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10 Day Southern Panorama
Premium Coach Tour starting in Christchurch and finishing in Christchurch
Countries Visited: New Zealand 
Tour Type: Premium
Tour Duration: 10 Days (9 Nights)
From: Christchurch to Christchurch
Tour Code: ZRQC
Operator: AAT Kings
from AU $2,730 pp
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Tour Description

Discover New Zealand's South Island on AAT King's brand new 10 day Southern Panorama coach tour itinerary. Based on one of their most popular tours, it's been upgraded to include a premium level of accommodation. See the mighty Mt Cook, Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier & cruise on the TSS Earnslaw with a day at leisure in Queenstown.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts, reclining seats, panoramic windows
  • Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
  • Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels
  • Admissions Outlined in the Itinerary
  • Full Buffet Breakfasts (9) (B)
  • You are invited Lunch (1) (L)
  • Exciting Hightlight Dinner (1) (HD)
  • Hotel Dinners (5) (D)
  • Farewell Dinner (1) (FD)
  • Welcome Reception
  • Travel Wallet and Map
  • Hotel Porterage Included
  • Airport Transfers Included (Day 1 from Christchurch Airport – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm; Day 10 to Christchurch Airport – flights anytime)

Included Tour Highlights:

 

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Day
1
Arrive Christchurch
On arrival at Christchurch Airport you will be transferred to your alpine resort at Darfield in the foothills of the Southern Alps. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and dinner. Stay: Terrace Downs Resort, Darfield (D)
Day
2
TranzAlpine - Punakaiki
Start the day with a spectacular train journey on the TranzAlpine from Darfield through the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on arrival in Punakaiki, where you’ll spend the night at your exclusive resort right on the waterfront. Enjoy dinner while watching the thundering surf at your doorstep! Stay: Punakaiki Resort (B/D)
Day
3
Punakaiki - Franz Josef Glacier
Travel via Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, to Hokitika to visit a New Zealand native greenstone (jade) factory for a jewellery demonstration. Your final destination is Franz Josef Glacier, the world’s most accessible and still advancing glacier. You can see it from the air on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) or take a glacier hike! Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (B/D)
Day
4
Franz Josef - Queenstown
Some spectacular sights are in store for you today. Travel via the Haast Pass, take a short rainforest walk, and see Thunder Creek Falls then a trio of lakes, Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Enjoy the tastes of sumptuous stone fruit at Cromwell, the stone fruit capital. Discover the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown on the Arrow River. You’ll arrive in Queenstown for an orientation tour. Stay: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (2 nights) (B/D)
Day
5
Queenstown
Explore action-packed, adventure capital Queenstown at your leisure. Take it easy with a wine or garden tour, or walk on the wild side with a jet boat ride and white water rafting. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station for a carvery Highlight Dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. An entertaining after-dinner farm show provides a glimpse into highcountry farm life. (B/HD)
Day
6
Milford Sound
Journey over the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. Travel through the rainforest of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park viewing glaciers and mountain ranges. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to the abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and Milford Sound, where you’ll cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. The Te Anau Glow Worm Caves are an option tonight. Stay: Distinction Hotel, Te Anau (B/D)
Day
7
Te Anau - Dunedin
Cross rich fertile farming land of South Otago and on through Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin. Your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take a Wildlife Cruise to see the Penguins and the Royal Albatross, visit the Cadbury Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Dunedin (B/D)
Day
8
Dunedin
You'll have the opportunity to visit Larnach Castle and its gardens this morning. Then enjoy time at leisure before you continue your journey to Oamaru and then along the Waitaki River past the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam to Omarama. Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama (B/D)
Day
9
Mt Cook - Christchurch
Mt Cook National Park is today’s highlight. An optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook is available (weather permitting). See Lake Pukaki and discover the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo. You are invited to enjoy a taste of country life with a barbecue lunch on a working farm. You’ll be welcomed into the home and 240 hectare garden of Angie and Stan Taylor to gain an insight into the day to day operation of farm life. Stay: Terrace Downs Resort, Darfield (B/L)
Day
10
Depart Christchurch
Your tour concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B)
AAT Kings Brochure Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online.

