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Alps and Lakes of the South Island

This 7 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Queenstown.

**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.

Your journey begins in the largest city in the South Island, Christchurch. Arrive, and spend the remainder of the day exploring all the city has to offer (speak with one of our travel specialists to book additional experiences!) The following morning, a private transfer brings you to the train station, where you'll board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, considered one of the world's great train journeys. From your comfortable carriage, watch the scenery of the Canterbury Plains before climbing into the Southern Alps, through Arthurs Pass, and descending into the lush rainforests to the West Coast town of Greymouth. From Greymouth, board a luxury coach and travel south to Franz Josef, where you'll have the evening and the following day to explore the town and the famous Franz Josef Glacier. Consider booking a scenic flight (at additional cost) to land on the glacier for a truly unforgettable experience. Day four, you depart Franz Josef, again on a comfortable coach and travel south through the West Coast, across the Haast Pass, past Lakes Hawea, Wanaka, and Dunstan before arriving in scenic Queenstown. Here, you'll have the evening and the following day free to explore, opt for an adrenaline-packed activity (bungee jumping, anybody?) or take it a bit more leisurely. Speak to one of our specialists to learn about the multitude of ways to spend this free day! Day 6, you'll depart Queenstown via coach, travelling along Lake Wakatipu, through Te Anau, onto the Milford Road before arriving in spectacular Milford Sound. Here, board a cruising vessel for your Milford Sound Cruise, enjoying the rushing waterfalls, staggering peaks, lush rainforest, and playful wildlife before eventually beginning the return journey to Queenstown for your final night. The next morning, a private transfer transports you to the airport for departure.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Motels.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

Included activity: The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course

Included activity: Shared Transfer from Christchurch CBD Accommodation to Christchurch Train Station with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth

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

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

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

Included activity: Private Transfer Queenstown Accommodation to Airport (LSQ)

1 lunch

Itinerary summary for: Alps and Lakes of the South Island

Day 1: Arrive into Christchurch
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch to Greymouth by Tranz Alpine Scenic Train then to Franz Josef
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 3: Free day to explore the glaciers
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites

Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 5: Explore Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 6: Milford Sound day tour from Queenstown
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge

Day 7: Depart Queenstown today