Breadcrumb
New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
Thrifty Tours

7 day Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes

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.

Tour special blurb

**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.

Currency selector
Select your currency to view indicative pricing
Tour summary and feature

Quick Itinerary Details

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

This tour also includes
- Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Train Station
- Private Transfer Queenstown Accommodation to Airport (LSQ)
- Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation
1 lunch
Tour full itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
7 day Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes - Day 1
Private transfer Christchurch International Airport to your accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Welcome to Christchurch City

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!

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Discover Christchurch Afternoon Tour

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.

Back to top

7 day Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes - Day 2
Private transfer accommodation to Christchurch Train Station with Christchurch Touring

A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the Christchurch train station in time for your train journey.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train Christchurch to Greymouth

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.

Greymouth Train Station to Franz Josef with Hokitika Scenic Tours

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.

Back to top

7 day Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes - Day 3
Explore Franz Josef

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.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Franz Josef Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours

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.

Back to top

7 day Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes - Day 4
Franz Josef to Queenstown with Glacier Shuttles

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.

Back to top

7 day Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes - Day 5
Free day in Queenstown

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.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride

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.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Jet Boat the Shotover Canyon

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.

Back to top

7 day Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes - Day 6
Milford Sound Cruise and coach tour from Queenstown

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.
Meals included: Lunch

Back to top

7 day Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes - Day 7
Private transfer from your accommodation to Queenstown Airport

You will be met at your accommodation by your private driver and transferred to Queenstown Airport for your onward journey.

Back to top

Contact form
Send us an enquiry about this tour

Fields marked * are mandatory

Subscribe to our Regular Newsletter for Inspiring Holiday Ideas
Tour departure list
Departure dates & prices
See all dates & prices for: 7 day Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes
This tour has 447 departure dates.
All prices are in
Go to dates in
Starts Status   Double (2 people sharing) Single occupancy You save  
Oct 11, 2024
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 12, 2024
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 13, 2024
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 14, 2024
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 15, 2024
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 16, 2024
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 17, 2024
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 18, 2024
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 19, 2024
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 20, 2024
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 21, 2024
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 22, 2024
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 23, 2024
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 24, 2024
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 25, 2024
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 26, 2024
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 27, 2024
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 28, 2024
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 29, 2024
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 30, 2024
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Oct 31, 2024
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Nov 1, 2024
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Nov 2, 2024
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Nov 3, 2024
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Nov 4, 2024
(Monday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Nov 5, 2024
(Tuesday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Nov 6, 2024
(Wednesday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Nov 7, 2024
(Thursday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Nov 8, 2024
(Friday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Nov 9, 2024
(Saturday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
Nov 10, 2024
(Sunday)
Enquire Book NZD$3,675 NZD$6,625 Enquire Book
All prices are in
Go to dates in
Tour quick quote rework
Get an Instant Quote or Book this Tour
7 day Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes
Step 1:
Step 2: Select number of passengers and room configuration

Enter phone number to get a call from a travel planning expert within 24 hours

Enter email address to receive your instant quote

Tick this box if you do not wish to receive emails about special offers
No pricing loaded - please choose another date or contact us
Your quote for this tour:
Start date:
End date:
Guests:
Rooms:
Total cost for ALL guests on this tour package is:
NZD$0
or
This quote is based on vehicles to accommodate your party in the vehicle type. We suggest changing the car type or contacting us for the best options.
The package cost above excludes rental vehicle hire as you are requesting a price for a vehicle outside of our designated season. Please reach out direct for rental vehicle rates.

 

NOTE: Quotes are subject to availability of specific accommodation and other inclusions. Our NZ touring experts will be in touch with you regarding this. Costs quoted in currencies other than New Zealand dollars (NZ$) are based on todays exchange rate and is subject to change.Terms and Conditions apply

Remember - we can create this itinerary with any style of accommodation or customise to suit your interests and timeframe. Just contact us here.

Why book with New Zealand Coach Tours?

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

  • We specialise in New Zealand. Nothing else. 100% New Zealand.
  • You get the best price for your tour and we guarantee it.
  • Our experienced team is based right here in New Zealand, and we're ready to help you with every step of your personalised journey.
  • We have the first-hand experience of the tours we sell.
  • We have quality, long standing relationships with many touring partners, accommodation and activity suppliers
  • Legendary dedication to service excellence.
  • Secure payment options for your peace of mind.
  • Operating since 2004 and our guests love us.
  • Because your visit to New Zealand deserves to be the best.
  • We represent only the best-escorted coach touring brands — Grand Pacific Tours, Grand Pacific Ultimate Small Group Tours, Intrepid Travel and AAT Kings.
  • Talk to one of our team today to find and book the New Zealand coach tour that's right for you.