3N Christchurch | 2N Queenstown | 1N Franz Josef | 1N Christchurch
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Train 
Sightseeing 
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Wi-Fi Embark on an 8-day journey through New Zealand’s South Island, exploring its most iconic natural and cultural highlights. Begin in Christchurch, the Garden City, with panoramic views from Cashmere Hill, visits to the Cardboard Cathedral, Botanic Gardens, and optional wildlife encounters at Willowbank Reserve.
Take a day trip to Mount Cook via Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, witnessing the majesty of New Zealand’s highest peak. Choose between the scenic Hooker Valley Track or the Tasman Glacier walk for unforgettable mountain vistas.
Travel by road to Queenstown, the adventure capital, where optional activities and natural beauty abound. Enjoy a Milford Sound cruise, surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, and lush rainforest.
Continue to Franz Josef Glacier, where you will experience a helicopter flight with snow landing, offering unmatched views of icy peaks and rainforest valleys. Conclude the adventure with the world-famous TranzAlpine Train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch, passing through native forests, deep gorges, and the majestic Southern Alps.
This tour combines adventure, nature, and iconic South Island landscapes, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience of New Zealand’s most scenic highlights.
Day 1: Arrival Christchurch – Transfer to hotel – Leisure
Day 2: Christchurch City Tour – Cashmere Hill, Cardboard Cathedral, Botanic Gardens, optional Gondola & Punt Ride
Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Cook – Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, Hooker Valley or Tasman Glacier
Day 4: Road transfer Christchurch to Queenstown – Scenic Southern Alps journey
Day 5: Milford Sound Cruise – Bus transfer via Te Anau – Cruise with waterfalls and wildlife
Day 6: Queenstown to Franz Josef – Scenic road journey through rainforests and mountains
Day 7: Twin Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing – Road transfer to Greymouth – TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch
Day 8: Christchurch Departure – Transfer to airport
Arrive in Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand and is known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and unique blend of modern and traditional elements. Meet and transfer to the hotel, check in at your accommodation and free at your own leisure. Overnight in Christchurch
After the Breakfast at hotel, Proceed to half-day city tour of Christchurch, where you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views from Cashmere Hill, offering a stunning perspective of the city and its lush landscapes. At Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, get up close with New Zealand's unique wildlife, including the adorable Kiwi, and learn about the country’s rich biodiversity. Marvel at the innovative Cardboard Cathedral, a symbol of resilience and creativity following the earthquakes, before wandering through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a botanical paradise brimming with exotic plants and vibrant flowers. With our personalized approach, we ensure every guest feels special as we uncover hidden gems and share engaging stories that breathe life into the city’s history.
Excludes: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Day Entry Optional: Gondola Ticket and Punt Ride on the Avon River Jump on a classic Edwardian Punt along the Avon River for a 30-minute ride to see Christchurch. Enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and Alpine scenery aboard the Christchurch Gondola (Please note our attractions do get very busy over the summer months (Nov-March) especially if a cruise ship is in port and there may be a wait time due to increased demand to and from the summit station at the Gondola) Overnight in Christchurch.
After the breakfast at hotel, you will start by leaving Christchurch and heading south towards our destination, while our knowledgeable driver points out some of the Garden City’s highlights. Canterbury Plains - Wrapped around Christchurch are the Canterbury Plains filled with farmland as far as the eye can see. Most types of farming you can think of will be found on the plains such as crops, vineyards, dairy and livestock production. Fairlie Bakehouse (10mins) - A Classic New Zealand farming town hidden away in Mackenzie. Fairlie goes through some stunning colour changes especially come Autum, this is truly one of the best locations to sit and relax with one of their world-famous meat Pies from the Bakehouse. And this stop is also where we will pick up your lunch to keep you full of energy for the rest of the day. Lake Tekapo/ Church of the Good Shepherd (15mins) – An alpine lake region like no other in the heart of Mackenzie. At the right time of year, you will find clusters of wild lupins along the lake edge. Once you arrive in Tekapo you head towards the most popular photo spots in the country The Church of The Good Shepard for those social media worthy pictures. Lake Pukaki (10mins) - This glacier fed lake is unique compared to its alpine partners. The colours can change from ice blue to a dark deep blue depending on the weather conditions. On a clear day enjoy undisturbed views right up to Mt Cook which appears to extend out of the head of the lake.
