AAT Kings 11 Day Sensational South

Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand's Capital City. Flights can arrive any time prior to 4.00 pm and you will be transferred from the airport to your Wellington hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and your AAT Kings Travel Director at a welcome reception at your hotel.

On arrival into Wellington, you will be transferred to your hotel.

This morning you will head out with a local specialist on a walking tour of quirky cultural capital of Wellington. You’ll discover an in-depth guide to Wellington’s culture and the vibrant food and drink scene. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Wellington on your own.

This morning, you will board the Interislander for a cruise across the Cook Strait, from the North Island to the South. Surprisingly it takes longer to cruise up the Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton than it does to cross the open ocean of Cook Strait. You will meander through a maze of arms and inlets into the sleepy seaside village of Picton, Later it is onto Blenheim for an orientation tour before heading to your accommodation. Later we visit one of the regions famous wineries, Hans Herzog Estate for a tasting and 3-course dinner. (winery may change).

Explore Blenheim your way. You could choose from optional experiences on land or sea. Indulge in a half-day winery tour of the best wineries in the region or take the Greenshell mussel cruise into the magnificent water of the Marlborough Sounds where you will learn about the local history of the area and visit a mussel farm to learn all about this local industry. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Travel to Kaikoura, where Sperm Whales can often be seen not far from shore (an optional whale-watching flight is available). Travel along the Pacific Ocean coast and across the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Upon arrival see how Christchurch is rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, and pop into the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral. It is the worlds only cathedral made substantially of cardboard and has to be seen to be believed. Tonight, speak with your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Christchurch's inner city.

Today is another day to get some warm kiwi hospitality at Morelea, the home of Angie and Stan Taylor, indulge in a Be My Guest barbecue lunch and hear about a lifetime spent farming in New Zealand. The famous Pavlova dessert will also be on offer and you'll also get to witness how this is made by Angie. From here it's on towards the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps and then along the shores of majestic Lake Pukaki, before arriving in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Mt. Cook, the mountain that helped Sir Edmund Hillary hone his skills in preparation for his conquest of Everest. Tonight, enjoy dinner with a breathtaking mountain view.

First up you’ll get to experience the Tasman Glacier - New Zealand's largest glacier by boat. After a half-hour walk to the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier, explore the melting ice face of the Tasman Glacier and icebergs that have carved into its murky waters. The lake feels eerie and magical as the boat cruises slowly for one hour, from one point of interest to the next whilst the guide shares the history of the glacier, lake and Mount Cook National Park, allowing you to build your own picture to the unique nature of the area. All this plus an awesome backdrop of New Zealand's highest and most spectacular mountains, including Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
Later you will have time to enjoy your surroundings back at the Hermitage before you spend the night star gazing. (optional experience)

Today is another scenic day where you will travel over the Lindis Pass through Central Otago. You'll get to visit Cromwell, situated next to the sparkling pristine waters of Lake Dunstan, where you will stop in at a local orchard for a taste of some of the town's delicious stone fruit. On the way into Queenstown, you will stop and visit the perfectly restored gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. As you amble down the beautiful tree-lined avenues, past the 19th-century wooden buildings, you will feel like you have stepped into a movie set.
After, make your way to Fiordland National Park to the South Island's biggest lake and the town of Te Anau. This afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of jet boating down the majestic trout filled Waiau River, to the serene Lake Manapouri, step foot into ancient beech forests and learn all about this unique location among Fiordland National Park. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

After leaving Te Anau, you will journey through the Fiordland National Park and out to Milford Sound on one of the most scenic roads you could hope for. Travel through native rainforests, beech forests, alluvial flats and meadows. You will stop at Mirror Lakes where, as the name suggests, you can see the stunning mountain scenery perfectly reflected in the waters of the lakes. Then on to the Homer Tunnel, man's attempt to master the sheer rocky ranges still left rough-hewn around the edges. As you emerge out the other side of the tunnel, you are presented with one of the world's most dramatic alpine drives, down through the Cleddau Valley.
You will have a stop at the Chasm, where the roaring Cleddau River has carved its way through solid rock, and then it's on to South Island's unmissable Milford Sound, where you will cruise the waters of this natural wonder. Your cruise meanders down the sound, taking in the Bowen and Stirling Falls as these plummet from glacial hanging valleys sharply into the sea, and the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak, rising from the deep waters of the fiord. After this unforgettable experience, you will travel on to the beautiful sights of the adventure capital, Queenstown. An orientation tour around the shores of Lake Wakatipu takes you into the city centre before arriving at your hotel.

Spend time in Queenstown either relaxing or exploring on an optional experience. Venture out on a Scenic Tour visiting the many filming locations of the Lord of the Rings, alternatively sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station. Indulge in a gourmet BBQ Highlight Lunch at Walter Peaks; Colonel's Homestead overlooking the lake. This evening, join your Travel Director for dinner at Queenstown's Boatshed. Set in the restored historic Railway Shipping Office and relocated to its lakefront setting in 1936, The Boatshed with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, it is the perfect venue for your exclusive dinner with wine.

Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Throughout today you will be transferred Queenstown Airport for your onward flight.