Southern Wonders

9 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
A little bit city, a little bit country. A whole lot of nature, and just as much culture. Oh, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in food and wine. This tour of the South Island of New Zealand delivers the perfect recipe for a taste of the country. Look forward to Franz Josef Glacier tours, Milford Sound cruises and glimpses into cosmopolitan life on Chris...
26%
$4,454
From$3,299
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    A little bit city, a little bit country. A whole lot of nature, and just as much culture. Oh, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in food and wine. This tour of the South Island of New Zealand delivers the perfect recipe for a taste of the country. Look forward to Franz Josef Glacier tours, Milford Sound cruises and glimpses into cosmopolitan life on Christchurch and Queenstown tours.     

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 22 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityChristchurch (Nz)
End CityChristchurch (Nz)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • New Zealand

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
    • 1 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Fiordland National Park
    • Centrally located premium 3.5-star hotels

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Christchurch

You don’t have to arrive in Christchurch early, but we recommend you do – this South Island city has some of New Zealand’s most innovative architecture, not to mention forward-thinking restaurants and bars. Spot them aboard the Christchurch Tram, linking some of the city’s most legendary attractions. Your conductors are quite the entertainers.

Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch - Franz Josef

Your South Island New Zealand Tour starts on a literal high as you jump aboard the TranzAlpine train, crossing the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. This is one of the world’s most scenic rail experiences, through tunnels and over viaducts...

Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown

Over the Haast Pass, alpine drama awaits. The Southern Lakes deserve their name: there are almost more waterways here than you can count. First up there’s lovely Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Followed by oh-so-blue Lake Hawea a...

Day 4: Queenstown Free Time

Your New Zealand guided tour takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown. And the adventure capital of New Zealand doesn’t disappoint when it comes to activities that are fast and furious. Take your pick of zipping about on the high-octane Shotover Jet or exploring the ...

Day 5: Queenstown - Te Anau

Nature rules today as you motor from the Mirror Lakes through the Cleddau Valley. But this is just a teaser of what’s to come: World Heritage listed Milford Sound. A Milford Sound cruise across this dreamy expanse will give you goosebumps, its string of waterfalls cre...

Day 6: Te Anau - Dunedin

The South Island’s biggest lake is a blissful place for an invigorating morning walk. If it doesn’t set your pulse racing, than your outlook of rolling green hills dotted with doe-eyed sheep surely will. This bucolic countryside surrounds the city of Dunedin. While aw...

Day 7: Dunedin - Omarama

Did you know that Dunedin takes its name from the Scottish word for Edinburgh? The city nods to its European heritage at Larnach Castle – the only one of its kind in the country – as well as through the grounds of Otago University and along the city’s main George Stre...

Day 8: Omarama - Christchurch

If there’s a lake with a more vivid turquoise colour than Tekapo, we’re yet to see it. It’s made even more dramatic by snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns that surround. Take it in from the air for added perspective of the Southern Alps and on to Franz Josef a...

Day 9: Farewell from Christchurch

If you feel like you’ve only seen the tip of the South Island’s iceberg, you’d be correct. This beguiling part of the country could keep travel enthusiasts entertained for eons. Thankfully, we have more itineraries – ask your Travel Director and start planning your next trip to New Zealand.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,299
Price per day$367
Last Updated: 5/12/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double
Single
Availability
02 Sep 2024
10 Sep 2024
$3,665
$4,825
closed
30 Sep 2024
08 Oct 2024
$3,665
$4,825
available
14 Oct 2024
22 Oct 2024
$3,665
$4,825
closed
21 Oct 2024
29 Oct 2024
$3,665
$4,825
closed
28 Oct 2024
05 Nov 2024
$3,482
$4,584
available
04 Nov 2024
12 Nov 2024
$3,665
$4,825
closed
18 Nov 2024
26 Nov 2024
$3,482
$4,584
available
25 Nov 2024
03 Dec 2024
$3,665
$4,825
closed
02 Dec 2024
10 Dec 2024
$3,665
$4,825
closed
09 Dec 2024
17 Dec 2024
$3,299
$4,343
available

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with AAT Kings.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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AAT Kings Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
737
Great
172
Average
43
Disappointing
12
Terrible
10
J

Joyce Matis

Apr 2024

Written on

Southern Wonders

All good just tiring all the time and not much time spent at each desti...

N

Noel Drinkwater

Apr 2024

Written on

Southern Wonders

Excellent trip wonderful Nathan and Dylan

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The highlight for me was the drive through the outback

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Tour Operator

AAT Kings

premier
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A century ago, the Australian outback was but a twinkle in most travelers’ eyes. But thanks to visionaries like the Pyke family and Bill King, the way we explore the Land Down Under was about to change in unimaginable ways. Over the coming decades, maps were unfolded, desert cruisers and coaches were customized, and guides were trained. From humble beginnings, the company now known as AAT Kings was going places few had gone before, pioneering new paths across Australia and New Zealand and taking intrepid travelers on a wild and wonderful ride. We’ve come a long way and clocked a few kilometers in the process. But some things will never change. Like our spirit for adventure. Our oh-so-knowledgeable Travel Directors. The local characters we meet (and will never forget) along the way. The epic, goosebump-inducing stories we’re told by First Nations guides. The life-changing experiences on offer – the kind that only 100 years of exploring affords. We’ve never been more passionate about our next discovery. Join us and fall in love with Australia and New Zealand all over again. #aatkings


Why we love this operator
AAT Kings is renowned for its quality service, knowledgeable guides, and extensive network of destinations.
What they’re known for
AAT Kings is known for being one of Australia and New Zealand's leading tour operators, specializing in guided tours.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Ibis Hotel Christchurch Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Distinction Luxmore Hotel Scenic Hotel Dunedin City Heritage Gateway Hotel,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
aatkin-LRQC24

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