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park (2.5hrs) –Named after the famous explorer James Cook, Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak. Once here you will have the choice to embark on either The Hooker Valley or The Tasman
Glacier walk. If a flight overlooking the mountains is more your thing, we are happy to arrange Helicopter rides for you and the family to enjoy instead. • Hooker Valley (2.5-3hrs) The Hooker valley track is one of the highest rated day walks in New Zealand. It’s not hard to see why as you walk alongside an ice-covered cliff face (Listen carefully you may hear it moving) all the way to an ice filled lake with Mt Cook at its end. • Tasman Glacier (2.5 – 3hrs) This track leads through the glacier’s old terminal moraines, and there you will find amazing views of the glacier, river, and lake. • Mt Cook Information Centre (DOC) – You are more than welcome to take it all in by spending the day in the information centre with a coffee. Learn the history of the national park, ask questions and just be in moment. At 2:30 our driver will collect you from your chosen destinations for the day to head back home. Lake Tekapo (10mins) -We stop briefly in Lake Tekapo for one last time to take those last minute late evening photos of the Church and the Lake. Christchurch – After what has been a simply beautiful day, you will head back to the City. Overnight in Christchurch
After the breakfast , Check out the hotel and get ready for an exhilarating transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown! you can enjoy through breathtaking landscapes, you’ll witness the stunning Southern Alps and picturesque valleys, setting the stage for your unforgettable adventure in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Arrive in Queenstown, located on New Zealand's South Island, is often referred to as the "Adventure Capital of the World.", check in at your hotel and free at your leisure.Overnight stay in Queenstown hotel.
After Breakfast at hotel, Proceed to a fun and leisurely day trip to admire the glacial features, wild flora and fauna, and picturesque backdrops of the world-famous fiord at Milford Sound. Start with pickup for the bus journey to Te Anau. Marvel at views of waterfalls, wildlife, and the rainforest. Soak up the sights from any of the three indoor and outdoor viewing decks during your cruise and join your jovial crew at the bow as you nose close to Stirling Falls to feel the spray from some of
the world's freshest water. Benefit from complimentary tea service is available for the entire cruise and, snacks cakes and drinks can be purchased from onboard cafe / bar.
Overnight in Queenstown
After Breakfast at Hotel, Check out from Queenstown hotel and transfer to Franz Josef, where every twist and turn reveals awe-inspiring views of lush rainforests and majestic mountains! This scenic journey will have you marveling at New Zealand’s natural beauty as you head towards the stunning glaciers that await you.Franz Josef is a breath-taking destination, renowned for its stunning glacier that descends into lush rainforests, creating a unique blend of icy beauty and vibrant greenery. Overnight in Franz Josef
After early breakfast, At 0730 hrs: Explore the ancient icefalls of the Twin glaciers on a 30-minute helicopter flight. Experience the thrill of a snow landing with spectacular photo opportunities, and create unforgettable memories. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers provides stunning ice architecture and are two of the few glaciers in the world which exist in such close proximity to both an ocean and a rainforest. Make your way to a central location in Franz Josef township, where you will check in for your flight. Strap yourself in to your seat and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime ride, soaring above the pristine scenery for spectacular aerial views of the glaciers. Listen to engaging inflight commentary from your experienced pilot and admire the stunning frozen landscape below through the panoramic windows. Midway through the flight, your helicopter hovers above the ice and snow before making a thrilling snow landing at the summit of one of the glaciers. Step out onto the breathtaking, frozen landscape to soak in the views and capture some incredible photos. Then return to the helicopter for the flight back to base.
1000 hrs: A scenic transfer from Franz Josef to Greymouth, where you'll be treated to dramatic landscapes of rugged mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning coastal views! As you wind your way along this breathtaking route, each vista will leave you inspired and eager for your next adventure on the West Coast!
1400 hrs: Climb aboard one of the world’s most famous TranzAlpine train journeys, between Greymouth and Christchurch. Depart from Greymouth and climb through thinks stands of native beech forest. Traverse the might Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Enjoy thrilling vistas overdeep gorges as you travel along the ice-fed Waimakariri River before entering fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains as you arrive into Christchurch.
Arrive in Christchurch, transfer to the hotel, check in at your accommodation and free at your own leisure. Overnight in Christchurch
After the breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for the return flight.
Depending on your flight time, you might have some free time for last-minute shopping.
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