This is the perfect introduction to the stunning sights and landscapes of the South Island of New Zealand. This trip will also see you experiencing the world famous TranzAlpine rail journey, a delightfully picturesque journey with spectacular Alpine scenery along the way. You’ll visit the ever popular glaciers, travel through lush beech rainforest, spectacular gorges and river valleys.

New Zealand South Island Panorama

6 Nights

from $1779*

Package Includes:

  • 2 nights accommodation Christchurch

  • 3 nights accommodation Queenstown

  • 1 night accommodation Franz Josef

  • Breakfast Daily

  • Airport transfer on arrival and departure

  • Mount Cook National Park

  • Milford Sound cruise including lunch

  • TranzAlpine Train journey

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, known as the "Garden City" where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Today is yours for optional activities. Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Accommodation: Novotel Christchurch: Guest Room
Cross the Canterbury Plains into the Mount Cook National Park and through the spectacular Mackenzie Country to the Lindis Pass. Pass the stone fruit growing area of Cromwell and past the Kawarau Gorge with its historic gold mines to Queenstown. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 2 - Christchurch - Mt Cook – Queenstown (B)

Cross the Canterbury Plains into the Mount Cook National Park and through the spectacular Mackenzie Country to the Lindis Pass. Pass the stone fruit growing area of Cromwell and past the Kawarau Gorge with its historic gold mines to Queenstown. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown

Accommodation: Mercure Resort: Gardenview Room

Day 3 - Queenstown - Milford Sound – Queenstown (B,L)
An early start around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls while enjoying lunch aboard a cruise on the Sound. Depart Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening.

Day 4 - At Queenstown (B)
Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous alpine resort. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and wine tasting.

Day 5 - Queenstown - Glaciers (B)
Travel through the Southern Lakes district to the Haast Pass and on through dense rainforest broken by rugged coastal vistas. A shuttle will take you to view one of the glaciers (seasonal). Stay 1 night in Franz Josef Glacier township.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef: Douglas Wing

Day 6 - Franz Josef - Tranzalpine Train – Christchurch (B)
Travel north along the narrow, bush clad, coastal plain past Hokitika, to Greymouth. Board the renowned TranzAlpine train and travel through the Otira Tunnel, over Arthur’s Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, arriving early evening. Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Accommodation:  Novotel Christchurch: Guest Room

Day 7 - Christchurch (B)

At leisure until your transfer to Christchurch Airport.

*Prices are in US$ and are per person, land only based on twin share. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations & seasonal surcharges. Blackout dates may apply. Amendment fees & cancellation penalties apply.

For more information, call 1-800-475-9339.