Cruise · AAT Kings · 8 nights

New Zealand's Southern Drift

Overnight cruise in breathtaking Milford Sound
Explore Christchurch's innovative architecture and forward-thinking dining
Visit the stunning lakeside home of Angie and Stan Taylor for afternoon tea

$6,334 pp twin share

8 nights

Enquire

Queen Charlotte Sound

Church of the Good Shepherd

Walter Peak High Country Queenstown

Map for Web

Cruise Snapshot

8 Nights

Explore New Zealand's stunning South Island on a small group tour, with an unforgettable overnight cruise in majestic Milford Sound and adventures in Queenstown

Cruise overnight in Milford Sound and explore by kayak or tender boat
Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy afternoon tea with the Pavlova Queen
Discover Christchurch, Highlands Motorsport Park Museum, and historic Arrowtown

Trip Details

Departs: 2 December 2026
Returns: 13 April 2028
Embarks
Operator: AAT Kings

Explore New Zealand's stunning South Island on a small group tour. Embark on an unforgettable overnight cruise in majestic Milford Sound and explore adventurous Queenstown. Enjoy overnight stays surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lakes. From the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Ohau to the wild West Coast, this compact tour of the best of the South Island is a breathtaking journey of epic proportions.

$6,334

pp twin share

Enquire

Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

2 December 2026

Returns

13 April 2028

Duration

8 nights

From pp twin share

$6,334 pp

02 Dec 2026 - 10 Dec 2026
from $6,473 pp twin share *
03 Feb 2027 - 11 Feb 2027
from $7,006 pp twin share *
17 Feb 2027 - 25 Feb 2027
from $7,615 pp twin share *
24 Feb 2027 - 04 Mar 2027
from $7,615 pp twin share *
17 Mar 2027 - 25 Mar 2027
from $7,006 pp twin share *
07 Apr 2027 - 15 Apr 2027
from $7,006 pp twin share *
20 Oct 2027 - 28 Oct 2027
from $6,334 pp twin share *
03 Nov 2027 - 11 Nov 2027
from $6,334 pp twin share *
10 Nov 2027 - 18 Nov 2027
from $6,334 pp twin share *
01 Dec 2027 - 09 Dec 2027
from $6,334 pp twin share *
12 Jan 2028 - 20 Jan 2028
from $6,334 pp twin share *
02 Feb 2028 - 10 Feb 2028
from $6,334 pp twin share *
16 Feb 2028 - 24 Feb 2028
from $6,334 pp twin share *
23 Feb 2028 - 02 Mar 2028
from $6,334 pp twin share *
15 Mar 2028 - 23 Mar 2028
from $6,334 pp twin share *
05 Apr 2028 - 13 Apr 2028
from $6,334 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Welcome to Christchurch
You don’t have to arrive in Christchurch early, but we recommend you do – this South Island city has some of New Zealand’s most innovative architecture, not to mention forward-thinking restaurants and bars. Tonight, it's time to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a tour briefing and drinks.
2
Christchurch - Lake Ohau
Begin your day by exploring Christchurch's city sights before journeying to the brilliant bright blue waters of Lake Tekapo. You'll view the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, which was built in 1935, and was the first church in the Mackenzie Basin. You are then welcomed to the stunning lakeside home of Angie and Stan Taylor for afternoon tea. Retired farmers, baker Angie is the undisputed Pavlova Queen who will give a demonstration and explanation of the great trans-Tasman pavlova controversy, while Stan will regale you with tales of a lifetime spent farming. Conclude your day at the charming Lake Ohau Lodge, nestled in the Mackenzie High Country and surrounded by breathtaking wilderness. The Main Lodge boasts a cozy open fire and expansive windows with stunning views of the lake, providing the perfect setting to unwind before a family-style dinner.
3
Lake Ohau - Queenstown
Travel through the Lindis Pass to Cromwell. Visit the Jones Family fruit stall for fresh produce, then explore Highlands Museum, a paradise for car enthusiasts and novices alike. Continue your journey to Arrowtown, a charming village with a rich gold rush heritage, before reaching scenic Queenstown. Enjoy a burger at your leisure at cult eatery Fergburger, famous for its mouthwatering gourmet burgers and vibrant atmosphere.
4
Queenstown Free Time
Take today at your own pace. Perhaps choose an optional experience. Like things fast and furious? Feel the wind in your hair on the high-octane jet boat ride, perhaps. There’s a reason why Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the country. Nature lover? Discover some of New Zealand’s feathered friends at Kiwi Park.
5
Queenstown - Milford Sound
Start the day with a journey along the Devil's Staircase, with its dramatic landscapes leading you to the charming town of Te Anau. Continue your adventure through the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park sighting glaciers, and mountain ranges en route to the amazing Mirror Lake before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel. Spend the night aboard the iconic Milford Mariner and wake up in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and diverse wildlife such as fur seals and various seabirds. Hear from the specialist nature guide on board and explore the shoreline by kayak or tender. The Milford Mariner offers spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with fully licensed bar, as well as an observation lounge. Dining included in your cruise are hors d’oeuvres followed by a four-course buffet meal, as well as a delicious cooked breakfast.
6
Milford Sound - Wānaka
Depart the serene beauty of Fiordland National Park and journey to the picturesque country town of Wānaka, nestled amidst the majestic Southern Alps and gracing the shores of Lake Wānaka. This idyllic town offers a perfect blend of natural splendour and leisurely pursuits. Your hotel is located in the heart of the village just a short walk from the lakefront and nestled among surrounding cafes and restaurants.
7
Wānaka - Fox Glacier Township
Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Wānaka, passing the pristine waters of Lake Hawea and the picturesque settlement of Makarora – a hikers' hub surrounded by vast alpine scenery and river valleys of lush temperate rainforest. Continue over the Haast Pass, the historic township of Fox Glacier awaits. Get some perspective on an optional experience scenic flight over Fox and Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier) – if the weather behaves, you may even get a glacier landing.
8
Fox Glacier Township - Christchurch
Today's drive north winds past lush rainforests and rugged coastlines to Hokitika, famous for its greenstone and arty, laid-back vibe. From there, the road heads inland through the Southern Alps. As you climb toward Arthur’s Pass, the scenery shifts from rainforest to soaring peaks, rocky gorges, and sweeping tussock plains. Keep an eye out for cheeky kea (the world’s only alpine parrot) along the way! Once over the pass, the landscape softens again, opening up to wide Canterbury plains as you roll toward the bright lights of Christchurch. Tonight, enjoy dinner with your Travel Director, a fitting end to your New Zealand adventure.
9
Farewell from Christchurch
It’s time to say farewell and head home, sorting through snapshots of an unforgettable journey. But the best souvenirs? The lasting memories of a holiday immersed in untamed nature and cultural experiences.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

