Fly from Auckland to Christchurch then cross the Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine train. Explore the West Coast Glaciers before heading south to Queenstown. Venture into Milford Sound for a wonderful full-day experience and cruise. The World Heritage area of Mt Cook National Park is also a highlight. Return to Auckland by Air New Zealand.
**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$7,155 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Auckland, finishes in Auckland
8 days/7 nights
Hotel 4 star
Customisable? YES
Viewed 286 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!
Your accommodation: The George Hotel
The George is the essence of supreme comfort. The award-winning 5 star hotel is opposite Hagley Park and just a few minutes stroll from the Botanic Gardens. It also has an award-winning restaurant, 50 Bistro onsite.A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the Christchurch train station in time for your train journey.
The 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 the East Coast, Christchurch and the West Coast, Greymouth. 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. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps passing through small settlements and Arthur's Pass National Park 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.
Depart Greymouth, and head south through Hokitika and towards Glacier Country. Pass through Ross, a historic gold mining town where several old buildings remain intact. Travelling further down the coast drive 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 including Whataroa, the only home to the KÅtuku-White Heron which is showcased on the New Zealand $2 coin. From there it is a short drive and on a clear day you may even catch a glimpse of the Franz Josef glacier as you arrive in the town centre.
You’ll be transferred up the Franz Josef Valley to the road end, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk to a viewing platform with views of the glacier. Alternatively, you can enjoy one of the other scenic short walks in the area.
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.Franz Josef is a small yet lively town in the heart of New Zealand’s West Coast, best known for its spectacular 12 km-long glacier. The township is surrounded by lush, rainforest-clad mountains and has a vibrant atmosphere with plenty to explore. A variety of scenic walking trails offer incredible views of the glacier, but for a truly up-close experience, a licensed helicopter tour is the only way to set foot on the ice. Beyond the glacier, unwind in the rejuvenating Hot Pools or visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to spot rare kiwi birds. If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed day, the township is home to charming souvenir and gift shops, as well as great dining spots like SnakeBite Brewery and King Tiger. Whether you're chasing adventure or relaxation, Franz Josef is a stunning blend of wild beauty and welcoming hospitality.
After a thrilling scenic flight, high above the rugged terrain, you will land on the glacier, ready to undertake a 2.15 hour guided glacier hike. Your friendly guide will lead you through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacial scenery in the world. Your guide will choose your route carefully as you go and, with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, you’ll soon be making your way through an extraordinary landscape of towering peaks and glistening blue ice.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity prior to travel. For more information please see here.
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 WÄnaka as you continue through to New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital', Queenstown.
Your accommodation: Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
Awarded the best hotel in the New Zealand Tourism Awards 3 times running this luxury apartment-style hotel is built on an elevated hillside position offering spectacular lake and mountain views. Only a 2 minute walk to the centre of Queenstown's vibrant attractions and activities.Departing from Queenstown sit back and relax aboard a luxury glass-roofed coach to 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 and plenty of photo opportunities. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. On reaching Piopiotahi-Milford Sound, board your vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Rain or shine, every day in Piopiotahi-Milford Sound will leave you in awe.
Your accommodation: Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
Awarded the best hotel in the New Zealand Tourism Awards 3 times running this luxury apartment-style hotel is built on an elevated hillside position offering spectacular lake and mountain views. Only a 2 minute walk to the centre of Queenstown's vibrant attractions and activities.Leaving Queenstown you'll head through the Kawarau Gorge and over the historic Kawarau Bridge - a popular bungy jumping location. The town of Cromwell sits at the head of the Kawarau Gorge. and the original town was completely submerged when the Clyde Dam was built and Lake Dunstan established in 1992, the remnants of Old Cromwell town provide a unique snapshot into the history of this area. Head over through the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand’s highest roads, with the summit reaching 971 metres. Its tussock-covered hills are a barren but beautiful sight as you descend into the Mackenzie Basin. You'll go through the towns of Omarama and Twizel before you arrive at Lake Pukaki and take the Aoraki Mount Cook Highway to arrive at the small village.
Experience 500-year-old icebergs up close on the Aoraki-Mt Cook terminal lake. The Glacier Explorers tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and one of only three in the world! Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer of them are accessible. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. These boats provide a safe way to view unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier The Tasman.
Your accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium
The Hermitage Hotel ringed by magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, is a world-renowned tourist destination and has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884.Leaving the spectacular Aoraki/Mount Cook you will head back along Mount Cook Road, and then out towards the famous Lake Tekapo. After passing through Tekapo you will travel through the small but stunning towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, before joining State Highway 1 towards your destination of Christchurch.
Your accommodation: The George Hotel
The George is the essence of supreme comfort. The award-winning 5 star hotel is opposite Hagley Park and just a few minutes stroll from the Botanic Gardens. It also has an award-winning restaurant, 50 Bistro onsite.A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.
Fly Air New Zealand to Auckland to meet your onward flight.
Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | ||
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Jul 17, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 18, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 19, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 20, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 21, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 22, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 23, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 24, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 25, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 26, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 27, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 28, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 29, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 30, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Jul 31, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 1, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 2, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 3, 2025
(Sunday) |
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Aug 4, 2025
(Monday) |
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Aug 5, 2025
(Tuesday) |
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Aug 6, 2025
(Wednesday) |
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Aug 7, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 8, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 9, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 10, 2025
(Sunday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 11, 2025
(Monday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 12, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 13, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 14, 2025
(Thursday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 15, 2025
(Friday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 | |||
Aug 16, 2025
(Saturday) |
Enquire Book | NZD$7,155 | NZD$10,455 |
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!
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In summary