Tour Overview
Embark on the Southern Spectacular tour and explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of New Zealand. Begin your journey in Christchurch, then delve into the Victorian charm of Oamaru and the Scottish-inspired streets of Dunedin. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Fiordland National Park with a thrilling jet boat ride and a cruise through Milford Sound, guided by a naturalist. Enjoy the historic TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu, savoring a barbecue dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Discover the natural wonders of Franz Josef Glacier and the Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki. Conclude your adventure with a scenic TranzAlpine train journey back to Christchurch, taking in panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and icy rivers. With private airport transfers, premium accommodations, and a specialist team to guide you, this tour promises an unforgettable New Zealand experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
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.
Day 2: Twizel - Dunedin
Location: Oamaru, Dunedin
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 rolling green meadows and a grand stone castle. It kind of feels like you’ve been transported to Scotland – small wonder it’s known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Afternoon at your leisure, we recommend a visit to Speight’s Brewery – a New Zealand institution. And pretty much everything in between. There’s always that castle to explore… Larnach may not have the history of Scotland’s grand estates, but it’s just as pretty in our humble opinion. A NZ holiday must.
Day 3: Dunedin - Te Anau
Location: Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Te Anau
Accommodation Name: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 charitable trust of passionate volunteers works to restore flora and fauna on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. With your help. You'll take a thrilling jet boat ride down the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri and if that's not enough water for one day, you may choose to cruise to the iconic Glowworm Caves (own expense). Can we tempt you?
Day 4: Te Anau - Queenstown
Location: Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 lookouts holding guard over alpine rivers. And this is just the entrée. The main course is your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour, where you cruise in the company of fur seals that bask on the rocks, and gaze at misty escarpments so sheer they appear to cleave off the edge of the Earth. You’re in the company of a naturalist who knows every nook and cranny of this mighty cavern and will point out flora and fauna you would have never spotted on your own.
Day 5: Queenstown Free Time
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 tour. Wherever your Queenstown New Zealand tour wanderings take you, you'll reunite with your companions come dusk to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, your barbecue Highlight Dinner served on the grounds of Walter Peak High Country Farm. Trips to New Zealand don’t get much tastier than this.
Day 6: Queenstown - Franz Josef/Waiau
Location: Queenstown, Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 in this verdant countryside, from cherries to pinot grapes and all manner of stone fruit at a roadside stall run by the interminable Mrs Jones, a local institution. Prepare for a flavour explosion. The next explosion is a visual one as you arrive in the town of Franz Josef/Waiau, home to Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Get some perspective of this immense ice fall on a scenic helicopter flight – you may even get to land on it (own expense).
Day 7: Franz Josef/Waiau - Punakaiki
Location: Hokitika, Punakaiki
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. This is the soundtrack that lulls you to sleep at tonight’s eco-resort.
Day 8: Punakaiki - Christchurch
Location: Punakaiki, Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join us at Ponaumu Pathway. Delve into the history and culture of the local Maori (Poutini Ngai Tahu) and the Mawhera Pa settlement. Embark on a unique self-guided journey, as you make your way through this extraordinary storytelling experience born from a collaboration with the Weta Workshop. An inspiring and unforgettable cultural experience. We’ve got you sorted for lunch at legendary Monteith’s Brewery. You only live once, right? The best is yet to come – all aboard for the scenic TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch. Travel through tunnels and over viaducts, with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. Your NZ tour arrives in Christchurch just in time for your Farewell Dinner.
Day 9: Farewell from Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Specialist team
A specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide is included.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit to Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is included.
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Private airport transfers
Arrival and departure private airport transfers are included.
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Transport
Enjoy private airport transfers, city tours, and scenic drives across New Zealand, including a thrilling jet boat ride and a TranzAlpine train journey with panoramic views.
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Cultural Immersion
Experience a barbecue dinner and farm show at Walter Peak Station.
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Local Connection
Visit retired sheep farmers, Angie and Stan Taylor, for afternoon tea and insights into life on the land.
What's Not Included
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Optional activities
Optional activities such as the cruise to the Glowworm Caves and helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier are not included.
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Meals
Meals are not included unless specified otherwise in the itinerary.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy private airport transfers, city tours, and scenic drives across New Zealand, including a thrilling jet boat ride and a TranzAlpine train journey with panoramic views.
Accommodation
Stay in centrally located premium hotels including 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, and Scenic Hotel Punakaiki.
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 1 Highlight Dinner (HD)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Cultural Immersion
- Farming is a big deal in New Zealand, as you’ll fast discover at Walter Peak Station. Sit down to a barbecue dinner before being immersed in a farm show.
Fitness Requirement
- Low level of fitness required
Flight information
- Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1 – flights to arrive by 4.00pm into Christchurch AirportDay 10 – flights to depart any time from Christchurch Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
Local Connection
- Visit retired sheep farmers, Angie and Stan Taylor, who serve up a mean afternoon tea at their home on the edge of Lake Tekapo and tell you about life on the land.
What to Bring
- Warm layers in cooler months Camera Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle
World Class Nature
- Snow-capped mountains, a mirror-like lake, white-water rivers and vine-laced fields. Queenstown is blessed with natural assets.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the Southern Spectacular tour?
The tour includes a unique storytelling journey in collaboration with Wētā Workshop to delve into the history and culture of local West Coast Māori. Additionally, there is a visit to the Ponaumu Pathway to learn about the local Maori (Poutini Ngai Tahu) and the Mawhera Pa settlement. ...more ...less
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the Milford Sound/Piopiotahi cruise, you will be surrounded by fur seals basking on the rocks. The tour also includes a visit to Fiordland National Park, which is rich in diverse flora and fauna.
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Are there any unique transportation experiences on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a thrilling jet boat ride on the Waiau River and a scenic TranzAlpine train journey with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and icy rivers.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in centrally located premium hotels such as 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, and Scenic Hotel Punakaiki. ...more ...less
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Is there any free time during the tour for personal exploration?
Yes, on Day 5 in Queenstown, you have free time to explore at your own pace. You can choose activities like a high-octane jet boat ride or a cellar door tour to taste Central Otago's cool-climate pinots.
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What meals are included in the Southern Spectacular tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 4 dinners with wine, 1 highlight dinner, 1 lunch, and 1 farewell dinner.
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What is the fitness requirement for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required for this tour.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Southern Spectacular
9 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Oamaru, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Punakaiki ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZCQR26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
