9 Day Southern Dream Tour

    Our wonderful South Island tour includes eight nights of quality accommodation, transport by luxury coach, and a ride on the world-famous Tranzapline train.

    Embark on an extraordinary adventure with our 9 Day Southern Dream Tour, designed for seniors eager to experience the unparalleled beauty of the New Zealand South Island. This premium escorted coach tour begins its journey from Christchurch to Dunedin, offering seniors a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of one of the world’s most remote and captivating countries.

    Indulge in Comfort and Style throughout your journey, relishing spacious seating on luxurious coaches and unwinding in well-appointed hotel rooms each night. Our carefully crafted New Zealand South Island Itinerary ensures a seamless blend of relaxation and discovery.

    Discover the treasures of the South Island as we visit renowned landmarks, including the beautiful city of Christchurch and the iconic Franz Josef Glacier National Park. Marvel at the untamed beauty of Doubtful Sound and experience the thrill of Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Immerse yourself in the vibrant street art scene of Dunedin and explore Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand, on this enriching journey tailored for seniors.

    Epic experiences await as you traverse stunning landscapes aboard the TranzAlpine train, offering a unique perspective on New Zealand’s natural wonders. Throughout the 9-day itinerary, seniors will have the opportunity to marvel at spectacular landscapes, delve into rich heritage, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the South Island.

    This premium escorted coach tour is meticulously curated to be the best experience for seniors, ensuring a perfect blend of comfort, style, and unforgettable moments. Join us on this remarkable adventure, and let the captivating beauty of the New Zealand South Island leave you with cherished memories.

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    Southern Dream (Twin Share)

    Adult( 18 - 99 ) From $5,395.00
    We can't confirm real time availability on this tour. Please enquire about this trip and we will get immediately back to you!

      Our travellers often combine this trip with some of these trips:

      Itinerary

      Day 1: Arrival day to Christchurch

      Haere Mai (Welcome) to your New Zealand adventure starting in Christchurch known as the Garden City, a city where old meets new. Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art and hidden eateries. See how Christchurch earned its nickname as the Garden City by visiting the Botanic Gardens. Take a walk down Hereford St to see the ‘Cardboard’ Cathedral and the earthquake memorial of 185 White Chairs. This evening you’ll have dinner at the hotel and meet your Guide and the group you’ll be travelling with. (D)

      Day 2: Christchurch to Dunedin

      After breakfast this morning, we’ll journey south down the coast and across the Canterbury Plains. We’ll pass through the township of Oamaru, home to some of the best-preserved heritage buildings in New Zealand before heading onto 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. We’ll arrive in Dunedin with plenty of time to make the most of this Scottish City. (B)

      Day 3: Dunedin to Te Anau

      We’ll visit the iconic Larnach Castle of Dunedin this morning for a stroll through the magnificent gardens before departing for Te Anau. First, we’ll make a stop in Gore for a trip to the Illicit Past… Gore’s colourful past as a centre for illicit whisky distilling and bootlegging is brought to life at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. The adventures of the Scottish settlers and their exploits to avoid run-ins with the law are kept alive through dioramas, audio-visuals and artefacts. You can taste Old Hokonui made from the original recipe at the end of your visit, or even take a bottle home with you. Afterwards we drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland, where we’ll spend the evening. (B and D)

      Day 4: Te Anau via Doubtful Sound to Queenstown

      Depart from Te Anau this morning to Manapouri, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise across the 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, board a modern catamaran and allow the majesty and vastness of the fiord to take your breath away. Enjoy the on-board commentary that provides insight into the region’s history, flora and fauna as you view spectacular towering mountains and wildlife. Later we’ll drive to Queenstown, skirting through lush farmland and around Lake Wakatipu to the picturesque alpine resort of Queenstown. (B)

      Day 5: Day at leisure in Queenstown

      Today is yours to experience New Zealand’s adventure capital for yourself. Queenstown boasts an incredible array of activities and your Coach Captain can assist with booking any optional extras you’d like to do. Take a ride on the world famous Shotover Jet Boat, travel to the top of Bob’s Peak by gondola for spectacular views, take a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon, or for the adventurous, try white water rafting or bungy jumping. Alternatively, browse in the many shops and galleries in town or relax at one of the many cafes or bars along the lakefront. (B)

