Overview

7 Day Glacierland - Independent Coach New Zealand MAP Begin your Tour South Island New Zealand journey traversing the island by rail and continue on to see for yourself the contrasting scenery of the East and West Coasts. You travel independently using scheduled coach, rail and ferry services.

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.

Accommodation

4 Star Hotels
We have a wide range of 4 star hotel properties. Most hotels in this category generally have swimming pools, fitness gyms, a choice of restaurants, and are usually a little closer to town centres or occupy premium locations. Room types may include standard, deluxe, superior, mountain view, lake view, suites, etc. Many also include 2 and 3 bedroom suites which can offer great value for larger groups.

3 Star Hotels
All our 3 star hotels have restaurant facilities. Meals can be included in your package, if required. Please note that smaller destinations such as Coromandel, Kaikoura, Akaroa, etc. hotels don't usually feature this as an accommodation option.

Motels
Motel accommodations are self-contained facilities. At minimum, a studio unit includes cooking utensils, a hot plate and/or a microwave, toaster, kettle, and crockery and cutlery. Others will include a full kitchen and can include saunas, spas, and swimming pools and sometimes a full breakfast service. Room types include stuido, 2-bedroom, or family units. Our motels are of a very high standard and are generally owned and operated by locals who would love to share their genuine interest in their region with you.

Looking for a fully escorted coach tour? Check out our guided departures here!

Details

South Island

Independent Coach Tours, using nationwide bus services, daily departures

Route: Christchurch - TranzAlpine - Glaciers - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Dunedin - Christchurch

Start: Christchurch

Finish: Christchurch

Includes:

Accommodation for 6 nights
All coach tour transport as specified in this tour package
TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth
Queenstown Skyline Gondola
Premium Milford Sound Small-Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch
Meals included: 1 lunch

Pricing:

Cost per person (Twin Share)

Motel (Self Catering): from NZ$3,870
4-star hotel accommodation: from NZ$4,195

Prices quoted are per person and are room only. Prices do not include meals.

Twin share price is based on 2 people traveling together and sharing one room. Single room and triple share prices are available upon request.

* Please Note*

Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.

Payment

Deposit: 20% of the package cost or $250 per person (whichever is the greater) at time of booking
Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking

Cancellation Charges

Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking

Currency Converter

Overview

Flexible Itineraries

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

Accommodation

Looking for a fully escorted coach tour? Check out our guided departures here!

TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth

Franz Josef Glacier

Guided walk on Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier Hotpools

Fox Glacier Helihike

Reflections in Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier

Skyline Gondola, Queenstown

Kiwi Haka at the Skyline Gondola, Queenstown

Shotover Jet, Queenstown

Autumn colours at Arrowtown near Queenstown

Safari of the Scenes 4WD Adventure Queenstown

Safari of the Scenes 4WD Adventure at Queenstown

River Surfing at Queenstown

TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

Red Boats Cruise on Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park

Baldwin Street the world's steepest residential street in Dunedin

Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin

Dashing rock at Timaru

Autumn sun along the Avon river, Christchurch

Itinerary

Open All

Day 1Christchurch - TranzAlpine Train - Fox Glacier

You will need at least a night in Christchurch before this your.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train Christchurch to Greymouth

Your early morning departure is rewarded with incredible scenery today onboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, considered one of the world's great train journeys. It travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through the lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the West Coast glaciers.

Greymouth to Fox Glacier with Glacier Shuttles

You will be met at the Greymouth Train Station by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and driven to your accommodation in Fox Glacier.

Stay 2 nights Fox Glacier

Day 2Fox Glacier

The mighty Fox is the largest and longest of the magnificent West Coast glaciers. Remarkably, it ends in temperate rainforest, 250 metres above sea level only twelve kilometres from the sea.

There are more peaks at the head of the Fox Glacier than in any other valley in New Zealand.

The Fox Glacier, like all glaciers, advances and retreats. Evidence of the latest surge forward can be seen in the bulging lower ice fall. Alpine Guides has access onto the lower part of the glacier via a secret track that climbs through regenerating native forest. From the track, you will have stunning views into the upper parts of the glacier. Fox Glacier township is the more "laid back" of the twin Glacier Country townships of Fox and Franz Josef, and people often comment on having chosen Fox for its relaxed atmosphere.

An excellent selection of cafés and a wide range of accommodations are available. The township enjoys breathtaking views of New Zealand's highest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Lake Matheson, the famous reflection lake, is a five-minute drive west of Fox Township and historic Gillespie's Beach, known for its crashing surf and distant snow-capped mountains, is only 25 minutes west by car.

Day 3Fox Glacier - Queenstown

Fox Glacier to Queenstown with Glacier Shuttles

Set off from the small village of Fox Glacier and travel through the remote and unspoiled scenery of the West Coast. Take the scenic Haast Pass through the Southern Alps, the southernmost pass between the East and West coasts of the South Island. See the clear and pristine waters of Lake Hawea as you travel east, passing Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka as you continue through to New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital', Queenstown.

Day 4At Queenstown

Free day in Queenstown

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders.

Close to the Gibbston wine trail, where you can sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour.

Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata' or simply take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views.

Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride

Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern hemisphere! From which you can take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak and the magnificent Lake Wakatipu.

Day 5Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau

Premium Milford Sound Small-Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch

This small group, fully-guided day trip combines the amazing return journey to Milford Sound with a boutique Milford Sound Cruise aboard Cruise Milford. Led by famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing the journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibusses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Day 6Te Anau - Dunedin

Te Anau to Dunedin with Iconic

Journey away from Fiordland today and toward the rolling hills of the east coast, passing through lush Southland farmland and back into the Otago region.

Day 7Dunedin - Christchurch

Dunedin Accommodation to Coach Stop Transfer with Iconic

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.

Dunedin to Christchurch by InterCity Coach
The drive follows the Otago Coastline as you head north from Dunedin. Pass through the unique town of Oamaru, famous for its buildings constructed with the unique locally quarried white stone. The port town of Timaru is next and then the vast Canterbury Plains. Crossing New Zealand's longest bridge at Rakaia you can view some great examples of the South Island's famous braided rivers.

need at least a night in Christchurch after this your.