Southern Spotlight

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

USTOA

Small Group Tour
The South Island of New Zealand dials up the natural drama, whether you’re enjoying a Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour through World Heritage listed wilderness or basking in the beauty of Fox or Franz Josef glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere on a tour. And in between are cities that take your breath away. Queenstown tour, anyone?
26%
$4,454
From$3,299
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Overview

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

What's this trip about?

    The South Island of New Zealand dials up the natural drama, whether you’re enjoying a Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour through World Heritage listed wilderness or basking in the beauty of Fox or Franz Josef glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere on a tour. And in between are cities that take your breath away. Queenstown tour, anyone?

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 22 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityChristchurch (Nz)
End CityChristchurch (Nz)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • New Zealand

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

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

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Christchurch

Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. Discover how when you step back in time aboard the Christchurch Tram tour, linking some of the city’s most legendary attractions. Expect quite the commentary – your conductors are a hoot.

Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch - Omarama

Christchurch is not only rebuilding itself after the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes, but is changing the way architects think about design. Case in point the mind-bending Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library. A...

Day 3: Omarama - Dunedin

If you’ve ever wanted to see New Zealand’s oldest public gardens, today you’re in luck. Oamaru, with its stately tree-lined streets and limestone buildings, stands proud before you journey further south toward the Edinburgh of the South: Dunedin. It’s easy to while aw...

Day 4: Dunedin - Te Anau

There are some days when you’re travelling, that all you want to do is sleep in. Go for it. Or channel your inner royalty on a visit to Dunedin’s grand Larnach Castle – the only one of its kind in the country. Dunedin’s Scottish ancestry is everywhere you look, from t...

Day 5: Te Anau - Queenstown

From the moment you step outside today, nature rules. Your route through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and mirror-like lakes. Gin-clear rivers carve the countryside, with all roads leading to your Milford So...

Day 6: Queenstown Free Time

Take today at your own pace. Like things fast and furious? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane Shotover Jet, perhaps. There’s a reason why Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the country. Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand’s feathered fri...

Day 7: Queenstown - Franz Josef/Waiau

Try and keep count of today’s lakes. Leaving Lake Wakatipu behind, Arrowtown appears on the horizon. We know you’ll want to linger in the movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques. But Lake Dunstan awaits, as do its orchards. Pause to ref...

Day 8: Franz Josef/Waiau - Christchurch

Swap snow for pounamu (native greenstone or jade) in Hokitika. In Māori tradition, it’s bad luck to buy this sacred stone for yourself; flutter your eyelids at your loved one. Just when you thought your adventure couldn’t get any better, you’ll aboard the TranzAlpine ...

Day 9: Farewell from Christchurch

New Zealand’s South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,299
Price per day$367
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Select your preferred departure month and scroll down to see available departure dates during that month.
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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.

AAT Kings Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
705
Great
161
Average
43
Disappointing
12
Terrible
10
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Other AAT Kings Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Tour was interesting and a great group of people, we wet very lucky.

Made the trip - Dave was very interesting and knowledgeable apart from being ve...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

New Zealand Marvel

Accommodation was very clean and comfortable and cen...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Definitely our guide and driver. Weather conditions were horrendous

Nathan and Dylan our guide and coach driver were amazing and very professional. Nathan's knowledge and expertise was interesting and informative and far exceeded...

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Tour Operator

AAT Kings

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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 Heritage Gateway Hotel Scenic Hotel Dunedin City Distinction Luxmore Hotel Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown,
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
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
aatkin-LCQR24

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