Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21

Explore New Zealand on this Southern Encounter Tour incorporating one of New Zealand's premier rail experiences in the South Island – the spectacular TranzAlpine as well as a stunning Doubtful Sound Wilderness Overnight Cruise.

Welcome to Christchurch, transfer airport to hotel

On arrival into Christchurch a representative of Kirra Tours will meet you from your flight and a transfer will deliver you to your Christchurch hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Garden City.

Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Dinner

Christchurch to Arthurs Pass on the Tranz Alpine Train, then coach to Franz Josef

A short drive brings you to the tiny train station of Springfield, gateway to the majestic Southern Alps. Board the award-winning TranzAlpine for the spectacular rail journey to Arthurs Pass, the South Island’s highest altitude settlement. Enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River and traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. On to Franz Josef where you can relax and soak in the thermal pools after an invigorating day and sumptuous dinner.

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & hotels

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka

Before your departure this morning, there is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region (subject to weather conditions). Later, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched wilderness and pristine lakes of the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside township of Wanaka before stopping at the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s and home to a fascinating collection of mining cottages.

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel Queenstown

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast

At leisure in Queenstown

Queenstown is regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination and today is free to experience this magnificent alpine resort. Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure and leisure activities and your Coach Captain can assist with any optional activities you would like to do. Experience the thrills of riding on the world famous Shotover Jet Boat , perhaps cruise Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, take a 4WD tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous, try white water rafting. Alternatively, browse in the many shops and galleries

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel Queenstown

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu and travel through lush farmland to Te Anau. On to Manapouri, where you enjoy a leisurely cruise across this picturesque lake to West Arm. This is followed by a short coach trip on New Zealand's most expensive road, travelling over Wilmot Pass and pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. At Deep Cove, your crew and the ‘Fiordland Navigator’ await. Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, the ‘Fiordland Navigator’ blends old world charm with modern comfort and as you cruise through some of the fiord’s most stunning scenery, knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region through their commentary. After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat or you can simply relax on board.  As the majesty of Doubtful Sound unfolds before you, you will be struck by its silence ... a silence broken only by birdsong or the rushing of a distant waterfall. Its beauty and vastness will take your breath away.

Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound

Accommodation type: Bed & breakfast (B&B)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Manapouri to Dunedin

Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning before exploring other parts of the fiord. Your trip will retrace your steps back to Manapouri where you rejoin your coach for the journey to Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South.

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Dunedin and Larnach Castle

This morning, travel to Larnach Castle for a guided tour, learning about its tragic and mysterious history before enjoying High Tea in the historic ballroom. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Dunedin and the greater Otago Peninsula. Your Coach Captain will assist with any optional activities you would like to do.

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast

Dunedin to Christchurch via the Moeraki Boulders

Stop to view the mystical Moeraki Boulders, geological marvels that began to form about 60 million years ago and were exposed by the erosion of sedimentary rocks over time. From there, we travel north up the coast through the towns of Oamaru and Timaru and across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This evening join your friends for a farewell dinner and relive the many great experiences of your holiday.

Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to Christchurch airport

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Christchurch airport in time for your onward flight.