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.

When will I receive my travel documents?

Your travel documents will be posted to you in a travel wallet which will contain your documents and luggage tags to you approximately four weeks before your departure date.

Southern Spirit (2024/2025, 14 Days)

14 days

•

From Christchurch to Wellington

4.4 (118 reviews)

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No departure dates available

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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
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
Included Activities
- Christchurch Tram self-guided tour
Landmarks
Transitional Cathedral
Turanga (Central Library)
Day 2
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided Christchurch tour
- Visit Church of the Good Shepherd
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight over Mount Cook, Southern Alps, Franz Josef and Fox glaciers
Landmarks
Church of the Good Shepherd
Lake Tekapo
Mount Cook
Day 3
Lake Tekapo to Dunedin
Lake Tekapo to Dunedin
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Oamaru limestone heritage tour
- Visit Larnach Castle
Optional Activities
- Speights Brewery visit
- Dunedin tour with Otago Peninsula fur seal and penguin viewing
Landmarks
Oamaru Public Gardens
Larnach Castle
Otago Peninsula
Day 4
Dunedin to Invercargill
Dunedin to Invercargill
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Optional Activities
- Bill Richardson's private vehicle collection
Landmarks
Bill Richardson Transport World
Day 5
Invercargill to Stewart Island
Invercargill to Stewart Island
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stewart Island tour with local guide
- Ulva Island visit
Landmarks
Stewart Island
Ulva Island
Day 6
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Shotover Jet ride
- Bungy jumping
- Vineyard wine tasting
- TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm with gourmet barbecue dinner
Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
The Remarkables
Day 7
Queenstown
Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Milford Sound cruise in Fiordland National Park
Landmarks
Milford Sound
Fiordland National Park
Day 8
Queenstown to Franz Josef
Queenstown to Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Arrowtown visit
- Lake Dunstan stop
- Lake Hawea visit
- Lake Wanaka visit
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier scenic flight with optional landing
Landmarks
Arrowtown
Lake Dunstan
Lake Hawea
Lake Wanaka
Franz Josef Glacier
Day 9
Franz Josef to Punakaiki
Franz Josef to Punakaiki
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hokitika West Coast visit
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes visit
Landmarks
Hokitika
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
Day 10
Punakaiki to Nelson
Punakaiki to Nelson
Meals
Breakfast
Landmarks
Buller Gorge
Kahurangi National Park
Day 11
Nelson
Nelson
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Abel Tasman National Park coastal hiking
- Abel Tasman National Park coastal cruise
Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park
Day 12
Nelson to Wellington
Nelson to Wellington
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Interislander ferry cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound and Cook Strait
- Wellington guided tour
Landmarks
Queen Charlotte Sound
Cook Strait
Day 13
Wellington
Wellington
Meals
Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Te Papa museum - Māori culture
- Lord of the Rings movie tour
- Weta Workshop tour
Landmarks
Te Papa Museum
Weta Workshop
Day 14
Tour Ends
Tour Ends
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell Dinner)

Landmarks
Transitional Cathedral
Turanga (Central Library)

Landmarks
Church of the Good Shepherd
Lake Tekapo
Mount Cook

Landmarks
Oamaru Public Gardens
Larnach Castle
Otago Peninsula

Landmarks
Bill Richardson Transport World

Landmarks
Stewart Island
Ulva Island

Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
The Remarkables

Landmarks
Milford Sound
Fiordland National Park

Landmarks
Arrowtown
Lake Dunstan
Lake Hawea
Lake Wanaka
Franz Josef Glacier

Landmarks
Hokitika
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

Landmarks
Buller Gorge
Kahurangi National Park

Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park

Landmarks
Queen Charlotte Sound
Cook Strait

Landmarks
Te Papa Museum
Weta Workshop

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance

Operated by

AAT Kings

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.4 (118 reviews)
Response time: within 2 days
Response rate: 70%
Cancellation policy

Reviews from other tours by AAT Kings

Tour Operator
4.4

Woldeyesus5.0•April 2026
Led by Christin
Service was great and the touring team was awesome!!
Cam5.0•January 2026
We had a great time. Met many new friends from many countries. With extra booked excursions, we were kept so busy...
Show more
Marina5.0•January 2026
We were very happy with our tour! It was very well organised, good accommodation, tasty meals, and with tour...
Show more

Dates & Availability

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 29 Jul, 2026

From Thursday
1 Oct, 2026
To Tuesday
13 Oct, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
US $6,773 per person
Sign up and save
13 Days, with Small Groups Version
View this tour
-8%
From Thursday
19 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
1 Dec, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$6,640
US $6,109 per person
Sign up and save
13 Days, with Small Groups Version
View this tour
-15%
From Thursday
26 Nov, 2026
To Tuesday
8 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$6,640
US $5,644 per person
Sign up and save
13 Days, with Small Groups Version
View this tour
From Thursday
10 Dec, 2026
To Tuesday
22 Dec, 2026
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $6,773 per person
Sign up and save
See Similar Tours For These Dates
From Thursday
31 Dec, 2026
To Tuesday
12 Jan, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $6,640 per person
Sign up and save
See Similar Tours For These Dates
From Thursday
21 Jan, 2027
To Tuesday
2 Feb, 2027
This departure date is not available or sold out
Sold out
From:
US $6,640 per person
Sign up and save
See Similar Tours For These Dates
2 Other Unavailable Departures
-8%
From Thursday
28 Jan, 2027
To Tuesday
9 Feb, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$6,640
US $6,109 per person
Sign up and save
13 Days, with Small Groups Version
View this tour
-8%
From Thursday
4 Feb, 2027
To Tuesday
16 Feb, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$6,840
US $6,293 per person
Sign up and save
13 Days, with Small Groups Version
View this tour
From Thursday
18 Feb, 2027
To Tuesday
2 Mar, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $6,977 per person
Sign up and save
13 Days, with Small Groups Version
View this tour
-8%
From Thursday
4 Mar, 2027
To Tuesday
16 Mar, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$6,840
US $6,293 per person
Sign up and save
13 Days, with Small Groups Version
View this tour

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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

K
Kyle
Asked on December 4th, 2018
Is tipping my Travel Director or Driver Guide compulsory?
Other
- 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.
J
Jasmine
Asked on December 4th, 2018
How can I pay for the Optional Experiences?
Payments
Tour Details
- 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.
D
Denise
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.
J
Jackie
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.
S
Stacey
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.
E
Emma
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.
J
Jorge
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.
S
Sabrina
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.
J
Jorge
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.
B
Brian
Asked on December 4th, 2018
When will I receive my travel documents?
Tour Details
- AAT KingsOperator•Written December 2018
  Your travel documents will be posted to you in a travel wallet which will contain your documents and luggage tags to you approximately four weeks before your departure date.

No departure dates available

No dates, no problem! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive:

Travel inspiration for similar adventures
Alerts of the newest adventure deals

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 137150

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 September 29th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after September 29th, 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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Southern Spirit (2024/2025, 14 Days)

No departure dates available

Itinerary

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Reviews from other tours by AAT Kings

Dates & Availability

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

No departure dates available

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Good to Know

Videos

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