7 Day South Island Escape
7 Day South Island Escape
A comfortable independent coach tour around the lower South Island featuring stunning scenery and warm hospitality. Ideal for those travelling into and out of Auckland. Domestic return flights are included.
Tour Info
Tour Type: | Independent Coach Tour |
From: | Auckland to Auckland |
Departures: | Jan 2020 - March 2021 |
Price: | From (NZD) $2303 per person |
Tour Operator: | Relaxing Journeys |
Duration: | 7 Days |
Tour Code: | RJ211 |
Inclusions
6 nights accommodation |
All coach, ferry and rail transport and transfers |
Internal flight from Auckland to Christchurch |
Internal flight from Christchurch to Auckland |
Optional breakfasts |
Daily departures |
Milford Sound day tour and cruise (including lunch) |
TranzAlpine train journey |
Conditions
Prices are per person based on twin-share, and are subject to availability. Prices are correct at the time of submission but are subject to change without notice. Valid for travel January 2020 – March 2021. Blackout periods may apply. A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person is required at time of booking.
Click here for our full terms and conditions.
Day by Day Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Auckland! On arrival you’ll move to the domestic terminal and board your domestic flight to Christchurch. The price of the flight is included in your tour price. If you’d prefer, you can request an overnight stay at an Auckland airport hotel and we will book your domestic flight for the next day. On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your accommodation.
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!
There are 14 reviews of this tour from past clients of Relaxing Journeys, averaging 4.6 out of 5.
Tour Reviews
Mantra Marina apartments in Queenstown were large, modern and in a beautiful location, but the daily maid service appeared to be sloppy (they looked like students working in the summer and often forgot soap, towels etc). Sky city Grand hotel in Auckland was great. The Camelot motor lodge in Christchurch was old in decor and looks but the staff were great. The trip to Christchurch from Queenstown via Mt Cook was very nice and the driver quite knowledgable. The one day wine/walking tour in Queenstown was also lovely.
Upgrades
Optionals
New Zealand has a great deal of things to see and do, why not add one of our optional sightseeing activities to your trip. Prices are per adult (we'll adjust your quote for any children).
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A comfortable independent coach tour around the lower South Island featuring stunning scenery and warm hospitality. Ideal for those travelling into an... Read More
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