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.
Included:
- Dorm Style Accommodation (4-10 beds) is included.
- You'll stay in comfortable backpacker hostels, cabins and lodges.
- All accommodation facilities have self-catering kitchen facilities.
- Take the pressure off, kick back, relax, soak up the scenery and let someone else do the driving.
- You'll travel by Scenic Train and private, air-conditioned bus.
- Expect entertaining anecdotes, great recommendations, extra support and local insider knowledge from your charismatic guide.
- Guides know every inch of this country. You can't get this from a google search!
Day 1 : Christchurch to Hokitika (via Tranzalpine Train)
Transverse the Southern Alps on the highly regarded TranzAlpine Scenic Train. You'll start the day by travelling through the stunning Arthur's Pass to the historic gold mining town of Greymouth on the West Coast. Your Stray group will meet you outside the Greymouth train station. From here we’ll make our way to Hokitika, a vibrant, artistic town and the best place to buy ‘Pounamu’, a native greenstone.
Accommodation: Hokitika Beachfront Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Meal options: Local eateries
Free activities: Head down to Hokitika Beach for sunset.
Included activities: TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Day 2 : Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier
It’s a short drive today towards the quaint village of Franz Josef. The scenery will change from serene coastline to dramatic, lush rainforest. We’ll get to Franz Josef around lunchtime so you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the town or relax at your accommodation.
Accommodation: Franz Josef Motels or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Meal options: Local restaurants
Day 3 : Franz Josef Glacier
Ice, ice baby! Get ready to experience Franz Josef Glacier, an iconic highlight of the West Coast. Take a short drive to the beginning of the track. Hike through native bush and across glacial streams to the terminal face of the glacier for spectacular photos or just relax in the township and enjoy the views.
Accommodation: Franz Josef Motels or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Meal options: Local restaurants
Free activities: Glacier Valley hike, bush tracks
Optional paid activities: Shuttle to the track
Day 4 : Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
This morning we’ll go for a scenic walk around Lake Matheson and then we’ll make our way to Queenstown, known in New Zealand as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ and the spiritual home of bungy jumping. We stop at Kawarau Bridge on our way into town a.k.a. the first commercial bungy jumping site in the world. If you’re feeling brave you can tick the bungy off your bucket list or if you’d prefer to just watch then you can cheer your mates on from the viewing platform!
Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Meal options: Local restaurants and cafes
Free activities: Lake Matheson scenic walk, watch people jumping off a bridge!
Optional paid activities: Puzzling World
Day 5 : Queenstown
Today you’ll hop aboard a Coach which will take you to the stunning Milford Sound. You’ll take a Cruise across this impressive Sound and see towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls as well as spotting some amazing wildlife like Fur Seals, Penguins and Dolphins. Once you’ve snapped as many pics as you possibly can, it’s back to Queenstown. We recommend checking out the buzzy nightlife and many restaurants Queenstown has to offer.
Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Meal options: Local restaurants
Included activity: Milford Sound Day Cruise
Day 6 : Queenstown
Yaaaasssss Queen(stown)! You’ve got a full day in the adventure capital today. With beautiful mountain scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s easy to understand why so many backpackers refuse to leave this place.
Accommodation: Mercure Queenstown or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Meal options: Local restaurants Free activities: Hike Ben Lomond, the Queenstown Hill, or Bob’s Peak
Optional paid activities: Any adventure activity that we mad Kiwis can dream up (bungy, swing, jet boating, skydiving, mountain biking, zipline, horse riding…).
Day 7 : Queenstown to Mount Cook
Depart Queenstown early to drive over the Lindis Pass through the beautiful Mackenzie Country and past the vivid blue waters of Lake Pukaki on the way to our amazing stop at the base of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook. We arrive in the early afternoon with time to do an optional experience like a boat tour on a glacial lake surrounded by snow capped alps and views of the gigantic Tasman Glacier Ice wall. Alternatively you can check out the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or do one of the many great short walks in the park. If it’s a clear night, make sure you head outside to experience one of the best stargazing spots in the country.
Accommodation: Stunning alpine lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Free activities: Take photos of awe-inspiring scenery, do one of the many great short walks to the Hooker glacial lake (weather dependent), stargazing.
Optional paid activities: Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Glacier Explorer boat tour
Day 8 : Mount Cook to Christchurch
Leaving Mount Cook we make our way through a landscape made famous in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ films. We’ll stop to admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, a famous photo stop. Relax in the Tekapo hot pools, go snow tubing or ice skating (winter only) or hike up to the Mt John Observatory where you’ll witness stunning views of the lake from above. After lunch, we will continue to our overnight stop in Christchurch, a city where old meets new, as the rebuild continues following the devastating 2011 earthquake. Spend your afternoon wandering the city streets and laneways to discover creative street art intended to bring cheer and colour to a city once buried in rubble. On arrival in Christchurch, we’ll make our way to the Ibis hotel which is our accommodation for the evening.
Accommodation: Ibis Christchurch or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 : Depart Christchurch
Today your adventure comes to an end. We hope you had a blast! If you have some time at the end of your trip, why not stay a few extra days in Christchurch and explore the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Pickup: 7:45am at Christchurch Railway Station to embark on the Tranzalpine Train.
Return: Christchurch
What to Bring:
Hat/Sunscreen
Camera
Waterproof Jacket
