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  • Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21
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Similar itineraries
  • 1. Grand Pacific Tours 9 Day Ultimate North Island Escape, Staying in Hotel 4 star
  • 2. Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Northern Escape 2020/21, Staying in Hotel 4 star
  • 3. Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Northern Escape, Staying in Hotel 4 star

Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21

Small group tour escorted, Christchurch to Christchurch

NZ$5,300 from per person twin share, low season
Tour map
Included in this journey you'll find:
  • 8 nights Hotel 4 star accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • 1 Lunch
  • 5 dinners
  • Airport transfers
  • TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
  • Larnach Castle Tour and Gardens
Send enquiry
See prices

Join just 24 others on this luxury escorted coach tour of the South Island New Zealand. Taking you cross country on the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train and down the west coast before enjoying the serenity of the Fiordland National Park on a Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise, sure to be a tour highlight. After you are feeling fully relaxed meet up with the coach again and head to Dunedin on the Otago Peninsula. Finishing in Christchurch you can explore the newly built city at your leisure or get Kirra to drop you back at the airport for your next adventure.

Similar itineraries  
  • 1. Grand Pacific Tours 9 Day Ultimate North Island Escape, Staying in Hotel 4 star
  • 2. Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Northern Escape 2020/21, Staying in Hotel 4 star
  • 3. Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Northern Escape, Staying in Hotel 4 star
 
Day 1 - Arrive into Christchurch

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

Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 1
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 1
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 1
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 1

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

Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Accommodation features
  • Check in time: 2 pm
  • Check out time: 10 am
  • Walk time to shops/restaurants: 2-5 mins
  • Parking: onsite free parking
  • Internet facilities: In room free access
  • Restaurant on site
  • Breakfast service available
  • Bar on site
  • Tea/coffee facilities in room
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Day 2 - Cut across to the west coast on the TranzAlpine Scenic Railway

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

Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 2
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 2
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 2
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 2

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

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Accommodation features
  • Check in time: 2 pm
  • Check out time: 10 am
  • Walk time to shops/restaurants: 1-2 mins
  • Parking: onsite free parking
  • Internet facilities: In room free access
  • Restaurant on site
  • Includes cooked breakfast
  • Includes dinner
  • Bar on site
  • Tea/coffee facilities in room
  • Hairdryer
  • Laundry facilities: On site
  • Gym/fitness centre
  • All rooms non smoking
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Day 3 - Journey past the lakeside resort of Wanaka on to Queenstown

Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka

Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 3
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 3
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 3
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 3

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

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Accommodation features
  • Check in time: 2 pm
  • Check out time: 10 am
  • Walk time to shops/restaurants: 10-15 mins
  • Parking: onsite free parking
  • Internet facilities: In room free access
  • Restaurant on site
  • Breakfast service available
  • Bar on site
  • Tea/coffee facilities in room
  • Room service available
  • Hairdryer
  • Swimming pool
  • Gym/fitness centre
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Day 4 - Adventure in Queenstown

At leisure in Queenstown

Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 4
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 4
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 4
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 4

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

Accommodation: Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Accommodation features
  • Check in time: 2 pm
  • Check out time: 10 am
  • Walk time to shops/restaurants: 10-15 mins
  • Parking: onsite free parking
  • Internet facilities: In room free access
  • Restaurant on site
  • Breakfast service available
  • Bar on site
  • Tea/coffee facilities in room
  • Room service available
  • Hairdryer
  • Swimming pool
  • Gym/fitness centre
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Day 5 - Enjoy the tranquility of Doubtful Sound

Overnight Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 5
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 5
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 5
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 5

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

Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound
Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound
Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound
Accommodation: Fiordland Navigator, Doubtful Sound
Accommodation features
  • Includes continental breakfast
  • Includes cooked breakfast
  • Includes dinner
  • Bar on site
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Day 6 - Reach the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin

Manapouri to Dunedin

Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 6
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 6
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 6
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 6

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

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Accommodation features
  • Check in time: 2 pm
  • Check out time: 10 am
  • Walk time to shops/restaurants: 2-5 mins
  • Internet facilities: In room free access
  • Restaurant on site
  • Bar on site
  • Tea/coffee facilities in room
  • Hairdryer
  • Laundry facilities: In room
  • Gym/fitness centre
  • All rooms non smoking
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Day 7 - Visit historic Larnach Castle

Explore Dunedin and Larnach Castle

Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 7
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 7
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 7
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 7

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

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Accommodation features
  • Check in time: 2 pm
  • Check out time: 10 am
  • Walk time to shops/restaurants: 2-5 mins
  • Internet facilities: In room free access
  • Restaurant on site
  • Bar on site
  • Tea/coffee facilities in room
  • Hairdryer
  • Laundry facilities: In room
  • Gym/fitness centre
  • All rooms non smoking
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Day 8 - Going north to Christchurch you will stop to see the Moeraki Boulders

Dunedin to Christchurch via the Moeraki Boulders

Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 8
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 8
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 8
Kirra Tours Platinum 9 Day Southern Encounter 2020/21 - day 8

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

Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Accommodation: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Accommodation features
  • Check in time: 2 pm
  • Check out time: 10 am
  • Walk time to shops/restaurants: 2-5 mins
  • Parking: onsite free parking
  • Internet facilities: In room free access
  • Restaurant on site
  • Breakfast service available
  • Bar on site
  • Tea/coffee facilities in room
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Day 9 - Leave Christchurch full of wonderful memories

Transfer to Christchurch airport

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

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