• Cruise overnight on breathtaking Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)• Kayak or travel by tender boat along Piopiotahi’s shoreline• View the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo• Join Pavolva Queen Angie for afternoon tea at her Lake Tekapo home• Discover Christchurch on a city sights tour• Explore Highlands Motorsport Park Museum Cromwell, home to rare, exclusive, and expensive vehicles• Visit historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown• Enjoy a burger at world-famous Fergburger in Queenstown• Travel through spectacular Fiordland National Park• See Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Franz Josef Glacier) from a panoramic viewpoint• Travel over the Haast Pass and through iconic landscapes.
Day 1 highlights Welcome to Christchurch: You don’t have to arrive in Christchurch early, but we recommend you do – this South Island city has some of New Zealand’s most innovative architecture, not to mention forward-thinking restaurants and bars. Tonight, it's time to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a tour briefing and drinks.
Day 2 highlights Christchurch - Lake Ohau: Begin your day by exploring Christchurch's city sights before journeying to the brilliant bright blue waters of Lake Tekapo. You'll view the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, which was built in 1935, and was the first church in the Mackenzie Basin. You are then welcomed to the stunning lakeside home of Angie and Stan Taylor for afternoon tea. Retired farmers, baker Angie is the undisputed Pavlova Queen who will give a demonstration and explanation of the great trans-Tasman pavlova controversy, while Stan will regale you with tales of a lifetime spent farming. Conclude your day at the charming Lake Ohau Lodge, nestled in the Mackenzie High Country and surrounded by breathtaking wilderness. The Main Lodge boasts a cozy open fire and expansive windows with stunning views of the lake, providing the perfect setting to unwind before a family-style dinner.

Where you’ll stay