Tour Type: Low Cost Escorted Tour
Duration: 9 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $1735 pp
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9 Day Southern Panorama 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
- Travel Wallet and Map
- Airport Transfers (Day 1 from Christchurch Airport – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm; Day 9 to Christchurch Airport – flights anytime)
- Hotel Porterage Included
Included Tour Highlights:
Back to top |
Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Christchurch. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink. Stay: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (D) |
Day
2 |
Fox Glacier
Depart Christchurch for the scenic drive through the Southern Alps to Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and demonstration before continuing south along the rugged coastal road to Fox Glacier. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight over Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and Mt Cook (weather permitting). Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier (B/D) |
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TranzAlpine Train Option
Experience one of the world’s top 6
train trips aboard the TranzAlpine from Christchurch. Additional cost $NZ 185 per person from Greymouth or $NZ 135 per person from Arthur’s Pass. |
Day
3 |
West Coast - Queenstown
Travel along the coastal road with the towering mountains on your left and the Tasman Sea on your right. Climb over the Haast Pass and travel through dramatic mountain and forest scenery. Follow the shores of Lake Wanaka and journey through the Kawarau Gorge. Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colourful township steeped in local history, before continuing to Queenstown. Stay: Mercure Queenstown Resort, Queenstown (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
4 |
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
5 |
Milford Sound
Travel south towards Fiordland, through some magnificent alpine country. Drive through the Homer Tunnel, a tunnel one mile long and completely hand hewn. Stop briefly at the Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound, where you cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. This afternoon continue to Te Anau. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau (B/D) |
Day
6 |
Te Anau - Dunedin
Cross the rich fertile country of South Otago enjoying farmland scenery. Later, continue north to Dunedin. You’ve got the afternoon to yourself – take a wildlife cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride on the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Dunedin (B/D) |
Day
7 |
Dunedin - Mt Cook
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour around Dunedin. Opportunity to visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only authentic castle. Travel through Oamaru which is famous for its white stone buildings made of limestone. Follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore to Omarama. Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama (B/D) |
Day
8 |
Mt Cook - Christchurch
Travel past Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). This afternoon stop at Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd, then continue over the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Stay: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (B) |
Day
9 |
Depart Christchurch
Explore Christchurch – the ‘most English city’ outside of England – at your leisure, until your transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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Click on the icon to download the 9 Day Southern Panorama tour in pdf format. |
from NZ $1,735
9 Day Southern Panorama
19
4.1
5
9 Day Southern Panorama Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 9 Day Southern Panorama. |
What a wonderful experience this tour was! The scenery, the activities included in the price and the lack of any pressure to go on the optional activities was greatly appreciated. The accommodation was top notch too. I have to make special mention of the tour leader, Phil Wilson. Nothing was too much trouble for him, and his calm manner and respect for everyone made sure the tour ran smoothly. Along with the driver, Vale, who was also excellent, they made a great pair. Overall, as a personal experience, and as value for money, I am very pleased with this tour.
[More+]
Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
Anthony Steel (Australia)
Tour Date 09/01/2012 |
We had a wonderful time with Relaxing Journeys on the Southern Panorama Tour. The TranzAlpine train trip is a must. The scenery was breathtaking. We had a great time with the other travellers and would especially like to convey our thanks to Vale and Phil (the driver and tour director) who are definitely two of New Zealand's finest. We cannot fault any part of the journey and would recommend Relaxing Journey's to anybody who would like to see the highlights of the South Island in a short space of time. The tour was very well organised with Kirby the tour consultant, and the whole experience was flawless from start to finish. We will definitely recommend your company to everybody when we get home and would like to thank you all for a wonderful experience.
[More+]
Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
George & Barbara Morrison (New Zealand)
Tour Date 09/01/2012 |
Thoroughly recommend it as a way to see South Island in a short space of time. Not sure why we stayed in Omarama though on our penultimate night. Would have preferred somewhere with a bit more life but that really is my only niggle. Thanks so much for a great trip.
Sunjay Gambhir (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 19/12/2011 |
From the start this was a wonderful experience. Kirby, the tour consultant, was very helpful when deciding which tour to select and quickly answered any questions I had. Once on the tour, the tour manager was very knowledgeable and made sure everyone was enjoying their experience. One comment that I would give to future travelers is, since the tour covers so many locations in a short period of time it can feel that you are moving to much and don't get enough time to enjoy the stops.
Lauren Gillery (United States)
Tour Date 14/11/2011 |
Allan (John) and I had a most wonderful holiday. We enjoyed the company of our follow tour companions, we loved the scenery, the accomodation was perfect and the meals plentiful and yummy. Our tour leader and bus driver were friendly and helpful. We have no complaints at all.
Anne Parry (Australia)
Tour Date 05/09/2011 |
We had a great time, even though the earthquake disrupted the tour. We only have praise for our tour guide and driver (Bob and Nellie). They went out of their way to make our trip memorable. The tour itself was excellent, the hotels were clean and tidy. The meals came a bit too much with baked dinners every night though. The only downside we found was the people touring with us were a bit too old for us, most were retired or in their sixties. So we missed a bit of nightlife as most were in bed by 8 with their cups of tea. Nevertheless we would recommend the coach tour to everyone, if we went on our own we would of missed a lot of sights. We are now planning to go next year to see the North Island.
