Southern Spectacular
10 Day Guided Vacation | Christchurch Return
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Southern Spectacular
10 Day Guided Vacation
| Christchurch Return
Travel period
Southern Spectacular
10 Day Guided Vacation
Christchurch Return
Indulge in a delicious home-cooked barbecue lunch when you visit Morelea Farm and meet the Kiwi farming family of Angie and Stan Taylor. Make sure you have your camera battery charged to capture magnificent sights as you journey down into Milford Sound. Watch as master carvers create works of art out of the blocks of Pounamu.
Choose This Trip If You'd Love To:
- Explore Mackenzie Country and its Mountain lakes
- Watch the sunset from your beachfront resort in Punakaiki
- Travel into Franz Josef Glacier on the wild West Coast
- Cruise Milford Sound and Journey on the TranzAlpine
Southern Spectacular (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2020 – 31 Mar 2021)
Local Connection
Learn about life on a New Zealand sheep farm in Tekapo, then be treated to a homemade afternoon tea.
Insider Knowledge
Cruise Milford Sound on a nature cruise with a specialist guide, and discover the area’s spectacular wildlife and natural landscapes.
Cultural Immersion
Be treated to Southern hospitality and farming culture when visiting Walter Peak Station for a BBQ dinner and farming demonstration.
Sustainable Footprints
Contribute to AAT King's Sustainable Tourism Commitment to planting indigenous trees in the wildfire-affected Port Hills.
Christchurch has bounced back after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and is now thriving once again. Contemporary art galleries, boutiques and open-air markets add to the city’s creative vibe. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
This morning, join our Sustainable Tourism Commitment by planting a native tree in the Port Hills of Christchurch, an area recovering from wildfire. Visit the home of Angie and Stan Taylor for a Be My Guest afternoon tea, and hear about a lifetime spent farming in the Southern Alps. See Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, and view the famed Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue to the outdoor-adventure hub of Twizel.
Hotel: MacKenzie Country Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest Afternoon Tea, Dinner with wine
This morning, visit the spectacular Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme on the mighty Waitaki River. Explore the historic town of Oamaru, with its stately tree-lined streets and celebrated limestone buildings, then make your way to New Zealand’s southernmost city, Dunedin, home to many fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. This afternoon, choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. Tour imposing Larnach Castle, ride the historic Taieri Gorge railway, take a wildlife cruise, or experience an interactive tour of famous Speight’s Brewery.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine
Today, travel through lush green sheep-grazing country on your way to the spectacular Fiordland National Park and the town of Te Anau, nestled in the southwestern corner of the South Island. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Hotel: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine
Your experience in magnificent Milford Sound today is sure to be one of the highlights of your journey. Travel first through native rainforests and lush meadows to Mirror Lakes and the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel, and marvel at the stunning Cleddau Valley. Your unforgettable Milford Sound cruise takes in cascading waterfalls, hanging glacial valleys, and the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak. After disembarking, travel on to beautiful Queenstown.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Today, choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. If you’re feeling energetic you have the option of riding the exhilarating Shotover Jet boat. For a more laid-back experience, a minibus excursion will take you through spectacular Skippers Canyon, or take the gondola to Bob’s Peak for amazing views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu and then visit a Kiwi Birdlife Park. This evening, settle into a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner and an entertaining farm show.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight dinner
Your destination today is the wild west coast of the South Island. Stop to visit the faithfully-restored gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown, and enjoy the serenity of the region’s vivid blue lakes. Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass, passing the 96-metre Thunder Creek Falls on your way to the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine
Consider an optional experience helicopter flight over the glaciers, or you may wish to take a stroll through the small but lively Franz Josef village. Travel on to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone. Continue to Punakaiki to view the intriguing Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You’ll spend the night in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront.
Hotel: Punakaiki Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine
Join your personal guide for a tour of Monteith’s Brewing Company, including tastings at the brewers’ table, before sitting down to lunch. Afterwards, board the iconic TranzAlpine train in Greymouth and embark on one of the world’s great train journeys, passing through magnificent landscapes ranging from the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to rugged gorges and pristine ice-fed streams and lakes. Back in Christchurch, join your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square.
Ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, Cashel Mall and future Christchurch Convention Centre.
