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Alpine Explorer

Return to South Island Itineraries

5 days Independent Coach Tours Christchurch to Christchurch

FAQ

Flexible Itineraries

Our New Zealand Independent coach tours can be adapted or extended according to your requirements. So if you want to stay longer at any place on the itinerary, let us know, ALL itineraries can be amended.

If you do not find a Tour that suits you, just ask us to provide you with a personalised coach touring holiday.

Christchurch - Mount Cook - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Glaciers - TranzAlpine - Christchurch

Just like a picture perfect postcard, take in all the sights that make the South Island so special. You travel independently on this New Zealand South Island Tours using scheduled coach, rail and ferry services.

Day 1: Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown

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: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

A full day to Fiordland National Park taking in the wonders of Milford and Mitre Peak, aboard a cruise on Milford Sound,  returning to Queenstown by evening.

Day 3: At Queenstown

Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous alpine resort - we have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping.

Day 4: Queenstown - Glaciers

Travel to Cromwell and on through the Southern Lakes district to the Haast Pass. Travel north, through dense rainforest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards the glaciers. A shuttle will take you to view one of these massive rivers of ice. Stay 1 night in Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier townships.

Day 5: Glaciers - Christchurch

Travel north  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.
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Gold
Our hotels are centrally located and have a selection of restaurants and bars and other facilities expected in first class rooms.

Silver
These properties include a variety of international chain hotels and traditional New Zealand hotels or Motor Inns.  As with all our accommodations, they are centrally located and provide on site restaurants and bars and other facilities are maintained to high standard.

Bronze
You stay at centrally located hotels and motels. All properties are situated near amenities, shops, activities and coach stations/depots.

All Bronze, Silver, Gold accommodation includes
TV, fridge & telephone in room, ironing facilities and breakfast available. Deluxe/Superior also includes room service and a licenced restaurant.

Alpine Explorer route map
  • Coach transport
  • 4 nights accommodation
  • Transfers within journey
  • Mount Cook National Park
  • Milford Sound Cruise including picnic lunch
  • Skyline Gondola - Queenstown
  • TranzAlpine Train Journey

Departures Daily

Cost per person 1 Oct 2011 to 30 Sep 2012
Bronze
Twin:   NZD1,699
Single: NZD2,239
Triple:  NZD1,599
Silver
Twin:   NZD1,879
Single: NZD2,559
Triple:  NZD1,779
Gold
Twin:   NZD2,049
Single: NZD2,849
Triple:  NZD1,899
Rates from 01 October 2012 to 30 September 2013 are available on application.

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Bookings & Enquiries

Please advise "Bronze", "Silver" or "Gold" in comments
Hiking on Franz Josef Glacier
TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu, Quuenstown