4 day Southern Circuit
Starting and ending in the 'adventure capital' Queenstown you will take advantage of the wonderful small group tours New Zealand has to offer and travelling comfort to the West Coast, Mt Cook National Park and across the country on the famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train.
Tour overview
Departs every day - flexible independent travel
This suggested tour costs from NZD$3,450 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Queenstown, finishes in Queenstown
4 days/3 nights
Motels
Customisable? YES
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Day 1 - Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
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, the landscape changes dramatically. Enter 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 next base for exploration.
You’ll be transferred up the Franz Josef Valley to the road end, where you’ll have the opportunity to walk to a viewing platform with views of the glacier. Alternatively, you can enjoy one of the other scenic short walks in the area.
Your accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Punga Grove is right in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village stylish accommodation in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Day 2 - Franz Josef to Greymouth train station, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch
Head north from Franz Josef through to the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Pounamu (New Zealand Greenstone) 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 TranzAlpine Scenic Train.
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 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.
On arrival at the Christchurch railway station, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.
Your accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch
Bella Vista Motel Christchurch offers a great range of comfortable modern units with excellent facilities. Enjoy the convenience of being located in close proximity to the Christchurch CBD, shops, entertainment and other activities.
Day 3 - Christchurch to Mt Cook National Park
Leave Christchurch behind for a small-group journey crossing the expansive Canterbury Plains and climbing into the high country. Relax in comfort as you head to your first stop in the charming rural township of Geraldine for a morning break. Continue into the dramatic Mackenzie Basin to capture iconic photos of the impossibly blue waters at Lake Tekapo and visit the historic, picturesque The Church of the Good Shepherd. After tracking the edge of Lake Pukaki, arrive at Aoraki / Mount Cook Village in the afternoon, where you will be treated to a complimentary picnic lunch under the shadow of New Zealand's highest peak.
Key Stops: Depart Christchurch, Geraldine (comfort stop), Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki photo stop, Aoraki/Mount Cook Village arrival.
Meals Included: Picnic Lunch, snacks & bottled water.
Duration: Approx 6 hours
Aoraki-Mt Cook Village offers a variety of short scenic walks suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Start your adventure at the Department of Conservation Information Centre, where you can learn about track conditions, local history, and the area’s wildlife.
Here are a few popular walks to explore:
- Bowen Bush Walk: 10-minute return
- Glencoe Walk: 10-minute return
- Red Tarns Track: 2-hour return
- Kea Point Walk: 2-hour return
- Sealy Tarns Track: 3 - 4 hours return
Please be aware that at Aoraki/Mount Cook, you will need to pay for parking at the White Horse Hill car park. The cost is $5 per hour or $25 for the full day. A 20-minute free period is available for quick drop-offs.
A tribute to New Zealand's Sir Edmund Hillary, a humanitarian, ambassador, and one of the world's greatest explorers. The centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, the history of climbing, and early transport used throughout the region. This comprehensive museum details the life of Sir Edmund Hillary, the Hermitage, and provides access to the 126-seat custom-designed theatre. Check out the daily film schedule which includes 3D Movies, documentaries, and 360-degree digital dome features.
Your accommodation: Mt Cook Motel
Mt Cook Motel, nestled in the heart of Mt. Cook Village, offers spacious self-contained units that provide comfort and convenience. Each unit is surrounded by breathtaking alpine mountain views, making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Day 4 - Mt Cook to Queenstown
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 of them are accessible. See towering ice cliffs and floating icebergs from the safety of a specially designed boat. These boats provide a safe way to view unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier The Tasman.
Depart Mount Cook Village and journey down one of the country's most scenic roads, tracking the vibrant blue waters of Lake Pukaki with stunning backward views of the Southern Alps. Afterward, continue south to sample ultra-fresh seafood at High Country Salmon, cross the majestic Lindis Pass, and stop for local orchard treats in Cromwell before descending through the rugged Kawarau Gorge into Queenstown where your guide will drop you directly at your accommodation.
Key Stops: High Country Salmon Farm, Lindis Pass lookout, Jackson's Orchard, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown arrival.
Included: Salmon Tasting
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
