7 Day Southern Wanderer

Experience the natural wonders of New Zealand on this fully escorted 7 day Southern Wanderer tour brought to you by AAT Kings. Travel on board a luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and panoramic windows, and enjoy the informative commentary from the Tour Guide as you explore the south island on this New Zealand holiday.

Your days will be spent visiting spectacular sights such as Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand's Lanarch Castle and the picturesque Milford Sound. There is a whole day of free time in Queenstown, where you can experience white water rafting or a jet boat ride. If you would like something a little less adventurous, why not explore Queenstown you way, with shopping, sightseeing or a wine and garden tour.

With such a great itinerary, you are sure to experience New Zealand in a way you never thought possible in 7 days! With plenty of free time and staying longer at each destination, you are able to enjoy some fantastic optional tours that are available along the way.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch: Meet and transfer you from the airport to your hotel. Check in, then explore Christchurch for yourself. An evening Welcome Drink offers the chance to meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

Day 2 Mt Cook: Your day begins with a ride on the Christchurch Tram. Then you've got time to go shopping or relax. En route today you'll see Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the spectacular alpine scenery of Mt Cook National Park. You can also take an optional scenic flight over Mt Cook (weather permitting).

Day 3 Dunedin: On the way to Dunedin you'll see the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme, Benmore Dam and the famous white limestone buildings of Oamaru. At Dunedin you'll 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.

Day 4 Te Anau: A guided tour of New Zealand's only castle - Larnach castle - and its gardens starts the day. Then head to Te Anau across fertile farming land to the shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. Tonight, if you choose to, you can see the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves.

Day 5 Milford Sound: Today is a feast for the senses. Be wowed and awestruck by the beauty of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Keep your camera close by as you see Mirror Lakes, Pop's Lookout, Claudu Valley, The Chasm, the hand-made Homer Tunnel, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and stunningly photogenic Milford Sound. The Devils Stair Case and Lake Wakatipu pass us by. Arrive at Queenstown for an orientation tour and group photo. The dinner option tonight is the Skyline Restaurant on Bob's Peak - sensational views over Queenstown and a bonus Kiwi Haka Maori Show, plus you'll ride the steepest Gondola in the Southern Hemisphere just to get there! A top night.

Day 6 Queenstown 'Free Time': Explore Queenstown your way. Go wild with jet boat rides or white water rafting. For the less adventurous there are wine and garden tours. For dinner you'll travel across Lake Wakatipu and back on the TSS Earnslaw, New Zealand's oldest steam ship, to Walter Peak Sheep Station for a carvery meal and sheep shearing demonstration.

Day 7 Depart Queenstown: AAT Kings will transfer you to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight.

Itinerary Options

Day 2: Optional scenic flight over Mt Cook

Highlights

Spectacular Milford Sound
Day of leisure in Queenstown
Cruise the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station
Dine in the Colonel's Homestead

Inclusions

Rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels, on a twin share basis.
Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach, reclining seats with seatbelts, restroom and panoramic windows
Experienced services of a professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
Welcome Drink
Full Buffet Breakfasts (6)
Exciting Highlight Dinner (1)
Hotel Dinners (3)
Airport Transfers
All purpose travel wallet and touring map
Porterage at tour Hotels

Departures

On Day 1, Flights must arrive prior to 4.00pm. On Day 7, flights to depart anytime.

2011: Dates are available on request

Additional Information

Airport Transfers: AAT Kings offers return hotel or airport transfers
Children: 5 years of age and under are not catered for. Children 6-18 years must be accompanied by an adult
Luggage Allowance: One medium size suitcase per person plus an overnight bag
What to Bring: Casual light weight clothing with warmer articles for the evenings and cooler days in Summer. A warm jacket is recommended for winter. Swimsuit, towel, waterproof jacket and comfortable footwear
Operated by: AAT Kings