10 Day Southern National Parks
Christchurch to Christchurch
Breadcrumb
New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Thrifty Tours

10 Day Southern National Parks

Extending a stay at Mt Cook is always stated on the list of "things we'd do differently" when we get feedback from clients so in this tour we have done just that. With two nights planned in the beautiful Aoraki/Mt Cook Village you will get a good chance to truly explore and see what is on offer, if you like the outdoors, hiking or just reading a good book with one hell of a backdrop you're in the right place.
After Mt Cook bus to Queenstown, Milford Sound and the West Coast before a beautiful ride on the TranzAlpine Scenic Train sees you finish your trip in Christchurch.

Currency selector
Select your currency to view indicative pricing
Tour summary and feature
Quick Itinerary Details

Independent tour (bus & coach)

This suggested tour costs from NZD$3,850 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch

10 days/9 nights

Motels

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 351 times in the last 7 days

Tour Inclusions

- Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation
- Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to your accommodation
- Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport
1 lunch
Tour at a glance

Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch, transfer to accommodation, rest of day at leisure
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch to Mt Cook National Park
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 3: Explore the World Heritage area that is Mt. Cook National Park
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Day 4: Mt Cook National Park to Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 5: Free day to explore Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 6: Milford Sound day tour with Real Journeys
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 7: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 8: Explore Franz Josef and the Glacier region
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 9: Franz Josef to Greymouth train station, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 10: Depart Christchurch today

Tour full itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
10 Day Southern National Parks - Day 1
Welcome to Christchurch City

Christchurch New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore the city or easy way to see the sights or ride the historic trams across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral, that's right it is built of cardboard!

Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Discover Christchurch Afternoon Tour

A half day sightseeing tour of Christchurch highlighting both the damage to the city inflicted by several large earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the r...

Read more

A half day sightseeing tour of Christchurch highlighting both the damage to the city inflicted by several large earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the rebuild which is currently in progress, together with the surviving beauty of the city and the historical landmarks. Experience the grand architecture, beautiful gardens and scenic viewpoints on a half-day city tour of Christchurch.
The tour commences in the central city of Christchurch and covers the area which was completely devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in February 2011. The guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake. On leaving the inner city, the tour travels to Mona Vale a historic homestead and gardens. Then you will travel to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building with a lookout providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps. The tour then travels via the Port Hills and Lyttleton Harbour by way of the Sign of the Kiwi and Governors Bay to the Port of Lyttleton. The tour proceeds through the Lyttleton harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude.

Hide

Your accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Bella Vista Motel Christchurch offers a great range of comfortable modern units with excellent facilities. Enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Christchurch CBD, shops, entertainment and other activities.
10 Day Southern National Parks - Day 2
Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi - Lunch Included

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook. Led by famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Glacier Explorers Mt. Cook

Experience 500 year old icebergs up-close on the Mt Cook terminal lake. The Glacier Explorers tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and one ...

Read more

Experience 500 year old icebergs up-close on the Mt Cook terminal lake. The Glacier Explorers tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and one of only three in the world! Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of them are accessible. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. These boats provide a safe way to view unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier The Tasman.

Hide

Your accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Mt Cook Motel is located in the centre of Mt. Cook village. The self-contained units are spacious and all are surrounded by alpine mountain views.
10 Day Southern National Parks - Day 3
Aoraki-Mt Cook National Park

At 3754 metres Aoraki-Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain, located deep in the heart of the Southern Alps. From the Visitor Centre at the southern end of Lake Pukaki, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of this immense peak. As well as its impressive beauty, Mt Cook National Park is also home to a huge range of awe-inspiring sights and activities. Take to the air with Mt Cook Ski Planes for a scenic flight that includes a glacier landing. At around 27 kilometres long the Tasman Glacier is New Zealand's longest and a Glacier Explorers tour will give you the opportunity to see its unique features.
There are many short hikes in and around the park and these are well signposted. Those with an interest in the night sky should take a stargazing tour with the Hermitage Hotel. The region is considered to have one of the clearest night skies in the world and is one of the few gold-rated dark sky reserves worldwide.
The Hermitage Hotel complex offers fine dining, multiple cafes and a bar. Due to the remote location of the property, there are no shops and limited supplies at Mt Cook Village. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for insight into this region's mountain climbing history. You'll also learn of Sir Ed's incredible achievements and his dedication to helping others around the world.

