what kind of weather will we be having. we want to avoid TOO HOT.

New Zealand in October has an average temperature of 70-80 F depending on the area you travel to.

Is tipping my Travel Director or Driver Guide compulsory?

Tipping is not compulsory in Australia or New Zealand however if you are happy with the service you received from your Travel Director or Driver Guide you can feel free to leave them a tip at your own discretion.

How can I pay for the Optional Experiences?

All your Optional Experiences can be organised directly with your Travel Director whilst on the tour and you can choose to either pay in either local cash or by credit card.

What is the maximum luggage allowance?

Due to strict Government vehicle weight restrictions you are allowed one medium size suitcase per person, with dimensions not to exceed H76cm x W46cm x D25cm. The maximum weight of all luggage must not exceed 23kg (50lbs). You are also allowed one piece of hand luggage on-board the coach: however it must be able to fit in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you if required.

On travelling days how often do we get a break?

On travelling days you will stop every 2 to 3 hours either at a rest stop or for sightseeing, activities or free time.

Can I join the tour later or finish the tour earlier?

You can choose to join the tour at a later date or finish the tour early however, it is important to note that AAT Kings is unable to offer a discount for choosing to do as the tour is a set package with a strict itinerary.

Where do I meet the tour and tour manager?

Your tour will start from a centrally located hotel on day 1 of the tour, as this hotel is subject to change it is recommended to contact our team of Travel Experts for more information once your booking is confirmed.

Am I able to bring my children on this tour?

Children are welcome on all AAT Kings tours however they are required to be a minimum age of 5 years or older. It is recommended that if you are travelling with children to consider whether the itinerary is suitable and in particular the activities involved.

I am travelling alone, is there a single supplement?

If you are a single traveller you can either choose to share a room with another guest of the same gender at no extra cost or if you prefer the privacy of your own room you can pay a single supplement to upgrade to a single room. If you would like to book a single room please make sure to choose this option on the booking page or simply contact our team of Travel Experts.

Can airport transfers be arranged?

Arrival and departure transfers can be arranged for you once you have a confirmed booking. Please contact our team of Travel Experts if you would like a transfer added to your tour booking or for more information.

From

$3,645

US $3,353 per person

Southern Wonders

9 days

•

Start and end in Christchurch

4.5 (2 reviews)

From

$3,645

-8%

US $3,353 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Gold Operator: AAT Kings
Nature & Wildlife: Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 20 - 50
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Christchurch
Christchurch
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Day 2
Christchurch to Franz Josef
Christchurch to Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier)
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine train journey through the Southern Alps
- Scenic viewpoint of Franz Josef Glacier
Optional Activities
- Helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
- Haast River Safari (NZ$109 Adult / NZ$59 Child)
- The Helicopter Line - Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40min Flight (NZ$480 Adult / NZ$336 Child)
- The Helicopter Line - Twin Glacier Scenic 30min Flight (NZ$350 Adult / NZ$245 Child)
Landmarks
Arthur's Pass
Canterbury Plains
Franz Josef Glacier
Hokitika
Day 3
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront)
Landmarks
Lake Wanaka
Lake Hawea
Lake Dunstan
Arrowtown
Lake Wakatipu
The Remarkables
Day 4
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Gourmet BBQ Dinner and Farm Show at Walter Peak High Country Farm)
Accommodation
Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront)
Included Activities
- Cruise on TSS Earnslaw Steamship across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak
- Gourmet barbecue dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm
Optional Activities
- Skippers Canyon Scenic Tour & Jet Boat (NZ$195 Adult / NZ$115 Child)
- Lord of the Rings movie scenery tour
- Boutique Wine Tour of surrounding vineyards (NZ$199 Adult / NZ$139 Child)
- Kiwi Birdlife Park (NZ$49 Adult / NZ$24 Child)
- Lakeshore, Forest and Bird Guided Walk (NZ$115 Adult / NZ$75 Child)
- Shotover Jet Boat Ride (NZ$149 Adult / NZ$79 Child)
Landmarks
Skippers Canyon
Lake Wakatipu
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Day 5
Queenstown to Te Anau
Queenstown to Te Anau
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Hotel)
Included Activities
- Cruise in Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Landmarks
Mirror Lakes
Cleddau Valley
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Fiordland National Park
Day 6
Te Anau to Dunedin
Te Anau to Dunedin
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Scenic Hotel Dunedin City)
Optional Activities
- Speight's Brewery tour
- Larnach Castle tour (NZ$76 Adult / NZ$38 Child)
- Monarch Larnach Castle Tour (NZ$76 Adult / NZ$38 Child)
- Monarch Wildlife Cruise (NZ$150 Adult / NZ$56 Child)
- Taieri Gorge Railway (NZ$105 Adult / NZ$28 Child)
- Wildlife viewing experiences
Landmarks
Larnach Castle
Speight's Brewery
Day 7
Dunedin to Omarama
Dunedin to Omarama
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel)
Included Activities
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre
- Exploration of Discovery Centre
- Guided stroll through penguin colony
- Visit to penguin nesting area
Landmarks
Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre
Day 8
Omarama to Christchurch
Omarama to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Christchurch's transformation
- Visit to the Transitional Cathedral
- Visit to Turanga central library
- Viewing of Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
Landmarks
Canterbury Plains
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Transitional Cathedral
Turanga Central Library
Day 9
Christchurch
Christchurch

Landmarks
Arthur's Pass
Canterbury Plains
Franz Josef Glacier
Hokitika

Landmarks
Lake Wanaka
Lake Hawea
Lake Dunstan
Arrowtown
Lake Wakatipu
The Remarkables

