Great Journeys of New Zealand - 7 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Signature Tour
Christchurch to Queenstown
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New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Great Journeys of New Zealand

Great Journeys of New Zealand - 7 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Signature Tour

Experience an unforgettable train and coach journey through New Zealand. Travel off the beaten track in comfort and style as you are guided on a scenic adventure of a lifetime. Explore the Southern Alps onboard the world-famous TranzAlpine scenic train, discover the home of pounamu and ancient forests on the Wild West Coast, dine along marvellous scenery in world-class locations, and explore New Zealand’s city life in Christchurch and Queenstown.

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Quick Itinerary Details

Guided Coach & Train Tours

This suggested tour costs from NZD$5,499 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Queenstown

7 days/6 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Pre and post tour options? YES

 Viewed 62 times in the last 7 days

Tour Inclusions

Punakaiki Rocks
TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth
View of the glacier from the parking lot
Travelling through the Southern Lakes
Haast, Mrs Jones Fruit Stall and Arrowtown Visit
Milford Sound Daytrip and Cruise
TSS Earnslaw cruise & dinner at Walter Peak high country farm, Queenstown
6 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Tour at a glance

Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 2: Board the TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Hokitika
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 3: Hokitika to Franz Josef on the Wild West Coast
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 4: Franz Josef to Queenstown, the 'Adventure Capital'
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 5: A day trip to Milford Sound
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 6: Explore everything Queenstown has to offer
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 7: Depart Queenstown

Tour full itinerary

Detailed itinerary: 7 day tour starting in Christchurch

Day 1 - Welcome to Christchurch
Great Journeys of New Zealand - 7 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 1
Explore Christchurch

Welcome to Christchurch – New Zealand’s garden city! Christchurch is known for its historical earthquake in 2011 and how it rebuilt itself into a charming, multicultural city that blends modern architecture and technology with the existing 19th-century Anglican influence.
Your journey will officially begin the moment you check into your hotel room. After reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Christchurch has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to wander through the enticing stalls at Riverside Market or explore the botanical gardens before heading to the art gallery.
After an exciting day on the town, join your fellow travellers as well as the Tour Director at this evening’s welcome reception.

Your accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 - Board the TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Hokitika
Great Journeys of New Zealand - 7 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 2
The TranzAlpine Scenic Train

The moment has come to experience the world-famous TranzAlpine journey through the Southern Alps to the West Coast! On this fantastic escape, you will see epic vistas, soar on the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and experience miles of native beech forest. The natural scenery isn’t the only marvel though. The TranzAlpine will also pass through the Otira Tunnel, a true engineering marvel of almost 100 years!
Once you arrive on the West Coast, you will travel even further off the beaten track by coach to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Here you will walk amongst limestone formations before finishing your day in the coastal town of Hokitika.

Your accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Hokitika to Franz Josef on the Wild West Coast
Great Journeys of New Zealand - 7 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 3
Explore the West Coast

This morning you start your West Coast adventure by visiting one of the South Island’s most popular activities– The Treetop Aerial Walkway. This elevated adventure will get you acquainted with the locals – the ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees of course.
After your sky-high experience continuing into glacier country, you'll reach Franz Josef. Franz Josef glacier is quite unique in that it survives in coastal rainforest temperatures. We’ll drive as close as possible, but if you’d prefer to get up close, we recommend booking an optional helicopter flight. This will ensure you are getting the best possible view of this natural wonder.
After our glacial experience and checking into our hotel, you’ll have some free time to enjoy Franz Josef town. Indulge in a little retail therapy, the helicopter flight, nature walk or tap into some natural tranquillity at the hot pools.

Your accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Franz Josef to Queenstown, the 'Adventure Capital'
Great Journeys of New Zealand - 7 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 4
Explore the Southern Lakes

Heading southwards, enjoy exploring the Southern Lakes region as you marvel at the sublime scenery. From glacier country, you will tread through the incredibly dense West Coast rainforest. In the distance, enjoy the spectacular picture-perfect mountain peaks as you journey along the clifftops.
After enjoying Haast, you will continue south through the dramatic Haast Pass and alongside impeccable lakes. The next stops will have you sipping aromatic coffee and perusing through the delicious South Island fruit selection of fruit stalls. Charming and quirky Arrowtown is next on the itinerary.
After an exciting plunge into the gold rush village history, you have arrived in the world-famous resort town of Queenstown!

Your accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 - A day trip to Milford Sound
Great Journeys of New Zealand - 7 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 5
Explore Milford Sound - The 8th Wonder of the World

Make sure you charge your camera before you set off on today’s adventure. Today you’re heading to Milford Sounds/ Piopiotahi to be engulfed in towering peaks and to waltz through plunging valleys.
After travelling through native rainforests, meadows, and knobs (yes knobs!), you will join your cruise in Milford Sounds. Jump aboard and meander down the sound where you will experience the rumble of Bowen and Stirling Falls as they plummet from glacial hanging valleys sharply into the sea. Marvel at the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak, rising from the deep waters of the fiord. Or, if you’d like to soar like the Piopio (ancient bird), why not elevate your day by flying into the Sounds by plane or helicopter?
After this adventure, you will be heading back to Queenstown for the evening. Sip cocktails and indulge in Queenstown’s exciting nightlife along the sparkling Lake Wakatipu.

Your accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Explore everything Queenstown has to offer
Great Journeys of New Zealand - 7 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 6
Explore Queenstown

Queenstown truly has something for everyone. Personalise your day to be as active or relaxed as you’d like. Whether it’s sipping wine in Gibbston Valley or bungy jumping with AJ Hackett, there is no shortage of activities to delight your senses.
This evening is your final hurrah as you enjoy a farewell dinner. This is the perfect time to reminisce and share photos and phone numbers with your new friends.  

Your accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Depart Queenstown
Great Journeys of New Zealand - 7 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 7
Depart Queenstown

Your journey will finish after breakfast. You will be transferred to Queenstown Airport for your departing flight.

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Great Journeys of New Zealand - 7 Day Christchurch to Queenstown Signature Tour

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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
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Departure dates and prices
This tour has 9 departure dates.
All prices are in
Starts Status Twin/Double (2 people sharing) Single occupancy You save  
Apr 8, 2023
(Saturday)
NZD$5,499 NZD$6,573 Enquire Book
Sep 23, 2023
(Saturday)
NZD$5,499 NZD$6,573 Enquire Book
Oct 4, 2023
(Wednesday)
NZD$5,499 NZD$6,573 Enquire Book
Oct 25, 2023
(Wednesday)
NZD$5,499 NZD$6,573 Enquire Book
Jan 20, 2024
(Saturday)
NZD$5,499 NZD$6,573 Enquire Book
Feb 24, 2024
(Saturday)
NZD$5,499 NZD$6,573 Enquire Book
Mar 16, 2024
(Saturday)
NZD$5,499 NZD$6,573 Enquire Book
Apr 6, 2024
(Saturday)
NZD$5,499 NZD$6,573 Enquire Book
Apr 27, 2024
(Saturday)
NZD$5,499 NZD$6,573 Enquire Book
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