Highlights:
- Transverse the majestic Southern Alps on the highly regarded TranzAlpine Scenic Train, passing through Arthur's Pass to Greymouth and finally reaching Hokitika, a vibrant town known for its art and native greenstone.
- Experience the iconic Franz Josef Glacier, hike through native bush, cross glacial streams, and marvel at the terminal face of the glacier. Alternatively, relax in the township and enjoy the breathtaking views.
- Discover the 'Adventure Capital of the World' and the spiritual home of bungy jumping.
- Take a scenic walk around Lake Matheson, witness people bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge, and explore Milford Sound on a cruise to see towering Mitre Peak and wildlife.
- Visit the base of New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.
- Choose from optional experiences like a boat tour on a glacial lake, visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or explore the beautiful short walks in the area, all while enjoying the best stargazing spots in the country.
What's Included:
- Experienced tour guide
- Private coach transport
- 8 nights’ accommodation
- 8 breakfasts & 2 dinners
- TranzAlpine Train Experience
- Entrance to Ata Whenua movie
- Water Taxi to Brod Bay (Oct-Apr) OR Entrance to Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (May-Sep) Milford Sound Day Cruise
- Plenty of stops at lakes, lookouts, mountains, hikes, beaches, national parks, rivers, waterfalls and more...
Day 1: Christchurch to Hokitika
Start your trip with a journey through Arthur’s Pass to the West Coast town of Greymouth, where you’ll meet your group. From there, continue on to Hokitika, a vibrant, creative town and the best place to buy Pounamu (greenstone). Your hotel is absolute beachfront, sitting right on the Tasman Sea, where you can wander down for sunset. Treat yourself to dinner in the Ocean View restaurant or take a stroll through town.
Accommodation: Hokitika Beachfront Hotel or similar
Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Meal options: Local eateries
Free activities: Sunset at Hokitika Beach
Day 2: Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier
Travel down the coast as the scenery changes from wild shoreline to lush rainforest on your way to Franz Josef. Arriving around lunchtime, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the famous glacier. Hike through native bush to the terminal face or choose a heli-hike to actually stand on the ice itself. If you prefer a slower pace, relax in the village and enjoy the mountain views.
Accommodation: Franz Josef Motel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Meal options: Local restaurants
Free activities: Glacier Valley hike, bush tracks
Optional paid activities: Heli Hike to Franz Josef Glacier, Shuttle to Track
Day 3: Franz Josef to Queenstown
Start the day with a loop around Lake Matheson, known for mirror-like reflections of Aoraki Mt Cook on calm days. Stop in Wanaka for a late lunch and soak in the lake and mountain views, maybe snapping a shot of the famous Wanaka tree. Continue on to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, where you’ll stay in a hotel with a pool, sauna, and fitness centre. It’s the perfect balance of adrenaline by day and relaxation by night.
Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Meal options: Local restaurants and cafés
Free activities: Lake Matheson walk
Day 4: Queenstown
You’ve got a free day to experience Queenstown any way you like. Hike one of the surrounding peaks, take in the incredible views, or dive into adrenaline-pumping activities like bungy, skydiving, or jet boating. In the evening, you can join the buzz of the lakefront, grab a famous Fergburger, or enjoy live music in town. However you spend the day, this is a place you’ll never forget.
Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Meal options: Local restaurants
Free activities: Hike Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak
Optional paid activities: Bungy, jet boating, skydiving, ziplining, horse riding, wine tasting, luging
Day 5: Queenstown to Te Anau
Leave Queenstown behind and head for Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. On arrival, you’ll visit the Fiordland Cinema to watch Ata Whenua, a short film that captures the incredible beauty of the region from above. In the afternoon, take a water taxi across the lake and walk part of the famous Kepler Track before returning lakeside. With mountains and water all around, it’s the perfect spot to slow down after your Queenstown adventures.
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Included activities: Ata Whenua film, Water Taxi to Brod Bay (Oct–Apr)
Free activities: Kepler Track walk
Meal options: Local restaurants
Day 6: Milford Sound Day Trip
Travel from Te Anau to the world-famous Milford Sound, where you’ll board a boat and cruise beneath Mitre Peak, waterfalls, and rainforest-covered cliffs. Keep an eye out for fur seals, penguins, and dolphins along the way. Back in Te Anau, you can explore glowworm caves, wander the lakefront, or just relax at your hotel. It’s a day of scenery so dramatic it barely feels real.
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Included activity: Milford Sound cruise
Meal options: Local restaurants
Optional paid activities: Glowworm caves
Day 7: Te Anau to Aoraki Mount Cook
Drive through the dramatic Lindis Pass and Mackenzie Country, past the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, to reach Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Spend the afternoon walking one of the alpine trails or opt for a glacier boat tour surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The Hooker Valley track is a highlight if the weather is clear, and at night the stargazing here is world-class. This is one of the most scenic days you’ll experience in New Zealand.
Accommodation: Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional paid activities: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (May–Sep), Glacier Explorer boat tour
Free activities: Hooker Valley track, stargazing
Day 8: Mount Cook to Christchurch
Leave Mt Cook and travel through landscapes made famous by The Lord of the Rings. Stop at Lake Tekapo for photos of its turquoise waters and the Church of the Good Shepherd. You’ll also have the chance to soak in hot pools, try snow tubing or ice skating in winter, or hike to Mt John Observatory for incredible views. Continue on to Christchurch and celebrate the journey with a final group dinner (own cost).
Accommodation: Scenic Cotswold or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Free activities: Mt John hike, Canterbury Museum, Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park
Day 9: Depart Christchurch
Spend your final morning exploring Christchurch, a city rebuilt with creativity and colour. Wander laneways filled with street art, relax in the Botanic Gardens, or punt down the Avon River. If you’ve got time, ride the historic tram or check out quirky pubs before saying goodbye to your new travel mates. Your South Island adventure may be over, but the memories will stay with you long after you leave.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pickup: 7:45am at Christchurch Railway Station to embark on the Tranzalpine Train.
Return: Christchurch
What to Bring:
Hat/Sunscreen
Camera
Waterproof Jacket
