Tour Type: Independent Coach Tour
Duration: 5 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $1539 pp
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5 Day Alpine Explorer Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Christchurch- Mt Cook - Queenstown
From Christchurch, cross the Canterbury Plains, over Burkes Pass to Lake Tekapo, site of the Church of the Good Shepherd. The Mackenzie Country lies before you as you travel 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). Follow the Southern Alps south to the tussock covered hills of the Lindis Pass then through the rugged Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown, where you will stay three nights.
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Day
2 |
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
An early start takes you alongside the lake to Kingston, then across Northern Southland to 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 is included. Then you climb out of Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening. |
Day
3 |
At Queenstown
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the many sights of Queenstown. This world renowned alpine resort offers something for everyone - you can enjoy the quiet beauty and tranquility of this mountain retreat and enjoy several walking trails in the town area. For sheer excitement there is white-water rafting, helicopter rides, the famous jet boats, bungy jumping to pump your adrenalin, and offroad 4WD tours with plenty of river crossings. There are cruises on the lake and a visit to a high country sheep station, and wine tasting tours. We have included the Skyline Gondola ride in your tour package. |
Day
4 |
Queenstown - Glaciers
Travel to Cromwell and on through the southern lakes district to the Haast Pass. Dense rainforest contrasts with rugged coastal vistas as you travel north towards the glaciers. A shuttle will take you to the viewing platform to see one of these massive rivers of ice. Overnight at Fox or Franz Josef Glacier.
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Day
5 |
Glaciers - Christchurch
Travel north past Hokitika, where you can see jade carvers at work, to Greymouth. Here you board the renowned TranzAlpine Train and travel through the lengthy Otira Tunnel, over Arthur's Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Tour ends on arrival at approximately 6.05pm. |
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from NZ $1,539
5 Day Alpine Explorer
11
3.7
5
5 Day Alpine Explorer Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 5 Day Alpine Explorer. |
I had a great time on my South Island journey. I was especially pleased with the logistic arrangements, everything was so handy and I havew to say it is very useful for travellers who don't want to drive on their own but still manage to travel from point to point. Thanks Toni for the expertise & advice. It was actually my first time using an on-line service to plan the tour from overseas. Everything went so well and I enjoyed it very much. I'd recommend your service to my friends!
Ginny Yung (Hong Kong)
Tour Date 25/12/2011 |
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. We didn't know what to expect, but the tour seemed to cover the places that we could have hoped to see in the south island. We were particularly pleased with the Milford Sound portion of the tour. If we come back to New Zealand, we will definitely keep Relaxing Journeys in mind.
Robert & Linda Glazener (United States)
Tour Date 15/11/2011 |
My partner and I took the five-day tour of the South Island, beginning and ending in Christchurch. We enjoyed every second of it, and would definitely recommend it to others. The pacing was excellent. After two long coach journeys on the first two days, the rest day in Queensland was necessary and well timed. We enjoyed walking the beautiful city and were glad that the ride up in the Skyline gondola was included in the package. The inclusion of the Tranzalpine railway was also important, both because of the spectacular journey but also because it offered some welcome variety to the method of transportation. The island is simply amazing, as I'm sure you don't have to be told. Even though the tour was relatively short, we feel that we managed to experience in full the variety of landscapes - plains, snowy mountains, fiojdland, rainforest - that the island has to offer. The coach drivers/guides were also very knowledgeable and interesting. Special mention goes to the driver on our first day from Christchurch to Queenstown, David, who knows a huge amount about farming and spoke with passion about the Canterbury Plains - this made what was potentially the least dramatic part of the tour surprisingly interesting. In short, we wouldn't have changed a thing, and would like to compliment your company on the construction of the tour. It is expensive, but my partner and I both agreed at the end that it offered value for money overall. We would certainly book with your company again.
Adam Kelly (Ireland)
Tour Date 16/07/2011 |
Our tour went really well. I travelled with my daughter. As far as I was concerned everything went very smoothly. Enquiry and booking process was excellent. Follow up for receiving duplicate travel documents was excellent. Bus trips - a little too much commentary for my liking. Especially on way to Milford Sound it was 4 hours non - stop. Returning was hoping for a little peace and quiet but got a documentary on a hydro-electric scheme (boring and loud) but then a good movie - The Whale Rider - was excellent choice. Good rest and meal stops especially the salmon farm/cafe on day 4 (I think it was). Accommodation was fine (thankyou for guaranteeing a mountain view room at Queenstown as requested). Also it was goood to have the same accommodation for 3 nights, rather than a different hotel every night. That was one reason I chose this tour. Suggestion - perhaps provide info on taxi and bus shuttle services available at end of trip in Christchurch, so know how we are getting into town centre. Overall excellent - would recommend. I hope to be back to see those places I missed this time!
