Southern Spectacular

Southern Spectacular

14 Views
9 Days From

$5515

Southern Spectacular

9 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand

Visiting: Christchurch, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Punakaiki

Tour operator:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

ZCQR26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

From: $5515

NB: Prices correct on 11-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Southern Spectacular" adventure tour through New Zealand, a journey that promises breathtaking landscapes and cultural immersion. Begin in Christchurch, where you'll meet fellow travelers and explore the vibrant city. Traverse the picturesque countryside to Dunedin, known as the 'Edinburgh of the South,' and delve into the natural wonders of Fiordland National Park. Experience the thrill of a jet boat ride and the tranquility of Milford Sound. Enjoy free time in Queenstown, with options ranging from adrenaline-pumping activities to serene wine tours. Discover the stunning Franz Josef Glacier and the unique Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki. The tour concludes with a scenic TranzAlpine train journey back to Christchurch. Throughout, stay in premium hotels and enjoy private transfers, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience. Optional activities like a helicopter flight over the glacier and a cruise to the Glowworm Caves offer additional excitement.

Highlights

  • Delve into the history and culture of local West Coast Maori with a unique storytelling journey in collaboration with Weta Workshop.

  • Explore Oamaru's Victorian streetscapes and visit the grand stone castle in Dunedin, known as the 'Edinburgh of the South'.

  • Venture into Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage site, and enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride on the Waiau River.

  • Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, surrounded by fur seals and misty escarpments, with a naturalist guide.

  • Experience the historic TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu, with a barbecue dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

  • Visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes in Punakaiki, where waves thunder through cracks in the Earth.

  • Enjoy a scenic TranzAlpine train journey with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and icy rivers.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

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

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

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

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: 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

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

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: 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

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

    A specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide is included.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Visit to Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is included.

  • Private airport transfers

    Arrival and departure private airport transfers are included.

  • 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.

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 can I expect on the Southern Spectacular tour?

    You will delve into the history and culture of the local West Coast Māori (Poutini Ngāi Tahu) through a unique self-guided journey with extraordinary storytelling in collaboration with Wētā Workshop. Additionally, you will visit retired sheep farmers, Angie and Stan Taylor, who will share insights about life on the land while serving afternoon tea.

  • Are there any unique transportation experiences included in the 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 accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay 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 meals are included in the Southern Spectacular tour?

    The tour includes 8 full breakfasts, 4 dinners with wine, 1 highlight dinner, 1 lunch, and 1 farewell dinner.

  • Is there a fitness requirement for the Southern Spectacular tour?

    A low level of fitness is required for this 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

Ann Purcell  

Well worth the money

24-Feb-2023

Absolutely wonderful trip. Tastes of southern Australia. Hotels were good quality. Sightseeing was amazing. Manuela our travel director was lovely. A great trip all round

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Lynda Whittingham  

Particularly loved QUEENSTOWN (jet boat) and plane ride over Mt Cook

18-Feb-2023

Great guide “Dexter” who was pleasant and knowledgeable, skilled and pleasant driver, Aaron, interesting activities, and comfortable hotels in good locations. I have been on organized bus trips in different countries and this company stands out. I would travel with them again. Read less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Milford Sound , West Coast , Queenstown, Christchurch

22-Feb-2023

The most professional tour group i have ever travelled with. Both tour director (Hope) & driver (Dave) had extensive knowledge of NZ. Highly recommended.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Keith Jones  

Christchurch, Milford Sound and the Franz Joseph Railway journey

02-Mar-2023

Very professional service throughout. Friendly experienced tour guide imparting excellent knowledge and local anecdotes. Friendly professional driver enhanced the overall pleasure. Excellent hotels throughout the holiday.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Allison Cooper  

Wonderful experience, highlight had to be Uluru so spiritual and beautiful

22-Feb-2023

Very professional. Excellent travel director very knowledgeable and a lovely guy. Amazing experience seeing do many great places.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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