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2028

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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2028

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Who is travelling?

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From
$4,895
US $4,406 per person

Southern Spectacular

10 days
•
Start and end in Christchurch
3.3
3 traveler reviews
  • Snow-blanketed Mount Cook soars above a still alpine lake and a winding road bathed in golden light.
  • Historic building and a decorative fountain in a bright city park.
  • Red cable car descending with a cityscape and distant mountains.
  • Historic stone building with vibrant flowers in a lush park setting.
  • Architecturally distinct buildings with clock tower in an urban landscape.
    View all
  • Historic university building with lush green trees surrounding it.
  • Beautiful lakeside town with clear waters and snow-capped mountains.
  • Beautiful lakeside town with clear waters and snow-capped mountains.
  • Adventurous hikers celebrating on a rocky mountain summit with snowy peaks.
  • Stunning view of a fjord with mountainous landscape at sunset.
    View all
From
$4,895
-10%
US $4,406 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

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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
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Plan your adventure:
Platinum Operator
Trafalgar
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

  1. Day 1

    Christchurch

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction)

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Avon River
    • Visit Botanic Gardens
    • Christchurch Casino
    • Browse Cashel Mall
    Landmarks
    Avon River
    Christchurch Botanic Gardens
    Cashel Mall
    Cathedral Square
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  2. Day 2

    Christchurch - Geraldine - Lake Tekapo - Twizel

    Meals
    Lunch (Lunch at Talbots Forest Cheese in Geraldine), Dinner (Classic New Zealand fare in Twizel)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel)

    Included Activities

    • Sightseeing tour of Christchurch featuring Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance
    • Talbots Forest Cheese tasting and lunch in Geraldine
    • Visit Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
    • Be My Guest afternoon tea with Angie and Stan Taylor at Lake Tekapo including Pavlova preparation and tasting
    Landmarks
    Canterbury Museum
    Christchurch Earthquake Memorial
    Bridge of Remembrance
    Talbots Forest Cheese
    Church of the Good Shepherd
    Lake Tekapo
    Canterbury Plains
  3. Day 3

    Twizel - Oamaru - Dunedin

    Meals
    Dinner (Dinner in the heart of Dunedin with fresh seafood or specialty from the butcher's block)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Southern Cross)

    Included Activities

    • Explore Oamaru with its Victorian architecture and limestone buildings
    • Tea break and shopping in Oamaru

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Speight's Brewery
    • Tour Larnach Castle
    Landmarks
    Waitaki River
    Oamaru
    Speight's Brewery
    Larnach Castle
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  4. Day 4

    Dunedin - Te Anau

    Meals
    Dinner (Dinner at your hotel)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas)

    Included Activities

    • Jet boat ride down Waiau River to Lake Manapouri with conservation education

    Optional Activities

    • Visit glowworm caves
    Landmarks
    Fiordland National Park
    Lake Manapouri
    Pomona Island
    Waiau River
  5. Day 5

    Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Millennium)

    Included Activities

    • Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
    Landmarks
    Fiordland National Park
    Mirror Lakes
    Homer Tunnel
    Cleddau Valley
    Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
    Bowen Falls
    Stirling Falls
    Mitre Peak
    Lake Wakatipu
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  6. Day 6

    Queenstown

    Meals
    Dinner (Gourmet barbecue dinner at Colonel's Homestead with ribs and fresh vegetables)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Millennium)

    Included Activities

    • Cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm
    • Gourmet barbecue dinner with ribs and fresh vegetables
    • After-dinner farm show at Walter Peak

    Optional Activities

    • Tour to Skippers Canyon
    • Skippers Jet ride
    • Dance on TSS Earnslaw's wooden dance floor
    Landmarks
    Lake Wakatipu
    TSS Earnslaw
    Walter Peak High Country Farm
    Skippers Canyon
    Itinerary Image 1
  7. Day 7

    Queenstown - Arrowtown - Cromwell - Franz Josef

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Franz Josef Glacier)

    Included Activities

    • Visit restored gold mining settlement of Arrowtown
    • Jones Family fruit stall in Cromwell with stone fruit sampling

    Optional Activities

    • Helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier
    Landmarks
    Arrowtown
    Cromwell
    Lake Dunstan
    Lake Hawea
    Lake Wanaka
    Haast Pass
    Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  8. Day 8

    Franz Josef - Hokitika - Punakaiki

    Meals
    Dinner (Dinner at Scenic Hotel Punakaiki with local specialities and wine)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Punakaiki)

    Included Activities

    • View Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki

    Optional Activities

    • Visit West Coast Wildlife Centre to see kiwi birds
    Landmarks
    Franz Josef/Waiau
    West Coast Wildlife Centre
    Hokitika
    Pancake Rocks
    Blowholes
    Punakaiki Beach
  9. Day 9

