Overview
Itinerary
Meet your Travel Director in Christchurch this morning, before boarding the TranzAlpine. Enjoy a spectacular rail journey through tunnels, across viaducts, past snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, and beech forests en route to Arthur's Pass. Continue to Hokitika, the cultural heart of the West Coast and renowned for its jade, before arriving at Franz Josef/Waiau, home to Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Consider an Optional Experience* scenic helicopter flight over this shimmering natural wonder, with a glacier landing (weather permitting).
Depart Franz Josef/Waiau and journey south over the Haast Pass, where ever-changing alpine scenery reveals glacier-fed rivers, dense rainforest and sweeping mountain ranges. Take in views of Lake Hāwea and Lake Dunstan, then visit a local fruit stall to sample fresh, seasonal produce before continuing to Arrowtown, rich in heritage and charm. Arrive in Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables.
Wake to a full day at leisure in Queenstown, where adventure, nature and indulgence await. Choose your pace, from Optional Adventures*, a thrilling jet boat rides to encounters with native wildlife or relaxed wine tasting in the surrounding vineyards.
This evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner.
Your Short Break concludes this morning after breakfast. Take a final stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, soak in the mountain views, and say farewell to Queenstown at your own pace.
Trip Inclusions
- Journey on the TranzAlpine Train through the Southern Alps
- See Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere from a panoramic viewpoint
- Visit historic Arrowtown
- Relish a gourmet BBQ dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm
- Expert Travel Directors, Driver Guides and Local Guides to enrich your on-tour experience
- National Park entrance fees
- Comfortable accommodation in premium 3 to 4-star hotels located nearby key attractions
- Premium coaches with Wi-Fi (where available) and USB charging stations
- 2 Dinners (D)
- 3 Breakfasts (B)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers in cooler months
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
- Day 4: Flights to depart anytime from Queenstown Airport
- Airport to Hotel transfers are available to purchase on request.
- Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price.
- Medium level of fitness required.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Operator
At AAT Kings, our on-road staff are best in class. Our Travel Directors, Driver Guides and Drivers are hand-picked for their passion, experience, and enthusiasm for the spectacular countries we live in. There is truly no one better to share with you the best destinations across Australia and New Zealand. We have been perfecting our itineraries and products for over 100 years, so the benefits gained from travelling with us are unrivalled. With over 150 expertly crafted holiday itineraries to choose from, we offer something for everyone.
Our affordable and premium Classic Tours include handpicked hotels combining comfort, style and proximity to key attractions. Travel in comfort aboard our modern coaches, savour daily breakfasts and exclusive dining experiences.
Our seasoned guides bring each destination to life with with their engaging stories and local insights and our range of included experiences are designed to immerse to immerse you in the culture, history and beauty of each destination.
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AAT Kings New Zealand (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
AUD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AAT Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
