This 7 day tour is great for people who wish to experience as much as they can as they journey from Christchurch to Queenstown. Begin with the renowned TranzAlpine scenic train, then there is time to explore the west coast glacier regions, the alpine-adventure town of Queenstown and the breath taking Milford Sound.
**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.
New Zealand Independent Tour
This suggested tour costs from NZD$3,675 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Queenstown
7 days/6 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
Viewed 307 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 half day sightseeing tour of Christchurch highlighting both the damage to the city inflicted by several large earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 and the rebuild which is currently in progress, together with the surviving beauty of the city and the historical landmarks. Experience the grand architecture, beautiful gardens and scenic viewpoints on a half-day city tour of Christchurch.
The tour commences in the central city of Christchurch and covers the area which was completely devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in February 2011. The guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake. On leaving the inner city, the tour travels to Mona Vale a historic homestead and gardens. Then you will travel to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building with a lookout providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps. The tour then travels via the Port Hills and Lyttleton Harbour by way of the Sign of the Kiwi and Governors Bay to the Port of Lyttleton. The tour proceeds through the Lyttleton harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude.
Your accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch
Bella Vista Motel Christchurch offers a great range of comfortable modern units with excellent facilities. Enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Christchurch CBD, shops, entertainment and other activities.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. 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 in the town centre.
Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.
Nestled in thick historic West Coast forest and a stone's throw from wild black sand beaches, this is one of the world's most unusual glaciers. Beautiful blue skies or magical misty rain, whatever the weather - you will feel like you are in Narnia or LOTR.
With easy walking at your pace, information on glaciology, geology, geomorphology, flora and fauna, local legends, history, and small guided groups with fantastic guides, you will experience this glacier in style and in the best hands with the only local company. Wander past glacier rivers and streams and through beautiful podocarp forest; discover hidden natural treasures such as native snails, wild native mushrooms, and dozens of species of native orchids; listen to native bird song and waterfalls; see if you can spot a Chamois or a Tahr on the huge snow-capped mountains above while drinking a cup of tea and talking one-on-one with your guide. This tour will be a highlight of your travels in New Zealand.
Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village and offers affordable and stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.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.
Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital', 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.
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.
Jet boating on the Shotover River is one of the must do Queenstown activities, even the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge climbed aboard ‘Big Red’. During this unforgettable ride you’ll skim across shallow water, past rocky outcrops as you hurtle through the narrow chasm of the Shotover Canyon before your skilled driver takes you into a scream worth 360 degree spin.
Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.Return luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with a 1 hour 40 minute Cruise along the full length of the fiord. On boarding a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown or Te Anau, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purchasing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board the modern, spacious vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and the wildlife. During the cruise your friendly crew provide commentaries in several languages and point out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.
Your accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well equipped self contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five minutes walk to the Queenstown lakefront.You will be met at your accommodation by your private driver and transferred to Queenstown Airport for your onward journey.
Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | ||
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Oct 11, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 12, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 13, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 14, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 15, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 16, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 17, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 18, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 19, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 20, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 21, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 22, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 23, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 24, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 25, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 26, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 27, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 28, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 29, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 30, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Oct 31, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Nov 1, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Nov 2, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Nov 3, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Nov 4, 2024
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Nov 5, 2024
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Nov 6, 2024
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Nov 7, 2024
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Nov 8, 2024
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Nov 9, 2024
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 | |||
Nov 10, 2024
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$3,675 | NZD$6,625 |
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