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Southern Heights Circuit including the TranzAlpine Train

This 5 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Christchurch.

**Please Note: Some elements of this tour may only run on certain days of the week. Speak to one of our travel specialists today to find a departure date that works for you.

Your journey begins in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, from which you will depart, travelling through the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, then continuing on into the Southern Alps and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. You will have free time to explore the region, and can even book a scenic flight (at additional expense). After, you continue on via the Lindis Pass to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world! On the following day, chase adventure or take it slow in this idyllic alpine town, as you'll have a free day to yourself to spend as you choose. On day three, discover the beauty of Milford Sound. The journey to Milford Sound is just as spectacular as the destination itself, and once arriving in Milford, board a modern and spacious vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. Enjoy the abundant waterfalls, sky-high mountains, lush rainforest, and if you're lucky, the playful wildlife in the sound, before eventually returning to Queenstown and your accommodation for the night. The following morning, depart Queenstown, travel through Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the Haast Pass, over the Southern Alps to the West Coast. You'll have the evening to explore the small village of Franz Josef and the famous Franz Josef Glacier, your home for the night. On the fifth and final morning of your journey, you'll depart Franz Josef and head north along the West Coast to Greymouth, where you will board the famous TranzAlpine Train. This journey, considered one of the world's greatest rail journeys, carries you  across the South Island through Arthurs Pass National Park, before eventually descending through the windswept Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, your final destination.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Motels.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook Day Tour with Gray Line / GreatSights

Included activity: The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course

Included activity: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown with RealNZ - Lunch Included

Included activity: Queenstown to Franz Josef with Gray Line / GreatSights

Included activity: Glacier Valley Shuttle

Included activity: Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Gray Line / GreatSights

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

Itinerary summary for: Southern Heights Circuit including the TranzAlpine Train

Day 1: Christchurch to Mt Cook National Park to Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 2: Free day to explore Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 3: Milford Sound day tour with RealNZ
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 4: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 5: Franz Josef to Greymouth train station, TranzAlpine train to Christchurch