      Day 6: Queenstown to Haast

      View incredible scenery as you travel through Arrowtown, an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era. Next we visit Wanaka, a popular township on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Then we’ll enter Jackson Bay, a spectacular place and one not many people will be able to say they’ve done! Jackson Bay marks the farthest point of the West Coast’s road network. We’ll have an amazing West Coast lunch at The Craypot – a quirky, little caravan style restaurant situated on the esplanade before heading towards Haast, our destination for the evening. Tonight we stay at the Heartland Hotel, a popular local establishment where the locals come to mix and mingle at the Frontier Bar. (B and L)

      Day 7: Haast via Jackson Bay to Franz Josef

      Travel north along the coast of the Westland National Park, home of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. This remarkable part of the country was shaped by the dynamic glaciers and boasts lush temperate rainforest growing beneath towering mountains. We’ll stop in Fox Glacier with the option to walk the gentle 2.6km track around Lake Matheson. Nestled amongst ancient forest and famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, Lake Matheson is a serene and beautiful place to spend time. This evening we’re spending the night in the Franz Josef township, surrounded by lush rainforest and impressive mountains. We’ll enjoy a delicious group dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Canavans. (B and D)

      Day 8: Franz Josef to Christchurch

      Today you’ll travel to the vibrant, artistic town of Hokitika where we’ll visit the amazing Greenstone and Glass blowing factories and watch some talented artists at work before continuing on to Greymouth, a historic town known for jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods. One there, you’ll make your way to the Greymouth Train Station, where you’ll board the Tranzalpine train. Considered to be one of the world’s greatest train journeys, prepare to be blown away by these epic vistas of forests, plains and mountains. Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be collected by your Guide and transferred to the hotel. (B)

      Day 9: Christchurch Departure Day

      The final day is today and your trip comes to an end, enjoy a hearty breakfast and say goodbye to your group and leader. Whether you decide to head home today or to stay in Christchurch for a few extra days, we hope you leave with many happy memories of your trip with us. (B)

      Highlights
      Booking Info
      FAQs
      • Glimpse New Zealand’s wildlife – Spot cheeky resident fur seals
      • Discover Dunedin’s Scottish Charm
      • Marvel at the iconic TranzAlpine railway and spectacular snowcapped peaks
      • Visit a Greenstone and Glass Blowing Factory
      • View the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach
      • Witness stunning scenery aboard the TranzAlpine, NZ’s most famous train trip
      • Twin-share bookable live. Prices per person, in New Zealand Dollar (NZD). For a single upgrade enquire for more details.
      What should I pack for this tour?

      New Zealand generally follows an informal dress standard in bars and restaurants on most occasions. We would suggest smart casual clothes, which will be acceptable in most restaurants and nightclubs. If you are planning on eating at fine dining establishments you will need to dress accordingly.

      You should always pack clothes, which allow you to layer in the event of the weather turning cooler, even in summer. We would suggest packing a light raincoat or poncho for travel all year round.

      If you are travelling during the cooler winter months then take a warmer jacket layer and consider an under layer for warmth.

      What type of coach is used on this tour?

      Each of our coaches offers large panoramic windows for easy viewing, dual entry for easy access, onboard restroom, and daily seat rotation providing everyone a chance to mix with fellow travelers.

      Our personalized fleet of Coaches will have you traveling in Enviro 4 & 5-star vehicles all fitted with individual seat belts.

      Do you cater for medical or dietary requirements?

      Yes, we are able to cater for any medical and dietary requirements on our tours. Simply let us know at the time of booking.

      Travelling with a wheelchair
      We are able to cater for passengers travelling with a foldable non-motorized wheelchair. However, the passenger must be able to climb a few steps and be able to get on / off the coach unassisted.

      There may also be a few sightseeing activities on the tour that are unable to be accessed by wheelchair, such as the glow worm caves in Te Anau.

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