8-Day New Zealand Coach Tour: South Island Scenic Explorer

This tour package can be customized to suit your preferences precisely!

Transportation
Independent Coach Bus
Starts From
Christchurch
Ends at
Christchurch
Accomodation
Hotels (First, Superior, or First Class), Motels, Lodges, B&Bs
Language
English
Group Size
7-50
Meals
Meals are included on select days, with an option to add meals for all days.

The 8 Day South Island Scenic Explorer tells the story of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes, unfolding day by day as you travel from vibrant cities into the heart of the Southern Alps. The journey weaves through turquoise lakes, braided rivers, and vast plains, introducing you to iconic destinations such as Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the West Coast rainforests, and glacier country. Each stop builds naturally on the last, creating a sense of flow from coastal beauty to alpine grandeur, while comfortable coach travel allows you to relax and fully take in the scenery.

As the story continues south, the landscapes become even more cinematic, with winding mountain passes, mirror like lakes, and the world famous Milford Sound. Cruising beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls feels like the perfect climax before the journey concludes in Queenstown, New Zealand’s alpine adventure capital. This tour is designed as a seamless narrative of nature, culture, and discovery, offering a relaxed yet immersive way to experience the very best of the South Island.

Highlights

7 nights accommodation
2 lunches are included, with breakfast available as an optional add-on.
Christchurch to Aoraki-Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour - Lunch Included
Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown with RealNZ - Lunch Included
Fox Glacier to Greymouth Train Station with Hokitika Scenic Tours
Aoraki-Mount Cook to Queenstown with Cheeky Kiwi
Queenstown to Fox Glacier with Glacier Shuttles
TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch
Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation
Shared Transfer from the Christchurch Train Station to Christchurch Accommodation
Private Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Christchurch International Airport
This tour package can be customized to suit your preferences precisely!

Day 01 :

Welcome to Christchurch, transfer to accommodation, rest of day at leisure

Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

Welcome to Christchurch City

Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City, is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, the city is known for its wide tree-lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore the city is by taking a ride on the historic trams across town to the renowned Botanic Gardens and the unique Cardboard Transitional Cathedral, yes, it is built of cardboard.

Optional Activity: Discover Christchurch Afternoon Tour

A half-day sightseeing tour of Christchurch highlighting both the earthquake damage from 2010 and 2011 and the ongoing rebuild, alongside the surviving beauty of the city and its historical landmarks. Experience grand architecture, beautiful gardens, and scenic viewpoints on this engaging Christchurch city tour.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Cotswold or similar (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

The Scenic Hotel Cotswold is just a few minutes walk to boutique shopping at Merivale and Hagley Park. The distinctive architecture of the Scenic Hotel Cotswold reflects Christchurch's image as the most English of cities outside of England.

Day 02 :

Christchurch to Mt Cook National Park

Christchurch to Aoraki–Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi – Lunch Included

Departing from Christchurch, you will make your way through the vast Canterbury Plains. Enjoy a delicious stop at Fairlie Bakehouse before marvelling at the vibrant blue waters of Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Travel past the stunning Lake Pukaki, framed by Aoraki–Mt Cook and the Southern Alps, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Aoraki–Mt Cook National Park. Capture unforgettable photos and explore New Zealand’s highest peak without breaking a sweat!

Optional Activity: Glacier Explorers

Experience 500-year-old icebergs up close on the Aoraki–Mt Cook terminal lake. The Glacier Explorers tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and one of only three in the world. Very few glaciers terminate into lakes and even fewer are accessible. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat, offering access to unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier.

Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel Room Mount Cook View (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

The Hermitage Hotel ringed by magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, is a world-renowned tourist destination and has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884.

Day 03 :

Mt Cook National Park to Queenstown

Aoraki–Mount Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi

This scenic tour winds its way from Aoraki–Mt Cook through some of the best sights the Southern Alps have to offer, including the stunningly blue Lake Pukaki, High Country Salmon, the panoramic Lindis Pass, and the grand Kawarau Gorge, before finally coming to an end in breathtaking Tāhuna–Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

Accommodation: Ramada Hotel & Suites Queenstown Central (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

Ramada Hotel & Suites offers well-appointed apartment-style rooms located in the heart of Queenstown. Experience tranquillity all year round, overlooking the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area.

