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Southern Wonders
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Length
9 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Christchurch (New Zealand)
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Ends in
Christchurch (New Zealand)
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Available Tour Start Dates
SEP 28, 2026 to MAR 29, 2027
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$3,212.35
Overview
A little bit city, a little bit country. A whole lot of nature, and just as much culture. This tour of New Zealand's South Island is the perfect sampler for a first-time visit to the country. Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Christchurch await you.
Visited During Tour
Christchurch / Otautahi (New Zealand) | Dunedin (New Zealand) | Franz Josef / Ka Roimata O Hine Hukatere (New Zealand) | Omarama | Queenstown (New Zealand) | Te Anau (New Zealand)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Southern Wonders tour dates available from Costsaver. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
Costsaver Tour Code 589-1501
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Day
1Welcome to Christchurch
Kia ora and welcome to Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’ with a fresh, easy vibe. After arriving, take some time to do things your way. Stretch your legs in the riverside parks, browse the city centre or simply relax and reset after the flight. Tonight, meet your Travel Director and your fellow travellers for a friendly tour briefing and drinks. You’ll get the inside scoop on what’s coming up, plus a few handy tips to help you make the most of every stop. Then it’s an early night or a quick stroll. Your call.
Accommodations: Ibis Hotel Christchurch -
Day
2Christchurch - Franz Josef/Waiau
Your South Island adventure kicks off with a classic. Board the TranzAlpine train and cruise towards Arthur’s Pass, rolling through tunnels and over viaducts with big views of snowy peaks, icy rivers and deep gorges. From there, head to Hokitika, the West Coast’s heritage hub and a great place to see pounamu, New Zealand greenstone. Then it’s onwards to Franz Josef/Waiau, gateway to the Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Want the wow factor? Choose a scenic helicopter flight for a bird’s-eye view, and if the weather plays nice you may even land on the ice.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier -
Day
3Franz Josef/Waiau - Queenstown
Today is packed with scenery and tasty pit stops. Travel over Haast Pass where waterfalls tumble beside the road and mountain backdrops keep showing off. The Southern Lakes region rolls into view with Lake Hāwea and Lake Dunstan looking seriously photogenic. You’ll pause at the Jones Family fruit stall to refuel with sweet, flavour-packed stone fruit. Then it’s onto Arrowtown, a former gold rush village with tree-lined streets and boutique shops that feel straight out of a film set. Later, arrive in Queenstown with Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables setting the scene for your next few days.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront -
Day
4Queenstown Free Time
Queenstown is all about choice, so today you set the pace. Want fast and fun? Add a Choice Experience high-octane jet boat ride and feel the spray and speed. More into nature? Try another Choice Experience with a visit Kiwi Park to meet some of New Zealand’s feathered locals. Wine fans can sip their way through nearby vineyards. However you spend the day, be sure to be back in time for tonight’s highlight. Glide across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner. Good food, great views, holiday sorted.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront -
Day
5Queenstown - Te Anau
From the first moment today, nature takes charge. Travel past Mirror Lakes and through the dramatic Cleddau Valley as you make your way towards Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. This World Heritage-listed wonder delivers the goosebump moments, with towering cliffs and waterfalls creating a misty curtain across the fiord. Keep watch for dolphins, they’re often spotted here. After your cruise, journey back through Fiordland National Park where beech forests, meadows and gin-clear rivers shape the landscape. By evening, you’ll arrive in Te Anau, calm and beautiful on the edge of the South Island’s biggest lake. Breathe it in.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Distinction Luxmore Hotel -
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6Te Anau - Dunedin
Start the morning with a lakeside stroll if you fancy it. Te Anau is at its best early, when the water is glassy and the air feels extra crisp. Then say goodbye to Fiordland’s forested slopes and roll on to Dunedin, often called the Edinburgh of the South. This city has a stylish, historic feel with plenty to explore. Spend the afternoon your way, maybe in art-filled lanes, local cafes or a cold one at Speight’s Brewery. You could also take a Choice Experience to visit grand Larnach Castle or head out to spot wildlife like seals and penguins. Your Travel Director will point you in the right direction.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City -
Day
7Dunedin - Omarama
No alarms if you don’t want them, time is on your side this morning. Take a relaxed wander through Dunedin, perhaps along George Street or around Otago University’s impressive grounds. If gardens are your thing, you can also seek out New Zealand’s oldest public gardens for a peaceful start. Then it’s on to Oamaru, known for its stately tree-lined streets and handsome limestone buildings that give the town a distinctive look. Grab a photo, browse a little and enjoy the change of pace before continuing inland. Tonight you’ll settle into Omarama, a small place with wide skies and a real ‘get away from it all’ feel.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel -
Day
8Omarama - Christchurch
This morning, the Canterbury Plains put on a show. Expect turquoise lakes, mountain peaks and small towns with plenty of character. Stop in Tekapo for an Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience hosted by passionate Local Guides. It’s quiet, calm and the kind of night sky moment you’ll talk about long after the trip. Then it’s back to Christchurch where your Travel Director will guide you through the city’s comeback story on a sights tour. See the Transitional Cathedral, built largely from cardboard and view Tūranga, the striking gold-clad central library. You’ll feel the energy of a city that’s rebuilt with creativity and grit.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Ibis Hotel Christchurch -
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9Farewell from Christchurch
If you feel like you’ve only seen the tip of the South Island’s iceberg, you’d be correct. This beguiling part of the country could keep travel enthusiasts entertained for eons. Thankfully, we have more itineraries – ask your Travel Director and start planning your next trip to New Zealand.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Costsaver is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Southern Wonders tour:
Travelers 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.* NOTE: This Trip falls under LEVEL 1. Please review the Deposit, Payment and Cancellation fees policies on our website.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Costsaver. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Costsaver (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.