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Best price guarantee Learn More
- 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
- Guided in English
- Group Size 20 - 50
- Age range 5 to 99

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
Customer Photos

Operated by
AAT Kings
Number of tours
279
Age Range
5 to 99 years old
Response time
within 2 days
Response rate
92%
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
Customer Reviews
- Overall RatingExcellent
- ItineraryExcellent
- GuideExcellent
- TransportExcellent
- AccommodationExcellent
- FoodExcellent
- PDPatricia· April 16th, 2024I thoroughly enjoyed my tour. The guide, Isobel, paid very good attention to details and the comfort of her tourists.I felt safe and secure in the bus as Mark's driving was very competent and Isobel was delightful, patient and full of fun, a real people person.She and Mark worked well together, meal times, departure times and other important information was provided well in advance. Good provision was made for frequent stops to allow for toilet breaks and the purchase of refreshments. I liked their attention to time keeping. For me, everything worked smoothly which made the tour relaxed and stress free. I would highly recommend Isobel and Mark.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...Show moreTrip date: November 2023
- Dorothy· April 29th, 2023My tour was wonderful, awesome scenic views and...Show moreTrip date: April 2023
- JMJane· April 28th, 2023Great tour host, great driver. No name tags...Show moreTrip date: April 2023
- TBTrevor· March 27th, 2023The 10 day tour of the South Island was well...Show moreTrip date: February 2023
- MMMichael· February 11th, 2023Fantastic Best vacationTrip date: January 2023
- JBJoanne· January 21st, 2023We saw so much of the South Island of New...Show moreTrip date: December 2022
- Kathryn· September 26th, 2019Tour was excellent, great guild and coach...Show moreAAT Kings commented on this reviewHi Kathryn, thanks so much for sharing your feedback. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed your holiday through New Zealand's spectacular South with us! Hope to see you on another AAT Kings tour soon.Trip date: August 2019
Dates & Availability
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- Instant ConfirmationFrom Tuesday23 Sep, 2025To Thursday2 Oct, 2025EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$7,220
- From Tuesday14 Oct, 2025To Thursday23 Oct, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold outFrom:$7,440
- Instant Confirmation-15%From Tuesday21 Oct, 2025To Thursday30 Oct, 2025EnglishMultiple Room TypesFrom:$7,440$6,324
- Instant Confirmation-15%From Tuesday28 Oct, 2025To Thursday6 Nov, 2025EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$7,440$6,324
- From Tuesday4 Nov, 2025To Thursday13 Nov, 2025EnglishAlmost Sold OutCheck the availability with the operatorDeparture on requestMultiple Room TypesFrom:$7,440
- From Tuesday11 Nov, 2025To Thursday20 Nov, 2025EnglishAlmost Sold OutCheck the availability with the operatorDeparture on requestMultiple Room TypesFrom:$7,440
- Instant Confirmation-15%From Tuesday18 Nov, 2025To Thursday27 Nov, 2025EnglishFilling FastMultiple Room TypesFrom:$7,440$6,324
- Instant ConfirmationFrom Tuesday25 Nov, 2025To Thursday4 Dec, 2025EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$7,440
- From Tuesday2 Dec, 2025To Thursday11 Dec, 2025This departure date is not available or sold outSold outFrom:$7,440
- Instant Confirmation-15%From Tuesday9 Dec, 2025To Thursday18 Dec, 2025EnglishFilling FastThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$7,440$6,324
Best price guarantee Learn More
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 2025
The 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.
Good to Know
Tour ID: 137139
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