View allGreat scenery and hotels excellent 👏👏
Jane, traveled in April
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- Gold Operator
- AAT Kings
- In-depth Cultural
- 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
Highlights
- Cruise on the magical waters of mystical Milford Sound
- Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
- Discover the icy landscape of Franz Josef Glacier
- Immerse yourself in the cultural traditions of Dunedin
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Welcome to Christchurch
- Day 2 Christchurch - Twizel
- Day 3 Twizel - Dunedin
- Day 4 Dunedin - Te Anau
- Day 5 Te Anau - Queenstown
- Day 6 Queenstown Free Time
- Day 7 Queenstown - Franz Josef/Waiau
- Day 8 Franz Josef/Waiau - Punakaiki
- Day 9 Punakaiki - Christchurch
- Day 10 Farewell from Christchurch
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Transport
- Free eSIMTourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Optional
- Additional Services
Where You'll Stay
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
HotelDays 1, 9Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel
Hotelday 2Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Hotelday 3Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Hotelday 4Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
HotelDays 5, 6Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Hotelday 7Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Hotelday 8
Adventure Type
- Group AdventuresJoin 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
- Personalized AdventuresCustomize an existing itinerary or create your own.What to expect
- Choose your preferred dates and duration
- Upgrade your accommodation
- Customize the itineraries
Operated by
AAT Kings
Number of tours
413
Age Range
5 to 99 years old
Response time
within 2 days
Response rate
84%
Since 1912, AAT Kings as a tour operator has been helping people from all...
Read moreSustainability Initiatives
Reduce Carbon Emissions
Animal Welfare
Supporting Destinations
Sustainability Programs
Traveler Moments
Customer Reviews
- Overall RatingExcellent
- ItineraryExcellent
- GuideExcellent
- TransportExcellent
- AccommodationExcellent
- FoodExcellent
- PDPatricia· April 16th, 2024I would highly recommend Isobel and driver Mark. They paid very good attention to detail and the comfort of the clients. I felt safe and secure as Mark's driving was very competent and Isobel was delightful, patient ans fun. She is a real people person with extensive knowledge of the areas visited, legends of the indigenous peoples, thinterpretation of place names and history. Mark and Isobel worked well together, meal times, departure times and other important information was provided well in advance. Good provision was made for frequent stops for toilet breaks and the purchase of refreshments. I likes the attention to time keeping.Show more
Trip date: March 2024 - PDPatricia· April 16th, 2024I thoroughly enjoyed my tour. The guide,...Show moreTrip date: March 2024
- NSNorman· February 16th, 2024Overall an excellent tour. But it was surprising and disappointing that in some of the hotels, the shower was in the bath.Show moreTrip date: February 2024
- JMJanet· January 29th, 2024Isabel and Stu were so knowledgeable and fun throughout the tour! What an educational and exciting tour.Show moreTrip date: January 2024
- SSSusan· November 18th, 2023Great itinerary and guide. Hotels and food excellent.Show moreTrip date: November 2023
- Dorothy· April 29th, 2023My tour was wonderful, awesome scenic views and fantastic tour guides and driver! Everywhere we stopped was spectacular! The towns and villages all had their own special charm! The hotels were very nice and amenities good! The food was very good! I especially enjoyed Angie and Stan’s cooking afternoon! My photographs are extraordinarily memorable! I was so happy to meet the other people on the tour and we all had a great time together! I would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see the South Island!Show moreTrip date: April 2023
- JMJane· April 28th, 2023Great tour host, great driver. No name tags that made it a little more difficult to get to know people. Great scenery and hotels excellent 👏👏Show moreTrip date: April 2023
- TBTrevor· March 27th, 2023The 10 day tour of the South Island was well planned and a great experience.. Both the driver and tour guide were first class and couldn't be faulted. Full of knowledge and fun the whole time. Would recommend to anyone.Show moreTrip date: February 2023
- MMMichael· February 11th, 2023Fantastic Best vacationShow moreTrip date: January 2023
- JBJoanne· January 21st, 2023We saw so much of the South Island of New Zealand—truly a trip of a lifetime! Well planned and organized. I felt very safe and comfortable traveling solo in this group bus tour.Show moreTrip date: December 2022
Dates & Availability
Select departure month and travellers
- 5 Other Unavailable Departures
Why book with TourRadar?
