5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch

4.2
(71 reviews)

5 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

See all the highlights of New Zealand's scenic South Island on this five-day sightseeing tour. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown, experience the majesty of Milford Sound, view the glacier at Franz Josef and travel aboard the famous TranzAlpine Express train. Highlights include Mount Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Haast Past, Franz Joseph and the incredible TranzAlpine Rail Journey

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Accommodation as per itinerary
Air-conditioned vehicle
Milford Sound Cruise
Tranz Alpine from Greymouth to Christchurch
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Departure Point: Christchurch hotels Dates: Daily Return point: Returns to original departure point on day 5 at approximately 6:35pm

OR
Meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 5 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Christchurch - Mount Cook - Queenstown

    6 stops
  • 1

    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
  • 2

    Burkes Pass is a mountain pass and at its base

    Admission ticket free
  • 3

    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
  • 4

    From here you travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to arrive at Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Stop at Mt Cook for lunch (additional at own expense) where you will be mesmerized by the surroundings of this truly unique region. Cross the Lindis Pass, leaving the MacKenzie Country and travel along the Kawerau Gorge before arriving in Queenstown.

    Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Experience the south Island on this 5 day epic journey!

    Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Milford Sound Day Excursion

    6 stops
  • 7
    Fiordland National Park

    Travel along the edge of Lake Wakatipu beneath the rugged Remarkables to Te Anau, the 'Gateway to Fiordland National Park'. On entering the Fiordland National Park you pass through the Eglinton Valley

    Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Mirror Lakes Walk

    See ancient beech forest, stunning waterfalls and the famous Mirror Lakes where you will pause for a photo stop.

    Admission ticket free
  • 9

    Continue through the upper Hollyford Valley, past the stunning Christie Falls.

    Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Homer Tunnel

    Enter the 1.2 km Homer Tunnel, drilled through the solid rock of a mountain. On exiting the Homer Tunnel prepare for the breathtaking impact of the Cleddau Valley and the descent into Milford Sound

    Admission ticket free
  • 11
    Milford Sound

    On arrival, take an unforgettable cruise on the majestic Milford Sound

    Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Mitre Peak

    See the wonders of Mitre Peak and rock walls scarred by glaciers which rise to 1200m vertically from the sea. Then reboard the coach for the return journey to Queenstown. Optional lunches onboard the cruise are available.

    Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Queenstown

    1 stop
  • 13
    Queenstown

    A free day at leisure in Queenstown to either simply explore this most beautiful township nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounds by mountains which are snow-capped for much of the year or enjoy one of the many actives that are on offer.

    Admission ticket free
  • Day 4

    Queenstown - Franz Joseph

    5 stops
  • 14

    Travel along the shores of Lake Wanaka and Hawea.

    Admission ticket free
  • 15

    Haast Pass is the most stunning stretch of highway in New Zealand.

    Admission ticket free
  • 16

    World Heritage Westland National Park. Initially the pass travels through the treeless grasslands of Central Otago, then at the highest point, the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps and the rivers and rainforests of Westland dominate the landscape

    Admission ticket free
  • 17

    Continue to travel up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.

    Admission ticket free
  • 18
    Franz Josef Glacier

    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
  • Day 5

    Franz Joseph - Greymouth - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch

    4 stops
  • 19

    On the final day of your South Island tour, today you continue to travel along the rugged West Coast to Hokitika founded in the 1860's during the West Coast Gold Rush. The township is now famous for its Green Stone Shops and the Green Stone ornaments and jewellery they produce.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 20

    From Hokitika travel to Greymouth, the center for thousands of diggers during the historic gold strikes of the 1860's. Also a major outlet for the Green Stone for which this region is now famous. There will be time here to do some last minute shopping and or get some lunch.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 21

    From Greymouth, journey over the Southern Alps, on the world famous TranzAlpine train through to Arthur's Pass and then on to Christchurch

    Admission ticket free
  • 22

    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

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Independent Touring - this is not a Group Tour - we use local suppliers and you will have a different coach & driver each day
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Supplied by Leisure Tours

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Nature and Wildlife Tours
Multi-day Tours
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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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Rating

4.2 Based on 71 71 reviews
5 stars
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4 stars
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3 stars
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