Best Buys
Southern Spirit
14 Day Guided Vacation | Christchurch to Wellington
Travel Period
It’s hard to do the South Island of New Zealand justice in just two weeks. But we’ve been exploring this part of the country for years, and know which azure lakes, yawning gorges, gem-like glaciers and unpeopled beaches will set your heart racing. From Milford Sound tours to Franz Josef Glacier tours, Christchurch tours to Queenstown tours, get set for 14 days of eye-opening attractions glimpsed from planes, trains, automobiles and boats. This trip to New Zealand is hard to beat.
Prices From Code: LCQW
$4715
$6365
Child prices are available on request
Secure your trip with a deposit
Southern Spirit
Best Buys
14 Day Guided Vacation
Christchurch to Wellington
It’s hard to do the South Island of New Zealand justice in just two weeks. But we’ve been exploring this part of the country for years, and know which azure lakes, yawning gorges, gem-like glaciers and unpeopled beaches will set your heart racing. From Milford Sound tours to Franz Josef Glacier tours, Christchurch tours to Queenstown tours, get set for 14 days of eye-opening attractions glimpsed from planes, trains, automobiles and boats. This trip to New Zealand is hard to beat.
Highlights
Flexible Vacations
New Zealand’s chefs make the most of the South Island’s epic produce bounty. Dig in at restaurants across Queenstown, Christchurch and Wellington.
Time For You
The gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson inspires calm. Find your own path in this wilderness paradise.
Iconic Sites
New Zealand’s cool little Capital, Wellington’s diversions range from cultural Nirvana at Te Papa to the beehive-like Parliament building.
Natural Wonders
An island off an island, Stewart Island is wild, wide and wonderful. Some 97% is national parkland – prepare for epic animal encounters.
Itinerary
Southern Spirit (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2023 – 31 Mar 2024)
Arrive early to get your bearings on a self-guided Christchurch tour. The best way to do that? Aboard the Christchurch Tram. Your journey not only takes you past jaw-dropping attractions – like the Transitional Cathedral, made largely of cardboard, and Turanga, the gold-clad central library – but also tells an inspiring story of community spirit in the rebuilding and reinvigoration of the city since the 2010/11 earthquakes.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
We peel off a couple more layers on a guided Christchurch tour before setting the GPS for Lake Tekapo, a blinding shade of turquoise accented by the soaring snow-capped peaks and wildflower-strewn fields that surround. It’s quite the backdrop for the stone-hewn Church of Good Shepherd. Opt for a bird’s-eye view on a scenic flight, taking you over Mount Cook and the Southern Alps, as well as Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Limestone put the pretty town of Oamaru on the map – its stately tree-lined streets are a parade of grand buildings. But it’s just as popular today for nurturing New Zealand’s oldest public gardens. Architectural drama of a different kind awaits in Dunedin, in the form of Larnach Castle, the only one of its kind in the country. This afternoon is at your leisure. We can point you in the direction of atmospheric art-lined alleys or toward Speights Brewery, a national institution. Or venture further afield on a Dunedin tour to discover the fur seals and penguins that pad around the Otago Peninsula.
Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin
Included Meals: Breakfast
If you find yourself humming a Garth Brooks tune en route to Gore, you’re probably not alone. Fun fact: this is the country music capital of NZ. Invercargill is obsessed with something else: motor vehicles. Tributes to speed legends colour the town, telling the story of everyone Burt Munro to Bill Richardson – his shed full of classic vehicles is the largest private collection of its type in the world.