Tour Prices

Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012/13 Season Sale! Save up to $470 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

START DATE END DATE BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
07 Oct 2012 16 Oct 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
10 Oct 2012 19 Oct 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
14 Oct 2012 23 Oct 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
17 Oct 2012 26 Oct 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
21 Oct 2012 30 Oct 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
24 Oct 2012 02 Nov 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
28 Oct 2012 06 Nov 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
31 Oct 2012 09 Nov 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
04 Nov 2012 13 Nov 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
07 Nov 2012 16 Nov 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
11 Nov 2012 20 Nov 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
14 Nov 2012 23 Nov 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
18 Nov 2012 27 Nov 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
21 Nov 2012 30 Nov 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
25 Nov 2012 04 Dec 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
28 Nov 2012 07 Dec 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
02 Dec 2012 11 Dec 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
09 Dec 2012 18 Dec 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
16 Dec 2012 25 Dec 2012 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
23 Dec 2012 01 Jan 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
26 Dec 2012 04 Jan 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
30 Dec 2012 08 Jan 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
02 Jan 2013 11 Jan 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
06 Jan 2013 15 Jan 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
09 Jan 2013 18 Jan 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
13 Jan 2013 22 Jan 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
16 Jan 2013 25 Jan 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
20 Jan 2013 29 Jan 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
23 Jan 2013 01 Feb 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
27 Jan 2013 05 Feb 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
30 Jan 2013 08 Feb 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
03 Feb 2013 12 Feb 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
06 Feb 2013 15 Feb 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
10 Feb 2013 19 Feb 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
13 Feb 2013 22 Feb 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
17 Feb 2013 26 Feb 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
20 Feb 2013 01 Mar 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
24 Feb 2013 05 Mar 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
27 Feb 2013 08 Mar 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
03 Mar 2013 12 Mar 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
06 Mar 2013 15 Mar 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
10 Mar 2013 19 Mar 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
13 Mar 2013 22 Mar 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
17 Mar 2013 26 Mar 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
20 Mar 2013 29 Mar 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
24 Mar 2013 02 Apr 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
27 Mar 2013 05 Apr 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
30 Mar 2013 08 Apr 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
02 Apr 2013 11 Apr 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
06 Apr 2013 15 Apr 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
14 Apr 2013 23 Apr 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730
21 Apr 2013 30 Apr 2013 AU $2,965 AU $3,710 Save $235 AU $2,730

Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.

Tour Discounts & Options:

Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts!
  Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.

SAVEConcession Card Holders
SAVEFrequent Traveller Discount
SAVESingle Traveller Saving
SAVETriple Room Discount
SAVEYoung Traveller Saving

General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: AAT Kings

AAT KingsAn AAT Kings escorted coach tour is the hassle-free freeway to holiday. Everything has been arranged in advance so travellers don't have to worry about getting lost, finding attractions and reading maps or speeding tickets. On an AAT Kings tour, there is a perfect balance of planned sightseeing and free time for independent exploration or just relaxing and doing nothing at all.


Tour Type: Premium

AAT Kings Guided tours are packed with quality inclusions and unique experiences. We give you more in every way which lets you experience all each destination has to offer in a 'no compromise' way. Central hotel locations, near the sights, quality accommodation & comfort with superior facilities & special places to stay with included meals like breakfast daily and most other meals, plus special meals like Highlight dinners & 'You are invited' experiences.


Frequently Asked Questions

Will the coach be comfortable and modern?

Yes, AAT Kings have one of the newest coach fleets in Australia. Their modern and luxurious Mercedes Benz and Scania coaches are equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, seatbelts, restrooms, two door access, ample legroom and large panoramic windows, so you won't miss a thing.

What does it mean if I book on a non Guaranteed Departure?

AAT Kings have designated certain departures as Guaranteed Departures, which means they have reached minimum passenger numbers and will definitely run as scheduled. Global Journeys continue to add Guaranteed Departure status to tours online as they achieve minimum numbers. If you book on a non Guaranteed Departure AAT Kings will determine if the tour will operate no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. If the tour is withdrawn we will work to offer you a suitable alternative. If you aren't happy with the options offered any money paid on your booking will be refunded.

