Best Buys
Southern Wonders
9 Day Guided Vacation | Christchurch Return
Travel Period
A little bit city, a little bit country. A whole lot of nature, and just as much culture. Oh, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in food and wine. This tour of the South Island of New Zealand delivers the perfect recipe for a taste of the country. Look forward to Franz Josef Glacier tours, Milford Sound cruises and glimpses into cosmopolitan life on Christchurch and Queenstown tours.
Prices From Code: LRQC
$3145
$4170
Child prices are available on request
Secure your trip with a deposit
Southern Wonders
Best Buys
9 Day Guided Vacation
Christchurch Return
A little bit city, a little bit country. A whole lot of nature, and just as much culture. Oh, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in food and wine. This tour of the South Island of New Zealand delivers the perfect recipe for a taste of the country. Look forward to Franz Josef Glacier tours, Milford Sound cruises and glimpses into cosmopolitan life on Christchurch and Queenstown tours.
Highlights
Flexible Vacations
If you cane to Queenstown expecting to lose weight – think again. This southern city has some of NZ’s best restaurants and bars. Dig in.
Time For You
We love leading you to NZ’s top attractions. But we also enjoy giving you the freedom to discover at your leisure. Some adventures are those unplanned.
Iconic Sites
The TranzAlpine train ride has been described as one of the most scenic cross-country jaunts in the world. But don’t take our word for it…
Sustainable Travel
Your journey deep into Fiordland National Park is helping sustain this wild and wonderful part of New Zealand for future generations.
Natural Wonders
The Dunedin coast dials up the natural drama, its wind-carved cliffs and beaches attracting wild seabirds, sea lions and penguins.
Itinerary
Southern Wonders (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2023 – 31 Mar 2024)
You don’t have to arrive in Christchurch early, but we recommend you do – this South Island city has some of New Zealand’s most innovative architecture, not to mention forward-thinking restaurants and bars. Spot them aboard the Christchurch Tram, linking some of the city’s most legendary attractions. Your conductors are quite the entertainers.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Your South Island New Zealand Tour starts on a literal high as you jump aboard the TranzAlpine train, crossing the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. This is one of the world’s most scenic rail experiences, through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. At the other end of the line is Hokitika, the home of pounamu (native greenstone or jade). In Māori tradition, it’s bad luck to buy this sacred stone for yourself; flutter your eyelids at your loved one. Just when you thought your day couldn’t get any better, Franz Josef Glacier twinkles on the horizon. You don’t get many chances in life to land and walk on a glacier, and enjoy a Franz Josef Glacier tour. This afternoon is one. How cool is that?
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Over the Haast Pass, alpine drama awaits. The Southern Lakes deserve their name: there are almost more waterways here than you can count. First up there’s lovely Lake Wanaka, with its Instagrammable shoreline of poplars and willows. Followed by oh-so-blue Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan, where you’ll pause to refuel on flavour-packed stone fruit. As tempting as it is to linger in Arrowtown’s movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables await in Queenstown.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown , 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
Your New Zealand guided tour takes you from Christchurch to Queenstown. And the adventure capital of New Zealand doesn’t disappoint when it comes to activities that are fast and furious. Take your pick of zipping about on the high-octane Shotover Jet or exploring the natural drama of Skippers Canyon. Prefer life at a more leisurely pace? Opt to step onto a Lord of the Rings movie set or sip your way through surrounding vineyards. Wherever you wander, make sure you’re back in time to glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Nature rules today as you motor from the Mirror Lakes through the Cleddau Valley. But this is just a teaser of what’s to come: World Heritage listed Milford Sound. A Milford Sound cruise across this dreamy expanse will give you goosebumps, its string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. Look out for dolphins and fur seals – they’re a common sight here. The onward road through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and gin-clear rivers, carving up the countryside en route to Te Anau. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any more magical, glowworm-filled caves make an appearance. We highly recommend a visit.
Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The South Island’s biggest lake is a blissful place for an invigorating morning walk. If it doesn’t set your pulse racing, than your outlook of rolling green hills dotted with doe-eyed sheep surely will. This bucolic countryside surrounds the city of Dunedin. While away the afternoon in atmospheric art-lined alleys or sipping a lager or two in Speight’s Brewery (a national institution). Or venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country – fur seals and penguins among them.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Included Meals: Breakfast
Did you know that Dunedin takes its name from the Scottish word for Edinburgh? The city nods to its European heritage at Larnach Castle – the only one of its kind in the country – as well as through the grounds of Otago University and along the city’s main George Street. Explore at your leisure, before venturing on to New Zealand’s oldest public gardens and grand limestone buildings at Oamaru.
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
If there’s a lake with a more vivid turquoise colour than Tekapo, we’re yet to see it. It’s made even more dramatic by snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns that surround. Take it in from the air for added perspective of the Southern Alps and on to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Back on the ground, you’re becoming reacquainted with Christchurch, your in-the-know guide pointing out the city’s miraculous transformation over the last decade. Local spirit is strong here.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
If you feel like you’ve only seen the tip of the South Island’s iceberg, you’d be correct. This beguiling part of the country could keep travel enthusiasts entertained for eons. Thankfully, we have more itineraries – ask your Travel Director and start planning your next trip to New Zealand.
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
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
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
Escape to the serene surroundings of Lake Te Anau before heading out to explore the world-famous beauty of Fiordland National Park. The hotel is located in the heart of the visitor-friendly township of Te Anau, in the stunning and world-famous region of Fiordland.
- Ensuite
- Heater
- Phone
- TV
- Refrigerator
- Bathroom Amenities
Features
This stylish hotel has a fresh contemporary design, with clean lines and dramatic features softened by natural elements such as timber and neutral tones. At once energetic, yet restful, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is well in tune with the beat of this vibrant city. Located in the heart of the city and just blocks from the Octagon, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is within walking distance of many of the city's main attractions, great restaurants and shopping centres. So whether you are visiting Dunedin for business or pleasure look no further than the exquisite Scenic Hotel Dunedin City for your accommodation choice!
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Mini Bar
- Work Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Wireless Internet access
- Refrigerator
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
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
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.
$169 Adult
Explore Fiordland National Park, journey from the glistening lakefront in Te Anau to the quiet banks of the Waiau River, travelling the waters of the deserted shores of Lake Manapouri. Experience a hidden world framed by mountains and wild forest, steeped in natural beauty and rich in history. Embrace this rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the remote isolation of Fiordland National Park, one of the largest protected areas in the world – famous for its conservation efforts.
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
- • 1 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Fiordland National Park
- • Centrally located premium 3.5-star hotels
What to Bring
- • Water bottle
- • Warm layers in cooler months
- • Camera
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
Fitness Requirements
- • Low level of fitness required
Dining
- • 8 Full Breakfasts
- • 4 Dinners
- • 1 Highlight Dinner
Flight Information
- • Day 1: flights to arrive by 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
- • Day 9: flights to depart any time from Christchurch Airport
- • Airline schedules may change at short notice. Please consider possible flight disruption when booking your flights.
