Embark on this five-day South Island trip to discover some of New Zealand's spectacular sights!
On this journey by coach, boat and scenic train, you'll visit Queenstown, explore the Fiordland, cruise on Milford Sound and explore the ruggedly beautiful West Coast Glacier of Franz Josef.
To complete your trip, you'll take the TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch, taking in the incredible scenery as you go. Embark on this five-day South Island trip to discover some of New Zealand's spectacular sights!
On this journey by coach, boat and scenic train, you'll visit Queenstown, explore the Fiordland, cruise on Milford Sound and explore the ruggedly beautiful West Coast Glacier of Franz Josef.
To complete your trip, you'll take the TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch, taking in the incredible scenery as you go.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Scenic Journey from Christchurch to Queenstown
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Leaving Christchurch early, you'll travel through the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains to the stunning, glacier-fed Lake Tekapo. You'll continue to New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, situated in a national park. At Mount Cook village, you'll enjoy lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel. Your South Island trip continues past Lake Pukaki, through the Mackenzie Country, the quaint village of Omarama and concludes in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Accommodation
Blue Peaks Apartments★3 star
Activities
Christchurch to Queenstown with GreatSights
Meals
Lunch
Destinations
Queenstown
Day 2
Free Day in Queenstown
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Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders. Go on a wine tour, have lunch in a Michelin-star restaurant, take a hike or get an adrenaline surge with the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, canyon swingor zipline activities on offer.
Accommodation
Blue Peaks Apartments★3 star
Activities
Explore Queenstown & Its SurroundsOptional Activity
Jet Boating on the Shotover RiverOptional Activity
Destinations
Queenstown
Day 3
Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown
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You'll embark on a return luxury journey by coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound with a one hour and 40-minute cruise along the full length of the fiord. You will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside of Te Anau. At Milford Sound, you'll board the modern vessel for a leisurely cruise on the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time to enjoy the many waterfalls, rainforest views, mountains and wildlife.
Accommodation
Blue Peaks Apartments★3 star
Activities
Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Queenstown
Southland
Day 4
Scenic Journey from Queenstown to Franz Josef & Glacier Valley Shuttle Tour
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Leaving Queenstown early, you'll travel through the stunning scenery of the South Island. You will pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. After a morning tea break in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, you'll travel through the Haast Pass, before emerging on the ruggedly beautiful West Coast and arriving at the small village of Franz Josef. From here, you can explore the world-famous Franz Josef Glacier on a shuttle tour.
Accommodation
Punga Grove★3 star
Activities
Queenstown to Franz Josef with Intercity
Glacier Valley Shuttle Tour of Franz Josef
Destinations
Queenstown
Franz Josef Glacier
West Coast
Day 5
Scenic Coach Journey to Greymouth & TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch
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This morning, you'll travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. You'll stop at Bushman's Centre for refreshments before continuing to the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields. On arrival in Hokitika, you'll have lunch and explore the town centre. You'll then continue on to Greymouth Railway Station from where you'll catch the world-famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Activities
Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Intercity
TranzAlpine Scenic Train Greymouth to Christchurch
Destinations
Franz Josef Glacier
Greymouth
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What’s included?
4 nights accommodation
6 activities
1 breakfast and 1 lunch
Airport transfer
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
What’s not included?
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Licensed English speaking guides
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 1,805/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
New Zealand in 5 days
3-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
