Signature Tour

7 days

From: NZ$5499

Departure: Christchurch

Destination: Queenstown

Check Dates

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the South Island. Travel off the beaten track in comfort and style as we guide you on this scenic adventure of a lifetime from Christchurch to Queenstown.

 Highlights

  • Experience the Southern Alps by world-renowned TranzAlpine train journey
  • Uncover the home of the sacred pounamu, mesmerising blue lakes, and ancient forests on the West Coast
  • Discover Haast Pass on a unique Kiwi-style Road Trip adventure
  • Be captivated by the storytelling of your local Tour Director along this great journey
  • Explore the Milford Sound aboard a scenic cruise
  • Admire the sparkling Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship

 

What you get along the way

 

Transportation

  • TranzAlpine Scenic Train
  • Private Coaches to reach regional gems
  • Private shuttles (excluding airport arrival)
  • Porterage

 

Meals 

  • 6 Breakfasts
  • 1 Lunch
  • 3 Dinners
  • 1 Meal on the train 

 

Accommodation

  • 4 to 4.5 Star Hotel (6 nights)
  • Twin Share 
  • Single Upgrade Available 

 

Minimum Age:

  • 16 years and over
  • Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

 

Group Size

Maximum of 20 people. 

Itinerary

Explore Christchurch

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 meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director at aboard Christchurch’s historic tramway restaurant.

 

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 Night)

Meals Included

Dinner 

Activities 

Welcome Dinner

The TranzAlpine Scenic Train

The moment has come to experience the world-famous TranzAlpine 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 on the West Coast, a private coach will take you even further off the beaten track to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Here you will explore curious limestone formations and blowholes before finishing your day in the ocean-front town of Hokitika.

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Activities

  • TranzAlpine Scenic Journey
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rock Excursion

Explore the West Coast

This morning you’ll start your West Coast adventure by visiting one of the South Island’s most popular activities – the Treetop Aerial Walkway. 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 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 indulging in the local activities and retail therapy in Franz Josef’s souvenir shops, join your group for an impeccable highlight meal at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

 

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner 

Activities Included

  • West Coast Treetop Aerial Walkway & Café
  • Short nature walk to glacier viewing point
  • Four-Course Degustation Meal at Te Waonui Forest Retreat

A Unique Road Trip Adventure

Today you will explore the Haast Pass. With changing landscapes around every bend, this journey of about five hours to Queenstown, will be one of the most scenic drives you may ever take. While aboard an exciting river boat and private coach, marvel at the beaches, crystal blue lakes and rivers, mountain peaks, lush vineyards, charming plains and majestic glaciers as your Tour Director guides you between local hidden gems. Stop in unique locations that only locals know about.

Emerging on the other side of the pass, explore the local fruit hotspot – Mrs. Jones’ Fruit Stall, before exploring the cobblestone streets 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!

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner

Activities Included

  • Scenic coach journey through Haast Pass with stops along the way
  • Haast River Safari
  • Mrs Jones’ Fruit Stall and Arrowtown Visit

Explore Milford Sound

Make sure you charge your camera before you set off on today’s adventure. Today you’re heading to Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi to be engulfed in towering peaks and waltz through plunging valleys.

After travelling through native rainforests, meadows, and past beautiful reflective pools, you will join your cruise in Milford Sound. Enjoy one of the most stunning natural features New Zealand has to offer. Aboard the cruise, you will meander down the sound to experience the rumble of Bowen and Stirling Falls as they plummet from glacial hanging valleys. Marvel at the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak, rising from the deep waters of the fjord.

Or if you’d like to soar like the Piopio (ancient bird), why not elevate your day by booking a flight into the Sound by plane?

After this adventure, you will be heading back to Queenstown for a relaxing evening.

 

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (3 Nights in Queenstown)

Meals 

Breakfast, Lunch

Activities 

Milford Sound Day Excursion

Explore Queenstown

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, hopping on the gondola for inspiring views, or sipping wine in Gibbston Valley, there is no shortage of activities to delight your senses.

Enjoy a ‘final hurrah’ this evening as we board the TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise, dinner, and show. Reflect on your great adventure with your fellow travellers as you cruise to your dining experience at Walter peak overlooking the beautiful Table Bay. Sit back and watch a true Kiwi experience as you learn about sheep shearing and dog herding in this beautiful setting. This evening will truly encapsulate your great journey as a truly New Zealand highlight.

Not ready to call it a night? Sip cocktails and indulge in Queenstown’s exciting nightlife alongside the sparkling Lake Wakatipu.

Accommodation

4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (3 Nights in Queenstown)

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Activities 

  • Farewell Dinner at Walter Peak Farm
  • TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Farm Show

Departing Queenstown

Your journey will end after enjoying a final breakfast with your fellow travellers.

Not ready to leave Queenstown? Reach out to our Travel Centre to pre-organise your extended stay.

 

Meals 

Breakfast

Activities 

Transfer to airport

Available Dates

Tour Code: SCQ

Our Signature Inspirational Alps Tour departs on the following dates. To book your spot, either call us on +64 3 341 2698 or click the Book Now button and complete the enquiry form. You can choose to pay a 20% deposit and then pay the balance 66 days before departure.

Start Christchurch

25 FEB 2023

 
 

days

7

 
 
 

Finish Queenstown

3 MAR 2023

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Start Christchurch

8 APR 2023

 
 

days

7

 
 
 

Finish Queenstown

14 APR 2023

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Start Christchurch

23 SEP 2023

 
 

days

7

 
 
 

Finish Queenstown

29 SEP 2023

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Start Christchurch

4 NOV 2023

 
 

days

7

 
 
 

Finish Queenstown

10 NOV 2023

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Start Christchurch

25 NOV 2023

 
 

days

7

 
 
 

Finish Queenstown

1 DEC 2023

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Start Christchurch

20 JAN 2024

 
 

days

7

 
 
 

Finish Queenstown

26 JAN 2024

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Start Queenstown

27 JAN 2024

 
 

days

8

 
 
 

Finish Christchurch

3 FEB 2024

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Start Christchurch

24 FEB 2024

 
 

days

7

 
 
 

Finish Queenstown

1 MAR 2024

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Start Christchurch

16 MAR 2024

 
 

days

7

 
 
 

Finish Queenstown

22 MAR 2024

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Start Christchurch

6 APR 2024

 
 

days

7

 
 
 

Finish Queenstown

12 APR 2024

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Start Queenstown

6 APR 2024

 
 

days

8

 
 
 

Finish Christchurch

13 APR 2024

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Start Christchurch

27 APR 2024

 
 

days

7

 
 
 

Finish Queenstown

3 MAY 2024

NZ$

5499

per person

twin/share

Looking for more dates?

Sign up for updates and we'll contact you!

 
 
 

Solo Traveller Options

Guaranteed Share: If you are a solo traveller, you can choose the guaranteed Share option, and we will match you with another solo traveller of the same gender in a twin-bedded room. If we can't match you with another solo traveller, we will cover the Single Supplement cost.

Single Supplement: If you are a Solo Traveller and would like a room to yourself, you can select to pay the Single Supplement when confirming your booking.

 

Symbol Key

This tour date is guaranteed to depart

Single supplement available 

Hurry! This tour is either almost sold out or close to departure

Last chance to grab this special offer! Confirmation is on request, subject to availability

Earlybird price! Get 2022/23 season pricing on bookings and deposits received by 31 March 2023.

Important Information

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