- Trusted and vetted operators
- Rated excellent on
- Best price guarantee
- 24/7 customer support
- Earn $50 in travel credits
- Free eSim with every purchase
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What our customers ask about this tour
The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.- N
Nicola
Asked on February 20th, 2025I live in NZ and have an Austrian friend visiting in April interested in a South Island tour. The Southern Spectacular looks a good fit for her but she flies into Auckland (from Japan) morning of 16 April (your tour starts 15 April in Christchurch). She could fly to Christchurch on her arrival on the 16th to catch up with you. So I'm wondering what time you leave Christchurch on the 16th? If she can't make it there in time do you have a recommendation for how she could meet up with you in Twizel or any other way of handling?
AAT KingsOperator•Written February 2025The tour will depart from Christchurch by 10:00 AM on the 16th of April 2025. If the guest will not possible to arrive on that time, our operations team advised that she/he needs to arrange a private transfer going to Twizel to join the tour.
- N
Nicola
Traveler•Written February 2025If my friend is able to join the tour it looks like it'll have to be in Dunedin, would there be a price discount for the days she will not enjoy the tour?
- AAT KingsOperator•Written February 2025
Regrettably, we cannot provide a discount for the missed dates due to late arrival, as the payment covers the entire trip cost. However, we can offer some discounts if your companion has traveled with us before or holds a concessionaire discount.
N2 more answers - M
Marian
Asked on January 4th, 2025What sort of travel support is offered during the tour?
- AAT KingsOperator•Written January 2025
Comprehensive support includes access to a tour director and local guides who are available to assist with any issues during your trip. Additionally, emergency contact numbers are provided.
- G
Graciela
Asked on December 20th, 2024What is the maximum group size for the tours?
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2024
The tours are designed for various group sizes, with some tours suitable for smaller groups for a more personalized experience, while others can accommodate larger groups for a social traveling experience.
- T
Tanya
Asked on December 15th, 2024What are the age requirements for travelers on the tour?
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2024
Travelers of all ages are welcome; however, minors must be accompanied by an adult and some activities may have age restrictions.
- R
Rachael
Asked on November 2nd, 2024l plan to land in Christchurch on Apr 22, 0.05am. Should i book the tour on Apr 22-May 1, or Apr 23-May 2?
- AAT KingsOperator•Written November 2024
Apologies, the Southern Spectacular tour on 22-Apr-2025 is not available anymore and we do not have scheduled tour for 21st of April for this tour. The next available departure date we can offer is the 1st of July 2025 and it was currently on request status.
- M
Marije
Asked on September 19th, 2024What type of transport is used between tour locations?
- AAT KingsOperator•Written September 2024
Transportation varies depending on the tour and can include buses, trains, or other local transport options. It’s designed to enhance the tour experience by allowing scenic commutes between locations.
- M
Monica
Asked on September 9th, 2024My wife and I are in our 70s. Is this a suitable trip. Also, what meals are included
- AAT KingsOperator•Written September 2024
The tour is designed for individuals with a low level of fitness, and most of our guests are typically within your age group. Please be aware that the motorcoach has steep stairs for entry and exit. Should you have any concerns about accessibility, kindly provide us with your specific requirements so that our operations team can assess the tour's suitability for you. We frequently accommodate guests using foldable wheelchairs and walkers, but advance notice would be appreciated. Regarding meals, the tour package includes 9 full buffet breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 'Be My Guest' afternoon tea, 1 highlight dinner, 5 dinners with wine, and 1 farewell dinner.
- A
Antonio
Asked on August 10th, 2024Is there a single supplement available and how much
- AAT KingsOperator•Written August 2024
The tour Southern Spectacular is currently available and a definite departure. The price for single supplement booking is $7,939.00 AUD
- H
Holly
Asked on July 10th, 2024How can I pay for the tour?
- AAT KingsOperator•Written July 2024
Payments can be made via several methods including credit card, bank transfer, or online payment platforms. Specific payment options available will be detailed once you choose your tour package.
- K
Kimberly
Asked on April 3rd, 2024What are the visa requirements for international travelers?
- AAT KingsOperator•Written April 2024
Visa requirements vary by country. Travelers are advised to check entry requirements based on their personal circumstances and the countries they are visiting.
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Tour ID: 137139
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