Scenic NZ South Island with TranzAlpine train

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night Christchurch      
• 2 nights Franz Josef      
• 2 nights Wanaka 
• 3 nights Queenstown
• 1 night Lake Tekapo

Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch      

On arrival in Christchurch you'll make your way into the city, where you will check in for one night. Depending on what time you arrive, why not spend the afternoon punting along the River Avon and admiring the Cardboard Cathedral – a stirring reminder of the earthquake that rocked this small city in 2011. 

Day 2: TranzAlpine train to Greymouth, drive to Franz Josef

You’ll be up early this morning to climb aboard the TranzAlpine at 7.30am, ready to take you through Arthurs Pass to the west coast town of Greymouth. You’ll pass through vast plains and miles of native forest before traversing the Southern Alps where glacier fed rivers shimmer under the snow-capped mountains. Arriving in Greymouth at lunchtime you’ll pick up your rental car at the station and drive south down the coast to Franz Josef – why not take a short detour on the way to see the gushing blue waters of Hokitika Gorge before arriving at your Franz Josef hotel and checking in for two nights.

Day 3: Franz Josef      

You’ve got a whole day here to enjoy the beauty of the Southern Alps and explore the west coast glaciers at your leisure. We've included the iconic heli-hike, which takes you high up onto the glacier, fitted with crampons and waterproofs to experience the ice blue world above. You'll head out on a hike across the ice, taking in the wild shapes and jagged peaks around you - every hike is different as the glacier is constantly changing. Admire shimmering blue pools, squeeze through ice caves, peer down narrow crevasses and soak up the other-worldly landscape of the glacier. It's an incredible way to spend the day! 

Day 4: Drive to Wanaka 

Continue your drive down the west coast before turning inland on your journey to Wanaka. Don't miss the views across shimmering Lake Matheson where you can enjoy the loop walk around the lake and the Blue Pools, where you can admire the bright water as you explore the swing bridges over the water. This region is famous for it's seafood; why not tuck into whitebait fritters during the season or order a whole crayfish tail covered in garlic butter for lunch - delicious! Drive down the side of Lake Wanaka before arriving in town, checking into your hotel for two nights. 

Day 5: Wanaka 

This morning you'll head out on a 4WD tour of the hill country around Wanaka, soaking up the epic views of the lakes. Learn about the region from your knowledgeable guide as you explore private land that is only accessible by this tour. Enjoy alpine walks, historical sites and learn about conservation projects that are bringing flora and fauna in this area back from the brink. The afternoon is yours to enjoy this gorgeous region - you could explore the quaint town of Wanaka or drive to Raspberry Flat to take on the hike to admire the Rob Roy Glacier, one of the only glaciers you can see in New Zealand without a heli flight. Alternatively you could head out on a cruise to one of the islands or take a heli flight to admire the lake country from the air. If you want to add any of these experiences - just ask!

Day 6: Drive to Queenstown

Today you'll continue south towards Queenstown. We always recommend visiting the quaint village of Arrowtown, nestled in the hills behind Queenstown with pretty buildings, boutique shops and gold-mining history. Explore the small galleries and don't miss tasting an iconic New Zealand pie at the bakery! After a few hours enjoying the backroads and Arrowtown, you'll arrive in Queenstown, which sits on the edge of a deep blue lake under the gaze of the Remarkables mountain range. Check into your hotel here for three nights and head out for a walk around town on your first evening in this mountain resort.

Days 7 & 8: Queenstown & Milford Sound

Nestled on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a major hub of activities and adventures in New Zealand. You'll have a few days to explore - we always recommend enjoying the scenic drive down to nearby Glenorchy, where you'll be able to admire the mountains over the lake and stop in at various viewpoints on your way to the scenic village. We also love heading up on the gondola to Skyline Queenstown, where you can enjoy lunch with a view and head down on the iconic luge - it's great fun!

We've included a lunchtime trip on the TSS Earnslaw, the historic steamship that offers scenic cruises across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once you arrive you'll enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch, as well as a farm tour and learn about life on a New Zealand sheep station.

On your second day, we've included a day tour to the nearby Milford Sound, one of the true highlights of the South Island of New Zealand. You'll head out by coach, soaking up the scenery as you are driven through the mountains to the jumping off point on the west coast. Enjoy a cruise through the sound - gazing up at thundering waterfalls, peering through the mist at the jagged peaks and enjoying the breath-taking views. After your cruise, we've included a flight back to Queenstown - not only does this get you home nice and quickly, it also offers incredible views as you cross the mountains as the crow flies back to Queenstown. 

Day 9: Drive to Lake Tekapo         

Today you’ll head north to Lake Tekapo, right in the middle of the South Island, where you’ll check into your hotel for one night. Made famous by the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd that sits on its shore, this pretty lake looks out towards the mountains, and it’s an ideal pitstop on your way back to Christchurch. You can hike and cycle around the lake, or even swim if you are brave enough! Not far away you’ll also find Lake Pukaki. With views all the way down to Mount Cook, Pukaki is an idyllic spot to spend your last day in New Zealand.

Day 10: Depart Christchurch 

After breakfast you’ll head back to Christchurch Airport, in time to drop off your rental car and catch your onwards flight.