Hotel: Kelvin Hotel, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Invercargill is the gateway to the southernmost community in the country. Welcome to Stewart Island, a wild and wonderful drop of land that is 97% national parkland. Naturally, it’s a magnet for endemic flora and fauna, as you’ll discover touring valleys and bays with a local. Forest-clad Ulva Island is avian heaven, completely pest free and an important breeding and nesting ground for all manner of birds.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Adventure, nature, food and wine, relaxation – Queenstown is like New Zealand’s chocolate box; there’s something for everyone. Talk to your Travel Director then head off in your own direction, perhaps to feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane Shotover Jet or bungy jumping off a bridge. Or to sip your way through surrounding vineyards. You might like to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue dinner awaits. Today’s Queenstown tour is completely at your leisure.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown , 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
We wouldn’t blame you for using today to linger by the banks of Lake Wakatipu, marvelling at sky-scraping Remarkables. But if you want to venture further afield, we have a few ideas. Top of our list today is an epic journey through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, carved by waterfalls and a playground for dolphins and seals as you’ll discover on a Milford Sound cruise. There’s a reason why this part of the island has World Heritage status.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Atmospheric Arrowtown was born from gold, and its movie-set-like streets still shimmer today. It’s hard to tear yourself away, but the Alpine country of the Southern Lakes is calling, from Lake Dunstan – pause for juicy stone fruit picked fresh from the tree – to oh-so-blue Lake Hawea and lovely Lake Wanaka, with its shoreline of poplars and willows. Over the Haast Pass, Franz Josef Glacier glistens like nature’s gem. Get some perspective on an optional flight over this natural wonder – if the weather behaves, you may even get to land on it. How cool is this Franz Josef Glacier tour?
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
On the wild West Coast, Hokitika may be small in size, but boy is it big in personality, not to mention natural attractions. Wander the windswept coast before discovering the town’s other beauty: pounamu (native greenstone or jade). In Māori tradition, it’s bad luck to buy this sacred stone for yourself. That’s what your loved one is for, right? Steel yourself for Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and blowholes; they owe their existence to the thundering surf that will lull you to sleep.
Hotel: Ocean View Retreat Punakaiki
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After action-packed days, all you need to do today is sit back and enjoy the drama of the Heritage Highway en route to Nelson. Gaze over Buller Gorge – a deep canyon home to New Zealand’s longest swingbridge – and Kahurangi National Park, a place of wild rivers, high plateaus, alpine herbfields and coastal forests.
Hotel: The Rutherford Hotel, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
The South Island’s oldest city, Nelson is the ideal starting point for outings through Abel Tasman National Park. This pocket in the north of the island is a beguiling union of golden beaches framed by sculpted granite cliffs. It’s home to one of the country’s most legendary coastal tracks, if you fancy stretching your legs on a hike. Otherwise, drift away on a cruise around the coast, revealing unpeopled bays and dreamy inlets. The choice is yours.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Your tour of the South Island is about to take you to the North Island. All aboard the Interislander for a cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound, up the Tory Channel and across Cook Strait, from the South Island to the North, navigating a maze of arms and inlets into New Zealand’s cool little capital of Wellington. Your local guide will help you get your bearings on a Wellington tour, then point you in the direction of some of the city’s most innovative restaurants and bars. Wellington is a bit of a foodie mecca.
Hotel: Travelodge Wellington, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Wellington also knows a thing or two about good coffee, and you’ll need a strong one to get you through today’s sightseeing. You may wish to linger in town, discovering Māori culture at Te Papa museum. Or head further afield on a Lord of the Rings movie tour or visit to Weta Workshop, where special-effects wizards work their magic creating goblins and dinosaurs for blockbuster films. Decisions, decisions.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s hard to say goodbye to your tour of the South Island of New Zealand. If you can’t bear to leave, we have a few ideas up our sleeve to extend your holiday…
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Ibis Christchurch is ready to welcome you. Adjacent to the new shopping heart of Christchurch, Cashell Mall. The "pop up" shopping precinct is the new vibrant heart of the city, featuring many new designer shops and modern cafes. Ibis Hotel Christchurch is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access to the outer lying attractions and the airport. The Ibis features 155 contemporary rooms, restaurant OOPEN, a bar and meeting room.
- 220/240 V AC
- Data port in room
- Air-conditioning
- Flat Screen TV
- Satellite/cable colour TV
- Work Desk
- Direct Dial Telephone
- Manual temperature control
- Wi-Fi in room (Pay)
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Ensuite
- Shower
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Security peephole
- Automatic wake up call
- Operator wake up call
- Alarm Clock
Features
Located in the heart of the Mackenzie/Waitaki region, a unique area of New Zealand's South Island. Set amongst landscaped gardens with views of the surrounding mountains, the Heritage Gateway Hotel is a peaceful place to stay.
