Hotels & Resort Deals
Select a destination...
View All Hotels & Resort Deals
Vacation Interests
Miscellaneous
Tours By Type
Tour Deals
Select a destination...
View All Tour Deals
Cruises From
Vacation Interests
Career Discounts
Featured Destinations
Select a destination for info and deals...
Destination Ports
Cruises sailing in each region...
- Transfer Your Booking To Us
- Book Shore Excursions
- Book Land Tours
- Save on Passport & Visa Services
-
![Arrow]()
View All Customer Service Resources
Saving Tools
- Access Reservation (web-made bookings only)
- Make a Payment
- Add Travel Insurance
- Pre-Cruise Registration
For Existing Reservations
- Land Vacation FAQs
- Cruise FAQs
- Cruise Port Directions
- Contact Us
Useful Links
Southern Spotlight
-
Length
9 Days
-
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)
-
Ends in
Christchurch (New Zealand)
-
Available Tour Start Dates
APR 25, 2027 to MAR 26, 2028
-
Activity Level
No Rating Provided
-
Language
English
-
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.
$3,197.70
Overview
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.
Visited During Tour
Christchurch / Otautahi (New Zealand) | Franz Josef / Ka Roimata O Hine Hukatere (New Zealand) | Milford Sound / Piopiotahi (New Zealand) | Omarama (New Zealand) | Queenstown (New Zealand) | Te Anau (New Zealand)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Southern Spotlight tour dates available from Trafalgar. 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
Trafalgar Tour Code 1001-2546
-
Day
1Welcome to Christchurch
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.
Accommodations: Ibis Hotel Christchurch -
Day
2Christchurch - Omarama
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 Specialists. 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel -
Day
3Omarama - Te Anau
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Distinction Luxmore Hotel -
Day
4Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Distinction Luxmore Hotel -
Day
5Te Anau - Queenstown
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel & Resort -
Day
6Queenstown Free Time
Today is all about choice, Queenstown-style. If you want adrenaline, your Travel Director can point you towards a high-octane Optional Experience like a jet boat ride that skims across the water at full speed. Prefer animals and nature? Visit Kiwi Park on another Optional 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel & Resort -
Day
7Queenstown - Waiau (Franz Josef)
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 an Optional 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Scenic -
Day
8Waiau (Franz Josef) - Christchurch
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Ibis Hotel Christchurch -
Day
9Farewell from Christchurch
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Trafalgar is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Southern Spotlight tour:
Travelers Notes
* TRIP RUN BY AAT KINGS.* 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 us. 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.* NOTE: This Trip falls under LEVEL 1. Please refer to the Deposit, Payment and Cancellations 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 Trafalgar. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Trafalgar (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.