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New Zealand South Island Discovery - 06 Apr 2027 to 28 Mar 2028

Land Tour

Travel aboard the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps before discovering the untamed landscapes of the West Coast, from Hokitika to Franz Josef/Waiau. Journey through Haast Pass to the vibrant resort town of Queenstown, and cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw for a gourmet barbecue dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

From price

$2,001
From price per person, twin share
Tour Provider AATKings
Number Of Days
4
Start Location
Christchurch (Nz), New Zealand
End Location
Queenstown (Nz), New Zealand
Age Range
Avg. 45+
Group Size
20 to 45
Tour Style
Premium
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share
Start End Availability Price
06 Apr 2027 09 Apr 2027 Available $2,065
28 Sep 2027 01 Oct 2027 Available $2,001
12 Oct 2027 15 Oct 2027 Available $2,001
19 Oct 2027 22 Oct 2027 Available $2,001
26 Oct 2027 29 Oct 2027 Available $2,001
02 Nov 2027 05 Nov 2027 Available $2,001
16 Nov 2027 19 Nov 2027 Available $2,001
23 Nov 2027 26 Nov 2027 Available $2,001
30 Nov 2027 03 Dec 2027 Available $2,001
07 Dec 2027 10 Dec 2027 Available $2,001
28 Dec 2027 31 Dec 2027 Available $2,001
04 Jan 2028 07 Jan 2028 Available $2,065
11 Jan 2028 14 Jan 2028 Available $2,065
18 Jan 2028 21 Jan 2028 Available $2,065
25 Jan 2028 28 Jan 2028 Available $2,065
01 Feb 2028 04 Feb 2028 Available $2,065
08 Feb 2028 11 Feb 2028 Available $2,065
15 Feb 2028 18 Feb 2028 Available $2,065
22 Feb 2028 25 Feb 2028 Available $2,065
29 Feb 2028 03 Mar 2028 Available $2,065
07 Mar 2028 10 Mar 2028 Available $2,065
14 Mar 2028 17 Mar 2028 Available $2,065
28 Mar 2028 31 Mar 2028 Available $2,065

Inclusions

  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 3 Breakfast (B)
  • Journey on the TranzAlpine Train through the Southern Alps See Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere from a panoramic viewpoint Visit historic Arrowtown Relish a gourmet BBQ dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm

    • Itinerary details

    Ōtautahi (Christchurch) – Franz Josef/Waiau
    Meet your Travel Director in Christchurch this morning, before boarding the TranzAlpine. Enjoy a spectacular rail journey through tunnels, across viaducts, past snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, and beech forests en route to Arthur’s Pass. Continue to Hokitika, the cultural heart of the West Coast and renowned for its jade, before arriving at Franz Josef/Waiau, home to Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Consider an optional experience scenic helicopter flight over this shimmering natural wonder, with a glacier landing (weather permitting).
    Waiau (Franz Josef) – Queenstown
    Depart Franz Josef/Waiau and journey south over the Haast Pass, where ever-changing alpine scenery reveals glacier-fed rivers, dense rainforest and sweeping mountain ranges. Take in views of Lake Hāwea and Lake Dunstan, then visit a local fruit stall to sample fresh, seasonal produce before continuing to Arrowtown, rich in heritage and charm. Arrive in Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the Remarkables.
    Queenstown Free Time
    Wake to a full day at leisure in Queenstown, where adventure, nature and indulgence await. Choose your pace, from optional adventures, a thrilling jet boat rides to encounters with native wildlife or relaxed wine tasting in the surrounding vineyards. This evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner.
    Depart Queenstown
    Your Short Break concludes this morning after breakfast. Take a final stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, soak in the mountain views, and say farewell to Queenstown at your own pace.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You should choose this tour for a premium experience that showcases the breathtaking diversity of New Zealand's South Island. From the spectacular rail journey on the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps to the untamed landscapes of the West Coast and a gourmet barbecue dinner aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, this trip offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and high-quality experiences.
    This tour is designed for travellers who appreciate a premium travel style and a mix of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Those who enjoy scenic rail journeys, alpine landscapes, and a combination of organized sightseeing with a bit of free time to explore at their own pace will find this tour particularly enjoyable.
    The pros include a comprehensive itinerary featuring iconic highlights like the TranzAlpine, the West Coast, and Queenstown, along with premium inclusions such as a gourmet dinner cruise. A potential con is that some of the most thrilling experiences, such as the scenic helicopter flight over the glacier or jet boat rides, are offered as optional extras rather than being included in the base price.
    This tour is a great option for couples and solo travellers looking for a worry-free, premium experience. While the text does not explicitly mention family-specific amenities, the diverse activities—ranging from relaxed wine tasting to thrilling adventures in Queenstown—make it appealing to a wide variety of travel companions.
    This tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors to New Zealand, as it covers several key landmarks and regions from Christchurch to Queenstown in a structured, premium format. Experienced travellers will also appreciate the efficiency of the itinerary and the inclusion of unique experiences like the TSS Earnslaw cruise.
    The tour is rated as 'Easy to Moderate' in terms of physicality, suggesting it is accessible for many. However, specific details regarding accessibility for those with significant mobility concerns are not provided, so we recommend contacting us for more tailored information.
    This tour provides a balanced focus on sightseeing and culture, with a strong element of optional adventure. You will enjoy sightseeing through the Southern Alps and West Coast, cultural visits to Hokitika and Arrowtown, and the opportunity to add adventurous activities like jet boating during your free time in Queenstown.
    The pace of this tour is moderate. It covers a significant amount of ground across the South Island over four days, but it balances the travel time with a full day of leisure in Queenstown, allowing you to choose your own speed for the final part of the journey.
    The itinerary feels well-balanced. While the first two days involve steady travel through stunning landscapes and passes, the inclusion of a full day at leisure in Queenstown ensures that you have time to relax and indulge in the local atmosphere without feeling rushed.
    Yes, the tour includes several major highlights, such as the TranzAlpine rail journey, the West Coast's Hokitika, the Franz Josef/Waiau glacier region, the Haast Pass, Arrowtown, and the historic TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
    The tour includes a Travel Director who meets you in Christchurch to lead the journey, ensuring a professional and guided experience. While the text does not explicitly mention translation services, the presence of a dedicated Travel Director is intended to provide a worry-free travel experience.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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