Southern Spectacular

10 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
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USTOA

Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
Southern calling? This trip to New Zealand unites some of the country’s most fabled playgrounds – think adventure-filled Queenstown tours, a World Heritage listed Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour and possible gem-like Franz Josef/Waiau tours – with some of its must off-the-radar pockets. Have you heard of the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, or glimpsed the turquoise la...
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From$4,424
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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?

    Southern calling? This trip to New Zealand unites some of the country’s most fabled playgrounds – think adventure-filled Queenstown tours, a World Heritage listed Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour and possible gem-like Franz Josef/Waiau tours – with some of its must off-the-radar pockets. Have you heard of the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, or glimpsed the turquoise lakes outside Twizel?

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

  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 22

Trip includes

    • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide 1 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Fiordland National Park Centrally located premium hotels Arrival and departure private airport transfers

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch

At once forward-thinking and fun, Christchurch is the kind of city you could lose yourself in for a week – or more. You have this afternoon, so make the most of it.  Freshen up because it’s time to meet your fellow adventure-seekers over a couple of wines and local snacks at a Welcome Reception.

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Day 2: Christchurch - Twizel

If you didn’t get your bearings yesterday, you certainly will on today’s Christchurch tour, taking in the city’s record-breaking Cardboard Cathedral – who knew you could build a church from cardboard and not much else? – as well as past the gilded library, gleaming li...

Day 3: Twizel - Dunedin

Oamaru has a rich history and proud heritage, enriched by passionate and perhaps quirky locals. Explore the shops, galleries and traditional crafts within some of the Southern Hemisphere's most complete Victorian streetscapes. You’re en route to Dunedin, replete with ...

Day 4: Dunedin - Te Anau

Leave Dunedin’s pastoral sheep-farming countryside behind as you venture into World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park, a place of yawning gorges and gem-like glaciers, and azure lakes so large they have their own islands. Case in point Pomona Island, where a cha...

Day 5: Te Anau - Queenstown

Nature rules again today, from the moment you depart Te Anau and begin your journey deep into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Think native rainforests, beech forests, alluvial flats and meadows; Mirror Lakes perfectly reflecting mountain scenery; and precipitous...

Day 6: Queenstown Free Time

Take today at your own pace. Like things fast and furious? Feel the wind in your hair on a high-octane jet boat ride, perhaps. Prefer wine to get your heart started? See why Central Otago makes some of the world’s most raved about cool-climate pinots on a cellar door ...

Day 7: Queenstown - Franz Josef/Waiau

In the shadow of the Remarkables, Queenstown is pretty spectacular. But it has some stiff good-looks competition from neighbouring Arrowtown, with its movie-set tree-lined avenues and 19th-century buildings that once housed gold-rush fortune-seekers. Things grow well ...

Day 8: Franz Josef/Waiau - Punakaiki

Wandering Hokitika’s windswept shore on the West Coast feels a bit like you’ve discovered the end of the Earth. Then soak in the natural surroundings as you head to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, where waves thunder through cracks in the Earth. Thi...

Day 9: Punakaiki - Christchurch

Wine may steal the scene across much of New Zealand, but at legendary Monteith’s Brewery, beer rules. Sip your way through a tasting paddle of XPA, IPA, lager and pale ale because you’re not driving to the station where your TranzAlpine for your train trip across New ...

Day 10: Farewell from Christchurch

The last 10 days of your NZ holiday flew by. Return home with new friends, a full SD card on your camera – and even more memories.

Full Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,424
Price per day$442
Last Updated: 12/26/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Room (Shared)
Single Room
Availability
14 Jan 2025
23 Jan 2025
$4,915
$6,320
onRequest
28 Jan 2025
06 Feb 2025
$5,161
$6,636
onRequest
11 Feb 2025
20 Feb 2025
$5,161
$6,636
closed
25 Feb 2025
06 Mar 2025
$5,161
$6,636
onRequest
04 Mar 2025
13 Mar 2025
$4,424
$5,688
available
18 Mar 2025
27 Mar 2025
$4,915
$6,320
onRequest
01 Apr 2025
10 Apr 2025
$4,424
$5,688
available
08 Apr 2025
17 Apr 2025
$5,250
$6,649
closed
15 Apr 2025
24 Apr 2025
$4,463
$5,652
available
22 Apr 2025
01 May 2025
$5,250
$6,649
closed

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,428
Great
398
Average
73
Disappointing
24
Terrible
17
M

Maureen Furnell

Dec 2024

Written on

Southern Spectacular

Our tour included airport pickup and drop off. This really impressed us as it still applied even though we flew in a day early. Our experiences were varied and fanta...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2024

Written on

Southern Spectacular

this trip was my first with AAT Kings. I have no complaints only praise for the whole experience.

