This 7 day highlights tour includes Dunedin, Milford Sound including a cruise plus time in wonderful Queenstown before returning to Christchurch via Mt Cook National Park.
New Zealand Independent Tour
This suggested tour costs from NZD$3,305 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch
7 days/6 nights
Hotel 4 star
Customisable? YES
Viewed 267 times in the last 7 days
On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.
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!
A truly unique dining experience in the heart of Christchurch. You'll board New Zealand's only dining tram for an unforgettable moving four-course restaurant experience. Enjoy a curated fine dining-style menu while taking in the city sights on your journey through the streets of central Christchurch. This experience includes a meal with multiple courses as the tramway route passes New Regent Street, the Avon River, High Street, and Victoria Square.
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.
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the coach stop.
Leaving Christchurch early, you will cross the vast Canterbury Plains as you head South, crossing many braided rivers that start their life as glacial melt water high in the Southern Alps. New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia crosses such an example. Pass through the towns of Timaru followed by Oamaru, most famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. Continue along the coast and into the city of Dunedin.
On arrival into Dunedin you will be met from your coach and transferred to your accommodation.
Join a small-group bus tour led by a local guide across the Otago Peninsula, featuring stunning harbour views, rural landscapes, and unique wildlife. Visit a remote beach to spot sea lions, take a Monarch Wildlife Cruise to see albatross, seals, and rare seabirds, and explore a Yellow-eyed Penguin conservation reserve with hidden viewing hides. This unforgettable journey blends breathtaking scenery with intimate wildlife encounters before a relaxed return to Dunedin.
Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, was built in 1871 by politician and merchant William Larnach, a visionary who played a key role in shaping the country's early history. Constructed for his beloved first wife, Eliza, the castle’s shell took 200 workmen three years to complete, followed by twelve years of intricate interior craftsmanship. Perched high on the Otago Peninsula, the castle offers stunning views over Dunedin City. Its gardens hold International Garden of Significance status and feature a unique collection of antiques, including a rare nine-piece Totara knot suite. The Ballroom Café provides the perfect spot to relax and enjoy refreshments while reflecting on your visit. The ballroom itself has a fascinating history, having once served as an asylum, an antique sales room, and even a sheep pen before its beautiful restoration. With a self-guided tour, you can explore the castle and gardens at your own pace.
Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Just two blocks from the Octagon in the heart of the city, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is close to shops, parks and the best city attractions and services. The hotel provides excellent 4-star accommodation to Dunedin's visitors.
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.
Your coach trip today takes you through the Otago Goldfields of yesteryear. The townships of Lawrence, Roxburgh and Alexandra were once booming gold rush towns, with populations many times more than their current small-town image would imply. More recently, Alexandra and Roxburgh have become well known for the delicious stone fruit grown here. The road follows the South Island's longest river, the Clutha River, and at Clyde, you will see one of the largest hydropower stations harnessing its energy. The Kawarau River carves a steep and rugged gorge through to Gibbston where some of the finest Pinot Noirs can be sampled. It's also the home of the world's first commercial bungy jumping operation at the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge and a great viewing platform. Continuing through Lake Hayes you soon arrive into the bustling alpine adventure town of Queenstown.
Today you will be met by a Blue Bubble taxi on your arrival at the Intercity stop and be taken to your accommodation.
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.
Embrace the spirit of Milford Sound in this exclusive tour, where rich storytelling and intimate encounters with the land and sea create an experience like no other. From the moment you step onto your high-end transfer in Queenstown, your journey becomes part of the adventure, with cultural storytelling, scenic stops, and exceptional service. Spacious reclining seats, curated refreshments, and panoramic windows ensure you travel in style. In Milford Sound, immerse yourself in the iconic beauty with a glass of New Zealand bubbles in hand, aboard the masterfully redesigned MV Sinbad. Relax in an elegant lounge, indulge in a generous selection of canapés, and take in the fresh Fiordland air from the top deck as expert storytelling brings the history, wildlife, and legends of this extraordinary place to life.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information, see here.
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.
Queenstown, known in Māori as Tāhuna is celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital'. Though Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Whether you are looking for a scenic short walk or a longer one, you will find the perfect hike or bike trail in Queenstown. Explore Queenstown Gardens, or try out more challenging trails up to Ben Lomond Walkaway or Queenstown Hill Walking Track. Enjoy iconic views and take Queenstown Gondola up 450 metres to Bob's Peak, or ride on the 100-year-old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and al fresco restaurants, try out the famous Fergburger, or grab a dessert at Patagonia Chocolates.
Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the Shotover River Canyons. It's a thrilling ride! Skim past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world-famous Shotover Jet full 360-degree spins!
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.
Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! From which you can take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak and the magnificent Lake Wakatipu.
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.
This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with magnificent views of the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Queenstown to Christchurch. Led by famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
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.
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch International Airport in time for your departing flight.
| Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec 10, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 11, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 12, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 13, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 14, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 15, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 16, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 17, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 18, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 19, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 20, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 21, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 22, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 23, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 24, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 25, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 26, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 27, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 28, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 29, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 30, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 | |||
|
Dec 31, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,305 | NZD$4,975 |
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