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
- Christchurch Historic Tramway Restaurant
- West Coast Tree Top Walk
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
- Haast River Safari
- Milford Sounds Day Tour and Cruise
- TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Dinner Excursion
- World-Class Scenic Train Journey
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
- TranzAlpine Scenic Journey
- Punakaiki Pancake Rock Excursion
- West Coast Tree Top Walk & Café
- Short nature walk to glacier viewing point
- Four-Course Degustation Meal at Te Waonui Forest Retreat
- Scenic coach journey through Haast Pass with stops along the way
- Haast River Safari
- Mrs Jones’ Fruit Stall and Arrowtown Visit
- Farewell Dinner at Walter Peak Farm
- TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Farm Show
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
23 SEP 2023
days
7
Finish Queenstown
29 SEP 2023
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
4 NOV 2023
days
7
Finish Queenstown
10 NOV 2023
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
25 NOV 2023
days
7
Finish Queenstown
1 DEC 2023
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
20 JAN 2024
days
7
Finish Queenstown
26 JAN 2024
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Queenstown
27 JAN 2024
days
8
Finish Christchurch
3 FEB 2024
NZ$
6199
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
24 FEB 2024
days
7
Finish Queenstown
1 MAR 2024
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
16 MAR 2024
days
7
Finish Queenstown
22 MAR 2024
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
6 APR 2024
days
7
Finish Queenstown
12 APR 2024
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Queenstown
6 APR 2024
days
8
Finish Christchurch
13 APR 2024
NZ$
6199
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
27 APR 2024
days
7
Finish Queenstown
3 MAY 2024
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
21 SEPT 2024
days
7
Finish Queenstown
27 SEPT 2024
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
12 OCT 2024
days
7
Finish Queenstown
18 OCT 2024
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
9 NOV 2024
days
7
Finish Queenstown
15 NOV 2024
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
1 FEB 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
7 FEB 2025
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
22 MAR 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
28 MAR 2025
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
19 APR 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
25 APR 2025
NZ$
5799
per person
twin/share
Start Christchurch
26 APR 2025
days
7
Finish Queenstown
2 MAY 2025
NZ$
5799
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
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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