Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch - Mount Cook - Queenstown
Pass By: Canterbury Region, Canterbury Region, South Island
Your five-day exploration of New Zealand's spectacular South Island begins with the stunning scenery of the foothills of the Southern Alps. Travel through the rich pastoral farm land of the Canterbury Plains and the ever-changing spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps. Continue traveling across Burkes Pass before descending to the stunning glacial fed Lake Tekapo and visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd which stands on the foreshore.
Pass By: Burkes Pass, Burkes Pass, Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
Burkes Pass is a mountain pass and at its base
Pass By: Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
Continue traveling across Burkes Pass before descending to the stunning glacial fed Lake Tekapo and visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd which stands on the foreshore.
Pass By: Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
From here you travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to arrive at Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain.
Pass By: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island
Stop at Mt Cook for lunch (additional at own expense) where you will be mesmerized by the surroundings of this truly unique region. Cross the Lindis Pass, leaving the MacKenzie Country and travel along the Kawerau Gorge before arriving in Queenstown.
Pass By: South Island, South Island
Experience the south Island on this 5 day epic journey!
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or Similar)
Day 2: Milford Sound Day Excursion
Pass By: Fiordland National Park, Fiordland National Park, Southland Region, South Island
Travel along the edge of Lake Wakatipu beneath the rugged Remarkables to Te Anau, the 'Gateway to Fiordland National Park'. On entering the Fiordland National Park you pass through the Eglinton Valley
Pass By: Mirror Lakes Walk, Milford Road,, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
See ancient beech forest, stunning waterfalls and the famous Mirror Lakes where you will pause for a photo stop.
Pass By: Hollyford Valley, Southland 9679, New Zealand
Continue through the upper Hollyford Valley, past the stunning Christie Falls.
Pass By: Homer Tunnel, 94 S.h., Milford Sound New Zealand
Enter the 1.2 km Homer Tunnel, drilled through the solid rock of a mountain. On exiting the Homer Tunnel prepare for the breathtaking impact of the Cleddau Valley and the descent into Milford Sound
Pass By: Milford Sound, Milford Sound, Southland Region, South Island
On arrival, take an unforgettable cruise on the majestic Milford Sound
Pass By: Mitre Peak, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
See the wonders of Mitre Peak and rock walls scarred by glaciers which rise to 1200m vertically from the sea. Then reboard the coach for the return journey to Queenstown. Optional lunches onboard the cruise are available.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar).
Day 3: Queenstown
Pass By: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
A free day at leisure in Queenstown to either simply explore this most beautiful township nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounds by mountains which are snow-capped for much of the year or enjoy one of the many actives that are on offer.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar).
Day 4: Queenstown - Franz Joseph
Pass By: Lake Wanaka, Wanaka New Zealand
Travel along the shores of Lake Wanaka and Hawea.
Pass By: Haast Pass, New Zealand
Haast Pass is the most stunning stretch of highway in New Zealand.
Pass By: Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast Region, South Island
World Heritage Westland National Park. Initially the pass travels through the treeless grasslands of Central Otago, then at the highest point, the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps and the rivers and rainforests of Westland dominate the landscape
Pass By: Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, West Coast Region, South Island
Continue to travel up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
Pass By: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland Tai Poutini National Park New Zealand
The Franz Josef Glacier is 11 kilometers in length and more than 7,000 years old. Its terminal face creaks and arches over the cave from which the river emerges, pale with powdered rock and can advance or retreat at over a meter per day. This living 'river of ice' is a must see for any visitor to New Zealand.
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight Accommodation: Scenic Circle Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (or similar).
Day 5: Franz Joseph - Greymouth - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch
Pass By: Shantytown Heritage Park, 316 Rutherglen Rd Paroa, Greymouth 7805 New Zealand
On the final day of your South Island tour, today you continue to travel along the rugged West Coast to Shantytown, a faithful reconstruction of a Westland Gold Rush town.
Pass By: Greymouth, Greymouth, West Coast Region, South Island
From Shantytown, travel to Greymouth, the center for thousands of diggers during the historic gold strikes of the 1860's.
Pass By: Southern Alps, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand
From Greymouth, journey over the Southern Alps, through Arthur's Pass.
Pass By: TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth, Troup Drive, Addington, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Continue through Arthur's Pass and onto Christchurch by the famous TranzAlpine Express. This journey is renowned as one of the top ten train journeys in the world. In Christchurch you will be transferred to your accommodation or the airport where your tour concludes.