Day 04 :

Free day to explore Queenstown

Explore Queenstown

Queenstown, known in Māori as Tāhuna, is celebrated as New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’. Though Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced, action packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of The Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. Whether you are looking for a scenic short walk or a longer one, you will find the perfect hike or bike trail in Queenstown. Explore Queenstown Gardens, or try out more challenging trails up to Ben Lomond Walkaway or Queenstown Hill Walking Track. Enjoy iconic views and take the Queenstown Gondola up 450 metres to Bob’s Peak, or ride on the 100 year old Steamship – the TSS Earnslaw – to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and al fresco restaurants, try out the famous Fergburger, or grab a dessert at Patagonia Chocolates.

Optional Activity: Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride

Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the Shotover River Canyons. It’s a thrilling ride. Skim past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet ‘Big Red’ as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. And a major highlight: hold tight for the world-famous Shotover Jet full 360 degree spins.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information, please see here.

Optional Activity: Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride

Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola, the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. From which you can take in the awe inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak, and the magnificent Lake Wakatipu.

Accommodation: Ramada Hotel & Suites Queenstown Central (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

Day 05 :

Milford Sound day tour with Real Journeys

Milford Sound Cruise and Coach Tour from Queenstown with RealNZ – Lunch Included

Departing from Queenstown, sit back and relax aboard a luxury glass-roofed coach as you enjoy a scenic journey along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Your coach driver provides informative commentary along the way, with plenty of photo opportunities. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, the journey continues along the spectacular Milford Road.

On reaching Piopiotahi–Milford Sound, board your vessel for a leisurely cruise through the fiord. The cruise offers excellent viewing opportunities and ample time to admire the waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. Rain or shine, every day in Piopiotahi–Milford Sound is truly unforgettable and will leave you in awe.

Accommodation: Ramada Hotel & Suites Queenstown Central (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

Day 06 :

Queenstown to Fox Glacier

Queenstown to Fox Glacier with Glacier Shuttles

Leaving Queenstown, travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal clear blue lakes. Journey across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, where the landscape changes dramatically. Welcome to the wild and wonderful West Coast, a remote and unspoiled region. Wind your way past native rainforest, rocky coastlines, and powerful waterfalls before your journey concludes in the village of Fox Glacier, your base for exploring the area.

Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Glacier Country (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

Heartland Hotel Glacier Country is located right in the center of Fox Glacier township, putting you in easy reach of the unique experiences available within Westland National Park.

Day 07 :

Fox Glacier to Greymouth train station, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch

Fox Glacier to Greymouth Train Station via Hokitika Gorge with Hokitika Scenic Tours

Today you’ll head north through the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Greenstone (Pounamu), this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860’s. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey, the iconic TranzAlpine Scenic Train.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train – Greymouth to Christchurch

Considered one of the world’s great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel across the South Island from the west coast to the east coast through Arthur’s Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage, see lush beech forest, deep river valleys, and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.

Shared Transfer from Christchurch Train Station to Christchurch CBD Accommodation with Christchurch Touring Company

On arrival at the Christchurch railway station, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your Christchurch CBD accommodation.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Cotswold (Alternative accommodations can be arranged upon request.)

Day 08 :

Depart Christchurch today

Private Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Christchurch International Airport with Christchurch Touring Company

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch International Airport in time for your departing flight

Expand all

How do I book?

Contact us to receive a personalized quote, which will include the payment link, full trip details, and the required deposit to secure your booking. Prices may vary depending on the number of travelers, any additional activities you choose to add, and your preferred hotel options.

Can I customize this trip?

Yes, absolutely! You can add extra days and activities to this trip, and you can also remove any activities you’re not interested in.

Is there an age limit for this trip?

No, there is no age limit.

Can I pay with a different currency?

Yes, you can pay in NZD, USD, CAD, AUD, and EUR. We create a customized checkout invoice in your preferred currency.

When is full payment due for my tour?

Full payment must be received at least 90 days before the tour start date.

What happens if payment is not received by the due date?

If payment is not received by the end of business on the due date (NZST), we may need to cancel itinerary components and cannot guarantee your tour. Your booking will then be subject to our cancellation policy.

What if I book within 90 days of the tour start date?

If your reservation is made within 90 days, payment is due upon receipt of the confirmation document.

Are there situations where earlier payment is required?

Yes. Certain tour arrangements, such as guided walks or special services, may require full payment earlier. You will be advised at the time of booking if this applies.

What happens if I fail to make payment on time?

Failure to make payment by the due date may result in cancellation of your tour arrangements.

Can I pay a deposit if I am booking within 90 days of the trip to secure it?

Yes. If you are booking within 90 days of departure, we may require either full payment or a 20% deposit to secure the trip, depending on the tour arrangements.

8-Day New Zealand Coach Tour: South Island Scenic Explorer

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Highlights

South Island Scenic Explorer

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

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Highlights

South Island Scenic Explorer

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

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