Walking tracks in and around Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park

There are many short scenic walks beginning in and around the Mt Cook Village, suitable for all ages and abilities. Located within the Mount Cook Village is the Department of Conservation information centre, where updates on the track conditions and suitability is available as well as information on the history of the area and its wildlife.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Glacier Highlights - Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing

Take in the spectacular Southern Alps, including New Zealand's highest peak Aoraki Mount Cook and the constantly changing glacial landscape. See the H...

Read more

Take in the spectacular Southern Alps, including New Zealand's highest peak Aoraki Mount Cook and the constantly changing glacial landscape. See the Hochstetter Icefall as you fly beneath the face of Mount Cook then along the length of the Tasman glacier before landing on the glacier itself. Experience the silence of the mountains, broken only by the rumbling of an avalanche and creaking of the snow and ice beneath your feet. You'll take off again for another incredible flight over peaks, ice falls, alpine lakes and climbing huts. This flight offers fantastic close up views of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mt Tasman and the Southern Alps from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Hide

Your accommodation: Mt Cook Motel

Mt Cook Motel is located in the centre of Mt. Cook village. The self-contained units are spacious and all are surrounded by alpine mountain views.
10 Day Southern National Parks - Day 4
Aoraki/Mount Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi

Departing spectacular Aoraki/Mt Cook, this scenic tour winds its way through some of the best the Southern Alps area has to offer; stunningly blue Lake Pukaki, High Country Salmon experiences, the panoramic Lindis Pass, the grand Kawarau Gorge before finally coming to an end in breathtaking Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.
10 Day Southern National Parks - Day 5
Free day in Queenstown

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital', Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. 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. Whether you are looking for a scenic short walk or a longer one, you will find the perfect hike or bike trail in Queenstown. Explore Queenstown Gardens, or try out more challenging trails up to Ben Lomond Walkaway or Queenstown Hill Walking Track. Enjoy iconic views and take Queenstown Gondola up 450 metres to Bob's Peak, or ride on the 100-year-old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw -  to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and al fresco restaurants, try out the famous Fergburger, or grab a dessert at Patagonia Chocolates.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Dart River Wilderness Jet

Journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, where myth, heritage and fantasy come to life. As one of Queenstown&rsquo...

Read more

Journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, where myth, heritage and fantasy come to life. As one of Queenstown’s most exhilarating activities, the Wilderness Jet adventures on a spectacular journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mount Aspiring National Park.

Hide

Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.
10 Day Southern National Parks - Day 6
Milford Sound Cruise and coach tour from Queenstown

Return luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with a 1 hour 40 minute Cruise along the full length of the fiord. On boarding a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown or Te Anau, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purchasing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board the modern, spacious vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and the wildlife. During the cruise your friendly crew provide commentaries in several languages and point out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.

Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.
Meals included: Lunch
10 Day Southern National Parks - Day 7
Queenstown to Franz Josef with Glacier Shuttles

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.

Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.
10 Day Southern National Parks - Day 8
Explore Franz Josef

Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Franz Josef Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours

Nestled in thick historic West Coast forest and a stone's throw from wild black sand beaches, this is one of the world's most unusual glaciers. Beauti...

Read more

Nestled in thick historic West Coast forest and a stone's throw from wild black sand beaches, this is one of the world's most unusual glaciers. Beautiful blue skies or magical misty rain, whatever the weather - you will feel like you are in Narnia or LOTR.
With easy walking at your pace, information on glaciology, geology, geomorphology, flora and fauna, local legends, history, and small guided groups with fantastic guides, you will experience this glacier in style and in the best hands with the only local company. Wander past glacier rivers and streams and through beautiful podocarp forest; discover hidden natural treasures such as native snails, wild native mushrooms, and dozens of species of native orchids; listen to native bird song and waterfalls; see if you can spot a Chamois or a Tahr on the huge snow-capped mountains above while drinking a cup of tea and talking one-on-one with your guide. This tour will be a highlight of your travels in New Zealand.

