5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch
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5 days (approx.)
Pickup from select hotels
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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Overview
See the top sights of the spectacular South Island on a 5-day guided coach tour, round-trip from Christchurch. Stop at Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain; enjoy free time to explore the adventure capital of Queenstown; take a boat cruise on Milford Sound, surrounded by steep rock walls; view Fox and Franz Josef glaciers; and travel by rail through the Southern Alps aboard the scenic TranzAlpine Express. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and four nights’ accommodation in Queenstown and Franz Josef.
- Five-day coach tour of New Zealand's scenic South Island
- Lunch at Mt. Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain (own expense)
- Cruise on Milford Sound
- Free leisure day in Queenstown
- Spectacular Franz Josef Glacier
- Trip aboard the famous TranzAlpine Express train
- Fully guided tour and commentary
- Pickup and drop-off from centrally located Christchurch hotels
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Begin your 5-day exploration of New Zealand's South Island with hotel pickup in Christchurch. Peer through the windows of your comfortable coach at the vivid scenery while you journey through the foothills of the Southern Alps. Your guide makes a stop at Mt. Cook for lunch (own expense) before your first night in Queenstown, including free time to explore at your leisure.
After a memorable cruise on Milford Sound, nestled in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park, drive along Haast Pass to Westland National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rugged West Coast route takes you past soaring mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the must-see Franz Josef Glacier, where you spend the night with scenic views.
On the final day, travel to the reconstructed gold-rush town of Shantytown. Conclude your South Island tour with a train trip from Greymouth aboard the TranzAlpine Express. The route takes you over the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass to Christchurch, renowned as one of the world’s top 10 train journeys.
After a memorable cruise on Milford Sound, nestled in the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park, drive along Haast Pass to Westland National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rugged West Coast route takes you past soaring mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the must-see Franz Josef Glacier, where you spend the night with scenic views.
On the final day, travel to the reconstructed gold-rush town of Shantytown. Conclude your South Island tour with a train trip from Greymouth aboard the TranzAlpine Express. The route takes you over the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass to Christchurch, renowned as one of the world’s top 10 train journeys.
Itinerary
Day 1
Christchurch - Mount Cook - Queenstown
6 Stops
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.
Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation:
Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or Similar)Meals:
Not IncludedDay 2
Milford Sound Day Excursion
6 Stops
Accommodation:
Overnight Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar).Meals:
Not IncludedDay 3
Queenstown
1 Stop
Accommodation:
Overnight Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar).Meals:
Not IncludedDay 4
Queenstown - Franz Joseph
5 Stops
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.
Admission Ticket Free
Accommodation:
Overnight Accommodation: Scenic Circle Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (or similar).Meals:
Not IncludedDay 5
Franz Joseph - Greymouth - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch
4 Stops
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.
Admission Ticket Included
Accommodation:
Not IncludedMeals:
Not IncludedReviews
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5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch
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