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
See Availability.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel, 14 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Traveler pickup is offered
Departure Point: Christchurch hotels
Dates: Daily
Return point: Returns to original departure point on day 5 at approximately 6:35pm
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
Triple Share
5/8/2023 - 9/30/2024
| Monday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Wednesday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Friday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Sunday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Monday - Sunday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Monday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Wednesday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Friday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Sunday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Monday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Wednesday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Friday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Sunday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Monday - Sunday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Monday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Wednesday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Friday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Sunday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Monday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Wednesday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Friday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Sunday : | 12:00 AM - 11:30 PM |
| Monday - Sunday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Monday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Wednesday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Friday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
| Sunday : | 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM |
5 days(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
Independent Touring - this is not a Group Tour - we use local suppliers and you will have a different coach & driver each day
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Posted By : Raj_J
Very intensive itinerary but well coordinated with use of professional local service operators. Good choice of hotels although the first one at Franz Josef was a marginal 3/4*.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-01-29
Posted By : David_S
I went on this trip to see the fiords from a boat as the big event although the other sightseeing was also spectacular. I am well pleased with the result. The boat went right up to a couple of waterfalls and plenty opportunity to take some pics. Breathtaking. On the last day the trip back was on rather small busses when we could have done with windows in the roof and a little more space to sit for 8 hours but OK. On the whole a great tour.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-01-28
Posted By : Ning_l
We completed the trip and I wished that I would have done it differently.
The hotels are all very nice and we were satisfied
The driving from location to location is long and very disappointing. Nearly no tour guide during the entire tour. The bus driver does not really talk much or non English speaking. Almost all the buses are busy with drop off and picking up the guests who are on backpacking. Nearly no stopping at beautiful sceneries for a quick photo. I did not expect this lack of attention in detail during the transit when I signed up for the tour. It is very expensive tour and this has to be improved. Thank you.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-12-01
Posted By : Robert_P
The scenic train ride was quite good.
The tours in each location had excellent leaders/guides and small groups rather than large buses, a plus, as large buses would not be able to go all of the places we could.
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-11-18
Posted By : Del_T
Well coordinated transfer during the trip. Appreciated the Queenstown one day stop, it is moment of relaxation for long travels.
I wish I stayed longer but the trip is still worth it
Rating :
Posted On : 2023-10-11
Posted By : L8183BTnicks
great trip. great accommodations. driver narrations were relevant. coaches we're spacious. magnificent countryside
Rating :
Posted On : 2019-11-12
Posted By : Gloria L
The driver Marc took us to and from Franz Josef Glacier on Nov 7 & 8 had very bad attitude. He yelled at us for being late but it was not the case, the previous driver Robbie did not tell us what time to get back to the coach after the coffee break on Nov 7. When Marc took over, he went on and on broadcasting on board saying we were late. Being sarcastic the whole time. The next morning when he picked us up from Franz Josef Glacier to the Train station, he arrived at 9am. The itinerary showing the pick up time was 9:10am so when we arrived at 9:09am (WE WERE ON TIME) he started to yell at us. He said we were late again and the pick up time was 9am. I shown him the itinerary, he just ignored me and said if we were late again he was going to throw our bags out and leave without us. This is unreasonable and unacceptable. He ruined our holiday completely.
Rating :
Posted On : 2019-11-11
Posted By : NeilCasson
The superb organisation made this a memorable trip. The timetable was adhered to perfectly. At no point were we left wondering will someone come and pick us up!
Rating :
Posted On : 2019-11-05
Posted By : ExcelDream
This was the most flexible tour I've ever seen. If you can't find exactly what you want, just let them know and I'm confident they will work it out exactly as you want. I appreciated that everyone on the tour seemed to have a different origin, stays, and destination and was amazed they were able to keep everyone straight. I wasn't able to make the connections with other travelers I had hoped for, though, with all the turnover. The scenery was beautiful and I really lucked out with gorgeous weather. My name was misspelled at the train station, a small glitch that was easily overcome since I had copied my email confirmation to the notes in my phone and could access without wifi. The delivery to my hotel was a glitch that was not as easily overcome. The shuttle dropped me off across the street because.... there was too much traffic!?! So I crossed a wet road in the dark, wearing dark clothes, dragging a large suitcase and carrying a heavy shoulder bag in between the heavy traffic. Delivery to my hotel was a wonderful amenity, but I wasn't a big fan of how it was accomplished. Would have given a five rating other than that.
Rating :
Posted On : 2019-05-25
Posted By : lancelotte f
Comfortable coach. Came on time.Only drawback was the pickup at Queenstown was at the bus stop near the Hotel rather than from the hotel lobby. Inclement weather can make the wait at the busstop uncomfortable.The coach driver guide Stuart on the Christchurch to Queenstown run was excellent. Very knowledgable on almost everything from history to geology , to botany . Almost continuous talk which we enjoyed very much. True enthusiast of South Island. The guide the next day to Milford Sound too was very good, but the standard dropped on the following two days. Thr driver talked so much about the Salmon farm that we built our expectations. It turned out to be a small time business and only the first 5 people could order Salmon. The staff were not interested in the business, and probably seasonal .
Rating :
Posted On : 2019-05-13
