10 days tour

10 Day South Island National Parks

10 Day South Island National Parks

This tour includes:

Others

Real Journeys Milford Sound nature cruise. TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch. Arrival and departure airport transfers.

Guide

English commentary on tourist coaches, local guides on activities and commentary on train.

Accommodation

2 nights at a motel in Christchurch. 2 nights at a motel in Mount Cook. 2 nights at a motel in Franz Josef. 3 nights at a motel in Queenstown.

Transport

Coach throughout tour. TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch.

Not included:

Optional

Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost and will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents.

Meals

Flights

International and domestic flights not included.

Others

Tipping. Other meals, snacks and drinks. Pre and post tour accommodation. Single supplement (Mandatory).

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 10 Day South Island National Parks

  • Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch

      Private transfer from Christchurch airport to your accommodation

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

  • Day 2 Day 2: Christchurch To Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Christchurch To Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

      Christchurch to Mount Cook 

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

  • Day 3 Day 3: Explore The World Heritage Area That Is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Explore The World Heritage Area That Is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

      At 3754 metres Aoraki-Mt. Cook is New Zealandโ€™s highest mountain, located deep in the heart of the Southern Alps. From the Visitor Centre at the southern end of Lake Pukaki, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of this immense peak. As well as its impressive beauty, Mt. Cook National Park is also home to a huge range of awe-inspiring sights and activities. 

      There are many short hikes in and around the park and these are well signposted. For a fascinating guided tour the Mt. Cook Encounter Guided Walk is a must-do and those with an interest in the night sky should take a stargazing tour of the Mt. John Observatory. The region is considered to have one of the clearest night skies in the world and is one of the few gold-rated dark sky reserves worldwide.

      The Hermitage Hotel complex offers fine dining, multiple cafes and a bar. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre for insight into this regionโ€™s mountain climbing history. Youโ€™ll also learn of Sir Edโ€™s incredible achievements and his dedication to helping others around the world.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Mount Cook National Park To Queenstown
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Mount Cook National Park To Queenstown

      Mount Cook to Queenstown with Cheeky Kiwi

      Leaving the spectacular Aoraki/Mount Cook you will head through Omarama, the Lindis Pass, and Cromwell on your journey to Queenstown.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Free Day To Explore Queenstown
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Free Day To Explore Queenstown

      Although celebrated as New Zealandโ€™s โ€˜adventure capitalโ€™ 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. Head down the Gibbston valley wine trail to sample some of the regionโ€™s best Pinot or catch a 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 have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emettโ€™s โ€˜Rata.โ€™ Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. For the Lord Of The Rings Fanatic jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. And after all of that - if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or White Water rafting.

  • Day 6 Day 6: Milford Sound Day Tour With Real Journeys
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Milford Sound Day Tour With Real Journeys

      Milford Sound Nature Cruise with return luxury coach transfers from Queenstown 

      Return luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with an extended 2.5 hour Nature Cruise along the full length of the fiord. On board a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown, you will 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. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purchasing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board the Milford Mariner for a leisurely extended cruise of the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife with extensive commentary by the on board nature guide. 

  • Day 7 Day 7: Queenstown To Franz Josef Glacier
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Queenstown To Franz Josef Glacier

      Queenstown to Franz Josef with Glacier Shuttles

      Leaving Queenstown, travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Travel across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, 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. Your journey concludes in the village of Franz Josef, your base for exploration of the area.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Explore Franz Josef And The Glacier Region
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Explore Franz Josef And The Glacier Region

      Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12 km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the terminal face without a guide. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour. Wind down by soaking in the Glacier Hot Pools, highly recommended after a cold day out!

  • Day 9 Day 9: Franz Josef To Greymouth Train Station, Tranz Alpine Train To Christchurch
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Franz Josef To Greymouth Train Station, Tranz Alpine Train To Christchurch

      Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Hokitika Scenic Tours

      Today youโ€™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 1860โ€™s. Continue on to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.


      TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch

      Considered one of the worldโ€™s great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. Youโ€™ll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthurโ€™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.


      Private Transfer from Christchurch Train Station to Accommodation

      On arrival into the Christchurch train station you will be met by a private transfer driver and taken to your accommodation.

  • Day 10 Day 10: Depart Christchurch Today
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Depart Christchurch Today

      Private transfer to Christchurch airport 

      You will be collected from your accommodation and a private transfer will deliver you to Christchurch airport in time for your departing flight.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 1 / Max: 100

Age range allowed for this experience.

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