New Zealand

South Island Scenic

7 days Independent Coach Tours Wellington to Christchurch

Wellington - Christchurch - Glaciers - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Christchurch

Action filled 7 days South Island Scenic Tours of New Zealand from Wellington through the South Island, featuring Cook Strait ferry, spectacular mountain trains, glaciers, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mt Cook...

Day 1: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch

From Wellington catch the ferry across Cook Strait and through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island.  Boarding the Tranz Coastal train you pass through Picton and Blenheim, then edge down the narrow coastal strip where the surf pounds the rugged Kaikora ranges.  Cross into dry North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch, where you will overnight.  As you will arrive in the evening, you might like to add an additional day in Christchurch, the South Island's largest city.

Day 2: Christchurch - Glaciers
Board the renowned Tranz Alpine train and cross the Canterbury Plains to the mountains.  Arthurs Pass and the lengthy Otira Tunnel lead you to the West Coast.  Join your coach in Greymouth and travel via the jade carvers of Hokitika to the Glacier region.  Stay two nights at Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 3: At Fox or Franz Josef Glacier
A whole day is available for optional excursions onto the glacier by foot or by helicopter, for bush walks or local sightseeing .

Day 4: Glaciers - Queenstown

Dense rainforest contrasts with rugged coastal vistas as you plunge deeper into South Westland. Cross the pass to reach the southern lakes district and the alpine playground of Queenstown.  Stay in Queenstown for three nights.

Day 5: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

An early start takes you alongside the lake to Kingston, then on to Mossburn and Lake Te Anau.  Travel through the Fiordland National Park, passing the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, the Homer Tunnel and the Cleddau Chasm. A cruise on Milford Sound beneath lofty Mitre Peak, waterfalls and out to the mouth of the Tasman Sea with picnic lunch is included. Then you climb out of Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening. 

Day 6: At Queenstown

Today is completely at your leisure in this alpine play ground - we have included the Skyline gondola in your tour.  There are dozens of optional activities as well, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping.

Day 7: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch

Travel through the rocky Kawarau Gorge and past Cromwell to climb up and over the Lindis Pass. The tussocky plains of the Mackenzie Country lie before you as you head towards Mt Cook village in the heart of the Southern Alps.  You have a brief stop here for optional flight seeing or lunch (not included) before travelling on to Tekapo to see the Church of the Good Shepperd.  Cross Burkes Pass to Fairlie adn Geraldine before returning to Christchurch once more.