John & Jane Mooney-Smith (Australia)
Tour Date 21/02/2011 |
The tour was well organised. Your staff were very helpful and efficient. Appreciate their effort in arranging the Xmas eve event...Santa Claus and wine on the house, bus decoration, etc. Once again thank you very much. Shall definitely tell my friends about Relaxing Journeys!.
Kuan Lai Wah (Malaysia)
Tour Date 20/12/2010 |
First and most important was the excellence of Ted, our tour guide, and Murray our driver. They have to be your very very best. I was extremely nervous as there have been some horrific bus accidents in South Africa. Right from the start I had the utmost confidence in Murray's driving - safe, slow when necessary and we even had some excellent commentary when Ted was on the TranzAlpine with some of our fellow travellers. Thank you so much Murray. As for Ted, what a mine of information he imparted to us. And his little anecdotes had us in stitches. Thank you so much Ted. Please make sure these 2 men hear how much we appreciate them and how delighted we are that we were lucky enough to be on their tour. The tour was well organised and all of us, I am sure, felt part of everything. Instructions were clear and to the point and fully understandable. The accommodation was very good. We will definitely recommend your company to any interested people. We had a lovely relaxing journey for which many thanks.
Colin & Avryl Pittendrigh (Australia)
Tour Date 06/12/2010 |
Overall the tour was fantastic, the Tour Director (Julieanne) was very knowledgeable, helpful, empathetic and professional. The bus driver (Paul) was very capable gentleman and personable. He has got to be the best driver I have ever seen, we all felt very safe with him at the helm. The way these two people shared the journey with us and their personal experiences was wonderful. Their pride in their country shone through. Above all they had a great sense of humour and did not take themselves too seriously. We intend to come back to NZ in the next two years and without question we will go with your company again because the service and hospitality was exceptional. I have renamed NZ - The Land of the Long White Buffet - the food and service on the tour was UNBELIEVABLY GOBB SMAKINGLY FANTASTIC. We feel that NZ is our second home the scenery and people are second to none. I have only two suggestions I would like to make to improve the tour. 1. The first day that we went Christchurch on the TranzAlpine and the trip in the afternoon was too much for the first day. Maybe stopping overnight in Greymouth will solve this problem or giving the Pancake Rocks a miss. 2. The middle seat up the back should be not used. We had a young girl of 13 years traveling with us and every time she was up the back she felt ill, so we were lucky enough to have 3 couples and we could swap with her so she could be down the front. Apart from these minor things the tour was great and I have recommended it to several people. Keep up the good work!
Norm Brown (Australia)
Tour Date 15/11/2010 |
The coach tour was just magnificent and wonderful. I just couldn't believe how beautiful the country truly is. I enjoyed the helicopter flight to Fox Glacier and to stand on ice and snow for the first time was just awesome. Milford Sound was pure magic, even though it rained. The wildlife was amazing to see the penguins, seals, kea, and the royal albatross colony. The glowworms at Te Anau are amazing to see and the boat trip across Lake Te Anau just on sunset was stunning. The country was filled with beautiful flowers even though some are pests such as Broom and Gorse that made the country very picturesque with the colour yellow. One of my favourite photos is looking across Lake Tekapo towards Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman with the Luppins on the foreshore. The Tour Director was a true entertainer who kept everyone entertained with information pertaining to each district we travelled through. The bus driver was a very experienced and careful making everyone feel safe. If I plan to travel by bus again, I would like to travel with same Tour Director. I am planning to come back to explore the North Island of New Zealand February 2012. Thank you for helping me enjoy my time in New Zealand.
Sharon Coleman (Australia)
Tour Date 08/11/2010 |
I fell in love with the West Coast of the South Island. Magnificent country with divine scenery. Our tour guide Ted was just great he knew so much and kept us amused. The driver Tamati was also a perfect gentleman and good driver. The tour was definetely one of the best I have ever done, and I have already recommended this tour to my friends and family overseas. So yes it was to die for and I will visit NZ again on some other tour. Many thanks for the great service as all went to schedule. No hitches all people on the tour were great so we all had lots and lots of fun. Well done!
Charlie & Val Hobson (Australia)
Tour Date 17/05/2010 |
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The sights were truly spectacular, the hotels very comfortable and the meals were very good. The coach director and driver were superb, so helpful. We were really lucky that the majority of our fellow travellers were great fun which helped the trip go really well. I will return one day to do the North Island.
Chris & Phyllis Robinson (Australia)
Tour Date 11/02/2010 |
Really enjoyed the tour. Thought the tour leader Mel was excellent. Disappointed by the TranzAlpine railway, definitely over rated. Highlights were the Helicopter trip to the Glacier and Haast River jet boat ride. Loved Christchurch and Queenstown. I thought there was insufficient time at Lannach Castle. Accommodation and food were of a good standard. Thanks.