    Punakaiki - Greymouth - Christchurch

    Meals
    Lunch (Pub-style lunch at Monteith's Brewery), Dinner (Dinner showcasing food from the Canterbury region)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Pounamu Pathway in Greymouth celebrating local Māori history and culture
    • Lunch at Monteith's Brewery
    • TranzAlpine train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
    Landmarks
    Pounamu Pathway
    Greymouth
    Monteith's Brewery
    Waimakariri River
    Southern Alps
  10. Day 10

    Christchurch

    Meals
    Breakfast

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Optional Extras

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

  • Distinction

    Hotel
    Days 1, 9

  • Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel

    Hotel
    day 2

  • Scenic Southern Cross

    Hotel
    day 3

  • Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

    Hotel
    day 4

  • Millennium

    Hotel
    Days 5, 6

  • Scenic Franz Josef Glacier

    Hotel
    day 7

  • Scenic Punakaiki

    Hotel
    day 8

Operated by

Trafalgar

Platinum Operator
Rating
4.5(2,232 reviews)
Response time
5 hours
Response rate
80%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

3.3
Overall rating based on 3 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    3.7
  • Transport
    3.3
  • Guide
    3.7
  • Accommodation
    3.7
  • Food
    3.3
  • Tour Operator
    4.5

Sort by

Most recent
Most popular
Highest first
Lowest first

Sort by

Most Recent
Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • C
    April 24th, 2023
    Wonderful trip, Hope and Rick were amazing hosts.
    Traveled in April 2023
  • Southern Spectacular reviewer 2
    January 4th, 2023
    I actually did not travel with Trafalgar but wanted to share what little experience I did have. I signed up for a...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2023
    Reply from: Trafalgar
    We regret to read that your pre-trip experience may not have been as seamless as it should have been, and that the single-supplement was not something that the team was able to offer on this occasion. On any given trip, there are only a limited amount of single-person rooms that we and the hotels can accommodate, and it seems that it may simply not have been possible this time. That said, our Reservations Department always endeavours to inform our valued guests in advance if this is ever the case, and to offer alternative solutions that might satisfy the different needs of our guests. Nevertheless, we genuinely understand that you may have been disappointed with the service provided, and would like to let you know that your concerns have been highlighted with the team for their attention going forward. With this in mind, while we note with reluctance that you may not choose to travel with Trafalgar in the future, we still wish you all the best in your adventures to come.
    Show more
  • M
    January 8th, 2020
    I found that I paid higher as compared to others, discard their earlier bird book8ng, probably the exchange rate half...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2019
    Reply from: Trafalgar
    Thanks for sharing your feedback with us here at Trafalgar. It is correct to assume that different booking regions, along with the fluctuating currency rates and specific seasonal offers or discounts may affect the prices of our guided holidays. Nevertheless, we do strive to provide our guests with the best deal possible at the time of booking. In case of any future concerns, we would advise that you discuss issues such as this with your travel agent at the time of booking to avoid any potential disappointment. Despite this, we still hope that you have taken lots of lasting highlights from your time away with us.
    Show more

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Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

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 24 Jun, 2026
  • From Tuesday
    22 Sep, 2026
    To Thursday
    1 Oct, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    US $4,893 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Tuesday
    13 Oct, 2026
    To Thursday
    22 Oct, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    US $5,039 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Tuesday
    27 Oct, 2026
    To Thursday
    5 Nov, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    US $5,039 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Tuesday
    3 Nov, 2026
    To Thursday
    12 Nov, 2026
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $4,799 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    10 Nov, 2026
    To Thursday
    19 Nov, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,895 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -10%
    From Tuesday
    17 Nov, 2026
    To Thursday
    26 Nov, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $4,895
    US $4,406 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    24 Nov, 2026
    To Thursday
    3 Dec, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,895 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    8 Dec, 2026
    To Thursday
    17 Dec, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $4,895 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    22 Dec, 2026
    To Thursday
    31 Dec, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $5,039 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Tuesday
    5 Jan, 2027
    To Thursday
    14 Jan, 2027
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
    From:
    US $4,799 per person

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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
  • G

    George

    Asked on August 1st, 2023

    How do we book the New Zeland tour with a child? He will be 8 at the time of travel. How will accommodations work as a family of 3?

    Accommodation
    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • G

      George

      Traveler•Written August 2023

      I was reading the reviews on the trip I inquired about, and I have second thoughts... but I did find a very similar one, just operated by a different company. Unfortunately the dates don't go past April 2025, I would like to travel November/December 2025.

    • TrafalgarOperator•Written August 2023

      We appreciate you sharing your travel plans with us and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please take note that the Southern Spectacular trip is available in November and December 2025. Kindly provide the date and room assignment of the passengers so we can provide an accurate quote for this trip.

