7-Day South Island Coastal Splendor Tour from Christchurch

Visit the scenic South Island of New Zealand on this seven day independent coach tour. Travel by coach and train from Christchurch to the city of Dunedin, then head to Queenstown and up the rugged West Coast before returning to Christchurch.

The highlights of this tour include a scenic cruise on majestic Milford Sound, a tour of the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin, viewing the mighty Franz Josef Glacier and enjoying scenic train journeys.

Special Offer! - Save 5% on the recommended retail price. Special offer valid for travel April 1 to September 30, 2013 - Book Now!

Schedule details

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Tour departs from the Copthorne Central Hotel or from selected Christchurch hotels

Departure Time:

• 7:15am

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

Return Details:

 Concludes at Christchurch Railway Station on Day 7 at 6:40pm

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Additional information

Inclusions:

• Transport by air-conditioned coach
• Live commentary on board
• Hotel pickup and drop off
• 6-nights accommodation
• Dunedin Peninsula Sightseeing tour
• Royal Albatross Colony admission (seasonal due to Albatross breeding)
• Milford Sound Cruise
• TranzAlpine train journey
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions:

• Food and drinks, unless specified

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
• Please note that this tour is an independent tour and you may be traveling with a different driver/guide and group each day
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Itinerary:

Day 1: Christchurch / Dunedin
This morning, travel by coach or train for your journey to Dunedin. Head south through the Canterbury Plains and onto Dunedin, which boasts some of the most beautiful architecture in New Zealand.

Overnight Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or similar

Day 2: Dunedin
Board a double decker bus this morning for a one and a half hour tour of Dunedin's historic sights. This afternoon, you will be taken on a tour of the Otago Peninsula including the renowned Royal Albatross Colony (seasonal due to Albatross breeding).

Overnight Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or similar

Day 3: Dunedin / Queenstown
Today, board the Taieri Gorge Train and enjoy the rugged, unspoiled landscape of Otago with the opportunity for sightseeing stops along the way. Experience the breathtaking views of this historic journey to Pukerangi where you will board your coach and continue the journey to Queenstown, adventure capital of New Zealand.

Overnight Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar

Day 4: Milford Sound Day Excursion
Travel along the edge of Lake Wakatipu beneath the rugged Remarkables to Te Anau, the 'Gateway to Fiordland National Park'. On entering the Fiordland National Park you pass through the Eglinton Valley. See ancient beech forest, stunning waterfalls and the famous Mirror Lakes where you will pause for a photo stop. Continue through the upper Hollyford Valley, past the stunning Christie Falls and enter the 1.2 km Homer Tunnel, drilled through the solid rock of a mountain. On exiting the Homer Tunnel prepare for the breathtaking impact of the Cleddau Valley and the descent into Milford Sound. On arrival, take an unforgettable cruise on the majestic Milford Sound where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak and rock walls scarred by glaciers which rise to 1200m vertically from the sea. Then reboard the coach for the return journey to Queenstown. Optional lunches onboard the cruise are available.

Overnight Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar

Day 5: At Queenstown
Enjoy a free day in Queenstown.

Overnight Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown or similar

Day 6: Queenstown / Franz Josef Glacier
Travel along the shores of Lake Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, the most stunning highway in New Zealand and gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park. Initially the pass travels through the treeless grasslands of Central Otago, then at the highest point, the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps and the rivers and rainforests of Westland dominate the landscape. Continue to travel up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. The Franz Josef Glacier is 11 kilometers in length and more than 7,000 years old. Its terminal face creaks and arches over the cave from which the river emerges, pale with powdered rock and can advance or retreat at over a meter per day. This living 'river of ice' is a must see for any visitor to New Zealand.

Overnight Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or similar

Day 7: Franz Josef / Greymouth / Arthur's Pass / Christchurch
Today you continue to travel along the rugged West Coast to Shantytown, a faithful reconstruction of a Westland Gold Rush town. From Shantytown, travel to Greymouth, the center for thousands of diggers during the historic gold strikes of the 1860's. From Greymouth, you journey over the Southern Alps on the world famous Tranzalpine Train, through lush beech forests and past serene lakes, over massive viaducts, through the stunning Waimakariri Gorge and across the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Voucher Info:

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Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.