Auckland to Queenstown Southbound Explorer
This 20 day tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Queenstown.
**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.
Starting in Auckland with time to truly explore the region’s natural features this tour then travels through the heart of the North Island by scenic train. The South Island beckons with a host of natural and scenic locations and inclusions. From Abel Tasman National Park's beaches to Kaikoura's whales to the West Coast's unique Glaciers and geology, the diversity is outstanding. In the deep-south you’ll discover the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula and spend a night in the remote Doubtful Sound before returning to Queenstown.
This tour also features:
Included activity:
Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
Included activity:
The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course
Included activity:
Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp
Included activity:
Shared Transfer from Christchurch CBD Accommodation to Christchurch Train Station with Christchurch Touring Company
Included activity:
TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth
Included activity:
Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line
Included activity:
Arrowtown and Wānaka Highlights Tour with Remarkable Scenic Tours
Included activity:
TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Included activity:
Doubtful Sound Fiordland Navigator Overnight Cruise
Included activity:
Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle
Included activity:
Castle to Cruise Tour and Penguin Experience with Monarch
Included activity:
Dinner at Camp Estate, Larnach Castle
Included activity:
Harbour Sailing Cruise with Explore
Included activity:
The Northern Explorer Scenic Train: Auckland to Wellington
Included activity:
Private Transfer from Wellington Train/Bus Station to Accommodation with In Style Executive
Included activity:
Private Transfer Auckland accommodation to Auckland Train Station with Tourcorp
Included activity:
Private transfer from Wellington Hotel to Interislander Ferry with In Style Executive
Included activity:
Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton
19 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 2 special dinners
Itinerary summary for: Auckland to Queenstown Southbound Explorer
Day 1 : Welcome to Auckland the 'City of Sails'
Accommodation:
Fable Auckland
Day 2 : Explore Auckland 'The City of Sails'
Accommodation:
Fable Auckland
Day 3 : Explore the best of the city on a Harbour Sailing Cruise
Accommodation:
Fable Auckland
Day 4 : Auckland to Wellington on the Northern Explorer scenic train
Accommodation:
Bolton Hotel Wellington
Day 5 : Explore the capital Wellington City
Accommodation:
Bolton Hotel Wellington
Day 6 : Catch the Interislander Ferry to the South Island then drive to Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation:
Kimi Ora Eco Resort
Day 7 : Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation:
Kimi Ora Eco Resort
Day 8 : Pass through the Nelson Lakes region which leads you to Kaikoura
Accommodation:
Bendamere House B&B
Day 9 : Head south through North Canterbury to Christchurch
Accommodation:
The Muse Christchurch
Day 10 : Christchurch to Greymouth on the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, then onto Punakaiki
Accommodation:
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Day 11 : Drive south along the stunning West Coast Road with its rugged coastline and mountain backdrop
Accommodation:
Westwood Lodge
Day 12 : Get up close to the glaciers on a spectacular scenic flight
Accommodation:
Westwood Lodge
Day 13 : Travel the spectacular Haast Pass to Wanaka, then take the Crown Range Road to Queenstown
Accommodation:
The Dairy Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter
Day 14 : Explore the beautiful scenery of Queenstown and sample the amazing range of activities on offer
Accommodation:
The Dairy Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter
Day 15 : Today explore historic Arrowtown and Wanaka, then tonight cruise across Lake Wakatipu for dinner
Accommodation:
The Dairy Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter
Day 16 : Travel to Doubtful Sound for your overnight cruise
Accommodation:
Fiordland Navigator Overnight Boat in Doubtful Sound
Day 17 : Enjoy todays drive through Central Otago to Dunedin
Accommodation:
Camp Estate at Larnach Castle
Day 18 : A day to explore the wildlife and history of Otago Peninsula
Accommodation:
Camp Estate at Larnach Castle
Day 19 : Return to Queenstown from Dunedin
Accommodation:
The Dairy Hotel Queenstown, A Naumi Chapter
Day 20 : Depart for home
