5 Day Southern Highlights with Milford Sound

Leave Christchurch and journey south through the wide-open Canterbury Plains, where braided rivers and alpine views set the tone for the days ahead. Along the way, visit the striking turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and continue into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park before arriving in Queenstown.

Included: Christchurch to Queenstown via Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park & Tekapo - Lunch Included
This fully guided journey combines some of the South Island’s most iconic scenery in one memorable day, from glacial lakes to rugged alpine peaks. Travelling in a small group allows for a more personal experience, with informative commentary and scenic stops adding depth to the spectacular landscapes.

Queenstown offers a wonderful mix of alpine scenery, lakefront charm and year-round activities to suit every travel style. You might choose to stroll the waterfront, enjoy a scenic cruise, browse local eateries, or simply relax and take in the views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.

Today is yours to enjoy in Queenstown, a destination known for its dramatic mountain setting and vibrant atmosphere. Whether you prefer gentle sightseeing or something more adventurous, the town offers a wide variety of experiences surrounded by exceptional natural beauty.

Suggested Activities: Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride
For a fast-paced thrill, head into the narrow Shotover River Canyons aboard the famous Shotover Jet. This high-energy ride is known for its speed, tight turns and signature 360-degree spins through one of Queenstown’s most dramatic landscapes.

Suggested Activities: Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride
Ride the Skyline Gondola high above Queenstown for sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and surrounding peaks. It is a fantastic way to appreciate the scale of the landscape while enjoying one of the best vantage points in the region.

Suggested Activities: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch
This classic Queenstown experience combines a scenic cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw with a gourmet lunch at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Set beside the lake, the experience also includes a farm demonstration or time to explore the beautiful lakeside gardens.

Travel deep into Fiordland today, where towering mountains, rainforest and waterfalls create one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable natural environments. The journey itself is part of the experience, with scenic coach travel and photo stops along the way to Piopiotahi / Milford Sound.

Included: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown with RealNZ - Lunch Included
Travel by luxury glass-roofed coach beside Lake Wakatipu and through Te Anau before continuing along the spectacular Milford Road. Once in Milford Sound, board your cruise and enjoy excellent views of sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife in this world-famous fiord.

Leave Queenstown behind and travel north through diverse South Island landscapes, from alpine passes to lakes, river valleys and rainforest. This scenic route to the West Coast reveals a remarkable contrast of environments, with plenty of memorable stops along the way.

Included: Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka Small Group Tour - Lunch Included
This journey includes standout sights such as the historic Cardrona Hotel, the famous Wānaka Tree, Lake Hāwea, Thunder Creek Falls and Ship Creek, where rainforest meets the sea. The day finishes in Franz Josef after passing glacial rivers and beautiful Lake Matheson, one of the region’s most photographed locations.

Explore Franz Josef
Franz Josef is one of the few places in the world where a glacier descends through temperate rainforest, making it a fascinating destination both culturally and geographically. Scenic flights, heli-hikes, short walks and glacier viewpoints all offer different ways to appreciate this unique West Coast environment.

Your final day combines a scenic West Coast transfer with one of the world’s great rail journeys. From glacier country to the Southern Alps and across to the Canterbury Plains, today offers a memorable finale to your South Island circuit.

Included: Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station
Travel north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika, a town well known for its greenstone heritage and rugged coastal character. Continue to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, where you will connect with the next stage of your journey.

Included: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch
The TranzAlpine is considered one of the world’s great train journeys, crossing the South Island from west to east through Arthur’s Pass National Park. From your carriage, enjoy views of beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular Southern Alps before descending onto the Canterbury Plains and arriving in Christchurch.