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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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