What documentation will I receive?

This depends on the touring style you are booking. You will receive paper documents in a complimentary leather travel wallet as well as luggage labels and a useful booklet containing valuable holiday information. You will also receive a map of the region you are visiting when you get on tour.

When will I receive my travel documents?

Documents for AAT Kings guided tours are delivered to the hotel or address you are staying at prior to your tour depending on the tour type chosen. We also provide you with a tour itinerary and arrival instructions by email, once we have all your flight information and personal details.

What is the difference between the different tour types?

To suit all different holiday styles AAT Kings offer a range of different touring types.

  • Guided tours are guided by a Tour Director and Driver and include more luxurious accommodation and facilities, more meals and exclusive dining experiences as well as extra sightseeing and cultural highlights.
  • Best Buys tours are designed to offer value for money with clean and comfortable accommodation, breakfast daily, some dinners and plenty or free time, while also benefiting from an expert Tour Director and Driver throughout.

What meals will be served on tour?

Over half your meals are included on our tours, like hearty breakfasts and many delicious dinners. Breakfast is included daily on all tours and generally comprises of cereals, fruit juices and a selection of cooked dishes such as eggs, bacon and sausages, plus, toast, preserves, tea and coffee. Many dinners are also included and always provide choice with either quality buffet or a la carte menu to choose from. Dinner is also always accompanied by dessert options and tea and coffee.

There are some meals we intentionally don't include, like lunches and some dinners. We give you the flexibility to explore in your free time and try all kinds of local tastes.

On Premium tours we also include special Highlight Dinners that are an experience in their own right, like a traditional Maori Hangi feast.'You are invited' are our newly introduced dining concepts. They give travellers on our Premium Guided tours, unique meal experiences, with the opportunity to feel the true essence of a destination through its history, its locals and its produce.

Who travels on AAT Kings tours?

With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles there is no set age or type who travel with AAT, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on our Guided tours. There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40. As AAT Kings is sold internationally you will also find that there are people from all over the world on their tours, particularly North Americans, British, Europeans and many Asian nations.

How many other people will I be travelling with?

Depending on the tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from fewer than 21 people up to 50 people, so there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends.

Do I need to tip my Tour Director, Driver or Driver guide?

While it's not compulsory in New Zealand, tipping is becoming an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis. Likewise on your AAT Kings tour, if you feel that your Tour Director, Driver, Driver guide or Private cook has done an excellent job, then we would recommend tipping up to the equivalent of NZ $7 per day. However, it's not compulsory. It is up to you!

What options do I have if I am travelling alone?

The beauty of travelling with AAT Kings is that you won't be travelling alone. You'll have a group of like-minded travellers and soon to be friends to share in the experience with. They also offer a room matching service on all tours so you don't have to pay a single room supplement. AAT Kings room matching service means they will work to match you with another solo traveller of the same sex but if they can't they will provide a single room at no extra cost.

Can I travel with children on AAT Kings tours?

Yes, they can accommodate children, however they must be over 6 years of age. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. AAT Kings do recommend that people travelling with children consider whether the itinerary is suitable, in particular the activities involved and the duration of the tour to ensure children's comfort.

Where can I find out more information on AAT Kings?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on AAT Kings including more FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on what to expect on tour, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).


Airport Transfer Information

Free Airport Transfers

AAT Kings offers a hotel or airport transfer at the start and end of your tour, or in-conjunction with pre or post accommodation booked with Global Journeys & AAT Kings. All flight information must be given to Global Journeys at least 6 weeks prior to departure so that transfers can be booked. If you book your own pre or post accommodation then transfers cannot be included.


Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Kirby O'Connor

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Kirby O'Connor
Aussie & Kiwi Specialist
Email: kirby@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: Australian & New Zealand Touring Specialist
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ArrowtownLake WanakaLake TekapoFranz Josef Glacier
 
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