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 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
You'll love this tour
This adventure is an enviable trip designed for those who want a stress-free, scenic journey like no other. Meet like-minded travellers while experiencing world-class activities in charming locations.
Inclusions
- Experienced Tour Director
- Guided Pounamu Experience including Hokitika Gorge Walk
- Haast River Safari
- VIP West Coast Wildlife centre, guided walkthrough of Kiwi
- Haast River Safari
- Milford Sounds Day Tour and Cruise
- TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Dinner Excursion
- World-Class Scenic Train Journey TranzAlpine
*Please note: Tour inclusions may vary depending on the season of departure.
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.
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.
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Dinner
The TranzAlpine Scenic Train
The moment has arrived to experience the world-famous TranzAlpine, indulging in the Scenic Plus service as you journey through the breathtaking Southern Alps and emerge onto the untamed West Coast.
On this unforgettable escape, marvel at dramatic alpine vistas, glide along the ice-fed Waimakariri River, and cross the Great Divide. As the landscape transforms before your eyes, you’ll also traverse the historic Otira Tunnel—an engineering triumph over a century old. Along the way, enjoy regionally inspired food and rich commentary that enhances your Scenic Plus experience.
Arriving in Greymouth, you’ll be met by a private coach and taken even further off the beaten track. Enjoy a custom Greenstone experience—a special insight into the cultural significance and artistry of pounamu (New Zealand jade). Then stretch your legs on a guided walk through the stunning Hokitika Gorge, where vivid turquoise waters wind through lush native bush.
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch
Activities
TranzAlpine Scenic Plus
Custom Greenstone Experience & guided walk around Hokitika Gorge
Explore the West Coast
This morning, your West Coast journey continues with a VIP experience at the West Coast Wildlife Centre—a special, guided walkthrough designed exclusively for Great Journeys New Zealand guests. Go behind the scenes to learn about the conservation efforts for the rare Rowi kiwi and discover the secrets of this fascinating native species in a truly immersive encounter.
After your wildlife experience, enjoy free time in Franz Josef to explore at your own pace. Take a short scenic walk to the glacier viewpoint, browse the charming local shops, or choose from optional adventures such as a thrilling helicopter flight over the glacier or a serene wilderness tour through the rainforest.
This evening, rejoin your group for a culinary highlight: a four-course dinner at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, where locally sourced ingredients and refined flavours are served in a tranquil rainforest setting.
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (1 night)
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Activities
Coach journey to Franz Josef
VIP West Coast Wildlife centre, guided walkthrough of Kiwi (exclusive to Great Journeys New Zealand)
4 course dinner at Te Waonui
Explore the Southern Lakes
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.
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 (3 nights in Queenstown)
Meals Included
Breakfast
Activities
Scenic coach journey through Haast Pass with stops along the way
Haast River Safari
Explore Milford Sound
The 8th Wonder of the World
Charge your camera and prepare for one of the most awe-inspiring adventures of your journey. Today, you’ll travel to the majestic Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, often called the 8th Wonder of the World, aboard our exclusive Cruise Milford Coach service.
Relax in comfort as we wind through native rainforests, alpine meadows, and mirror-like reflective pools—complete with custom stops tailored to your group’s interests. On arrival, step aboard your boutique cruise and journey deep into the heart of the fjord. Feel the mist from Bowen and Stirling Falls, marvel at the vertical face of Mitre Peak, and take in the dramatic beauty carved by ancient glaciers.
For those looking to elevate the experience, there’s an optional scenic flight available for your return—soaring above the Southern Alps for a breathtaking aerial perspective of Fiordland.
After this unforgettable day, return to Queenstown for a relaxing evening at your own pace.
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star Accommodation (3 nights in Queenstown)
Meals Included
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 Included
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 Included
Breakfast
Activities
Transfer to airport
Included activities
Our Signature Inspirational Alps tour between Christchurch and Queenstown includes New Zealand's must-do activities:
Included journeys
Our Signature Inspirational Alps tour includes one of the greatest journeys in New Zealand - the world-famous TranzAlpine.
Journey highlights
The journey is part of the destination on our tours, and our Scenic trains are the ultimate way to see New Zealand.
On our Signature Inspirational Alps tour, your journey begins aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine, traversing the rugged cliffs of the Waimakariri River gorge on your ascent into the Southern Alps.
From Arthur's Pass, you will descend through the century-old Otira tunnel that stretches 8.5km beneath the great divide. On the far side, you'll wind through the lush green scenery of West Coast on your way past Lake Brunner and onto Greymouth.
Lastly, from Greymouth you will travel by luxury bus along the famous Great Coast Road - one of the most beautiful roads in the world.
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
13 SEPT 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
19 SEPT 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Queenstown
21 SEPT 2025
days
7
Finish Christchurch
27 SEPT 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
4 OCT 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
10 OCT 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
11 OCT 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
17 OCT 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
18 OCT 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
24 OCT 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
25 OCT 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
31 OCT 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
1 NOV 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
7 NOV 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
8 NOV 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
14 NOV 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
22 NOV 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
28 NOV 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
15 NOV 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
21 NOV 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
6 DEC 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
12 DEC 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
13 DEC 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
19 DEC 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
20 DEC 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
26 DEC 2025
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
10 JAN 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
16 JAN 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
24 JAN 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
30 JAN 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
31 JAN 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
6 FEB 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
7 FEB 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
13 FEB 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
14 FEB 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
20 FEB 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
21 FEB 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
27 FEB 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
28 FEB 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
6 MAR 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
7 MAR 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
13 MAR 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
14 MAR 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
20 MAR 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
21 MAR 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
27 MAR 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
28 MAR 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
3 APR 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
4 APR 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
10 APR 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
11 APR 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
17 APR 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
18 APR 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
24 APR 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
25 APR 2026
days
7
Finish Queenstown
1 MAY 2026
NZ$
6399
per person
twin/share
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
Northbound Tour: This tour travels from South to North
Winter Tour: This tour travels in the South Island through the winter season
Important Information
Any questions?
Whether it's pricing, availability, future dates, tour options or extended itineraries, our super-friendly and knowledgeable Travel Centre team is on hand to answer your questions and help build your perfect New Zealand holiday.
Give us a call or contact us online, we can't wait to hear from you.
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