Highlights of the South Island Tour
Queenstown to Queenstown
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Thrifty Tours

Highlights of the South Island Tour

Your tour begins in the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown. From here, you will depart for Milford Sound, known famously for it's towering peaks, lush rainforest, numerous waterfalls, and playful wildlife. You'll arrive by coach, then board a modern and spacious vessel for your cruise along the fiord, before being transported back to your accommodation in Queenstown. The following morning, depart Queenstown again, this time northbound toward the untamed beauty of the West Coast, arriving in Franz Josef. Here, you'll have time to explore the small town and the famous Franz Josef Glacier at your leisure, consider booking a scenic flight (at additional expense). After a restful night sleep, depart Franz Josef and continue north along the West Coast toward Greymouth, eventually arriving at the train station. From here, embark on one of the world's great train journeys, The TranzAlpine Train. This journey will take you across Arthurs Pass, before arriving in the largest city in the South Island, Christchurch. After a transfer to your accommodation, the night is yours to enjoy. The next morning, depart Christchurch for Aoraki Mt Cook, home to the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Here, you'll have time to explore, again, consider booking a scenic flight (at additional expense). After your night in Mt Cook, you'll awake on the final day of your tour and board your coach transport back to Queenstown, where the journey draws to an end.

Tour special blurb

**Please Note: Some elements of this tour may only run on certain days of the week. Speak to one of our travel specialists today to find a departure date that works for you.

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Quick Itinerary Details

Independent tour (bus & coach)

This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,030 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Queenstown

5 days/4 nights

Motels

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 168 times in the last 7 days

Tour at a glance

Day 1: Milford Sound day tour from Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 2: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 3: Franz Josef to Greymouth train station, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 4: Christchurch to Mt Cook National Park
Accommodation: Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

Day 5: Mt Cook to Queenstown

Tour full itinerary

Detailed itinerary: 5 day tour starting in Queenstown

Day 1 - Milford Sound day tour from Queenstown
Highlights of the South Island Tour - Day 1
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.
Day 2 - Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Highlights of the South Island Tour - Day 2
Queenstown to Franz Josef with Gray Line

Leaving Queenstown early, travel by luxury coach through the stunning scenery of the South Island. Your driver-guide will provide entertaining commentary and point out sites of interest as you pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. After a morning tea break (at own expense) in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, you'll travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Skirt the coast and see waves crashing on rocky beaches before returning inland. You will arrive in the afternoon at the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.

Glacier Valley Shuttle

You will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and taken on a short tour to view the glacier. Your shuttle vehicle will transfer you up the Franz Josef valley to the road end. Here you will have the opportunity to walk to view the glacier from a viewing platform. Or enjoy one of the short walks available in this area. You will be returned to your accommodation by the Glacier Valley Shuttles.

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.
Day 3 - Franz Josef to Greymouth train station, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch
Highlights of the South Island Tour - Day 3
Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Gray Line

This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Stop at the Bushman's Centre for refreshments and a chance to experience a bit of West Coast humour. Continue through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields. In 1903 the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V. On arrival in Hokitika there is time to purchase lunch and explore the town centre. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. The major primary industry is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, white baiting and eel processing being the other major industries. Continue onto Greymouth Railway Station from where you catch the world famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.

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.
Day 4 - Christchurch to Mt Cook National Park
Highlights of the South Island Tour - Day 4
Christchurch to Mount Cook Day Tour with Gray Line

Depart Christchurch in the morning and travel through the lush farmland of the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, where you can see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd as it stands in solitude next to the vibrant blue waters. Leaving Tekapo, continue into the Southern Alps towards Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's tallest mountain. Compelling commentary from the driver on the region's culture and history will keep you entertained. Arrive at Mount Cook and feel free to explore the village and its surroundings at your own leisure.

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 - Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Explorer Pass

A tribute to New Zealand's Sir Edmund Hillary humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world's greatest explorers, the centre showcases the Aoraki Moun...

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A tribute to New Zealand's Sir Edmund Hillary humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world's greatest explorers, the centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region and its people within a comprehensive museum as well as a 126-seat custom-designed theatre and Digital Dome Planetarium.

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Your accommodation: Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

Mt Cook Lodge and Motel is located in the centre of Mt. Cook village. The self-contained units are spacious and all are surrounded by alpine mountain views.
Day 5 - Mt Cook to Queenstown
Highlights of the South Island Tour - Day 5
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 ...

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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.

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Mt Cook to Queenstown Day Tour with Gray Line

Leaving Mt Cook, you will head south through the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country. You will stop for an afternoon tea break in Omarama (at your own expense) before crossing Lindis Pass. You will head towards Cromwell region, which is famous for its fruit orchards. You will continue through the Kawarau Gorge and its famous goldmines and arrive in Queenstown in the evening.

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Highlights of the South Island 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.

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