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Cruise · AAT Kings · 3 nights

New Zealand South Island Discovery

  • Scenic rail journey through tunnels, viaducts, and snow-capped peaks
  • Explore the cultural heart of the West Coast and renowned for its jade
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw
From
$2,001 pp twin share
3 nights
Enquire
Cruise Snapshot
3 Nights

Discover New Zealand's South Island, from the Southern Alps to the West Coast, with a scenic rail journey, glacier views, and a gourmet farm dinner

  • Journey on the TranzAlpine Train through the Southern Alps
  • See Franz Josef Glacier from a panoramic viewpoint
  • Enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm

Trip Details

Departs
6 April 2027
Returns
31 March 2028
Embarks
Operator
AAT Kings

Travel aboard the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps before discovering the untamed landscapes of the West Coast, from Hokitika to Franz Josef/Waiau. Journey through Haast Pass to the vibrant resort town of Queenstown, and cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw for a gourmet barbecue dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
6 April 2027
Returns 31 March 2028
Returns
31 March 2028
Duration
3 nights
From pp twin share
$2,001 pp
  • 06 Apr 2027 - 09 Apr 2027
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 28 Sep 2027 - 01 Oct 2027
    from $2,001 pp twin share *
  • 12 Oct 2027 - 15 Oct 2027
    from $2,001 pp twin share *
  • 19 Oct 2027 - 22 Oct 2027
    from $2,001 pp twin share *
  • 26 Oct 2027 - 29 Oct 2027
    from $2,001 pp twin share *
  • 02 Nov 2027 - 05 Nov 2027
    from $2,001 pp twin share *
  • 16 Nov 2027 - 19 Nov 2027
    from $2,001 pp twin share *
  • 23 Nov 2027 - 26 Nov 2027
    from $2,001 pp twin share *
  • 30 Nov 2027 - 03 Dec 2027
    from $2,001 pp twin share *
  • 07 Dec 2027 - 10 Dec 2027
    from $2,001 pp twin share *
  • 21 Dec 2027 - 24 Dec 2027
    from $2,175 pp twin share *
  • 28 Dec 2027 - 31 Dec 2027
    from $2,001 pp twin share *
  • 04 Jan 2028 - 07 Jan 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 11 Jan 2028 - 14 Jan 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 18 Jan 2028 - 21 Jan 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 25 Jan 2028 - 28 Jan 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 01 Feb 2028 - 04 Feb 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 08 Feb 2028 - 11 Feb 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 15 Feb 2028 - 18 Feb 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 22 Feb 2028 - 25 Feb 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 29 Feb 2028 - 03 Mar 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 07 Mar 2028 - 10 Mar 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 14 Mar 2028 - 17 Mar 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *
  • 21 Mar 2028 - 24 Mar 2028
    from $2,245 pp twin share *
  • 28 Mar 2028 - 31 Mar 2028
    from $2,065 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Ōtautahi (Christchurch) – Franz Josef/Waiau

    Meet your Travel Director in Christchurch this morning, before boarding the TranzAlpine. Enjoy a spectacular rail journey through tunnels, across viaducts, past snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, and beech forests en route to Arthur’s Pass. Continue to Hokitika, the cultural heart of the West Coast and renowned for its jade, before arriving at Franz Josef/Waiau, home to Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Consider an optional experience scenic helicopter flight over this shimmering natural wonder, with a glacier landing (weather permitting).

  2. 2

    Waiau (Franz Josef) – Queenstown

    Depart Franz Josef/Waiau and journey south over the Haast Pass, where ever-changing alpine scenery reveals glacier-fed rivers, dense rainforest and sweeping mountain ranges. Take in views of Lake Hāwea and Lake Dunstan, then visit a local fruit stall to sample fresh, seasonal produce before continuing to Arrowtown, rich in heritage and charm. Arrive in Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables.

  3. 3

    Queenstown Free Time

    Wake to a full day at leisure in Queenstown, where adventure, nature and indulgence await. Choose your pace, from optional adventures, a thrilling jet boat rides to encounters with native wildlife or relaxed wine tasting in the surrounding vineyards. This evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner.

  4. 4

    Depart Queenstown

    Your Short Break concludes this morning after breakfast. Take a final stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, soak in the mountain views, and say farewell to Queenstown at your own pace.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Journey on the TranzAlpine Train through the Southern Alps See Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere from a panoramic viewpoint Visit historic Arrowtown Relish a gourmet BBQ dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
  • Day 1 highlights Ōtautahi (Christchurch) – Franz Josef/Waiau: Meet your Travel Director in Christchurch this morning, before boarding the TranzAlpine. Enjoy a spectacular rail journey through tunnels, across viaducts, past snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, and beech forests en route to Arthur’s Pass. Continue to Hokitika, the cultural heart of the West Coast and renowned for its jade, before arriving at Franz Josef/Waiau, home to Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Consider an optional experience scenic helicopter flight over this shimmering natural wonder, with a glacier landing (weather permitting).
  • Day 2 highlights Waiau (Franz Josef) – Queenstown: Depart Franz Josef/Waiau and journey south over the Haast Pass, where ever-changing alpine scenery reveals glacier-fed rivers, dense rainforest and sweeping mountain ranges. Take in views of Lake Hāwea and Lake Dunstan, then visit a local fruit stall to sample fresh, seasonal produce before continuing to Arrowtown, rich in heritage and charm. Arrive in Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
  • Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 4 days and 3 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 06 Apr 2027 and 31 Mar 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this cruise
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