With its stunning coastlines, towering mountain peaks and glacier-carved fiords, New Zealand’s South Island is where you’ll find nature in its purest form. Ready to explore some of the planet’s most epically gorgeous and exciting scenery.
This itinerary is for someone who wants to get a good taste of what New Zealand has got to offer. One of our most popular tours this 8 day scenic route will give you a wonderful ‘taste’ of the South Islands beauty and diversity.
Journey from Christchurch in a loop around the South Island, visiting all the must see destinations and enjoying a selection of exciting activities along the way. Cruise through Milford Sound with Real Journeys, visit the spectacular Mt. Cook National Park, explore the West Coast glacier region, and travel through the Southern Alps on the stunning TranzAlpine scenic train route.
Please note: Departures must be Fri, Sat, Mon or Wed to meet the reduced West Coast transport schedule…
On arrival, you will be met on arrival and privately transferred to your accommodation.
Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Overnight: Christchurch
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
Christchurch Tram Dinner: The Tramway Restaurant offers you a unique way to experience Christchurch. Dine in style in a an air-conditioned vintage tram and be treated to fine service, cuisine and beverages. Incorporate some fabulous dining with the central city sights of Christchurch’s passing right by your window. The Tramway Restaurant offers a great experience of inner city vibrancy and heritage ideal for celebrating special occasions, romantic date nights or simply to see Christchurch from a different perspective.
Punting on the Avon River: Sink back into the plush seats of your boat and let your thoughts drift away on this relaxing 30 minute eco-friendly journey through the centre of Christchurch City. Your skilled punter dressed in traditional Edwardian attire expertly propels you past the trailing willows and leafy banks of the prettiest stretch of the Avon River.
Transfer to the Christchurch Railway station for the Tranz Alpine train crossing the vast expanses of the Canterbury Plains, through the dramatic gorge of the Waimakariri River to Arthur’s Pass National Park. On arrival in Greymouth, you will be met and transferred to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for a short self-guided walk to view the fascinating pancake-shaped rock formations before being delivered to your accommodation. Overnight: Greymouth
INCLUDED ACTIVITES
Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Journey: One of the world’s most spectacular train journeys crosses from coast to coast in New Zealand’s South Island. The Tranz Alpine Scenic Rail Journey delivers spectacular scenery you simply can’t see from the road. Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas and the striking beauty of the mighty Southern Alps, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River and see miles of unique native beech forests. An outdoor viewing carriage is also provided giving you the opportunity to soak in the fresh alpine air.
Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes: Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are located 40 minutes north of Greymouth. Set in the heart of Paparoa National Park, the stunning Pancake Rocks can be easily accessed on a 20 minute loop track from the main highway. Explore a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools on this short, paved walk. The blowholes are best seen at high tide and are impressive if the wind is blowing in from the sea.
A temperate climate at a low altitude makes Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world. Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway.
Transfer to Franz Josef today and enjoy an afternoon tour exploring Glacier Country and the majestic West Coast temperate rainforest with your guide on a nature tour. Overnight: Franz Josef
INCLUDED ACTIVITES
Fanz Josef Nature Tour Guided Walk: Explore the majestic West Coast temperate rainforest with your guide on the approach to the towering Franz Josef Glacier, one of the lowest-lying and most unusual glaciers in the world. This tour is beautiful in blue skies or magical misty rain – you will feel like you are in Narnia or Lord of the Rings. Wander past gorgeous glacial rivers and streams and through beautiful podocarp forests; discover hidden natural treasures such as native snails, wild mushrooms and orchids. Relish the sound of the native bird-song and waterfalls beneath the towering snow-capped mountains. Includes complimentary Franz Josef hotel pick up/drop off and a hot drink and biscuit. Duration: 2 hours
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
West Coast Wildlife Centre: Great for all ages, this all-weather facility is home to the world’s two rarest kiwis. Located in Franz Josef Township, the West Coast Wildlife Centre is a unique and interactive experience that brings together nature, conservation and wildlife all under one roof. Allow 30 minutes or more for a self-guided tour at your own leisure. See young kiwi in a natural bush walkthrough, discover the highly endangered Tuatara, an interactive glacier attraction and the West Coast storytelling area.
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike: The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. Your experienced and highly trained helicopter pilot will whisk you up and over jaw dropping landscape. After a thrilling scenic flight, high above ice-falls and rugged terrain, you will land high up on the glacier. Equipped with glacier boots and crampons your highly trained and friendly guide will take you on a two hour journey through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery in the world. Your guide will choose your route carefully as you go and, with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, you’ll soon be making your way through an extraordinary landscape of towering peaks and glistening blue ice. The truly incredible features in the glacier such as ice caves and tunnels are constantly changing and evolving so no two days are ever the same. Duration: 4 hours
Please Note: This service currently only operates Mon, Tue, Thu Sat.
This morning you will be collected from your accommodation for your transfer through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on the journey to Queenstown.
Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World. Overnight: Queenstown.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
Skyline Gondola Ride: The Skyline Gondola base is situated a short five minute walk from central Queenstown. Take in the stunning views as you ride the Skyline Gondola cable car high above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak. The best views in the region are found here, spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breath taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peak.
The morning is free to become acquainted with Queenstown and perhaps add one of the endless optional activities on offer. Then make your way to the Station Building, downtown Queenstown for your guided tour to the charming historic Arrowtown and surrounding vistas. Choose to stay in Queenstown for the evening or return transfer to your accommodation. Overnight: Queenstown
Around Arrowtown Tour: Discover Queenstown, Arrowtown and the surrounding regions amazing scenery with a local knowledgeable guide. Enjoy the region’s best sights and history on a small group guided tour departing from The Station Building, Shotover Street, Queenstown. The tour starts with a visit to Wakatipu lookout for one of the most beautiful views of Queenstown. Visit a working bee farm for honey tasting and make a photo stop at the Lake Hayes mirror lake before spending some free time in the charming, historic village of Arrowtown. Walk the famous Bungy Bridge and visit a local vineyard for some optional wine tasting (at own cost). Return to Queenstown past the famous Shotover river, once the richest gold-bearing river in the world and now better known for its thrilling jetboat rides. Duration: approx. 4 hours
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
Walter Peak High Country Farm Excursion: Farming in the New Zealand high country is a way of life – and its one you can get up close to at Walter Peak. Departing from Steamer Wharf central Queenstown, the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw will transport you on a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Here you will be taken to the amphitheatre to watch the remarkable skill with which the farm dogs round up sheep from the paddocks. A guided walking tour of the farmyard visits the holding pens, where you can help feed the sheep and deer and even get up close to the Scottish Highland Cattle. Then a stroll to the charming old woolshed for morning or afternoon tea. There may also be time to stroll through the lakeside gardens before re-boarding the TSS Earnslaw for the cruise back to Queenstown.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Note: The TSS Earnslaw is closed for maintenance for six weeks mid-winter each year.
Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today’s stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea. Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your coach return to downtown Queenstown. Lunch is included. Duration: approx.12 hours. Overnight: Queenstown
Departing Queenstown, your passionate driver guide will bring today’s journey to life, sharing stories and rich background knowledge. Pass through the stunning Kawarau Gorge, fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell, following beautiful Lake Dunstan and through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district alongside magnificent turquoise blue lake framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time. Leaving Mt Cook it’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby. Your driver guide will point them out on the journey to Lake Tekapo where you will make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing on through the amazing countryside to Christchurch. Duration: approx.13 hours. Overnight: Christchurch
PLEASE NOTE: Tours to Mt Cook do not operate daily. Depending on the dates of travel, an itinerary adjustment may be required.
Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.
