6-Day NZ South Island Tour: Scenic Mountains & Milford Sound

Welcome to Ōtautahi / Christchurch
Kia ora and welcome to Aotearoa, New Zealand. After checking into your accommodation, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Christchurch, known in Māori as Ōtautahi, is the largest city on the South Island. Often referred to as the Garden City, it boasts one of the largest public parks in the country, and the city center is full of very impressive stone buildings reminiscent of the English university towns. The inner city has almost been completely rebuilt following earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Explore the city and see how the old mixes with New Zealand's "newest" city.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth
The early morning departure is rewarded with incredible scenery today onboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Considered one of the world's great train journeys, it travels between the East Coast, Christchurch and the West Coast, Greymouth. From your carriage, you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the Southern Alps passing through small settlements and Arthur's Pass National Park before descending through the lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth, a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the West Coast glaciers.

Included Activity: Greymouth Train Station to Franz Josef with Hokitika Scenic Tours
Depart Greymouth, and head south through Hokitika and towards Glacier Country. Pass through Ross, a historic gold mining town where several old buildings remain intact. Travelling further down the coast, drive through Hari Hari, the town where Guy Menzies, the first person to fly solo over the Tasman crash-landed. Follow the coast through several small towns, including Whataroa, the only home to the Kōtuku-White Heron which is showcased on the New Zealand $2 coin. From there it is a short drive, and on a clear day you may even catch a glimpse of the Franz Josef glacier as you arrive in the town center.

Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites or similar (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village, offering stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.

Explore Franz Josef

Franz Josef is a small yet lively town in the heart of New Zealand’s West Coast, best known for its spectacular 12 km-long glacier. Surrounded by lush, rainforest-clad mountains, the township has a vibrant atmosphere with plenty to explore. A variety of scenic walking trails offer impressive glacier views; however, for a truly up-close experience, a licensed helicopter tour is the only way to step onto the ice. Beyond the glacier, relax in the rejuvenating Hot Pools or visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to spot rare kiwi birds. For a slower-paced day, browse charming souvenir and gift shops or enjoy local dining favorites such as SnakeBite Brewery and King Tiger. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, Franz Josef offers a stunning blend of wild landscapes and welcoming hospitality.

Optional Activity: Cruise & Nature Walk with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika, the largest lake within Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Travel across the lake and enjoy exclusive access to a private rainforest trail through a protected kiwi sanctuary. Step off the boat and into an ancient Jurassic rainforest, where curious native birdlife thrives. The guided nature walk follows a carefully formed track created by your skipper Dale and his team, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Experience pristine old-growth rainforest preserved in its natural state, home to abundant birdlife, including the graceful kōtuku (white heron) and other native bush birds.

Optional Activity: Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line

Take a spectacular scenic flight soaring over two of New Zealand’s most famous glaciers, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Enjoy an alpine landing at the head of one glacier and witness the breathtaking sight of a frozen river winding its way through ancient carved valleys.

Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites or similar (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village, offering stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.

Included Activity: Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wanaka Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi
Begin your adventure in Franz Josef and journey south to Queenstown on a fully guided tour. Capture stunning reflections of Aoraki-Mt Cook at Lake Matheson, enjoy the dramatic contrast of rainforest and ocean at Bruce Bay, and feel the Tasman Sea's waves at Ship Creek. Marvel at the 28-meter Thunder Creek Falls and see the picturesque Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka. Pass through the Crown Range to arrive in Tāhuna-Queenstown.

Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge or similar (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well-equipped self-contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five-minute walk to the Queenstown lakefront.

Explore Queenstown

Well-known as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital,’ Queenstown is home to a range of adventures, from the world's first and most famous bungy jumps to jet boat thrills, white-water rafting, and skydiving. However, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced, action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by many historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Take a stroll through the beautiful lakefront parks and gardens, browse through market stalls on weekends, dine in wonderful al-fresco restaurants, or ride on the Steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station. Take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob's Peak and soak up the panoramic views of the magnificent lake and mountain ranges. And after all of that, if you do want the adrenaline rush, Queenstown is known for taking your pick from the Shotover Jet, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge, or Heli-hike.

Optional Activity: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Lunch
Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience, a delicious barbeque lunch, and a farm tour in a stunning lakeside setting. First, take a scenic cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm on board the vintage TSS Earnslaw. Disembark and relax at the lakeside terrace, enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch, then finish with a farm demonstration or time exploring the lakeside gardens.

Optional Activity: Wilderness Jet Experience with Dart River Safaris
Journey deep into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park on an exhilarating wilderness jet boat adventure through dramatic alpine landscapes.

Optional Activity: Gondola and Buffet Dinner with Skyline Queenstown
Catch the Skyline Gondola to the summit for panoramic views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, then enjoy a buffet dinner at the Stratosphere Restaurant.

Optional Activity: Appellation Classic Wine Tour
Discover Central Otago wines on a guided wine tour through the Gibbston Valley, including wine tastings, a visit to New Zealand’s largest wine cave, and a cheeseboard pairing.

Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well-equipped self-contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five-minute walk to the Queenstown lakefront.

Included Activity: Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown (Lunch Included)
Departing from Queenstown, sit back and relax aboard a luxury glass-roofed coach to enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary and plenty of photo opportunities. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. On reaching Piopiotahi-Milford Sound, board your vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities, and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. Rain or shine, every day in Piopiotahi-Milford Sound will leave you in awe.

Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)
Blue Peaks Lodge offers well-equipped self-contained rooms with a fantastic location overlooking Queenstown and is just an easy five-minute walk to the Queenstown lakefront.

Meals Included: Lunch

Included Activity: Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo with Cheeky Kiwi

This small-group, fully guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with magnificent views of the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Queenstown to Christchurch. Led by famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge, in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.