South Island Wonderland Alpine, West Coast & Fiordland Tour – NSI

Continue to Queenstown for two nights, including a cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak, before experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound and the magical Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

With comfortable travel, carefully selected experiences and time to appreciate the scenery along the way, this is a wonderful way to discover some of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes without feeling rushed.

Tour commences and concludes in Christchurch

Itinerary

Day 1 – Christchurch & Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Christchurch and the beginning of our South Island winter adventure.

This evening, meet your Tour Host and fellow travellers over our special included Welcome Dinner aboard Christchurch’s beautifully restored vintage tram. Enjoy dinner as we travel through the central city – a wonderfully relaxed and sociable beginning to our journey.

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 – TranzAlpine Train & the West Coast

Today we board the famous TranzAlpine, regarded as one of the world’s great scenic train journeys. Settle into the comfort of the Premium carriage as we travel across the Canterbury Plains and climb into the magnificent Southern Alps. Pass through dramatic gorges and Arthur’s Pass before descending towards the lush rainforests of the West Coast. Simply sit back, relax and watch some of New Zealand’s finest scenery unfold outside your window.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Punakaiki, Hokitika & West Coast Wonders

A wonderful day exploring some of the West Coast’s most memorable natural attractions. At Punakaiki, stroll along the pathways overlooking the extraordinary Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, sculpted over thousands of years by the Tasman Sea.

We also visit beautiful Hokitika Gorge, famous for its vivid turquoise waters, before experiencing the West Coast Treetop Walk, where elevated walkways offer a different perspective of the surrounding native forest. For those wanting an extra adventure, there is the opportunity to take an optional scenic helicopter flight over the Southern Alps and remote glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Franz Josef, Ōkārito & Lake Mapourika

Today brings more magnificent West Coast scenery as we explore the area surrounding Franz Josef Glacier, where ancient ice, rainforest and mountains come together in dramatic fashion.

We continue to peaceful Ōkārito, a tiny historic settlement surrounded by native forest, wetlands and abundant birdlife. Later, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the dark, mirror-like waters of Lake Mapourika. On a clear winter’s day, the reflections of the surrounding mountains and rainforest can be quite spectacular.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Haast River Wilderness Adventure

Our journey continues south through some of the most pristine wilderness in New Zealand as we enter the Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Board a comfortable enclosed jet boat for a scenic 10-kilometre journey along the Haast River. Surrounded by ancient rainforest and towering mountains, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience an area that remains beautifully untouched. The enclosed boat means we can enjoy the adventure while remaining warm and comfortable – particularly appreciated on a crisp South Island winter’s day. We then continue through magnificent alpine scenery towards Queenstown.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Queenstown, TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak

Today is yours to enjoy Queenstown at a leisurely pace. Browse the shops, enjoy one of the town’s many cafés, take a stroll along the lakefront or simply relax and admire the magnificent mountain views.

Later, we board the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw for a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Surrounded by beautiful alpine scenery, we enjoy an included dinner at Walter Peak before cruising back across the lake to Queenstown. It promises to be one of the most memorable evenings of our journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Magnificent Milford Sound

Today is undoubtedly one of the highlights of our tour as we journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Winter is a particularly beautiful time to experience this remarkable region, with snow-dusted mountains, cascading waterfalls and wonderfully atmospheric landscapes.

At Milford Sound, we board our cruise and travel beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls, with wonderful views towards iconic Mitre Peak. Keep watch for seals, dolphins and other wildlife as we discover one of New Zealand’s greatest natural treasures. We continue to Te Anau following our Milford Sound experience.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Te Anau & Glowworm Caves

This morning we enjoy another magical experience. Cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau before entering the fascinating Te Anau Glowworm Caves. A local guide leads us through this remarkable underground world of rushing water, sculpted rock formations and tiny glowworms illuminating the darkness like thousands of stars.

After returning to Te Anau, the remainder of the day is free to enjoy this lovely lakeside town. Perhaps take a gentle stroll along the waterfront, browse the shops or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – Te Anau to Christchurch & Farewell Dinner

After breakfast, we farewell beautiful Fiordland and begin our scenic coach journey back to Christchurch. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing South Island landscapes, with comfort stops along the way and time to appreciate the winter scenery.

On arrival in Christchurch, we check into our hotel for our final night. This evening, join your fellow travellers for our special included Farewell Dinner. It is the perfect opportunity to share stories, photographs and favourite moments from our journey together – and celebrate nine memorable days exploring some of the South Island’s most spectacular places.

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner