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Our currency converter is based on weekly exchange rates and is provided to give you an idea of the itinerary prices in your local currency. The final cost for itineraries can be confirmed by our team of consultants.
Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island on the Alpine Highlights guided rail tour. Explore Christchurch’s gardens, markets, and museums, then travel on the world-famous TranzAlpine scenic train through the Southern Alps to the West Coast. Discover Punakaiki’s limestone formations, walk among ancient treetops, and marvel at Franz Josef Glacier. Journey through Haast Pass to Queenstown, visit Arrowtown, and enjoy two free days in Queenstown with optional excursions such as Milford Sound, scenic lake cruises, wine tours, and adventure activities. Conclude your unforgettable 7-day journey with a farewell dinner and final breakfast. Guided excursions, local insights from your Tour Director, and 3–4 star accommodation make this an unforgettable Kiwi adventure.
Note: You can also enjoy this tour in reverse, travelling from Queenstown to Christchurch. Contact your consultant to explore available dates and start planning your unforgettable adventure.
Check out why we love Great Journeys here and read their booking terms and conditions here.
Kia ora! Welcome to Christchurch – New Zealand’s Garden City! The largest city in the South Island, Christchurch is known for its historical earthquake in 2011 and how it rebuilt itself into a charming, multicultural city that blends modern architecture and technology with the existing 19th-century Anglican ‘gothic revival’ architectural influence.
After checking into your hotel and reading your welcome letter from your Tour Director, head out and explore all that Christchurch has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to wander through the enticing stalls at Riverside Market or explore the botanical gardens before heading to the art gallery, museums and other city attractions.
After an exciting day on the town, your journey will officially begin as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director at this evening’s welcome reception.
Meals Included – Dinner
Activities – Welcome Reception
Experience the world-famous TranzAlpine scenic train journey through the Southern Alps, emerging in the West Coast!
On this fantastic escape, you will see epic vistas, soar on the edges of the ice fed Waimakariri River, traverse through the Great Divide, and experience ever-changing landscapes. The natural scenery isn’t the only marvel, though. The TranzAlpine passes through the Otira Tunnel, a true engineering marvel of 100 years!
Once you arrive at the West Coast, a private coach will take you even further off the beaten track to Punakaiki, where you will explore curious limestone rock formations and blowholes.
Meals Included – Breakfast
Activities – TranzAlpine Scenic Train Experience, Punakaiki Pancake Rock Excursion
This morning you’ll start your West Coast adventure by visiting one of the South Island’s most popular activities– the West Coast Tree Top Walk. This elevated adventure will get you acquainted with the locals – the ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees.
After your sky-high experience, continue south into Glacier Country. Franz Josef Glacier is quite special in that it survives in the warm coastal rainforest temperatures. With a short walk to a viewpoint, you’ll get a fantastic view of the vast valley, as well as a sneak peak of Franz Josef Glacier itself. If you would prefer to get up close, we recommend booking an optional helicopter flight. This will ensure you are getting the best possible view of this natural wonder.
After your glacial experience and checking into the hotel, you’ll have some free time to enjoy Franz Josef town. Indulge in a helicopter flight, nature walk or tap into some natural tranquility at the local hot pools.
Meals Included – Breakfast
Activities – West Coast Tree Top Walk, Short Nature Walk to Glacier Viewing Point
Today you will be exploring the mountainous Haast Pass. With changing landscapes around every bend, this journey to Queenstown will be one of the most scenic drives you may ever take. Marvel at the beaches, crystal blue lakes and rivers, mountain peaks, lush vineyards, charming plains and stunning glaciers as your Tour Director guides you between local hidden gems.
Emerging on the other side of the pass, explore a local fruit hotspot before exploring the cobblestone streets of the historic goldmining settlement of Arrowtown.
After an exciting plunge into the history of this gold rush village, you will arrive in the world-famous resort town of Queenstown!
Meals Included – Breakfast
Activities – Scenic coach journey through Haast Pass with stops along the way, Haast Visitors Centre, Mrs Jones’ Fruit Stall and Arrowtown Visit
Enjoy a free day to explore everything Queenstown has to offer.
Today, we highly recommend you join an excursion to the 8th Wonder of the World – it truly is a remarkable experience. Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is a scenic escape approximately three hours from Queenstown. The natural landscape will engulf you as you waltz through plunging valleys and towering peaks.
Take this encounter to the next level by booking a return visit by plane and soar like the Piopio (ancient bird) back to Queenstown.
Whether you’ve decided to hop aboard the steamship lake cruise on the iconic TSS Earnslaw, or marvel at the power of ancient roaring rivers – tonight you have a free evening to indulge in Queenstown’s exciting nightlife. Sip cocktails and indulge in the sparkling views of Lake Wakatipu.
Meals Included – Breakfast
Queenstown truly has something for everyone. Personalise your day to be as active or relaxed as you’d like. Whether it’s exploring Walter Peak on a horse trekking adventure, joining the historic steamship across Lake Wakatipu or sipping wine in Gibbston Valley, there is no shortage of activities to delight your senses.
This evening is your ‘final hurrah’ as you enjoy a farewell dinner. This is the perfect time to reminisce and share photos and phone numbers with your new friends.
Meals – Breakfast, Dinner
Activities – Farewell Dinner
Today your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travellers.
Not ready to leave Queenstown? Reach out to your consultant to pre-organise your extended stay.
Meals – Breakfast
Activities – Transfer to airport
This is the perfect option for those who enjoy free time to create their own adventure while having the structure of a guided expert. Meet like-minded travellers and share this journey of a lifetime on a truly magnificent expedition.
Packed with lots of tips, highlights, activities and helpful information of our diverse country.
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