7 Day Tranz Alpine

A 7 day tour beginning and finishing in Christchurch. Sightseeing tours, national parks and New Zealands magnificent alpine glaciers. Experience the highlights of the South Island in seven exciting days.

Day 1 - Christchurch/Mt Cook/Omarama

Your tour departs from the Pavilions Hotel, 42 Papanui Road, Christchurch, at 8.00am. A city sights tour will highlight the main attractions of Christchurch before travelling across the rich Canterbury Plains into the foothills of the MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue at Lake Tekapo. Here you will be given the opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (optional), before continuing your journey into the Mt Cook National Park. Admire the scenic majesty of Mt Cook before travelling on to Omarama. Overnight accommodation is at Heritage Gateway Hotel.

Day 2 - Omarama/Dunedin

Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin - the “Scottish” city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton's Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals. Enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge train excursion, play 18 holes of golf at Chisholm Park Golf Course, or just explore the city only a few minutes walk away. This evening prior to dinner, you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift. Your overnight accommodation will be at the Cargills Hotel.

Day 3 - Dunedin/Lake Manapouri/Te Anau

Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri before arriving at Lake Te Anau. Your overnight accommodation will be at the Fiordland National Park Hotel

Day 4 - Te Anau/Milford Sound/Queenstwon

Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Return to Te Anau and on to Mossburn, then skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant, where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed. Your overnight accommodation is at the Rydges Hotel.

Day 5 - Queenstown

A full day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort. Try the world famous Shotover Jet, an excursion to Skippers Canyon or a relaxing steamer cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic Earnslaw. There are a multitude of optional activities available or alternatively explore Queenstown's many international boutiques and galleries - your Coach Captain will be pleased to advise you. Overnight accommodation is at the Rydges Hotels.

Day 6 - Queenstown/Haast Pass/Fox Glacier

Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lake's edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora and into Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the glacier region. Explore the township or take the optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face (daylight hours permitting). Your overnight accommodation is at the Fox Glacier Hotel.

Day 7 - Fox Glacier/Greymouth/Christchurch

Time this morning for an optional helicopter flight over the glacier then on to Franz Josef. The snowcapped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass glades of dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. On to Greymouth to join the Tranz Alpine train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Through rainforests and past Lake Brunner to Otira, beneath the high snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass, follow the rugged Gorges of the Waimakariri river and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Please note: From mid March to mid October it starts getting dark as the Tranz Alpine train journey nears it's completion.

Your tour concludes on arrival into Christchurch, which is scheduled for 6.05pm.

• This 7 day tour includes the amazing sights of the South island and includes the world renowned Tranz Alpine train journey, spectacular Mt Cook region, Milford Sound as well as the magnificent Fiordlands and Glaciers and much more.

• Sightseeing tours of Christchurch and Dunedin
• World renowned Mt Cook Region
• Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
• Spectacular Southern Lakes
• Awe inspiring Milford Sound
• Dinner at Skyline Restaurant
• Remote National Parks of Fiordland and Westland
• West Coast Glaciers
• Visit Greenstone (Jade) Factory
• Renowned Tranz Alpine Train journey
• Olveston House
• Milford Sound Launch Cruise

(Twin Share)
• Kirra’s Recommended Tour Price from
  NZ $1,705.00 per person

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(Twin Share)
• Acrossnz Tour price from
  NZ $1,619.00 per person

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• A warm welcome at the Airport on arrival to begin your tour (see ‘Airport Transfers’ note).
• Transfers Airport-Hotel-Airport at the beginning and end of your tour (see ‘Airport Transfers’ note).
• Quality, twin share or double accommodation.
• A hearty cooked breakfast each morning (Optional).
• A 3 course multi-choice dinner each evening (Optional).
• Travel in luxurious, well appointed and fully air-conditioned tour coaches.
• Escorted by a professional Coach Captain.
• An informative commentary as you travel.
• Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as detailed with each itinerary.
• Cook Strait ferry crossing where applicable.
• Baggage handling / porterage
• Travel kit including travel bag, ticket wallet, maps and itinerary.