      • 1 more answer
  • A

    Anna

    Asked on July 24th, 2023

    How much extra for single person not sharing accommodation

    Price / Availability
    Single supplement
    • TrafalgarOperator•Written July 2023

      The cost for the Southern Spectacular trip is $7,575.00 AUD in a single room.

  • R

    Ronald

    Asked on March 18th, 2023

    Much walking? See Milford Sound? Good accommodation? Flights from Australia included? Own room at all times?

    Accommodation
    Flights / Transfers
    Single supplement
    Tour Details
    • TrafalgarOperator•Written March 2023

      A low-medium level of fitness is required this trip. Milford Sound Day: A Day pack is required. Our contracted hotels are 4 to 5 stars hotel for accommodation. Flights are not included. You will have your own room if you book a Single Room however, this still depends on the availability as we have limited allocation for Single Rooms.

    • R

      Ronald

      Traveler•Written March 2023

      The only thing I'm worried about is having to share a room with someone, something I've never done in my life. This will be a deciding factor for me, otherwise this Tour is Perfect.

    • TrafalgarOperator•Written March 2023

      If in case your Single Room request will be denied and you'll be in a Twin Share room, you'll be sharing the room with someone of the same gender. If you have trouble or you're uncomfortable with sharing the room, you can reach out to the Travel Director so he/she can work out alternatives for you.

    • R

      Ronald

      Traveler•Written March 2023

      I think the even slight chance of my sharing a room with ANYONE puts me off this Tour, as good as it sounds. I will go with a Tour where I can pay a Single Supplement, as money is not an issue.

      • R
      3 more answers
  • Z

    Zoe

    Asked on March 10th, 2023

    What is the hotel for a pre night

    Accommodation
    • TrafalgarOperator•Written March 2023

      The pre hotel accommodation would be Distinction Christchurch Hotel.

  • A

    Antonio

    Asked on August 13th, 2022

    What is your cancellation policy please?

    Tour Details
    • TrafalgarOperator•Written August 2022

      Regarding our cancelation policy. I have attached a downloaded copy to this enquiry question. It is also on our Trafalgar website. Its located at the very bottom of the web page to the bottom right within the grey colored section and listed as 'Booking Conditions'.

  • J

    Jack

    Asked on July 27th, 2022

    I am over 60 years and and just had my knees replaced. So walking long distance will be a problem and going uphill. What's the best tour do u recommend? My other 2 companions are young in their early 20's

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • TrafalgarOperator•Written July 2022

      With this tour with Trafalgar they are designed to be travelled at an easy going pace and are not meant to be strenuous at all so if you just had a knee replaced doing a coach bus tour like this one would definitely be the way to go. This is especially true for a place like New Zealand where a lot of other companies have more adventurous and active trips. While the age range for Trafalgar will steer towards the 50's their minimum age for this trip is 5 so for younger travellers in their 20's this trip would still be very enjoyable and a great way to explore a lot of the country.

  • L

    Lynne

    Asked on July 26th, 2022

    what kind of weather should we dress for?

    Tour Details
    • TrafalgarOperator•Written July 2022

      There is no real dress attire for this trip. For your preferred date, that would probably springtime in New Zealand, it would just be whatever you feel is appropriate to travel in but it can still get chilly at night so maybe just a light jacket for the night time.

  • C

    Christina

    Asked on June 28th, 2022

    Is it possible to combine two trips, one for the South Island and another for the North?

    Tour Details
    • C

      Christina

      Traveler•Written June 2022

      What is upcharge for a single supplement and would I have a private room and bathroom in all hotels?

    • TrafalgarOperator•Written July 2022

      For this tour single supplement would be at $839 and it is subject to change until booked.

      • 1 more answer
  • M

    Max

    Asked on May 30th, 2022

    My father is wanting to attend the Airshow in NZ on 9 April, 2023. He is in his late 70s. My mother is in her mid 70s and my brother will be 50. Do you have a tour around that date for $5000 pp including airfares from Australia return?

    Age Range
    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • TrafalgarOperator•Written June 2022

      The Trafalgar trip you've selected is currently $5,511 share triple for 10 days, with the closest availability for the Airshow being 18 April 2023. Alternatively, our sister company Costsaver runs a shorter trip commencing 23 March which is $2610.00 per person share triple for a 7-day trip, excluding airfares. The above pricing is subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are for land only excluding airfares. Would either of those trips suit? These trips don't run to the Airshow so your family would need to make their own way to and from Blenheim.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Trafalgar with your enquiry, they usually respond within 5 hours.
From
$4,895
-10%
US $4,406 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

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
Save and compare this adventure

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 82451

  • 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 22nd, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after September 22nd, 2026, a minimum payment of $200 is required to confirm your booking with Trafalgar. 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 95 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 Trafalgar will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Trafalgar" 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
  • 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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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