Mountains to Sea: South Island's Western Circuit
Duration
8 Days 7 Nights
Destinations
New Zealand, Christchurch, Queenstown
Eight days is enough to cross the South Island properly — from Christchurch over the Southern Alps by train, down the West Coast to the glaciers, across to Queenstown, out to Milford Sound, and back through the Mackenzie Basin. This itinerary covers more terrain than any other South Island circuit of the same length, and the variety of landscape across those eight days is the reason people return to New Zealand specifically for the South Island. The TranzAlpine sets the tone on day two: 224 kilometres from Christchurch to Greymouth through the Canterbury Plains, up the Waimakariri Gorge, and through the Otira Tunnel to the West Coast. Punakaiki follows the same afternoon — the pancake rock formations at the coast, where the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea are less than 50 kilometres apart. Franz Josef on day three includes a guided nature walk through the temperate rainforest at the glacier's edge, a landscape that exists because the West Coast receives up to 5,000 millimetres of rainfall per year and the glacier descends to 250 metres above sea level — low enough that the ice sits surrounded by native bush. Queenstown gets two nights and a full day of included touring before the Milford Sound day, which runs to approximately 12 hours. The return on day seven covers the Lindis Pass, Aoraki Mt Cook, and Lake Tekapo before Christchurch. Note: This tour departs daily October to April. May to September it operates Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday only. The Franz Josef to Queenstown transfer on day four operates Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday only — check departure dates carefully when booking.
- ◆TranzAlpine train — Christchurch to Greymouth through the Southern Alps
- ◆Punakaiki Pancake Rocks — 30-million-year-old limestone formations on the West Coast
- ◆Franz Josef — guided nature walk through West Coast temperate rainforest
- ◆Milford Sound — fiord cruise with lunch, 12-hour day from Queenstown
- ◆Aoraki Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo — the Mackenzie Basin on the return north
Day-by-Day
Your arrival in Christchurch is met with a private transfer to your hotel. The city sits between the Pacific Ocean and the foothills of the Southern Alps — a position that becomes apparent on day two when the TranzAlpine crosses those ranges. The central city has been substantially rebuilt since the 2011 earthquake; the Avon River precinct and the transitional architecture of the rebuild are worth an evening walk.
Christchurch City Centre — The Botanic Gardens and Victoria Square are within easy walking distance of most central accommodation. The Christchurch Art Gallery and the new convention and arts precinct reflect the post-earthquake rebuild investment in the central city.
Note on operating days: October to April this tour departs daily. May to September it operates Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday only.
Optional: Christchurch Tram Dinner (own expense).
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Independent.
Included
- check_boxMeet and greet arrival transfer in Christchurch
- check_box7 nights accommodation
- check_boxTransfer to Christchurch Railway Station
- check_boxTranzAlpine scenic train Christchurch to Greymouth (subject to track maintenance)
- check_boxPunakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes self-guided walk
- check_boxGreymouth to Franz Josef coach transfer
- check_boxFranz Josef Nature Tour guided walk
- check_boxFranz Josef to Queenstown coach transfer
- check_boxQueenstown Highlights Tour — Kawarau Gorge, Gibbston Valley and Arrowtown
- check_boxMilford Sound day tour with fiord cruise and lunch
- check_boxQueenstown to Christchurch tour via Mt Cook Village and Lake Tekapo
- check_boxDeparture transfer to Christchurch Airport
Not Included
- disabled_by_defaultInternational flights
- disabled_by_defaultTravel insurance
- disabled_by_defaultMeals not specified in the itinerary
- disabled_by_defaultOptional activities and entrance fees
- disabled_by_defaultPersonal expenses, laundry and minibar
