9-Day Southern Spotlight
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US$3101 ￥20793 €2756 C$4408 Rs.298694
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Packages
A
Oct 2026 - Mar 2027
B
Apr 2027 - Mar 2028
Price a Trip, Book Now
room-based
Room, adult, and child counts are sent to the cart for final pricing, including any room-based supplement.
Child age: 0-12
Highlights
The South Island of New Zealand dials up the natural drama. Will it be Milford Sound/Piopiotahi with its towering fiords and waterfalls, seen on a cruise? Or Queenstown, serving up mountain scenery on repeat. This trip is accompanied by a Travel Director and Driver.
Dates & Prices
Price in USD (per person, based on double occupancy)
Itinerary
Welcome to Christchurch, your New Zealand South Island tour starts here. Since its 2010/11 earthquakes, Christchurch has reinvented itself in more ways than one. It's time tonight to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a tour briefing and drinks.
Christchurch, New Zealand
The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.
Christchurch is a lesson in reinvention, and today you’ll see how the city is rebuilding with bold ideas. Look out for the Transitional Cathedral, created largely from cardboard, plus Tūranga, the striking gold-clad central library. Then it’s time for wide-open scenery as you cross the Canterbury Plains. Think turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks and small towns with serious atmosphere. Stop in Tekapo for an Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience hosted by passionate Local Guides. It’s one of the quietest places you’ll visit, yet the sky is bursting with action. Tonight, you’ll sleep in Omarama with starlit memories.
Christchurch, New Zealand
The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.
Omarama, New Zealand
Nestled in a broad basin between mountain ranges, Omarama is well known to glider pilots. Come here to soar in the skies and fish in the fast rivers.
Get your camera ready, today is full of character stops and big landscapes. First up is Clyde, a charming historic town with a centre that’s a designated precinct. Gold mining-era buildings now house cafes, shops and all sorts of local flavour. Then roll on to Gore, proudly known as the country music capital of New Zealand. From here, the scenery shifts again as you head towards Fiordland National Park. By late day you’ll arrive in Te Anau, sitting pretty on the edge of the South Island’s largest lake. Take a slow stroll by the water and enjoy the calm. This is serenity, sorted.
Te Anau, New Zealand
Located in the Southland region of New Zealand, Te Anau is a scenic town that borders the Fiordland National Park. Experience the beauty of numerous mountain ranges, Lake Te Anau, bird watching, and easy access to Queenstown and the Milford Sounds.
Today is a wilderness day, pure and simple. Travel through Fiordland National Park where beech forests, mirror-like lakes and gin-clear rivers set the tone. The road winds through a landscape that feels untouched, leading you straight to Piopiotahi (Milford Sound). Then it’s time to get out on the water on an included sightseeing cruise. Towering cliffs rise above you, waterfalls tumble down and wildlife pops up when you least expect it. Seals and penguins are common sights, and you may even spot the curious kea, New Zealand’s alpine parrot. Bring a warm layer and keep your eyes open.
Milford Sound
Described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound offers breathtaking views and recreation. Visitors can admire staggering cliffs and waterfalls, kayak in the sea, take a helicopter flight, or enjoy a day or overnight boat cruise.
Hit the road along the aptly named Devil’s Staircase, a seriously scenic stretch that hugs Lake Wakatipu with lake and mountain views that keep coming. Then step into history in Arrowtown, a former gold rush village where tree-lined streets lead to character-filled shops and cafes. After that, it’s on to Queenstown, your base for the next two nights in New Zealand’s adventure capital. Tonight is a highlight. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm. You’ll tuck into a gourmet barbecue dinner and enjoy a farm show before gliding back under the lights.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.
Today is all about choice, Queenstown-style. If you want adrenaline, your Travel Director can point you towards a high-octane Choice Experience like a jet boat ride that skims across the water at full speed. Prefer animals and nature? Visit Kiwi Park on another Choice Experience to meet some of New Zealand’s unique native wildlife. Or keep it simple with lakeside walks, good coffee and time to browse the shops. Whatever your vibe, Queenstown has you covered. The best part is you don’t have to do it all. Pick what suits you, then enjoy the rest.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.
Try to keep track of the lakes today, there are plenty. Leave Lake Wakatipu behind, then pass shimmering Lake Hāwea as you head towards the wild beauty of Haast Pass. Waterfalls crash down rocky slopes, mountains loom overhead and the views keep shifting. By late day, you’ll arrive in Waiau (Franz Josef), a small town with a big natural backdrop. Want to level it up? Join a Choice Experience with a scenic flight over Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier), and if the weather plays nice you may even land on the ice. Tonight, enjoy the fresh alpine air and a well-earned rest.
Franz Josef, New Zealand
A small town on New Zealand's West Coast, known for the nearby Franz Josef Glacier and rainforest scenery.
This morning brings a change of scenery and a little sparkle. In Hokitika, discover pounamu, native greenstone prized for its beauty and meaning. It’s the kind of place where jewellery dreams take shape. Then comes one of New Zealand’s great rail journeys as you board the TranzAlpine train bound for Christchurch. Settle in for tunnels, viaducts and huge views of icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and snow-capped peaks. It’s a highlight for good reason. Tonight, celebrate your journey with dinner and drinks, raising a glass to lakes, mountains, and all the moments in between.
Christchurch, New Zealand
The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.
New Zealand’s South Island never fails to wow. We hope you find the words to describe this epic New Zealand tour to your family back home.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Additional Notes
- NEW ZEALAND: USA passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for New Zealand. It must be obtained on-line prior to departure from the Country of Origin. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure.
- IMPORTANT: Please see important Visa details sent with your invoice.
- ARRIVAL: Arrive into Christchurch International Airport (CHC) no later than 16:00. Trip starts at 18:00.
- DEPARTURE: Depart from Christchurch International Airport (CHC). Flights to depart anytime.
- TRANSFERS: Chargeable transfers available for guests who have booked their extra hotel nights with Costsaver. Guests booking independent hotel nights will need to make their own transfer arrangements.
- FITNESS REQUIREMENT: Low-medium level of fitness required. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. As well as walking, there will be considerable time standing.
- GROUND HANDLER: This trip operates by AAT Kings.
Policies
All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book airline tickets until you have received the confirmation.
Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.
Travel Documents
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Cancellation penalties per person (request day and departure day are not counted)
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% of purchase amount as penalty.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% of purchase amount as penalty.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
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