Landmarks
Skippers Canyon
Lake Wakatipu
Walter Peak High Country Farm

Landmarks
Mirror Lakes
Cleddau Valley
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Fiordland National Park

Landmarks
Larnach Castle
Speight's Brewery

Landmarks
Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre

Landmarks
Canterbury Plains
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Transitional Cathedral
Turanga Central Library

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Hotel
Days 1, 8
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Hotel
day 2
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Hotel
Days 3, 4
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Hotel
day 5
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Hotel
day 6
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Hotel
day 7

Operated by

AAT Kings

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.4 (118 reviews)
Response time: within 2 days
Response rate: 71%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

4.5

Overall rating based on 2 Reviews

Itinerary
4.0
Transport
3.0
Guide
4.0
Accommodation
4.0
Food
4.0
Tour Operator
4.4

Christine4.0•October 2023
Overall from booking the tour to actually doing the tour was very good. Very good tour which ticked off some of my...
Show more
Traveled in September 2023
michael5.0•February 2020
The scenery was incredible and our tour guide Sarah was terrific as well!
Traveled in February 2020
Reply from: AAT Kings
Hello Michael, Thanks for leaving a review of our Southern Wonders tour, and we are glad to hear that Sarah brought New Zealand to life for you. We look forward to welcoming you again on an AAT Kings tour in the future. Many thanks, AAT Kings
Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 19 Aug, 2026

Instant Confirmation
From Monday
28 Sep, 2026
To Tuesday
6 Oct, 2026
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From Monday
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To Tuesday
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2 Other Unavailable Departures
Instant Confirmation
-8%
From Monday
28 Dec, 2026
To Tuesday
5 Jan, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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$3,645
US$3,353 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
From Monday
4 Jan, 2027
To Tuesday
12 Jan, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
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Instant Confirmation
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From Monday
11 Jan, 2027
To Tuesday
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English
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US$3,455 per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
From Monday
18 Jan, 2027
To Tuesday
26 Jan, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US$3,755 per person
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Instant Confirmation
-8%
From Monday
25 Jan, 2027
To Tuesday
2 Feb, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,755
US$3,455 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room

Why book with TourRadar?

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Rated excellent on
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24/7 customer support
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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

D
Dale
Asked on July 25th, 2022
what kind of weather will we be having. we want to avoid TOO HOT.
Tour Details
- AAT KingsOperator•Written July 2022
  New Zealand in October has an average temperature of 70-80 F depending on the area you travel to.
J
John
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Is tipping my Travel Director or Driver Guide compulsory?
Travel Support
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Tipping is not compulsory in Australia or New Zealand however if you are happy with the service you received from your Travel Director or Driver Guide you can feel free to leave them a tip at your own discretion.
D
Don
Asked on December 4th, 2018
How can I pay for the Optional Experiences?
Payments
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  All your Optional Experiences can be organised directly with your Travel Director whilst on the tour and you can choose to either pay in either local cash or by credit card.
S
Sam
Asked on December 4th, 2018
What is the maximum luggage allowance?
Transport
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Due to strict Government vehicle weight restrictions you are allowed one medium size suitcase per person, with dimensions not to exceed H76cm x W46cm x D25cm. The maximum weight of all luggage must not exceed 23kg (50lbs).
  You are also allowed one piece of hand luggage on-board the coach: however it must be able to fit in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you if required.
E
Elena
Asked on December 4th, 2018
On travelling days how often do we get a break?
Transport
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  On travelling days you will stop every 2 to 3 hours either at a rest stop or for sightseeing, activities or free time.
J
Julia
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Can I join the tour later or finish the tour earlier?
Tour Details
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  You can choose to join the tour at a later date or finish the tour early however, it is important to note that AAT Kings is unable to offer a discount for choosing to do as the tour is a set package with a strict itinerary.
C
Caroline
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Where do I meet the tour and tour manager?
Tour Details
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Your tour will start from a centrally located hotel on day 1 of the tour, as this hotel is subject to change it is recommended to contact our team of Travel Experts for more information once your booking is confirmed.
A
Ashley
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Am I able to bring my children on this tour?
Age Range
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Children are welcome on all AAT Kings tours however they are required to be a minimum age of 5 years or older. It is recommended that if you are travelling with children to consider whether the itinerary is suitable and in particular the activities involved.
D
Diana
Asked on December 4th, 2018
I am travelling alone, is there a single supplement?
Single supplement
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  If you are a single traveller you can either choose to share a room with another guest of the same gender at no extra cost or if you prefer the privacy of your own room you can pay a single supplement to upgrade to a single room. If you would like to book a single room please make sure to choose this option on the booking page or simply contact our team of Travel Experts.
A
Alexander
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Can airport transfers be arranged?
Flights / Transfers
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Arrival and departure transfers can be arranged for you once you have a confirmed booking. Please contact our team of Travel Experts if you would like a transfer added to your tour booking or for more information.

From

$3,645

-8%

US $3,353 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 137136

Currency
$
New Zealand Dollar
New Zealand
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.
Type I
New Zealand
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before October 17th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after October 17th, 2026, a minimum payment of $200 is required to confirm your booking with AAT Kings. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and AAT Kings will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "AAT Kings" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of AAT Kings. Please familiarize yourself with the AAT Kings payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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AAT Kings
Explore Australia and New Zealand with AAT Kings

Southern Wonders

Itinerary

Christchurch

Christchurch to Franz Josef

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Franz Josef to Queenstown

Queenstown

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Queenstown to Te Anau

Included Activities

Te Anau to Dunedin

Optional Activities

Dunedin to Omarama

Included Activities

Omarama to Christchurch

Included Activities

Christchurch

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Good to Know

Videos

Keep Exploring New Zealand

Southern Wonders

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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