This 4 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.
**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.
Your journey begins in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, where you'll board the TranzAlpine Scenic train. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains, the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, the Southern Alps and then the lush rainforests of the West Coast town of Greymouth. From Greymouth, you'll head south to Franz Josef and Glacier Country, catching glimpses of the Franz Josef Glacier as you arrive into the town centre. You'll be collected from your accommodation and taken on a short tour to see the glacier from a viewing platform. Day two sees you setting off from Franz Josef, along the scenic Haast pass through the Southern Alps. See the pristine waters of lakes Hawea and Wanaka as you continue through to the worlds Adventure Capital, Queenstown. The next morning, embark on a truly memorable experience in Milford Sound. Luxury coach transport from Queenstown, along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, through the rolling countryside to Te Anau, and onto the spectacular Milford Road. On reaching Milford Sound, board a spacious, modern vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord, enjoying the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife. Return to Queenstown and your accommodation via coach. The next morning sees you embarking from Queenstown, through the Lindis Pass, to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park in the Southern Alps. You will have free time to explore, or even consider booking a scenic flight! Afterwards, continue on toward the stunningly blue Lake Tekapo, through the lush farmland of the Canterbury Plains to your final destination, Christchurch.
This tour also features:
Included activity:
TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth
Included activity:
Greymouth Train Station to Franz Josef with Gray Line / GreatSights
Included activity:
Glacier Valley Shuttle
Included activity:
The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course
Included activity:
Franz Josef to Queenstown Day Tour with Gray Line / GreatSights
Included activity:
Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown with RealNZ - Lunch Included
Included activity:
Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook with Gray Line / GreatSights
Itinerary summary for: South Island Gems Highlights
Day 1 : Christchurch to Greymouth by Tranz Alpine Scenic Train then to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation:
Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Day 2 : Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Accommodation:
Blue Peaks Lodge
Day 3 : Day tour to Milford Sound including a cruise
Accommodation:
Blue Peaks Lodge
Day 4 : Queenstown to Christchurch