Hide
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Franz Josef Glacier Helihike with The Helicopter Line

Take a scenic flight over all three Franz Josef glacier icefalls. Landing high on the glacier take a two hour guided trip through some of the most bea...

Read more

Take a scenic flight over all three Franz Josef glacier icefalls. Landing high on the glacier take a two hour guided trip through some of the most beautiful terrain in the country. Your guide will choose the route as you go through a wonderland of blue ice and frozen pinnacles. You'll have endless views of the surrounding mountains and rainforest as well as plenty of opportunities to take photographs. Sure to be one of the most memorable experiences you have while you are in New Zealand. Should weather not be suitable to take this flight you are able to transfer your booking onto a similar tour on any of the Helicopter Line operations in Queenstown or Mt Cook.

Hide

Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.
10 Day Southern National Parks - Day 9
Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Hokitika Scenic Tours

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 and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

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.

Private Transfer Christchurch Train Station to your accommodation

On arrival at the Christchurch train station, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your accommodation.

Your accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Bella Vista Motel Christchurch offers a great range of comfortable modern units with excellent facilities. Enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Christchurch CBD, shops, entertainment and other activities.
10 Day Southern National Parks - Day 10
Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Airport

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.

Tour quick quote rework

Get an Instant Quote or Book this Tour

10 Day Southern National Parks

Step 1:
Step 2: Select number of passengers and room configuration

Enter phone number to get a call from a travel planning expert within in 24 hours

Enter email address to receive your instant quote

Tick this box if you do not wish to receive emails about special offers
No pricing loaded - please choose another date or contact us

Your quote for this tour:

Start date:
End date:
Guests:
Rooms:

Total cost for ALL guests on this tour package is:

NZD$0

or
This quote is based on vehicles to accommodate your party in the vehicle type. We suggest changing the car type or contacting us for the best options.
The package cost above excludes rental vehicle hire as you are requesting a price for a vehicle outside of our designated season. Please reach out direct for rental vehicle rates.

NOTE: Quotes are subject to availability of specific accommodation and other inclusions. Our NZ touring experts will be in touch with you regarding this. Costs quoted in currencies other than New Zealand dollars (NZ$) are based on todays exchange rate and is subject to change.Terms and Conditions apply

Remember - we can create this itinerary with any style of accommodation or customise to suit your interests and timeframe. Just contact us here.

Tour departure list
See all departure dates & prices
Departure dates and prices
This tour has 274 departure dates.
All prices are in
Go to dates in
Starts Status Double (2 people sharing) Single occupancy You save  
Apr 2, 2024
(Tuesday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 3, 2024
(Wednesday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 4, 2024
(Thursday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 5, 2024
(Friday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 6, 2024
(Saturday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 7, 2024
(Sunday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 8, 2024
(Monday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 9, 2024
(Tuesday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 10, 2024
(Wednesday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 11, 2024
(Thursday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 12, 2024
(Friday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 13, 2024
(Saturday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 14, 2024
(Sunday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 15, 2024
(Monday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 16, 2024
(Tuesday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 17, 2024
(Wednesday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 18, 2024
(Thursday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 19, 2024
(Friday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 20, 2024
(Saturday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 21, 2024
(Sunday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 22, 2024
(Monday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 23, 2024
(Tuesday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 24, 2024
(Wednesday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 25, 2024
(Thursday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 26, 2024
(Friday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 27, 2024
(Saturday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 28, 2024
(Sunday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 29, 2024
(Monday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
Apr 30, 2024
(Tuesday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
May 1, 2024
(Wednesday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
May 2, 2024
(Thursday)
Guaranteed
departure date
NZD$3,850 NZD$6,640 Enquire Book
All prices are in
Go to dates in
Contact form
Send enquiry about this tour
Your contact information
Subscribe to our Regular Newsletter for Inspiring Holiday Ideas
Tour recommendation

Some similar tours to this one

10 days Map
10 Day Southern Icons Adventure
View Tour
 
10 days Map
10 day Glaciers and Overnight Fiordland
View Tour
 
10 days Map
Glaciers and Overnight Fiordland Tour
View Tour