Helen Walker & Cath Neish (Australia)
Tour Date 25/08/2010 |
My wife, daughter, & I had a great time in New Zealand! Many thanks to Toni, who coordinated our itinerary. Toni recommended visiting just the South Island instead of trying to see North & South Island during our short 8-day vacation. She was exactly right when she told us that New Zealand was much larger than envisioned and we would not enjoy it spending all our time on a bus. While the 8-day South Island Alps tour was 'taxing,' it enabled us to experience a significant portion of South Island. All travel & hotel aspects of the trip were well coordinated. However, if I had to do it again, I would limit my entire week to just Queenstown... which offers something for everyone (at least in my group). ;-) New Zealand is absolutely beautiful, and the people were great. The weather was gorgeous the entire week (dry & 86 degrees farenheit, even in the mountains), which presented our greatest headache... trying to figure out what to pack when coming from the snow & cold. All the hotels were very conveniently located and within walking distance of major attractions and restaurants. The bus service was timely and the drivers were very informative. We averaged about 30 - 35 people per 50-passenger bus; so, we had room to stretch out. The alpine train was relaxing. We spent so much time talking with the groups around us that we didn't really enjoy the passing scenery as the time flew by. All-in-all, a fantastic vacation. If we had to do it again, we would spend all of our time in Queenstown, where we could 'unpack' and enjoy more of the activities. We would also choose a different hotel there, perhaps the Copthorne or Sofitel. Thanks again! (RJ - These comments have been edited for length).
James & Julia Zanoli (Korea)
Tour Date 02/02/2010 |
We enjoyed everything about our trip with Relaxing Journeys from start to finish. The only bad thing, was that it was to short! So that means we will be back to New Zealand and booking with you again to see more of your beautiful country!
Dave Hinkley & Janet Bradbury (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 30/11/2009 |
My parents had a great time and loved the experience it was the best part of their world trip thank you so much.
Edward & Phyliss Reynolds (Australia)
Tour Date 07/10/2009 |
The tour overall was very good! All tour connections including coach and hotel were very organised. It's very good that I didn't have to worry about pick up times, locations and buses. The South Island is amazing. It was a very relaxed and exciting tour.
Chiann Tong & Esther Chan (Australia)
Tour Date 11/09/2009 |
Hi Just a quick feedback on the two tours we booked with your team whilst in NZ. Both were excellent. So a BIG THANK YOU for making my mum's birthday a memorable time. In particular, we really liked the little bi-plane ride back from Milford Sound to Queenstown.
Kim Khoo (Australia)
Tour Date 30/10/2008 |
I just wanted to let you know that my wife and daughter, Hiromi and Nozomi Nakamura had a wonderful time in New Zealand. If there is another chance, I am sure I will try some of your other tours. Thanks.
Mo (Japan)
Tour Date 14/08/2008 |
New Zealand is one of the best countries we have ever visited. The country is truly beautiful, the facilities are great, and the people are the most genuine, friendly and warm we have ever met in the world. Keep up the marvellous work & thank you.
Mr & Mrs J Douthwaite (Australia)
Tour Date 02/12/2005 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices below are per person. |
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| Stay |
Twin Share |
Single |
Triple |
Breakfasts |
| Motel |
NZ $1,539 |
NZ $1,969 |
NZ $1,439 |
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| Bronze |
NZ $1,699 |
NZ $2,239 |
NZ $1,599 |
NZ $90 |
| Silver |
NZ $1,879 |
NZ $2,559 |
NZ $1,779 |
NZ $105 |
| Gold |
NZ $2,049 |
NZ $2,849 |
NZ $1,899 |
NZ $117 |
| Apartment |
NZ $1,829 |
NZ $2,509 |
NZ $1,689 |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Season Sale! Take $100pp off prices shown if you place your tour deposit this month!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
with your tour starting between 11 April 2012 and 31 March 2013 . Subject to availability at time of booking. |
*Prices above are valid 01 November 2011 to 30 September 2012. Prices before or after this period are on request.
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'. |
Tour Information
This is an independent coach tour and operates daily. |
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Independent New Zealand Coach Tours
Independent coach tours are
the ideal way to explore New Zealand. We pre-book all your travel arrangements including coach, rail and ferry transport, accommodation, transfers between your transport and accommodation and key sightseeing activities. We can add and take off days in the middle, start or end of your tour and you can choose to add meals and/or pre and post tour accommodation. You also choose the level of accommodation that suits you best, from 3 star to 5 star! While the coaches do not have dedicated tour guides, the multi-talented coach drivers provide excellent onboard commentary. You will receive an informative touring wallet which will include brochures, detailed maps, tour vouchers and comprehensive itinerary.
Accommodation Levels
Your coach tour accommodation is in specially chosen properties, centrally located and of a high standard. Choose from 5 levels of accommodation - Motel, Bronze, Silver, Gold & Apartments. All accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking so get in early!
Daily Departures
Our independent coach tours operate daily, using regular coach, train and ferry services. This provides you with excellent flexibility when planning your coach tour start date to coincide with your flights or other holiday arrangements.
General Information
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