7 Day South Island Escape

This morning you will board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys. Cross the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains before a slow climb into the Southern Alps. From here you will marvel at views in the stunning Waimakiriri Gorge, stretch your legs during a brief stop at Arthur’s Pass,  wind over a series of breathtaking viaducts, and pass through the lengthy Otira Tunnel. Descend through a deep valley of subtropical rainforest and over a broad shallow river into the small town of Greymouth. Join your coach and travel through Hokitika to Franz Josef. (2 nights)

Today you have a whole day at leisure. Perhaps enjoy a guided walk, heli-hike, or scenic flight from the Franz Josef township. If you’d prefer a relaxing day, head to the Glacier Hot Pools nestled amongst the lush rainforest, or meander through the village where you will find a wonderful selection of gifts, artwork, merchandise and cafes.

Treat yourself and upgrade your accommodation in Franz Josef to the 5-star Te Waonui Forest Retreat, a luxury lodge hotel nestled amongst native West Coast rainforest. Our upgrade package includes luxurious accommodation, dinner on the first night – an indulgent 5-course degustation menu in The Canopy Restaurant – and a la carte breakfast both mornings. We’ve also included a stunning Franz Josef heli-hike to help you make the most of your time in the region. (2 nights)

Travelling south your journey will take you through coastal forest and windswept sand dunes, crossing Haast Pass on New Zealand’s longest single lane bridge. Travelling through Wanaka at the foot of the Southern Alps, your next stop is Queenstown, which is the Southern Hemisphere’s premiere four-season alpine lake resort. (2 nights)

It’s an early departure today as your coach follows the southern arm of Lake Wakitipu to Lumsden and onward to Lake Te Anau. The scenery changes dramatically from tussock covered grasslands to glacier-hewn valleys as you enter the Eglington Valley and travel through the breathtaking man-made Homer Tunnel before reaching Milford Sound. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your launch for a spectacular cruise where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier-scarred rock walls that rise 1,200m vertically from the sea, and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the sound far below. On completion of your cruise you will return to Queenstown by coach, arriving in the evening. (L)

Return to Queenstown on a scenic flight taking in magnificent views of the alps, glaciers, lakes and forests of Fiordland National Park. (Duration 35 mins.) The flight shaves approximately 4 hours off a return by coach. It is, however, very weather dependent, so if the weather doesn’t play ball you will need to return by coach and we will refund the upgrade price.

Depart Queenstown this morning and travel north through the historic gold mining region of the Kawarau Gorge, across the dramatic Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Basin. Hug the shores of Lake Pukaki before arriving at Aoraki Mount Cook Village. This region is breathtaking and full of opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. Enjoy an optional scenic helicopter or ski-plane flight (own expense), explore the treasures of New Zealand’s mountaineering history at the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre, or relax over a three-course lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel (not included). This afternoon you will continue north to the glacial-fed, turquoise blue Lake Tekapo, where you can take the opportunity to appreciate the majestic scenery of the Southern Alps and view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue your journey north through the southern Canterbury Plains before arriving at your final destination, Christchurch.

Today you will be met at your Christchurch accommodation and transferred to the airport for your included domestic flight to Auckland. From Auckland you may choose to stay an extra night at one of the airport hotels, or you can organise your flight home to link up with your arrival back in Auckland. Have a safe trip home!