Starting and finishing in the city of Christchurch, this multi-faceted tour takes you through the highlights of the South Island of New Zealand.
Your first stop will be the Mount Cook National Park, followed by the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. Next, you'll explore Fiordland and Milford Sound as well as the West Coast glaciers.
To complete your South Island tour in the most wonderful way, you'll take the Tranz Alpine Scenic train across the Southern Alps back to Christchurch. Starting and finishing in the city of Christchurch, this multi-faceted tour takes you through the highlights of the South Island of New Zealand.
Your first stop will be the Mount Cook National Park, followed by the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown. Next, you'll explore Fiordland and Milford Sound as well as the West Coast glaciers.
To complete your South Island tour in the most wonderful way, you'll take the Tranz Alpine Scenic train across the Southern Alps back to Christchurch.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Christchurch!
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On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation. You'll then have the day free to discover the magic of Christchurch. A perfect activity for you is the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus which takes you to the key sights of the city in closed and open-top buses whilst learning about its fascinating history through a commentary and admiring the views.
Accommodation
Distinction Christchurch Hotel★4 star
Activities
Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour 24-Hour PassOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver from Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch
Destinations
Christchurch
Day 2
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. The tour continues south, past Lake Pukaki, through the Mackenzie Country, the quaint village of Omarama and concludes in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Accommodation
Millennium Hotel Queenstown★4 star
Activities
Christchurch to Queenstown with GreatSights
Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Destinations
Christchurch
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
Millennium Hotel Queenstown★4 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
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier★4 star
Activities
Queenstown to Franz Josef with Intercity
Glacier Valley Shuttle Tour of Franz Josef
Meals
Breakfast
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.
Accommodation
Distinction Christchurch Hotel★4 star
Activities
Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Intercity
TranzAlpine Scenic Train Greymouth to Christchurch
Transportations
Private Driver from Christchurch Railway Station to Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Franz Josef Glacier
Greymouth
Christchurch
Day 6
Departure from Christchurch
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Your South Island tour ends on this day. After breakfast, your private driver will collect you from your hotel and take you to the airport for your departure flight.
Transportations
Private Driver from Distinction Christchurch Hotel to Christchurch International Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Christchurch
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What’s included?
5 nights accommodation
6 activities
5 breakfasts and 1 lunch
Airport transfer
Entrance fees
Ground transportation
Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
Alcohol beverages
Domestic flights
Entry visas / airport departure tax
Gratuities
International flights
Laundry
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 2,483/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
New Zealand in 6 days
4-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
