Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour
Wellington to Queenstown
Breadcrumb
New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Great Journeys of New Zealand

Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour

Treat yourself to a signature 11-Day tour that will take you on a journey across the Cook Strait, past the mighty Southern Alps, and along the wild West Coast to Beautiful Queenstown. Sip world-class wine along the vines in Marlborough, spend a day in Kaikoura meeting the whales, dolphins, and sea life, experience the mesmerizing blue lakes of the South Island, discover the home of pounamu and ancient forests on the West Coast, and all while being captivated by the storytelling of your tour director throughout your great journey. Explore at your own pace New Zealand's city culture and history in Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown

Currency selector
All prices are in
Tour summary and feature
Quick Itinerary Details

Guided Coach & Train Tours

This suggested tour costs from NZD$8,499 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Wellington, finishes in Queenstown

11 days/10 nights

Hotel 3 star

 Pre and post tour options? YES

 Viewed 31 times in the last 7 days

Tour Inclusions

TSS Earnslaw cruise and dinner at Walter Peak high country farm, Queenstown
Interislander ferry crossing
Marlborough gourmet wine tour
Coastal Pacific Rail Journey
Christchurch Tram
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
10 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 1 special dinner
Tour at a glance

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

Day 2: Wellington to Picton via the Interislander Ferry
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 3: Picton to Kaikoura on the Coastal Pacific Scenic Train
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 4: Catch the Coastal Pacfic Scenic Train from Kaikoura to Christchurch
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 5: Explore Christchurch
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 6: Christchurch to Hokitika on the Tranz Alpine Train
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 7: Explore The West Coast
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 8: Franz Josef to Queenstown
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 9: Experience Milford
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 10: Explore Queenstown
Accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Day 11: Farewell Queenstown

Tour full itinerary

Detailed itinerary: 11 day tour starting in Wellington

Day 1 - Welcome to Wellington
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 1
Explore Wellington

Welcome to Wellington – New Zealand’s windy capital! Wellington is known for its world-class dining, great coffee and eccentric shops. Your great 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 Wellington has to offer.  This is the perfect opportunity to get cultured at Te Papa Museum or grab a drink at one of the many quirky bars on Cuba Street. You may even fancy a ride on the cable car!
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 - Wellington to Picton via the Interislander Ferry
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 2
Adventure to the South - Haere ra to Te Ika a Maui

This morning you will say Haere ra to Te Ika a Maui (good-bye to the North Island) as you sail to the South Island, crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry. As the shores of the North Island slowly disappear, enjoy a hearty seafaring breakfast in the Ocean View restaurant.
Around mid-day, you will be spoiled with harbour views entering the Queen Charlotte Sound. Admire the beauty of this coastal paradise as you arrive at the gateway of the South Island; Picton. Step off the Interislander Ferry and join your next world-class experience on a Marlborough Wine Tour!

Your accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Picton to Kaikoura on the Coastal Pacific Scenic Train
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 3
Picton to Kaikoura on the Coastal Pacific Train

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, the morning is yours to explore sunny Blenheim. Enjoy the roses at Upton Oaks Garden or perhaps learn a thing or two about aviation at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
You’ll hear the hoot of the Coastal Pacific train as it pulls in to bring you on yet another scenic experience. This time – along the rugged coastline of the South Island. On this train journey, you will glide across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless voyage of breath-taking beauty. Keep an eye out for the fur seals lazing on the rocks!
Once in Kaikoura, the evening will be yours to enjoy some iconic kai moana (seafood) at one of the well-known restaurants.

Your accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 - Catch the Coastal Pacfic Scenic Train from Kaikoura to Christchurch
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 4
Kaikoura to Christchurch on the Coastal Pacific Train

Today will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will have the opportunity to go whale watching! Enjoy today’s optional thrill of an up-close encounter with the world's largest-toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale. Want to get an aerial experience of the wildlife? Why not request a plane or helicopter ride to capture the true grandeur of it all?
Whether you have decided to go llama trekking or swimming with the dolphins and seals, we're sure you will be feeling peckish. Head to the beach to sample some iconic New Zealand food - you can't go wrong with the humble Kiwiana fish and chips. Work off the deep-fried delights by wandering through the wonderful array of local artisan stores and souvenir shops.
In the late afternoon, your journey will continue, once again, on the Coastal Pacific Train en route to Christchurch, or “The Garden City”. The spectacular scenery doesn’t cease to amaze as you journey south through the rolling hills and flat plains. Enjoy the relaxing journey with a glass of wine in hand from the scenic café.

Your accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 - Explore Christchurch
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 5
Explore Christchurch

Christchurch, the hub for South Island exploration is also a wonderful city that blends modern architecture and technology with the existing 19th-century Anglican influence. Often remembered for its earthquake in 2011, the city is still rebuilding itself into a multicultural haven. So, without further delay, jump on the historic tram to learn the history, tales and culture of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Enjoy your free time as you explore the Arts Centre, Quake City Museum, Antarctic Centre, and botanical gardens. There is also a multitude of delicious cafes tucked into quaint side streets we're sure you will love. If you are in the mood for something different, set off for Akaroa, an ‘incroyable’ French coastal settlement just outside the city. 
Dinner awaits as you join your fellow travellers once again to tell them about the exciting places you discovered. 

Your accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Christchurch to Hokitika on the Tranz Alpine Train
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 6
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 7 - Explore The West Coast
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 7
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 8 - Franz Josef to Queenstown
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 8
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 9 - Experience Milford
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 9
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 10 - Explore Queenstown
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 10
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.
Enjoy a final hurrah this evening as we board the TSS Earnslaw Cruise. Reflect on your great adventure with your fellow travellers as you cruise to your dining experience at Walter peak overlooking the beautiful Table Bay.

Your accommodation: 4-4.5 Star Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Day 11 - Farewell Queenstown
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour - Day 11
Depart Queenstown

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

Tour quick quote
Instant quote or Book this tour

Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Signature Tour

Step 1: Choose a preferred start date here
Step 2: Select number of guests and room configuration
Select the number of adults per room type
Double room (based on 2 adults in 1 room, 1 bed)
Twin room (based on 2 adults sharing 1 room with 2 beds)
Single occupancy (based on 1 adult in one room)
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 is:
NZD$0
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.
Save and send a copy of this quote to
or

NOTE: Instant 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 are  subject to change. Refer to our terms and conditions.

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 4 departure dates.
All prices are in
Starts Status Twin/Double (2 people sharing) Single occupancy You save  
Apr 4, 2023
(Tuesday)
NZD$8,499 NZD$9,889 Enquire Book
Sep 19, 2023
(Tuesday)
NZD$8,499 NZD$9,889 Enquire Book
Oct 31, 2023
(Tuesday)
NZD$8,499 NZD$9,889 Enquire Book
Nov 21, 2023
(Tuesday)
NZD$8,499 NZD$9,889 Enquire Book
All prices are in
Contact form
Send enquiry about this tour
Your contact information

See our privacy policy here

Tour recommendation

Some similar tours to this one

11 days Map
Great Journeys of New Zealand -11 Day Wellington to Queenstown Classic Tour
View Tour
 
10 days Map
Great Journeys of New Zealand - 10 Day Auckland to Christchurch Classic Tour
View Tour
 
6 days Map
Great Journeys of New Zealand - 6 Day Wellington to Christchurch Classic Tour
View Tour