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Land Tour

Jewels of the South

2025 - 2026

Rail Tour

Jewels of the South

Jewels of the South

Discover New Zealand’s South Island in depth. Visit Christchurch, Aoraki Mt Cook, and Queenstown. Cruise Milford Sound and see idyllic surrounds at Franz Josef. Ride the TranzAlpine train across the island, and finish with the scenic Interislander ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington.

14 day Rail Tour

Itinerary

14 days / 13 night Rail Tour

Day 1

Arrive Christchurch

Signature Experience

Day 2

Christchurch, Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Aoraki/Mount Cook

Signature Experience

Day 3

Aoraki/Mount Cook, Dunedin

Day 4

Dunedin, Te Anau

Day 5

Te Anau

Freedom of Choice

Day 6

Te Anau, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Queenstown

Signature Experience

Day 7

Queenstown

Freedom of Choice

Day 8

Queenstown

Day 9

Queenstown, Franz Josef/Waiau

Signature Experience

Day 10

Franz Josef/Waiau, TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch

Signature Experience

Day 11

Christchurch, Kaikōura, Blenheim

Signature Experience

Day 12

Blenheim

Freedom of Choice

Day 13

Blenheim, Picton, Wellington

Signature Experience

Day 14

Depart Wellington

Coach/Vehicle
Rail
Cruise

Trip Inclusions

Discover the inclusions provided on your tour, ensuring a stress-free journey where every detail is taken care of.

Experiences in 11 destinations
Freedom of Choice inclusions in four locations
Locally inspired dining – a total of 22 meals
13 nights in hand-picked accommodation
Services of an APT Tour Director and driver, plus expert local guides
Return airport transfers and porterage
Stay in breathtaking Queenstown for three nights
Discover the history of Larnach Castle and its beautiful gardens on a guided tour

Tour Highlights

These exclusive or unique events are designed to deepen your experience, taking you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. What's more, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are often not available to a regular traveller. The following experiences are just a taste of what we have prepared especially for you.

Franz Josef/Waiau

Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Tonight, you will stay at the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Relax and unwind amid the lush rainforest and breathtaking scenery, before enjoying a four-course degustation fine dining experience.

Road to Mt Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Scenic highway drive along Lake Pukaki in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, South Island of New Zealand.

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a bewildering landscape of towering mountain peaks, alpine herb fields and epic glaciers. See New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and stay at the iconic Hermitage Hotel. Indulge in a delicious seasonal menu, which incorporates the finest local ingredients, at the hotel’s Alpine Restaurant.

Tram Ride Through Christchurch

Step aboard a beautifully restored heritage tram and embark on a private tour of Christchurch. Enjoy drinks and canapés as you spot many of the city’s iconic sights. You’ll also learn about the regeneration of this vibrant city following the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.

Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise

A cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi draws you into a magical world of snow-dusted mountains, breathtaking scenery and engaging wildlife. Edge close to tumbling waterfalls and colonies of seals and penguins, all beneath the ramparts of mighty peaks that rise sheer from the water as they stretch to the vast sky above.

Interislander Ferry

Take the iconic Interislander ferry from Wellington on the North Island to Picton on the South Island. Travel through the serene waters of Wellington Harbour and across Cook Strait, then journey through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds.

Trip Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your cruise. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Notes

  • Itinerary, pricing and inclusions subject to change

  • This tour forms part of the Essence of New Zealand tour (NZCA20) days 1 to 14

  • Prices are fully inclusive of all sightseeing, entrance fees, cruises and meals as specified, as well as accommodation

  • Prices are for land and ferry only. Flights are not included

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