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2026

Jan
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2027

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2028

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Who is travelling?

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From
$3,740
US $3,441 per person

Southern Wonders

9 days
•
Start and end in Christchurch
4.5 (2 reviews)
Southern Wonders - AAT Kings
From
$3,740
-8%
US $3,441 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

AAT Kings offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $172
Select departure month

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

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

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Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    Christchurch

    Christchurch
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Christchurch's innovative architecture
    • Dine at forward-thinking restaurants and bars
  3. Day 2

    Christchurch to Franz Josef

    Christchurch to Franz Josef
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier)

    Included Activities

    • Travel aboard TranzAlpine train through Southern Alps crossing Canterbury Plains, tunnels, viaducts, and scenic landscapes toward Franz Josef

    Optional Activities

    • 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)
    • Haast River Safari (NZ$109 Adult / NZ$59 Child)
    Landmarks
    Arthur's Pass
    Canterbury Plains
    Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier)
    Hokitika
  4. Day 3

    Franz Josef to Queenstown

    Franz Josef to Queenstown
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront)

    Included Activities

    • Travel over Haast Pass through alpine scenery
    • View Lake Wanaka with poplars and willows
    • View Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan
    • Pass through Arrowtown with movie-set-like streets and boutiques
    Landmarks
    Lake Wanaka
    Lake Hawea
    Lake Dunstan
    Arrowtown
    Lake Wakatipu
    The Remarkables
  5. Day 4

    Queenstown

    Queenstown
    Meals
    Dinner (Gourmet barbecue dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront)

    Included Activities

    • Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm
    • 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)
    • Explore Lord of the Rings movie scenery
    • 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)
    • Shotover Jet Boat Ride (NZ$149 Adult / NZ$79 Child)
    Landmarks
    Lake Wakatipu
    Skippers Canyon
    Walter Peak High Country Farm
  6. Day 5

    Queenstown to Te Anau

    Queenstown to Te Anau
    Meals
    Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Luxmore Hotel)

    Included Activities

    • Travel through Mirror Lakes and Cleddau Valley
    • Cruise across Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) with waterfalls and fiord scenery
    • Spot fur seals in Milford Sound
    • Travel through Fiordland National Park with beech forests and alpine scenery
    Landmarks
    Mirror Lakes
    Cleddau Valley
    Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)
    Fiordland National Park
  7. Day 6

    Te Anau to Dunedin

    Te Anau to Dunedin
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Hotel Dunedin City)

    Optional Activities

    • Monarch Wildlife Cruise (NZ$150 Adult / NZ$56 Child)
    • Monarch Larnach Castle Tour (NZ$76 Adult / NZ$38 Child)
    • Taieri Gorge Railway (NZ$105 Adult / NZ$28 Child)
    • Visit Speight's Brewery for beer tasting
    • Wildlife viewing experiences
    Landmarks
    Lake Te Anau
    Larnach Castle
    Speight's Brewery
  8. Day 7

    Dunedin to Omarama

    Dunedin to Omarama
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
    • Explore Discovery Centre at Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre
    • Stroll through penguin colony and nesting areas
    • Learn about little blue penguins (kororā) and conservation efforts from an educator
    Landmarks
    Ōamaru Penguins Conservation Centre
  9. Day 8

    Omarama to Christchurch

    Omarama to Christchurch
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Ibis Hotel Christchurch)

    Included Activities

    • View Lake Tekapo and Canterbury Plains scenery
    • Visit Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
    • Explore Transitional Cathedral in Christchurch
    • Visit Turanga (central library) in Christchurch
    • Guided tour of Christchurch's transformation with Travel Director
    Landmarks
    Lake Tekapo
    Church of the Good Shepherd
    Transitional Cathedral
    Turanga (Central Library)
  10. Day 9

    Christchurch

    Christchurch

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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
64%
Cancellation policy
Learn more

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

Sort by

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Highest First
Lowest First
  • 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

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Dates & Prices

Select departure month

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 7 Oct, 2026
  • From Monday
    26 Oct, 2026
    To Tuesday
    3 Nov, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    US$3,098 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • 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
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • From Monday
    28 Dec, 2026
    To Tuesday
    5 Jan, 2027
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US$3,645 per person
  • 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
    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
  • 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
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • From Monday
    1 Feb, 2027
    To Tuesday
    9 Feb, 2027
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US$3,755 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    -8%
    From Monday
    8 Feb, 2027
    To Tuesday
    16 Feb, 2027
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $3,755
    US$3,455 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room
  • From Monday
    15 Feb, 2027
    To Tuesday
    23 Feb, 2027
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US$3,755 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    -8%
    From Monday
    22 Feb, 2027
    To Tuesday
    2 Mar, 2027
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $3,755
    US$3,455 per person
    Price based on Private Double Room

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

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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.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at AAT Kings with your enquiry, they usually respond within 2 days.
From
$3,740
-8%
US $3,441 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

AAT Kings offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $172
Select departure month

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

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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 December 6th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after December 6th, 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

    • Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.

      Checking the cancellation terms for this tour…
    • Your money is protected.
      TourRadar is an authorized agent of AAT Kings, and we handle payments so you don't have to. Payment is securely transferred to the Operator based on your departure date.
  • Insurance

    Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.

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  • 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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Keep Exploring New Zealand

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec