Southern Spectacular
Southern Spectacular
$5515
Southern Spectacular
9 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Punakaiki
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZCQR26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Southern Spectacular" adventure tour through New Zealand, where breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences await. Begin your journey in Christchurch, exploring the vibrant city before venturing to the historic streets of Oamaru and the Scottish-inspired charm of Dunedin. Discover the natural wonders of Fiordland National Park, with thrilling jet boat rides and serene lake cruises. In Queenstown, enjoy free time to indulge in high-octane adventures or savor world-class wines. Marvel at the majestic Franz Josef Glacier and the dramatic Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki. Immerse yourself in Maori culture with a unique storytelling experience, and conclude your journey with a scenic TranzAlpine train ride back to Christchurch. With premium accommodations, expert guides, and unforgettable dining experiences, this tour promises an extraordinary exploration of New Zealand's southern treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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: 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: Fiordland National Park
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: Fiordland National Park
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, Dinner
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: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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: 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: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
-
Specialist team and UNESCO site
The tour includes a specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide, and a visit to 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site – Fiordland National Park.
-
Centrally located premium hotels
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.
-
Private airport transfers
Arrival and departure private airport transfers are included.
-
Transport and scenic experiences
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.
-
Dining experiences
The tour includes 8 Full Breakfasts, 4 Dinners with Wine, 1 Highlight Dinner, 1 Lunch, and 1 Farewell Dinner.
What's Not Included
-
Optional activities
Optional activities such as the cruise to the Glowworm Caves and helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier are not included.
-
Meals
Meals are not included unless specified otherwise in the itinerary.
-
Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
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 Full 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
-
What kind of cultural experiences are included in the Southern Spectacular tour?
The tour includes a cultural immersion experience at Walter Peak Station, where you can enjoy a barbecue dinner and a farm show. Additionally, you will delve into the history and culture of the local Maori (Poutini Ngai Tahu) at the Mawhera Pa settlement, with a unique storytelling experience in collaboration with Weta Workshop.
-
Are there any unique transportation experiences on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a thrilling jet boat ride and a scenic TranzAlpine train journey with panoramic views of New Zealand's landscapes.
-
What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes 8 full breakfasts, 4 dinners with wine, 1 highlight dinner, 1 lunch, and 1 farewell dinner. A notable dining experience is the barbecue highlight dinner served on the grounds of Walter Peak High Country Farm.
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays 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.
-
What is the fitness requirement for the Southern Spectacular tour?
A low level of fitness is required for this tour.
-
Are airport transfers included in the Southern Spectacular tour?
Yes, private airport transfers for arrival and departure are included in the tour.
-
What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a cruise to the Glowworm Caves and a helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, which are not included in the tour price.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
-
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.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 14, 2026 - Apr 22, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 13, 2026 - Oct 21, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 27, 2026 - Nov 04, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Nov 10, 2026 - Nov 18, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Nov 24, 2026 - Dec 02, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Dec 08, 2026 - Dec 16, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Dec 22, 2026 - Dec 30, 2026Tuesday - Wednesday
Jan 26, 2027 - Feb 03, 2027Tuesday - Wednesday
Feb 09, 2027 - Feb 17, 2027Tuesday - Wednesday
Feb 23, 2027 - Mar 03, 2027Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 16, 2027 - Mar 24, 2027Tuesday - Wednesday
Mar 30, 2027 - Apr 07, 2027Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 06, 2027 - Apr 14, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.