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Offered languages
- English
Treat yourself to a six-day trip to the awe-inspiring fiords, dramatic glaciers and top-rated scenic rail routes of New Zealand's South Island. On this round-trip from Christchurch, travel by coach and aboard the TranzAlpine passenger trains, enjoy a Milford Sound Cruise, soar above Lake Wakatipu on the Queenstown Skyline Gondola and take a complimentary shuttle to the Franz Josef Glacier lookout point. There is also plenty of time to explore at your own leisure, what more could you want!?
This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have 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
Meeting and pickup
Meet the Intercity Coach departing Christchurch Bus Interchange at 07:45 this morning. Please arrive and check-in at least 15 minutes prior.
Itinerary
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1
Leaving Christchurch early, you will cross the vast Canterbury Plains as you head South, crossing many braided rivers that start their life as glacial melt water high in the Southern Alps. New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia crosses such an example. Pass through the towns of Timaru followed by Oamaru, most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Continue along the coast and into the city of Dunedin.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Te Anau
The drive to Te Anau takes you through classic Southland farmland scenery. Pass through the tranquil river town of Balclutha, the largest town in South Otago, which hosts a range of shops and services. Balclutha is memorable for its arched concrete bridge, under which flows the mighty Clutha River. The river is open for salmon and trout fishing all year round. As you head inland, you will pass through the small rural town of Clinton before reaching Gore, the official home of country music. It's also known for great fly fishing, with the Mataura River and many other productive streams close by. Take time to enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you journey east towards your lakeside destination of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
3
Begin your Te Anau Glowworm experience with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau on board the luxury catamaran, Luminosa, to the western side of the lake. On arrival, you'll enter the caves through Cavern House, where informative displays detail the history of this 12,000 year old underground network. You'll then explore by limestone pathway while your guide points out hidden whirlpools, sculpted rock formations and a rushing underground waterfall. See a magical display of thousands of glowworms as you glide through the darkness in a small boat.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
4Milford Sound
Hop on board a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau while the coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau (own expense), the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road where there is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board your Milford cruise for a leisurely extended cruise of the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife with extensive commentary by the on board nature guide.
12 hours • Admission ticket included -
5
Enjoy a free day to explore the famous alpine resort of Queenstown. 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. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at one of the many options available. Take a leisurely lakeside stroll and ride the gondola for breathtaking views. And after all of that - if you do want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or White Water rafting (own arrangements).
1 day • Admission ticket free -
6
Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola, the steepest cable car lift in the Southern hemisphere. From which you can take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak and the magnificent Lake Wakatipu.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
7
Private transfer from Queenstown to Franz Josef Leaving Queenstown, travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Travel across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, the landscape changes dramatically. Welcome to the wild and wonderful West Coast, a remote and unspoiled region. Wind your way past native rainforest, rocky coastlines and powerful waterfalls. Your journey concludes in the village of Franz Josef, your base for exploration of the area.
9 hours • Admission ticket free -
8Franz Josef Glacier
You will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and taken on a short tour to view the glacier. Your shuttle vehicle will transfer you up the Franz Josef valley to the road end. Here you will have the opportunity to walk to view the glacier from a viewing platform. Or enjoy one of the short walks available in this area.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
9
Semi-private transfer Franz Josef to Greymouth This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Continue through the township of Ross, where the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, weighing 2807 grams. On arrival into Hokitika there is time to purchase lunch, walk around the town centre, or just relax and enjoy the windswept coast. Continue onto Greymouth Railway Station from where you catch the world-famous Tranz Alpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
10
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the Tranz Alpine scenic train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island through the Arthur's Pass National Park from the west to the east coast.
6 hours • Admission ticket included -
11
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.
Admission ticket free
Take a scenic coach journey from Christchurch to Dunedin
Journey West from Dunedin to Te Anau
Enjoy a Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Coach from Queenstown
A full day to explore Queenstown, New Zealands Adventure Capital
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef to Greymouth and take the TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Christchurch
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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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.
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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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