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Thrifty Tours

Southern Peaks Tour

Begin your adventure in Christchurch, exploring the city before making your way south to the adventure capital, Queenstown. Along the way, take in the majestic beauty of Mt Cook and the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. Experience the stunning Milford Sound by coach, cruise, and scenic flight before journeying up the scenic West Coast through Wānaka and Hokitika. The tour finishes with the world-renowned TranzAlpine train journey, a spectacular grand finale.

Tour special blurb

**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.

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Quick Itinerary Details

Independent Tours

This suggested tour costs from NZD$3,895 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch

6 days/5 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Customisable? YES

 Viewed 209 times in the last 7 days

price pp from
NZD$3,895
twin share/double
Tour map
Boat cruising Milford Sound on a sunny day
An aerial shot of Fox Glacier, a wide expanse of ice and snow, hugged in on all sides by mountain peaks, a clear blue sky in the background.
Tour at a glance

Day 1: Haere Mai - Welcome to Ōtautahi / Christchurch
Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Day 2: Travel from Ōtautahi to Tāhuna / Queenstown, stopping through beautiful Aoraki / Mount Cook
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 3: Explore Piopiotahi / Milford Sound with a coach, cruise and fly back to Tāhuna
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 4: Depart Tāhuna and stop in Wānaka before travelling up the West Coast
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Day 5: Today head towards Māwhera / Greymouth, where you will board the TranzAlpine train
Accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Day 6: Farewell from Aotearoa / New Zealand

Tour full itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Southern Peaks Tour - Day 1
Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

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

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!

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...

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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.

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Your accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Sudima Christchurch City is a brand new 5-star boutique hotel, ideally located on Victoria Street. Amidst an array of cafes, restaurants and bars, stay only a martini olive pips’ throw from beautiful Hagley Park and Christchurch’s CBD. Experience the garden city in comfort and style.
Southern Peaks Tour - Day 2
Christchurch to Queenstown via Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park & Tekapo with Cheeky Kiwi - Lunch Included

What better way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown than a small group, fully-guided day trip that combines all of the key southern highlights such as the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The 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.

Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Right in the heart of the action, the Millennium Hotel is just minutes from Queenstown's central shopping and entertainment district. Outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting and jet boating are just some of the easily accessible activities nearby in New Zealand's adventure capital.
Meals included: Breakfast
Southern Peaks Tour - Day 3
Milford Sound Coach, Cruise and Scenic Flight

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a short break, the coach continues along the spectacular alpine route of the Milford Road through impressive, awe-inspiring scenery. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. Considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world your coach driver provides detailed commentaries throughout the trip.
On reaching Milford Sound, join a spectacular one hour 40 minute cruise to the mouth of the fiord with excellent viewing opportunities. Keep a look out for seals basking on the rocks, dolphins and penguins. There are scenic highlights such as Mitre Peak and Pembroke Glacier. Informative commentary from the captain explains the history and highlights points of interest during the cruise.
Following the cruise, you will be transferred to Milford Airport for the return flight to Queenstown (weather permitting). During the scenic flight, take in expansive views of the snow-capped Southern Alps, golden tussocked high country and the upper reaches of Lake Wakatipu. A taxi transfer is provided to your accommodation on arrival at Queenstown airport.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information, see here.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal, and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stun...

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Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal, and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting. Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. Enjoy the ambiance of the heart of the stately homestead while your Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant chef prepares a gourmet BBQ dinner. Your seasonal menu includes an extensive selection of local New Zealand produce, including succulent meats and a selection of delicious vegetables and salads. Complete your meal with your choice of delicious desserts, or New Zealand cheeses. After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals. Finally, cruise home under the southern stars and enjoy the fresh night air as the lights of Queenstown draw ever closer.

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Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Right in the heart of the action, the Millennium Hotel is just minutes from Queenstown's central shopping and entertainment district. Outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting and jet boating are just some of the easily accessible activities nearby in New Zealand's adventure capital.
Meals included: Breakfast
Southern Peaks Tour - Day 4
Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi - Lunch Included

Departing from Queenstown, this journey takes you to the historic Cardrona Hotel, renowned for its rustic charm and spectacular mountain setting. In Wānaka, you'll capture the iconic photo of the Wānaka Tree with Mt Aspiring and the Southern Alps in the background. Continuing past the Clutha River, you'll enjoy scenic stops at Lake Hāwea, Thunder Creek Falls, and Ship Creek, where the rainforest meets the ocean. The tour concludes at Franz Josef, after passing glacial rivers and the picturesque Lake Matheson, a photographer's paradise.

Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Only a breath away from the Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel is located in the heart of Franz Josef Village. Here you will find all of the amenities you would expect, as well as being close to the shops, restaurants and activities on offer in the beautiful Westland region.
Meals included: Breakfast
Southern Peaks Tour - Day 5
Franz Josef to Christchurch Tour with TranzAlpine Train via Hokitika with Cheeky Kiwi Travel - Lunch Included

Experience the wild beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast like never before on a unique small group tour and TranzAlpine scenic train journey with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Starting in Franz Josef and ending in Christchurch, this iconic adventure takes you along the stunning, ever-changing coastline, uncovering hidden gems and charming towns along the way. Led by passionate, expert guides, you’ll explore rugged landscapes, encounter breathtaking natural wonders, and dive deep into the heart of New Zealand’s most spectacular region. Unforgettable moments await on this must-do journey.

Your accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Sudima Christchurch City is a brand new 5-star boutique hotel, ideally located on Victoria Street. Amidst an array of cafes, restaurants and bars, stay only a martini olive pips’ throw from beautiful Hagley Park and Christchurch’s CBD. Experience the garden city in comfort and style.
Meals included: Breakfast
Southern Peaks Tour - Day 6
Private Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Christchurch International Airport with Christchurch Touring Company

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

Farewell from Aotearoa / New Zealand

Bid farewell to Aotearoa / New Zealand, taking with you unforgettable memories of its breathtaking landscapes and incredible adventures. In Māori, it is said mā te wā, which is not goodbye, it is see you soon!

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Starts Status   Double (2 people sharing) Single occupancy You save  
Dec 11, 2025
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Southern Peaks Tour

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