- Wi-Fi
- Sauna
- Gym facilities
- TV
Features
The MacKenzie Country Hotel is located in the heart of the Mackenzie region, a unique area of New Zealand's South Island. Featuring natural stonework, the architecture beautifully reflects and compliments the mountains and riverbeds of the surrounding landscape.
- Private balcony
- Wireless Internet access
- Refrigerator
- Electric blankets
- Flat Screen TV
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hairdryer
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Ensuite
- Phone
Features
The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is Dunedin's largest and most established hotel. Located in the heart of Dunedin, this hotel has been extensively refurbished and now provides guests with modern style, exquisite quality, convenience and exceptional service. The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross provides stylish inner city accommodation, giving the convenience of having entertainment, shopping and restaurants close at hand. Just a short walk from the Octagon, railway station, theatres, shops, and close to Otago university, it is the perfect location from which to explore Dunedin. Whether you are staying for business or pleasure, it is hard to go past the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross.
- TV
- Mini Bar
- Hair Dryer
- Refrigerator
- Wireless Internet access
- Guest Laundry
- Dry cleaning service
- Gym facilities
- 24 hour room service
Features
Located on the Te Anau lake front, a short stroll from the Te Anau town centre, Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas is perfectly situated for you to make the most of this beautiful area. If you need an escape from everyday life and a chance to indulge yourself with a relaxing holiday, this is the place for you.
- 2 Queen Beds
- Individual heater control
- Flat Screen TV
- In-house movies
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Iron / Ironing Board
Features
Millennium Hotel Queenstown is only minutes from Queenstown shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting and jet boating.
- Air Conditioning
- Colour TV
- Refrigerator
- Mini Bar
- Phone
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Electric blankets
- Broadband Internet access
Features
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, and is just moments from one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier makes the most of its alpine location and offers quality accommodation in two separate hotel ‘wings’. Stay in either the Douglas or Graham wing, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings within Franz Josef village. Our hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the magnificent Westland region.
- Hair Dryer
- Work Desk
- Mini Bar
- Wireless Internet access
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Four Spa Pools
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Refrigerator
Features
Situated on New Zealand's wild West Coast, the Punakaiki Resort is surrounded by the Paparoa National Park and is only a stone's throw from the beach. The hotel rooms are designed in harmony with the local environment to maintain a sense of privacy and seclusion and have either ocean or rainforest views.
- Ensuite
- Shower and toilet facilities
- Refrigerator
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Phone
- Hairdryer
- Wireless Internet access
- TV
- Satellite/cable colour TV
Features
The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square.
Ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, Cashel Mall and future Christchurch Convention Centre.
- Wi-Fi
- Sauna
- Gym facilities
- TV
Features
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Find out more
- Quality accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Airport transfers (see flight information below)
To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The excursions can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.
NZ$395 Adult NZ$295 Child
Explore the alpine wonderland of the Southern Alps’ highest peaks and glacial lakes on this 45-minute scenic flight, including Murchison Glacier, Tasman Glacier, Main Divide, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, westland coastal rainforests and Mount Cook.
NZ$30 Adult NZ$14 Child
No visitor to Dunedin should leave without taking the Speight’s Brewery Tour. Since 1876 the brewery has been proudly producing Speight’s legendary ales from the same site in Rattray Street. On the Speight’s Brewery Tour you’ll see, smell, touch and taste the ingredients that go into making Speight’s beers – and of course, get to sample “The Pride of the South” for yourself!
NZ$154 Adult NZ$56 Child
Cruise the length of the beautiful Otago Harbour, passing by the historic fishing village of Careys Bay and the working port of Port Chalmers. Then continue your tour out to the tip of the Otago Peninsula, enjoying unrivalled wildlife viewing. See what cannot be seen from land – Albatross, New Zealand Fur Seals and up to 20 species of bird and marine life in their undisturbed and otherwise inaccessible environment.
NZ$109 Adult NZ$29 Child
Taieri Gorge Railway is one of the world’s great train trips, taking passengers from the hustle and bustle of Dunedin’s city centre to the rugged mountain interior of Central Otago, and back. Travel in comfort, cross magnificent stone and wrought iron viaducts, travel through a series of tunnels with rock walls only inches from the side of the train.