A

Annette Koster

Nov 2024

Written on

Southern Spectacular

Every hotel we stayed at was excellent the beds were very comfortable and staff very helpful

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2024

Written on

Southern Spectacular

Overall the trip was fabulous. It was not cheap but considering many dinners were included, it was reasonable. The tour guide (Kirsty) was great and very knowledgea...

Write a Review

Other AAT Kings Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Dec 2024

Written on

Southern Spotlight (clockwise)

I recently went on AAT Kings’ Southern Spotlight tour, and it was absolutely amazing! My sister and I had the best time exploring with such a fantastic group of peop...

H

Henrietta Jackson

Dec 2024

Written on

Southern Wonders

Southern Winders spoke for itself in the stunning beauty of an ever changing landscape. From majestic mountains to glacial carved waterways. There are not enough wor...

Write a Review

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

  • Distinction Christchurch Hotel
  • Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel
  • Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
  • Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
  • Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
  • Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
  • Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Cancellation policy

Cancellation by the Traveller
Travel arrangements for any member of the party may be cancelled at any time by written notice by the person who made the booking.

If notice of cancellation is received by the Provider before final payment is due (see The Table), the deposit will be retained. If cancellation is made after final payment is due cancellation fees will apply (see The Table). These cancellation fees represent the costs incurred less any expected recoveries. Please also refer to Air cancellation Section where applicable.Notice of cancellation must be made in writing directly to the Provider or through your Travel Agent. Please also refer to the Provider's Gold Seal Additional Protection.

If a person in a party cancels and there is a room change caused by this cancellation (such as a twin share to Single, or Triple to twin share), charges for the new room type will be the responsibility of the remaining party. The charges detailed in the Summary Terms table (which includes GST), representing costs incurred by the Provider in cancelling your travel arrangements, will apply when notice of cancellation for your trip is given after the booking is confirmed. Please also refer to the Provider's Gold Seal Additional Protection.

If a guest fails to join the trip on the day of departure, cancellation fees will be 100% (unless the guest notifies us of the delay and joins the trip later at their own expense).

Cancellation fees as per The Table apply to additional accommodation and/or chargeable transfers prior to and after the trip, itinerary extensions or cruise reserved through the Provider.

Cancellation fees and charges will include any amounts that we have paid or have contractually committed to pay to third parties to deliver your travel arrangements which we cannot reasonably recover (for example payments made or due to airlines and hotels). Any payments we have made to third parties will only be refunded to you once we have deducted the above cancellation fees and charges and once we have actually recovered the amounts from the third parties.

All cancellation fees as per The Table are additional to any cancellation fees or other charges that may be levied by your Travel Agent.

Gold Seal Protection premiums are non-refundable.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under your insurance, you may be able to reclaim these charges from your insurer. You are responsible for making the claim to your insurer. We will provide you with documentation to support your claim.

Cancellation by the Provider
The Provider reserves the right, to modify or cancel any trip, accommodation, in-destination activity or arrangement, definite or not, at any time.

Cancellation due to Failure to Pay

If full payment is not received by the due date (see The Table), The Provider has the right to cancel your reservation and no refund will be made. The Provider will not be responsible for lost reservations.

Cancellation due to Force Majeure Events

If The Provider cancels a trip as a result of a Force Majeure Event, a future travel credit (FTC) to the value of funds paid to date, less any unrecoverable third-party costs incurred, will be provided. All FTCs will be valid for 24 months from date of issue.

Where a trip is terminated mid-trip due to a Force Majeure event, if we provide you with any alternative services or assistance (such as hotels or travel) then you agree to pay for these costs.

Cancellation due to Events other than Force Majeure Events

If the cancellation by the Provider is not as a result of a Force Majeure Event, the Provider will provide an alternative comparable trip (if available). If an alternative is not available, then a refund will be made. The Provider is not liable for any cancellation or change cost or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements, including air travel, that may be affected thereby.

The Provider is not responsible for other travel arrangements that you or your party have made outside the Provider and which are affected by our cancellations.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.aatkings.com/about-us/booking-conditions-published-5-august-2024/

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 .
Meals Included
  • 9 Full Breakfast (B)
  • 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 1 Be My Guest Afternoon Tea (BGT)
  • 1 Highlight Dinner (HD)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
aatkin-ZCQR24

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