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 traveler reviews

View all
Overall from booking the tour to actually doing the tour was very good. Very good tour which ticked off some of my bucket list.
Christine, traveled in October
4.0
View all

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
City & Culture: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
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
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Day 2
Christchurch to Franz Josef
Accommodation
Hotel (Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier)
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine train journey through the Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass
- Panoramic viewpoint of Franz Josef Glacier
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
Landmarks
Arthur's Pass
Franz Josef Glacier
Hokitika
Day 3
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Accommodation
Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront)
Landmarks
Haast Pass
Lake Wanaka
Lake Hawea
Lake Dunstan
Arrowtown
Lake Wakatipu
The Remarkables
Day 4
Queenstown
Meals
Dinner (Gourmet barbecue dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm)
Accommodation
Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront)
Included Activities
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak
- Gourmet barbecue dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm
Optional Activities
- Skippers Canyon scenic tour
- Lord of the Rings movie scenery exploration
- Vineyard tours and wine tasting
- Shotover Jet Boat Ride - NZ$149 Adult NZ$79 Child
- Skippers Canyon Scenic Tour & Jet Boat - NZ$195 Adult NZ$115 Child
- Queenstown Boutique Wine Tour - 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
Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Skippers Canyon
Day 5
Queenstown to Te Anau
Meals
Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Hotel)
Included Activities
- Cruise across Milford Sound/Piopiotahi fjord
Landmarks
Mirror Lakes
Cleddau Valley
Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Fiordland National Park
Te Anau Lake
Day 6
Te Anau to Dunedin
Accommodation
Hotel (Scenic Hotel Dunedin City)
Optional Activities
- Speight's Brewery visit
- Larnach Castle visit
- Wildlife exploration
- Dunedin art walks
- Monarch Larnach Castle Tour (Dunedin) - NZ$76 Adult NZ$38 Child
- Monarch Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin) - NZ$150 Adult NZ$56 Child
- Taieri Gorge Railway (Dunedin) - NZ$105 Adult NZ$28 Child
Landmarks
Te Anau Lake
Larnach Castle
Speight's Brewery
Day 7
Dunedin to Omarama
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel)
Landmarks
Oamaru
Day 8
Omarama to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)
Included Activities
- Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo Dark Sky Project
- View the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Tekapo Dark Sky Project
Day 9
Christchurch

Landmarks
Arthur's Pass
Franz Josef Glacier
Hokitika

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

Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Walter Peak High Country Farm
Skippers Canyon

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

Landmarks
Te Anau Lake
Larnach Castle
Speight's Brewery

Landmarks
Oamaru

Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Tekapo Dark Sky Project

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

Adventure Type

Choose the type of organized adventure that suits your preferences.

Group Adventures
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships.
What to expect
- Group of 50 travelers max.
- Fast booking confirmation
- Carefully planned itineraries
- Travel with like-minded people
Starting at
US $3,353 / traveler
Check availability
Personalized Adventures
Customize an existing itinerary or create your own.
What to expect
- Choose your preferred dates and duration
- Upgrade your accommodation
- Customize the itineraries
After requesting a quote, we will get back to you with a price based on your requirements.
Request quote

Operated by

AAT Kings

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.4(117 reviews)
Response time: within 2 days
Response rate: 90%
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

C
Christine
October 11th, 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
M
michael
February 13th, 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 1 Jul, 2026

From Monday
28 Sep, 2026
To Tuesday
6 Oct, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $3,718 per person
Sign up and save up to $185
See Similar Tours For These Dates
Instant Confirmation
-8%
From Monday
26 Oct, 2026
To Tuesday
3 Nov, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,645
US $3,353 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save up to $167
From Monday
2 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
10 Nov, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $3,645 per person
Sign up and save up to $182
See Similar Tours For These Dates
Instant Confirmation
From Monday
16 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
24 Nov, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,718 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save up to $185
From Monday
23 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
1 Dec, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $3,645 per person
Sign up and save up to $182
See Similar Tours For These Dates
Instant Confirmation
-8%
From Monday
7 Dec, 2026
To Tuesday
15 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,645
US $3,353 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save up to $167
From Monday
14 Dec, 2026
To Tuesday
22 Dec, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $3,645 per person
Sign up and save up to $182
See Similar Tours For These Dates
From Monday
21 Dec, 2026
To Tuesday
29 Dec, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $3,645 per person
Sign up and save up to $182
See Similar Tours For These Dates
1 Other Unavailable Departure
Instant Confirmation
-8%
From Monday
28 Dec, 2026
To Tuesday
5 Jan, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,645
US $3,353 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save up to $167
From Monday
4 Jan, 2027
To Tuesday
12 Jan, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $3,755 per person
Sign up and save up to $187
See Similar Tours For These Dates
Instant Confirmation
From Monday
11 Jan, 2027
To Tuesday
19 Jan, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $3,830 per person
Multiple Room Types
Sign up and save up to $191

Why book with TourRadar?

Trusted and vetted operators
Rated excellent on
Best price guarantee

24/7 customer support
Earn $50 in travel credits

To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in United States, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

We couldn't find results

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 August 28th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 28th, 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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Videos

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

Omarama to Christchurch

Included Activities

Christchurch

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Adventure Type

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

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Adventure Type

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

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