NZ$78 Adult NZ$39 Child
Let your local driver take you on an exciting Otago Peninsula drive to New Zealand’s only castle. Your guided tour of the Larnach family home will give you insight into not only the architecture and style of the stately building, but also into William Larnach’s family life and the restoration done by the current owners during the past three decades. Enjoy views from the tower and marvel at the immaculate gardens before your return to Dunedin.
NZ$101 Adult NZ$30 Child
2.5 hour tour incorporating a cruise across Lake Te Anau to Cavern House. Enjoy a guided tour (in small groups) through the limestone caverns, waterfalls and the glow worm grotto. Complimentary tea & coffee is available at Cavern House.
NZ$420 adult NZ$260 Child
A scenic flight from Milford Sound to return back to Queenstown. During the 35 minute flight take in panoramic views of spectacular scenery including glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest. Returrn transport to Queenstown accommodation is included.
NZ$55 Adult NZ$25 Child
The Kiwi Birdlife Park is a wildlife sanctuary found in the heart of Queenstown. They hold and display over 20 species of native NZ wildlife in our 5 acre Park, all of which are part of nationally managed programmes. Your entry fee supports their conservation work. They offer guaranteed kiwi viewing in our specially constructed nocturnal houses, audio tours (available in English and Japanese; allow 45min), Conservation Shows (11am, 3pm; allow 30min) and Kiwi Feedings (10am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 4.30pm; allow 15min). They offer an all-day pass and the park can be enjoyed in all weather. Experience conservation in action!
NZ$159 Adult NZ$89 Child
Enjoy a 30-minute jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River and through Shotover Canyon with the only company permitted to operate in this area. A major highlight is experiencing the famous “Shotover Jet Turn” where your boat spins through a full 360 degrees turn. Includes return transfers from Queenstown. (Duration: 1.5 hours in total)
Tour Only: NZ$155 Adult NZ$95 Child
Tour with Jet Boat: NZ$195 Adult NZ$115 Child
Skippers Canyon Jet are the only company to offer a complete 4WD tour of Skippers Canyon and access to the unique mining relics available in the Sainsbury gold claim museum. Following the winding, yet majestic Skippers road, which carves its way down from the Coronet Peak ski road, over the saddle and down “Long gully” through to Skippers Canyon; your guide will detail the history of the road, hardships of the miners and how many miners were killed building the road over a century ago.
NZ$95 Adult NZ$49 Child
Enjoy Queenstown’s most spectacular views while savouring the finest NZ flavours. Be tempted by a lavish six course “Taste of New Zealand” buffet whilst dining in the relaxed atmosphere.
NZ$109 Adult NZ$59 Child
Travel on a purpose built fully enclosed river jet boat with front-loading access. Great visibility is ensured, yet you remain warm, dry and comfortable, making this a unique and safe experience suitable for anyone of any age to participate in and enjoy.
Neve Discoverer Flight 20min - NZ$280 Adult NZ$196 Child
Twin Glacier Flight 30min - NZ$360 Adult NZ$252 Child
Mountain Scenic Spectacular Flight 40min - NZ$490 Adult NZ$343 Child
Neve Discoverer Flight 20min - Lift off and fly up over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier to land amongst this alpine wonderland on a 20-minute scenic flight. Highlights include landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and a snow or icefall landing.
Twin Glacier Flight 30min - From a mantle of pure white snow, massive rivers of ice wind their way down glacier valleys. Explore the glaciers, an incredible natural phenomenon on this 30-minute scenic flight. Highlights include a snow landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
Mountain Scenic Spectacular Flight 40min - Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox snowfields on this 40-minute scenic flight. Cross the main divide for breathtaking views of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Highlights include a snow landing, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and Mt Cook.
Optional Experiences indicated are Australian or New Zealand dollars. Please note that occasionally weather or seasonal conditions may not permit their operation. Some also depend on a minimum number of participants and suitable time being available. Please see your Travel Director for a full list of experiences.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Jacket in cooler months
Fitness Requirements
- Low level of fitness required
Dining
- 9 Full buffet breakfasts
- 1 Be My Guest Afternoon Tea
- 5 Dinners with wine
- 1 Highlight dinner
- 1 Farewell dinner
Flight Information
- Day 1 - Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
- Day 10 - Flights to depart anytime from Christchurch Airport
Reviews
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