Southern Spectacular

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

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 Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere tours – with some of its must off-the-radar pockets. Have you heard of the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks,...
26%
$5,640
From$4,178
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?

    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 Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere 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

  • 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 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. 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 Christchurch bearings yesterday, you certainly will on today’s city tour, taking in the record-breaking Cardboard Cathedral – who knew you could build a church from cardboard? The buildings of the city fade into a patchwork of farms as you ease ...

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

Explore the small but lively Franz Josef/Waiau village before venturing to Hokitika, home of New Zealand's native jade greenstone. 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. This is the soundtrack that lulls you to sleep at tonight’s eco-resort.

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

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, hey, you’re not driving to the station where your TranzAlpine train awaits. Just as wel...

Day 10: Farewell from Christchurch

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

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,178
Price per day$418
Last Updated: 7/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Room (Shared)
Single Room
Availability
24 Sep 2024
03 Oct 2024
$5,009
$6,437
22 Oct 2024
31 Oct 2024
$4,424
$5,688
29 Oct 2024
07 Nov 2024
$4,915
$6,320
12 Nov 2024
21 Nov 2024
$4,424
$5,688
26 Nov 2024
05 Dec 2024
$4,915
$6,320
10 Dec 2024
19 Dec 2024
$4,178
$5,372
24 Dec 2024
02 Jan 2025
$4,915
$6,320
31 Dec 2024
09 Jan 2025
$4,915
$6,320
07 Jan 2025
16 Jan 2025
$4,915
$6,320
14 Jan 2025
23 Jan 2025
$4,424
$5,688

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

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
878
Great
230
Average
52
Disappointing
14
Terrible
10
T

Therese Drew

May 2024

Written on

Southern Spectacular

This was a great tour - loved the experience and have recommended it to a number of family and friends. The Tour guide and Driver made the experience more enjoyable...

A

Antoinette Jamison

May 2024

Written on

Southern Spectacular

I had an amazing time our tour guide Isobel and her Driver Mark made this trip extra special We had such an adventure met some lovely people made new friends and hav...

Write a Review

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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

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,
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-ZCQR24

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