Southern Wonders
Deal Number 18587004
Interest Free
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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.
Duration 9 days
Destination Christchurch
Company AAT Kings
Availability From 02/09/2024 to 01/04/2025
Call 133 133
What's Included?
- Highlights
- 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
- 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
- The TranzAlpine train ride has been described as one of the most scenic cross-country jaunts in the world
- Your journey deep into Fiordland National Park is helping sustain this wild and wonderful part of New Zealand for future generations
- Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide1 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Fiordland National ParkCentrally located premium 3
- 5-star hotels
Availability
- From 02/09/2024 to 01/04/2025
Visit Christchurch
Day 1
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.
Day 2
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?
Day 3
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.
Day 4
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.
Day 5
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.
Day 6
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.
Day 7
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.
Day 8
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.
Day 9
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.
View our great airfares, hotels and travel insurance.
Departure dates and Pricing
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
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Mon 2nd September, 202402/09/2024 | Tue 10th September, 202410/09/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 30th September, 202430/09/2024 | Tue 8th October, 202408/10/2024 | available | Per person from$0* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 14th October, 202414/10/2024 | Tue 22nd October, 202422/10/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$4910* | |
Mon 21st October, 202421/10/2024 | Tue 29th October, 202429/10/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 28th October, 202428/10/2024 | Tue 5th November, 202405/11/2024 | available | Per person from$4665* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 4th November, 202404/11/2024 | Tue 12th November, 202412/11/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 18th November, 202418/11/2024 | Tue 26th November, 202426/11/2024 | available | Per person from$4665* | Enquire » |
Mon 25th November, 202425/11/2024 | Tue 3rd December, 202403/12/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 2nd December, 202402/12/2024 | Tue 10th December, 202410/12/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 9th December, 202409/12/2024 | Tue 17th December, 202417/12/2024 | available | Per person from$4419* | Enquire » |
Mon 16th December, 202416/12/2024 | Tue 24th December, 202424/12/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 23rd December, 202423/12/2024 | Tue 31st December, 202431/12/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$4910* | |
Mon 30th December, 202430/12/2024 | Tue 7th January, 202509/01/2024 | On Request | Per person from$4910* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 6th January, 202508/01/2024 | Tue 14th January, 202516/01/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 13th January, 202515/01/2024 | Tue 21st January, 202523/01/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 20th January, 202522/01/2024 | Tue 28th January, 202530/01/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 27th January, 202529/01/2024 | Tue 4th February, 202506/02/2024 | available | Per person from$5055* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 3rd February, 202505/02/2024 | Tue 11th February, 202513/02/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 10th February, 202512/02/2024 | Tue 18th February, 202520/02/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 17th February, 202519/02/2024 | Tue 25th February, 202527/02/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$5055* | |
Mon 24th February, 202526/02/2024 | Tue 4th March, 202505/03/2024 | available | Per person from$0* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 3rd March, 202504/03/2024 | Tue 11th March, 202512/03/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 10th March, 202511/03/2024 | Tue 18th March, 202519/03/2024 | available | Per person from$5055* | Enquire » |
Mon 17th March, 202518/03/2024 | Tue 25th March, 202526/03/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 24th March, 202525/03/2024 | Tue 1st April, 202502/04/2024 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* |
Terms and conditions
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 08 May 2024 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- Price is per person and subject to availability. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
- Local payments, "trip kittys" or food funds may apply and may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel agent prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
- Additional conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at time of publication.
- Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.
- Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
- Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.
- Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.
- These prices are a guide to the best price. Prices are correct as at 03 May 2024 and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details.
- We receive payment from third party travel service providers when you use us to book travel and travel-related products and services with them on your behalf.
- Our liability to you is limited in certain situations, and we may charge you a cancellation fee(s) in certain circumstances. See our booking terms and conditions for further details.
- We may provide your personal information to third parties, including travel service providers with whom you make a booking. See our privacy policy for further details.
Important Notice
The above information has been obtained from the relevant suppliers and should be considered an indicative guide only as to the prices that may be available for these products. Flight Centre cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to that price displayed on this website. Please contact a Flight Centre travel consultant to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, any blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply.
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