There's so much to see in New Zealand's South Island! Get a taster of our beautiful country on this 3 day tour and see some spectacular scenery as you journey up the West Coast, ride the TranzAlpine scenic train, and visit some of our beautiful alpine resort towns including Wanaka, Hawea and Queenstown.
New Zealand Independent Tour
This suggested tour costs from NZD$2,300 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Wellington, finishes in Queenstown
3 days/2 nights
Hotel 4 star
Customisable? YES
Viewed 421 times in the last 7 days
The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. Leaving Wellington Harbour you pass many interesting points such as Pencarrow Head on top of which is New Zealand's oldest lighthouse (1859). Red Rocks is home to a seal colony and Oterangi Bay is the site which recorded the country's highest ever wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph).
From the Cook Strait spectacular views of the Kaikoura Ranges on the South Island can be enjoyed and dolphins and many sea birds are often seen. Around one hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds and this region of bush covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters and secluded bays offer remarkable photographic opportunities. The final leg of your cruise travels through Queen Charlotte Sound before coming to an end in the picturesque town of Picton.
From Picton you head south on State Highway 1 towards Blenheim which sits right at the heart of the New Zealand's largest wine producing region, Marlborough. Crossing the dry hills of the Marlborough ranges you head towards one of the most spectacular coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometres and offers many chances to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. To the east is the turquoise waters of the South Pacific Ocean and to the west the towering Kaikoura Ranges. Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants and shops. Arriving into Christchurch City puts you close to the airport and the International Antarctic Centre and a visit is highly recommended. Here you can get as close to experiencing life on the frozen continent without actually visiting plus see New Zealand little blue penguins and ride in a Haaglund Tracked vehicle.
A private transfer will collect you from the coach stop and transfer you to your accommodation.
Your accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch
This luxury hotel is centrally located in the revitalised Cathedral Square in the heart of the city, a short stroll from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino, Cashel Mall and new Christchurch Convention Centre.A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the Christchurch train station in time for your train journey.
Your early morning departure is rewarded with incredible scenery today onboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, considered one of the world's great train journeys. It travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through the lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the West Coast glaciers.
Leaving Greymouth, you will head south to Franz Josef and Glacier Country. Pass through Hokitika and continue on through Ross, a historic gold mining town where several buildings still remain intact. As you travel further down the coast you’ll also go through Hari Hari, the town where Guy Menzies, the first person to fly solo over the Tasman crash landed. Follow the coast through several small towns before catching a glimpse of the Franz Josef glacier as you arrive into the town centre.
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: 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.Set off from the small village of Franz Josef, set at the edge of Franz Josef Glacier (one of the world's most accessible glaciers), and travel through the remote and unspoiled scenery of the West Coast. Take the scenic Haast Pass through the Southern Alps, the southernmost pass between the East and West coasts of the South Island. See the clear and pristine waters of Lake Hawea as you travel east, passing Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka as you continue through to New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital', Queenstown.
Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec 11, 2023
(Monday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 12, 2023
(Tuesday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 13, 2023
(Wednesday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 14, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 15, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 16, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 17, 2023
(Sunday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 18, 2023
(Monday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 19, 2023
(Tuesday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 20, 2023
(Wednesday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 21, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 22, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 23, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 24, 2023
(Sunday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 25, 2023
(Monday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 26, 2023
(Tuesday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 27, 2023
(Wednesday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 28, 2023
(Thursday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 29, 2023
(Friday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 30, 2023
(Saturday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Dec 31, 2023
(Sunday) |
NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | ||
Jan 1, 2024
(Monday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
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NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | |
Jan 2, 2024
(Tuesday) |
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departure date
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NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | |
Jan 3, 2024
(Wednesday) |
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departure date
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NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | |
Jan 4, 2024
(Thursday) |
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departure date
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NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | |
Jan 5, 2024
(Friday) |
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departure date
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NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | |
Jan 6, 2024
(Saturday) |
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departure date
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NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | |
Jan 7, 2024
(Sunday) |
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departure date
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NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | |
Jan 8, 2024
(Monday) |
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departure date
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NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | |
Jan 9, 2024
(Tuesday) |
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departure date
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NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book | |
Jan 10, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
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NZD$2,300 | NZD$4,235 | Enquire Book |
At NZ Coach Tours we choose only the best coach tours out there. We have up to date knowledge and experience, so we can give you the best advice on which tour is right for you. We can combine tours, maybe one tour that offers the best in the North Island and one that offers something different for the South Island. Our range of independent tours depart daily and can be custom designed to suit you perfectly. We have loads of accommodation options, activity ideas, and sell a beautiful destination that is guaranteed to blow you away!
Put simply - we have something for everyone and we are confident you will not be left disappointed.
In summary