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Offered languages
- English
A seamless South Island loop linking Queenstown, West Coast rainforests, the Canterbury Plains, and Aoraki Mount Cook. Travel via small-group coach and the iconic TranzAlpine train. Key highlights include Lake Wanaka, alpine pass crossings, Christchurch's Port Hills, and overnighting at the base of New Zealand's highest peak.
This is an Independent Coach Tour, where you travel on a combination of different small group tours with commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.
What's Included
Lunch
Meeting and pickup
You will be picked up from your CBD accommodation. Please provide your accommodation when booking.
Itinerary
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1Wanaka
Departing from Queenstown, this journey takes you to the historic Cardrona Hotel, renowned for its rustic charm and spectacular mountain setting. In Wānaka, you'll capture the iconic photo of the Wānaka Tree with Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps in the background.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Franz Josef Glacier
Continuing past the Clutha River, you'll enjoy scenic stops at Lake Hāwea, Thunder Creek Falls, and Ship Creek, where the rainforest meets the ocean. The tour concludes at Franz Josef, after passing glacial rivers and the picturesque Lake Matheson, a photographer's paradise.
10 hours • Admission ticket included -
3Mawhera Greymouth isite Visitor Information Centre
Today you’ll head north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Greenstone (Pounamu) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860’s. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast where you'll stop for lunch before starting on the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.
4 hours • Admission ticket included -
4TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.
4 hours • Admission ticket included -
Christchurch (Pass by)
Christchurch is known as the gateway to the South Island. Boasting a plethora of activities both inside and outside the town centre.
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5Christchurch
Explore Christchurch with your private driver uncovering the magnificent sights of Christchurch City and surroundings. Begin your 5 hour adventure at the City Centre, unlocking all the highlights! Some of the amazing places you will visit are the Botanic gardens, Cathedral, Arts Centre, Cathedral Square, New Regent street, before heading out to the iconic Gondola, sit back and relax as you ride to the top of Mt Cavendish to be greeted with a 360 degree views of the City, while your immersed in the views- take a tour through the time tunnel to learn about the history of the peninsula. Next up you will drive through the Lyttelton tunnel to the famous port, winding your way along the coast to reach Governors bay! Winding up and over the sign of the Takahe, you will see the beautiful sights as you look out over the city, southern alps and coastline!
5 hours • Admission ticket free -
6Lake Tekapo
Leave Christchurch behind for a small-group journey crossing the expansive Canterbury Plains and climbing into the high country. Relax in comfort as you head to your first stop in the charming rural township of Geraldine for a morning break. Continue into the dramatic Mackenzie Basin to capture iconic photos of the impossibly blue waters at Lake Tekapo and visit the historic, picturesque The Church of the Good Shepherd.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
7Mt. Cook Village
After tracking the edge of Lake Pukaki, arrive at Aoraki / Mount Cook Village in the afternoon, where you will be treated to a complimentary picnic lunch under the shadow of New Zealand's highest peak.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
8Queenstown
Depart Mount Cook Village and journey down one of the country's most scenic roads, tracking the vibrant blue waters of Lake Pukaki with stunning backward views of the Southern Alps. Afterward, continue south to sample ultra-fresh seafood at High Country Salmon, cross the majestic Lindis Pass, and stop for local orchard treats in Cromwell before descending through the rugged Kawarau Gorge into Queenstown where your guide will drop you directly at your accommodation.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier via Wānaka
Franz Josef to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine Train
Explore Christchurch
Christchurch to Mt Cook National Park
Mt Cook to Queenstown
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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