you again. I would just mention also that Georgie who I arranged the tour with was most helpful all through and kept me up to date at all times.
Robert & Maureen Oates (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 14/02/2010 |
We must say how much we enjoyed our tour of the South Island. This was was the first time that we had visited NZ and immediately fell in love with this wonderful country that has amazing and varied scenery. The tour was well organised using hotels that were well appointed and clean. The overall package represented excellent value for money. The tour captain and driver were terrific as they were amusing, informative and looked after us so well. The organisation of the trip was handled so well by Georgine Walpole at the office and made arranging our holiday so seamless. Thanks again for making this trip an unforgettable experience and will certainly recommend your firm.
Roy & Lynne Urquhart (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 08/11/2009 |
The tour was excellent. For the type of tour, the accommodation was good, the Mercure Resort in Queenstown being excellent. The meals and service in all the hotels were excellent. The itinerary of the tour was excellent and the available time for optional tours was well organised. The transfers from and to the airports were on time and the driver's guidance at the airports was appreciated. The tour bus was comfortable and the bus 'Chauffeur' Tamati Tehuia was extremely skilled in handling the driving. His attitude was totally professional, cordial and helpful with a good humour at all times. Jo Smith the Tour Director was incredible. Her personality, jovial ways, organising ability, her thoughtfullness, local knowledge and knowledge of the traditions and history of New Zealand were all brilliant. The only suggestion I would have, is that after a day on the road a self service dinner would be more appropriate than a sit down and waited on meal as it was at the Kingsgate hotel in Dunedin. It takes too long to be served.
Keith & Phyllis Bauer (Australia)
Tour Date 26/10/2009 |
We had always wanted to visit NZ. As we were staying with our son whilst in Australia, he suggested we do a tour. He and his wife arranged it all for us and thanks to them and Relaxing Journeys we can now tick off the dream. It was fantastic, good value for money, our fellow passengers were good to know and our tour director Terry and driver Paul were brilliant. It was well organized, friendly and we saw more of NZ than we would have if we had travelled alone, thank you.
Barbara and Fred Bradshaw (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 25/02/2009 |
Despite our flight to Christchurch being cancelled by Jetstar resulting is us arriving at 11.30pm we were still met at the airport and transported to our hotel by the delightful Frank. He have us an interesting history of places we passed on our short trip. Our very capable tour guide Robin had left clear directions for us, since we missed out on the met and greet night. Robin was excellent with great people skills and knowledge of NZ, she made sure we saw as much as possible and worked very hard to run a smooth holiday. Julian, our driver, was extremely careful and at all times we felt very safe in his capable hands. Julian always had a smile on his face and willing to assist whenever he could. There were two people on the tour who had mobility problems and Julian showed great empathy by giving them a hand when needed. We were happy with our hotels and meals, sometimes lunch or dinner was a tad too early but we understand that was to fit in with the intoner. NZ is a very beautiful country and we hope to visit again and we will certainly use your company, also we have already recommended you to friends.
Charlie & Marion Ward (Australia)
Tour Date 15/02/2009 |
My wife and I couldn't have been happier with our tour. We just ticked all the excellent ' boxes in the 'satisfaction questionnaire, handed out before the end of the South Island trip. However, we would like to add that with over 40 years experience of 'package' holidays and tours we have only twice previously felt impelled to write to congratulate the courier/driver. In this case, without doubt, Tour Manager TERRY PETERSON and Driver GAVIN JENSEN are the best that we have ever come across. Not only for their individual efficiency, expertise, 'people handling' skills and the impeccable way they worked as a team, but also for their humour, which can be the 'icing on the cake' where long coach journeys are concerned. This tour was part of our second trip to NZ, mainly staying with sets of friends in North Island, from which we have just returned. We extol the virtues of New Zealand to one and all here in the UK, and would not hesitate to recommend your company to anyone expressing interest in NZ trips.
Llewellyn & Geraldine Wiiliams (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 19/01/2009 |
Just to let you know that we had the most amazing time in New Zealand! AAT Kings certainly DO put on good trips! Our Tour Director (Jean Paul Hiroti) and driver (Gavin Jensen) looked after us all very well and provided so much interesting information that we came away from New Zealand with a real understanding of the country's culture and heritage. Thank you for an amazing holiday. We hope one day to be able to book with you again.
Monika & Tony Chamberlain (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 30/11/2008 |
A wonderful experience - from Georgie's initial suggestion and help to the expertise of Julie (the tour director) and John (the driver). It was our first ever coach tour and it surpassed all expectations. The hotels were exactly as we were lead to expect and the food was better. I'm not giving you credit for the indescribable scenery and weather! We have just had a great holiday. Thanks. Geoff & Gill Knappett.
Geoff & Gillian Knappett (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 30/11/2008 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
Save up to $NZ 75 per person off the brochure price!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 September 2010 and 30 September 2010
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
Tour
Starts |
Tour
Finishes |
Tour
Status |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
SPECIAL |
OUR
PRICE |
| 12 Sep 2010 |
20 Sep 2010 |
G |
NZ $1675 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1600 |
| 03 Oct 2010 |
11 Oct 2010 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 10 Oct 2010 |
18 Oct 2010 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 13 Oct 2010 |
21 Oct 2010 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 17 Oct 2010 |
25 Oct 2010 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 20 Oct 2010 |
28 Oct 2010 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 24 Oct 2010 |
01 Nov 2010 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 31 Oct 2010 |
08 Nov 2010 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 07 Nov 2010 |
15 Nov 2010 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 14 Nov 2010 |
22 Nov 2010 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 21 Nov 2010 |
29 Nov 2010 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 28 Nov 2010 |
06 Dec 2010 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 01 Dec 2010 |
09 Dec 2010 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 05 Dec 2010 |
13 Dec 2010 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 19 Dec 2010 |
27 Dec 2010 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 26 Dec 2010 |
03 Jan 2011 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 02 Jan 2011 |
10 Jan 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 09 Jan 2011 |
17 Jan 2011 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 16 Jan 2011 |
24 Jan 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 23 Jan 2011 |
31 Jan 2011 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 26 Jan 2011 |
03 Feb 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 30 Jan 2011 |
07 Feb 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 06 Feb 2011 |
14 Feb 2011 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 09 Feb 2011 |
17 Feb 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 13 Feb 2011 |
21 Feb 2011 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 16 Feb 2011 |
24 Feb 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 20 Feb 2011 |
28 Feb 2011 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 23 Feb 2011 |
03 Mar 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 27 Feb 2011 |
07 Mar 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 02 Mar 2011 |
10 Mar 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 06 Mar 2011 |
14 Mar 2011 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 09 Mar 2011 |
17 Mar 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 13 Mar 2011 |
21 Mar 2011 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 16 Mar 2011 |
24 Mar 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 20 Mar 2011 |
28 Mar 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 23 Mar 2011 |
31 Mar 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 10 Apr 2011 |
18 Apr 2011 |
G |
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
| 17 Apr 2011 |
25 Apr 2011 |
|
NZ $1745 |
Save $75 |
NZ $1670 |
*Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart.
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Tour Discounts & Supplements:
Optional extras, single traveller supplement & multiple traveller discounts. |
| |
| Single Supplement: |
Add |
NZ $555 |
| Child Discount: |
Save |
NZ $345 |
| Frequent Traveller: |
Save |
NZ $85 |
| Triple Discount: |
Save |
NZ $85 |
| Friendly Fours: |
Save |
NZ $85 |
| Concession Cards: |
Save |
NZ $55 |
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'. |
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