Southern Wonders
Deal Number 21500319
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/Waiau tours, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi cruises and glimpses into cosmopolitan life on Christchurch and Queenstown tours.
Duration 9 days
Destination Christchurch
Company AAT Kings
Availability From 29/09/2025 to 07/04/2026
Call 133 133

What's Included?
- Highlights
- 8 Breakfast (B)5 Dinner (D)Medium level of fitness required
- We love leading you to NZ’s top attractions
- But we also give you the freedom to discover at leisure
- Ask us about Queenstown’s best restaurants, or enjoy an unplanned adventure
- Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 4
- 00pm into Christchurch AirportDay 9: Flights to depart any time from Christchurch Airport Airport to Hotel transfers are available to purchase on request
- Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price
- 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
- Your journey deep into Fiordland National Park is helping sustain this wild and wonderful part of New Zealand for future generations
- The Dunedin coast dials up the natural drama, its wind-carved cliffs and beaches attracting wild seabirds, sea lions and penguins
- Comfortable walking shoes Warm layers Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Water bottle Camera
- TranzAlpine Train journey through the Southern Alps See Franz Josef Glacier from a panoramic viewpoint Cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak on TSS Earnslaw Steamship Gourmet BBQ dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm Milford Sound Cruise Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Indoor Guided Dark Sky & Astronomy Experience in Tekapo
Availability
- From 29/09/2025 to 07/04/2026
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.
Tonight, it's time to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for drinks.
Day 2
Your South Island 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). Just when you thought your day couldn't get any better, Franz Josef town twinkles on the horizon. This afternoon, you may choose to fly over Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere.
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 oh-so-blue Lake Hawea and LakeDunstan, where you’ll pause to refuel on flavour-packedstone fruit. Visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, where tempting as it is to linger in 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, you could explore the natural drama of Skippers Canyon. Prefer life at a more leisurely pace? Opt to step into The Lord of the Rings movie scenery 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/Piopiotahi. A cruise across this dreamy expanse will give you goosebumps, its string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. Look out for fur seals – they’re a common sight here. The road back 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, nestled on the edge of the South Island's largest lake, Te Anau is the perfect place to savour some peace and relaxation after the spectacle of the day.
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 pastoral 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 visit grand Larnach Castle, the only one of its kind in the country. You could venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country.
Day 7
Time is on your side this morning.
Sleep in or take a stroll around the manicured grounds of Otago University to the city’s main George Street. Make a stop en route in Oamaru, a town with a rich history, featuring Victorian architecture and original boutiques.
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, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd and atmospheric towns that surround. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate local specialists, will forever change the way you see the night sky. Back on earth, you’re becoming reacquainted with Christchurch, your in-the-know Travel Director pointing out the city’s miraculous transformation over the last decade. Local spirit is strong here. Tonight, enjoy drinks and dinner to toast your adventure.
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 29th September, 202529/09/2025 | Tue 7th October, 202507/10/2025 | available | Per person from$4770* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 27th October, 202527/10/2025 | Tue 4th November, 202504/11/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 17th November, 202517/11/2025 | Tue 25th November, 202525/11/2025 | available | Per person from$0* | Enquire » |
Mon 24th November, 202524/11/2025 | Tue 2nd December, 202502/12/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 1st December, 202501/12/2025 | Tue 9th December, 202509/12/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 8th December, 202508/12/2025 | Tue 16th December, 202516/12/2025 | available | Per person from$4240* | Enquire » |
Mon 15th December, 202515/12/2025 | Tue 23rd December, 202523/12/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 22nd December, 202522/12/2025 | Tue 30th December, 202530/12/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$5300* | |
Mon 29th December, 202529/12/2025 | Tue 6th January, 202607/01/2025 | available | Per person from$0* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 5th January, 202606/01/2025 | Tue 13th January, 202614/01/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$5460* | |
Mon 12th January, 202613/01/2025 | Tue 20th January, 202621/01/2025 | available | Per person from$0* | Enquire » |
Mon 19th January, 202620/01/2025 | Tue 27th January, 202628/01/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 26th January, 202627/01/2025 | Tue 3rd February, 202604/02/2025 | available | Per person from$0* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 2nd February, 202603/02/2025 | Tue 10th February, 202611/02/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 9th February, 202610/02/2025 | Tue 17th February, 202618/02/2025 | available | Per person from$0* | Enquire » |
Mon 16th February, 202617/02/2025 | Tue 24th February, 202625/02/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 23rd February, 202624/02/2025 | Tue 3rd March, 202604/03/2025 | available | Per person from$0* | Enquire » |
Departure Date | Return Date | Availability | Price | Enquire |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mon 2nd March, 202603/03/2025 | Tue 10th March, 202611/03/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$5460* | |
Mon 9th March, 202610/03/2025 | Tue 17th March, 202618/03/2025 | available | Per person from$5187* | Enquire » |
Mon 16th March, 202617/03/2025 | Tue 24th March, 202625/03/2025 | Sold Out | Per person from$0* | |
Mon 23rd March, 202624/03/2025 | Tue 31st March, 202601/04/2025 | available | Per person from$0* | Enquire » |
Mon 30th March, 202631/03/2025 | Tue 7th April, 202608/04/2025 | available | Per person from$0* | Enquire » |
Terms and conditions
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 13 August 2025 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 08 August 2025 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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