Sue Yeomans (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 04/02/2010 |
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was well run with an excellent tour guide who was informative, well organised with a cheerful manner that put everyone at their ease. The tour guide was well backed up by the driver who was friendly and helpful throughout as well as demonstrating excellent driving skills. My wife and I believe it was an excellent way to introduce our granddaughter (13yrs) to another country.
Robert, Margaret & Verity Smith (Australia)
Tour Date 11/01/2010 |
The tour went very smoothly from the booking with Georgina to the final transport to the airport. Our Tour Director Julie Hodgson was absolutley superb with her vast knowledge & expertise. She also worked very well with our driver Paul who was also excellent. The only criticism was the inital meeting at the airport which was an absolute shambles. The 10 of us on the transfer bus were all of the same opinion. Thankfully this first impression was the exact opposite to the rest of the tour. Thank you for a wonderful trip.
Jane & Peter Newnes (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 21/12/2009 |
This was the first time my husband and I had done a conducted tour, and it certainly won't be the last! From start to finish this tour was excellent. We were blessed with mainly good weather and lovely travelling companions. The hotels were good and all arrangements went off without a hitch. Special mention needs to be made of our tour director, Ngaire, and driver Julian. Nothing was too much trouble and Ngaire went out of her way to help us (oldies!). Her knowledge of all the areas visited was very informative. She also handled, what could have been a difficult situation with a fellow traveller, with aplomb! Ngaire and Julian made a great team - I think we were very lucky to have them. Our friend from S.Africa, Norah Clegg, was also full of praise for the tour. We would have no hesitation in recommending an this tour.
Wendy & Tony Hiles (Australia)
Tour Date 14/12/2009 |
To tell you the truth it was a wonderful experience from the first dinner. None of us had met before we seemed to bond very quickly as a group. I myself a religious sister did not feel out of place wearing my religious habit. Our tour guide was Ted and our driver was Linda. Wherever where we travelled the bad weather was behind us, so we had perfect weather, except the last day we prayed to see snow falling and God answered our prayer to our joy and our poor drivers dismay. Don't worry we back tracked and went a different way to Christchurch. It was a wonderful trip I will not seek to do it again because I would spoil my first trips memories. One thing I can say is to help other people with allergies in food, The Ibis Hotel did not try to supply me with Proper Breakfast cereal or Non wheat bread and I had spent over four days there. Other hotels had proper breakfast cereal and no bread, went out of their way to get both. If the people with food problems could have their needs met at the hotels life would be a breeze. God bless Ted And Linda they did a great job.
Frances Woods (Australia)
Tour Date 29/06/2009 |
We had a wonderful time in NZ. The correspondence we received from Relaxing Journeys and particularly Georgina Walpole prior to the trip was excellent. We were met at the airport as promised and the tour went exactly as planned. The tour director, Marty was very knowledgeable and most gracious to all the travellers. We were provided with lots of extra adventures and clearly advised of the cost beforehand. It added extra spice and excitement to the trip which participants could have as much of as they felt like. The accommodation was great and the food at each venue was excellent. There was always plenty. We fell in love with NZ, particularly the South Island and would love to travel there again.
Graham & Kerrie Newmarch (Australia)
Tour Date 23/03/2009 |
The tour, though low cost, was very good. The tour director was very helpful and informative. Hotels were good and some had fantastic views from the rooms. In the short period, most of the tourist attractions were covered. The tour representative, AAT Kings was excellent. Thank you for the 5% discount on my future tours, I would definitely recommend you to my friend and relatives With kind regards Sarah.
Sarah Fidvi (New Zealand)
Tour Date 09/03/2009 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $80 per person off the brochure price for this tour. Exclusive to Relaxing Journeys. Deposit this month to qualify!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
Tour
Starts |
Tour
Finishes |
Tour
Status |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
SPECIAL |
OUR
PRICE |
| 06 Feb 2012 |
14 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 09 Feb 2012 |
17 Feb 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 13 Feb 2012 |
21 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 16 Feb 2012 |
24 Feb 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 20 Feb 2012 |
28 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 23 Feb 2012 |
02 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 27 Feb 2012 |
06 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 01 Mar 2012 |
09 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 05 Mar 2012 |
13 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 08 Mar 2012 |
16 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 12 Mar 2012 |
20 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 15 Mar 2012 |
23 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 19 Mar 2012 |
27 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 22 Mar 2012 |
30 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 26 Mar 2012 |
03 Apr 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 29 Mar 2012 |
06 Apr 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 16 Apr 2012 |
24 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
| 23 Apr 2012 |
01 May 2012 |
|
NZ $1815 |
Save $80 |
NZ $1735 |
*Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart.
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Tour Discounts & Supplements:
Optional extras, single traveller supplement & multiple traveller discounts. |
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| Single Supplement: |
Add |
NZ $595 |
| Child Discount: |
Save |
NZ $365 |
| Frequent Traveller: |
Save |
NZ $90 |
| Triple Discount: |
Save |
NZ $90 |
| 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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