Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef
This 7-day group tour of New Zealand's South Island from Christchurch takes in the best of the region, including Milford Sound and Franz Josef. Enjoy free time in the adventure capital of Queenstown for adrenaline-pumping activities and join an included cruise at Milford Sound. Sample regional wines with an included tasting, stargaze under the clear skies of Lake Tekapo and see Te Anau, the largest lake of the South Island. Opt for a glacier hike at Franz Josef and end your adventure back in Christchurch.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Christchurch to Geraldine & Lake Tekapo
Day 1 Christchurch to Geraldine & Lake Tekapo
Christchurch - Geraldine - Tekapo. Welcome to New Zealand! Our tour kicks off in Christchurch (pick up information is in the Trip Notes). From here, we'll journey through the breathtaking Rakaia Gorge, a natural wonder of immense beauty. Our next stop is the delightful town of Geraldine, where you'll have the opportunity to savour some of the finest local cuisine. Following free time for lunch, we'll proceed to the stunning Lake Tekapo, renowned for its striking turquoise waters and spectacular views of the Southern Alps.
Please note: This tour offers a great mix of included activities and a variety of optional excursions. Optional activities can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. A full list of the activities included in the cost of your tour is available in the 'Inclusions' section of the tour.
Day 2 Wine tasting & Te Anau
Day 2 Wine tasting & Te Anau
Tekapo - Te Anau. Today, our journey takes us south to the idyllic Te Anau. En route, we will stop at the renowned Mt Difficulty Vineyard, where you can look forward to a delightful lunch and an exquisite wine-tasting experience, all included! This is a perfect chance to savour the region's flavours amid breathtaking scenery, creating a memorable highlight of our trip. Arriving in Te Anau, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 Milford Sound cruise
Day 3 Milford Sound cruise
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown. Get ready to be amazed as we journey to Milford Sound, frequently referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Embark on an included scenic cruise through the fiord, gliding past majestic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and stunning landscapes that define the area's unique beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way and enjoy an included lunch onboard.
Following the cruise, we'll make our way to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital and a charming destination set among majestic mountains and pristine lakes.
Day 4 Queenstown at leisure
Day 4 Queenstown at leisure
Today, you have the freedom to explore the adventure capital of the world at your own pace. A wide range of optional activities are available, including bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, scenic hikes, and leisurely strolls around the city's charming streets - ensuring there's something to suit everyone's interests. You should have time to book two or three activities today, and our guide will be able to get everything booked in for you.
Day 5 Queenstown to Franz Josef
Day 5 Queenstown to Franz Josef
Queenstown - Franz Josef. Departing Queenstown, we head towards the breathtaking Franz Josef, famous for its majestic glaciers. Along the way, we will stop in Wanaka, a serene lakeside gem known for offering some of New Zealand's most captivating views. As we continue driving up the scenic west coast, prepare to be mesmerized by the unparalleled beauty of the unfolding landscape.
Day 6 Franz Josef at leisure
Day 6 Franz Josef at leisure
Today, you are at leisure to explore the wonders of Franz Josef . You can choose from a range of optional activities, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Perhaps enjoy a guided glacier walk, relax in the soothing thermal pools, or take a thrilling helicopter tour over the Franz Josef Glacier. The day is yours to customize, promising an unforgettable adventure amidst the beauty of Franz Josef. Once more, our tour guide will be on hand to help you book in any activities for today.
Day 7 Christchurch
Day 7 Christchurch
Franz Josef - Christchurch. Today, we journey back to Christchurch, making stops at Hokitika, renowned for its exquisite jade carvings, and Arthur's Pass, celebrated for its breathtaking mountain landscapes. Additionally, we'll visit Castle Hill, featuring stunning limestone rock formations that are bound to leave you mesmerized. We'll conclude our tour in Christchurch with drop off at the airport, at approximately 16:00 (more information in the Trip Notes).
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Overlooking Lake Tekapo, this informal hotel, housed in wood-panelled buildings, is a 13-minute walk from the scenic Church of the Good Shepherd and 9 km from the Mount John University Observatory. The relaxed rooms feature flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also offers a casual bar and restaurant with views of the lake, along with amenities such as board games and meeting space.
Overlooking Lake Te Anau, this straightforward hotel off State Highway 95 is 2 km from the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and 3 km from the Fiordland Vintage Machinery Museum. The unpretentious rooms, featuring carpeted floors, come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and mini-fridges. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, and meeting space.
Situated opposite Queenstown Bus Station in a residential neighbourhood, this upscale hotel is a 6-minute walk from Milford Galleries Queenstown in the town centre and 1 km from the Skyline Queenstown gondola. The cosy, relaxed rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, mini-fridges, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel offers a formal restaurant with a fireplace and a casual bar serving light meals. Additional amenities include a gym, hot tub, and sauna.
Boasting views of the Southern Alps, this unpretentious hotel is a 3-minute walk from guided tours at the West Coast Wildlife Centre and a 6-minute walk from the Tatare Tunnels Walk. The modest rooms and suites, featuring carpeted floors, include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and mini-fridges. Amenities consist of an informal restaurant, meeting space, and a hot tub, along with a bar that has a fireplace.
Tour Reviews
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