- Ensuite
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Wireless Internet access
- Phone
- TV
- Electric blankets
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hairdryer
- Refrigerator
Features
Located right in the heart of the city, Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin is ideal for business or leisure. When it is true hospitality and a convenient location that you desire on your travels, then this is your perfect hotel. Dunedin has few destinations to match the stylish Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin, where the accommodation reflects a total dedication to excellence in guest service, modern comfort and attention to detail.
- Ensuite
- Broadband Internet access
- Sky TV
- Mini Bar
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Direct Dial Telephone
Features
The Kelvin Hotel Invercargill provides comfortable well appointed accommodation with all the modern conveniences. Located in the main shopping area of Invercargill, Kelvin Hotel has the facilities to cater to all your needs while in Invercargill.
- Private bathroom
- Sky TV
- Hairdryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Mini Bar
- Clock radio
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- In-room internet access
- Room service
Features
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is located on Frankton Road, just five minutes stroll to the heart of Queenstown.
The hotel resort is close to many wonderful activities, from the town's world famous jet boat rides to radical white water rafting, bungee jumping, vineyards, international golf courses and ski fields.
- Ensuite
- TV
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Refrigerator
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Telephone - Voice Mail
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hairdryer
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
- Wireless Internet access
- Work Desk
- Mini Bar
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Refrigerator
- Four Spa Pools
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
Rutherford Hotel Nelson is Nelson’s only 24-hour fully-serviced hotel, offering luxurious rooms and suites. Our central location means Nelson’s many galleries and City attractions are just a stone’s throw away. All rooms have a view of the harbour, city, historic South Street or Nelson’s beautiful cathedral.
Our stylish accommodation will suit anyone looking for a great place to stay in Nelson. We also offer rooms with disabled access on request. All of our rooms have WiFi capabilities.
- En-suite bathrooms (shower over bath)
- Bathrobes
- WiFi
- Sky TV
- Direct dial phone
- Mini bar and tea and coffee making facilities
Features
With close proximity to the city’s financial hub as well as many Wellington attractions, such as Wellington Zoo, the Wellington Cable Car, the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, and the Wellington Botanic Gardens, Travelodge Hotel Wellington is perfectly located for both business and leisure travel.
- Hair Dryer
- Pay TV
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Individual heater control
- LCD TV
- Refrigerator
- Internet Access
- Microwave
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. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.
Optional Experiences
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$199Adult NZ$139 Child
An afternoon amongst the boutique vineyards and splendid alpine scenery of Central Otago. Taste wines at 4 premium vineyards over two contrasting wine regions, learn about the wine and pioneering history and visit the Historic Precinct of Old Cromwell. Includes a delightful platter lunch and a glass of wine with lunch.
Adult: $140.00 NZD
Child: $66.00 NZD
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. Join our invigorating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head, home to the world's only mainland nesting place of royal albatross. Watch as these huge birds glide in from the ocean and soar high above their hillside nests.
NZ$114 Adult NZ$63 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.
NZ$180 Adult NZ$90 Child
Lord of The Rings Scenic Tour: Visit the stunning locations from Lord of The Rings. Encounter lsengard, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains, Ithilien and many more. Experience the absolute beauty of the Dart River Valley and our closest world heritage area. Learn about the remarkable history and unique culture of Glenorchy. Our tour feature’s some of the world’s most spectacular scenery visiting Mt Aspiring World Heritage Area, Glenorchy, The Dart River Valley and Paradise. Encounter ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier carved valleys.
Mountain Scenic Spectacular Flight 40min - NZ$525 Adult
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.
Trip Details
What's included
- • Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- • Centrally located premium 3.5-star hotels
- • National Park entrance fees
What to Bring
- • Camera
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Water bottle
- • Warm layers in cooler months
Fitness Requirements
- • Low level of fitness required
Dining
- • 13 Full Breakfasts
- • 5 Dinners
- • 1 Lunch
Flight Information
- • Day 1: Flights to arrive by 4:00pm into Christchurch
- • Day 14: Flights to depart any time from Wellington Airport
- • Airline schedules may change at short notice. Please consider possible flight disruption when booking your flights.
