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South Island, New Zealand

Which of the South Island’s unparalleled natural and cultural attractions are going to become your favourite memory? The spectacular alpine rolling past your window from the TranzAlpine train? The waves crashing on the beach outside your resort in Punakaiki? Watching the icy-blue Franz Josef Glacier inch toward the sea? Or the breathtaking beauty of the unofficial eighth natural wonder of the world, Milford Sound? Or are they all going to become new favourites? We think all.

New Zealand is not just about seeing – it’s about experiencing. On an AAT Kings’ holiday, you can explore this great country from top to bottom and experience all of its iconic natural beauty and ancient cultures. Our friendly and engaging guides will share their knowledge and stories with you, bringing your holiday to life Explore the South Island with AAT Kings, the Guided Holiday experts. Tours range from 9 day Guided Holidays to a full experience of both the North and South Islands of up to 21 days.



MUST SEE DESTINATIONS

  • North Island

    North Island

    The land of the long white cloud is a land of incredible natural contrast, rich culture and local charm. For a small country, New Zealand has plenty of wow factor. Wherever you go, nature is at play from the geothermal wonderland of the North to the grand alpine scenery of the South.

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  • Nelson

    Nelson

    Nelson is located at the top end of the South Island of New Zealand. It is the second oldest settled city in New Zealand and the oldest settled city on the South Island with evidence of settlement by Maori over 700 years ago.

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  • Kaikoura

    Kaikoura

    Wedged between the mountain ranges in the Marlborough region between Christchurch and Picton is Kaikoura. It sits along the rugged coastline on the South Island of New Zealand where the southern alps come close to the ocean making it one of the most picturesque places to visit.

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  • Mount Cook

    Mount Cook

    There is no missing this mountain on your New Zealand tour of the South Island. Journey from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo to observe the largest mountain in New Zealand, measuring 3754 metres high. Located in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, an alpine park, 40% of it is made up of glaciers.

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  • Lake Tekapo

    Lake Tekapo

    Lake Tekapo is located centrally on the South Island of New Zealand and covers an area of 83 square kilometres. This picturesque lake is home to the Church of the Good Shepherd which lies lose to the lakes edge.

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  • Fiordland National Park

    Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

    The spectacular Fiordland National Park can be found tucked away in the south west corner of New Zealand’s South Island. Renowned for its exceptional scenic beauty, this National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and spans over an incredible 1.2 million hectares.

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Cultural Experiences

Pomona Island Charitable Trust

Lake Manapouri

Through your scenic jet boat ride in tranquil Lake Manapouri, you’ll contribute to Pomona Island Charitable Trust’s conservation efforts to restore the largest inland island in New Zealand to its natural state. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on your New Zealand tour introduces you to this unique environment as well as helps to protect the conservation jewels of Lake Manapouri’s Pomona and Rona Islands in Fiordland National Park. Pomona Island Charitable Trust’s vision to restore and conserve Pomona and Rona Islands as plant and animal sanctuaries for many threatened species has enabled them to eradicate possums and deer from Pomona Island, as well as reduce the population of other unwanted species. Feel good knowing that you’re helping native plants and animals thrive on both islands while touring a beautiful part of the Southern Island.

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dark sky optimized

Dark Sky Experience

Lake Tekapo

Our daytime, indoor astronomy tour at the Dark Sky Project Base suitable for the whole family. The Dark Sky Experience combines tatai aroraki (Māori astronomy), storytelling and science together with fascinating multimedia installations in a ‘Big Bang’ of awe and inspiration.

 

Dark Sky Project is committed to preserving our night skies: we connect manuhiri (visitors) to the relevance of the night sky via scientific and cultural experiences. We take a leadership role in night sky preservation, advocating for minimal light pollution. We are proud of what we do and are excited about the possibilities of what can be achieved if we all work together.

Millions of children across the world will never see a star, yet alone appreciate the Milky Way. We believe that, together, we can change this. The night sky should be accessible to everyone on the planet – tonight, tomorrow and into the future.

Takapō (Tekapo) and the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is home to some of the world’s darkest skies. It may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe. From here, at Te Tahitaha o Te Raki (the earth’s edge) we search the sky for understanding of creation, knowledge of space, and we try to make sense of these strands of light.

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South Island, New Zealand
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