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New Zealand South Island Highlights

4 Days Queenstown to Christchurch
New Zealand South Island Highlights
New Zealand South Island Highlights
New Zealand South Island Highlights

Overview

AAT Kings
Trip Operated By:
 (488) Reviews
Total No. of Tours 90
The South Island Highlights short break features the most dramatic landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Enjoy an unforgettable Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) overnight cruise. Travel through Fiordland, Wānaka, and the rugged West Coast, discovering glaciers, alpine passes, and native wildlife along the way.
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Our Price From
A$2,745 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $330 per person
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Trip Length
4 Days
Trip Starts
Queenstown
Trip Ends
Christchurch
Trip Style
Small Group
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 Star
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
5-99 Years
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
QMC
Countries Visited:

Itinerary

Depart Queenstown and journey along the dramatic Devil's Staircase to Te Anau. Travel deep into Fiordland National Park, passing mirror-like lakes, alpine valleys and the Homer Tunnel before arriving at Piopiotahi (Milford Sound). Board the Milford Mariner for an unforgettable Milford Sound overnight cruise, where waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife surround you as you explore by kayak or tender and dine on a three-course buffet.

Accommodation: Milford Mariner
Included Meals: Dinner

Wake to the stillness of Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) before cruising further through the fiord as the morning light reveals its towering peaks. Journey onward through Fiordland and Central Otago to Wānaka, a lakeside town set against the Southern Alps, where the evening is yours to relax and explore.

Accommodation: Wanaka Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast

Travel from Wānaka past Lake Hāwea and through the alpine landscapes of Makarora before crossing the Haast Pass. Descend into the lush rainforest of the West Coast and arrive at Fox Glacier, where you may choose an Optional Experience* scenic flight over the glaciers for a unique perspective.

Accommodation: Heartland Fox Glacier
Included Meals: Breakfast

Continue along the rugged West Coast to Hokitika, known for its greenstone and creative spirit, before turning inland toward the Southern Alps. Cross Arthur's Pass, where dramatic peaks and alpine scenery give way to rolling plains, before arriving in Ōtautahi (Christchurch), where your journey concludes.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

  • Cruise overnight aboard the iconic Milford Mariner on majestic Piopiotahi/Milford Sound
  • Kayak or travel by tender boat along Milford Sound's shoreline
  • Stay in the picturesque country town of Wanaka

  • Expert Travel Directors, Driver Guides and Local Guides to enrich your on-tour experience
  • National Park entrance fees
  • Comfortable accommodation in premium 3 to 4-star hotels located nearby key attractions
  • Premium coaches with Wi-Fi (where available) and USB charging stations

  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 3 Breakfasts (B)

  • Medium level of fitness required.

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm layers in cooler months
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • Water bottle
  • Camera

  • Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 12 noon into Queenstown Airport
  • Day 4: Flights to depart after 7.00pm from Christchurch Airport
  • Airport to Hotel transfers are available to purchase on request.
  • Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Operator

AAT Kings
Total No. of Tours90
Choosing AAT Kings for your Australia or New Zealand holiday guarantees you’ll benefit from the insider secrets, off-the-beaten-path destinations and authentic interactions with local characters that only 100 years of experience can provide. With over a hundred years’ experience in sharing Australia more with our guests, AAT Kings holds exclusive access to some truly unique locations, secret trails and roads less travelled that add so much value to the overall travel experience.

At AAT Kings, our on-road staff are best in class. Our Travel Directors, Driver Guides and Drivers are hand-picked for their passion, experience, and enthusiasm for the spectacular countries we live in. There is truly no one better to share with you the best destinations across Australia and New Zealand. We have been perfecting our itineraries and products for over 100 years, so the benefits gained from travelling with us are unrivalled. With over 150 expertly crafted holiday itineraries to choose from, we offer something for everyone.
Trip Style: Small Group
Trip Style: Small Group

A maximum of 24 guests ensures a more personalised, small group travel experience. From staying in unique accommodations only available to smaller groups to the opportunity to get to know like-minded travellers, each tour balances guided activities with free time, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Perfect for solo travellers, multi-generational families, friends or couples wanting to explore Australia and New Zealand.

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AAT Kings New Zealand (2026-27) Brochure

AAT Kings New Zealand (2026-27)

New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes, from glacier-carved gorges and star-filled skies to rainforests and fjords, set the stage for unforgettable adventures. With AAT Kings, expert Travel Directors and local storytellers bring the country to life through rich Māori traditions, hidden gems, and warm hospitality. Every journey is seamless, immersive, and more filled with moments that turn travel into something truly magical.

Dates & Pricing AUD AUD

Sunday 24 Oct 2027 24 Oct 27 Queenstown
Wednesday 27 Oct 2027 27 Oct 27 Christchurch
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,075
A$2,745
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 07 Nov 2027 07 Nov 27 Queenstown
Wednesday 10 Nov 2027 10 Nov 27 Christchurch
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,075
A$2,745
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 14 Nov 2027 14 Nov 27 Queenstown
Wednesday 17 Nov 2027 17 Nov 27 Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,075
A$2,745
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 05 Dec 2027 05 Dec 27 Queenstown
Wednesday 08 Dec 2027 08 Dec 27 Christchurch
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,075
A$2,745
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 16 Jan 2028 16 Jan 28 Queenstown
Wednesday 19 Jan 2028 19 Jan 28 Christchurch
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,075
A$2,745
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 06 Feb 2028 06 Feb 28 Queenstown
Wednesday 09 Feb 2028 09 Feb 28 Christchurch
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,075
A$2,745
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 20 Feb 2028 20 Feb 28 Queenstown
Wednesday 23 Feb 2028 23 Feb 28 Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,075
A$2,745
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 27 Feb 2028 27 Feb 28 Queenstown
Wednesday 01 Mar 2028 01 Mar 28 Christchurch
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,075
A$2,745
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 19 Mar 2028 19 Mar 28 Queenstown
Wednesday 22 Mar 2028 22 Mar 28 Christchurch
Details
Available Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,075
A$2,745
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 09 Apr 2028 09 Apr 28 Queenstown
Wednesday 12 Apr 2028 12 Apr 28 Christchurch
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Small Group Departure
Was: $3,075
A$2,745
Save $330
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by AAT Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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