Mountains to Sea: South Island's Western Circuit
Cross New Zealand’s South Island in eight varied days, beginning with the TranzAlpine railway from Christchurch through the Southern Alps to Greymouth. Continue to Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef for a guided nature walk beside the glacier, then travel across Haast Pass to Queenstown. Two nights there allow time for included regional touring before a full-day Milford Sound journey and fiord cruise. The return to Christchurch follows the Lindis Pass through Aoraki Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo. Seven nights’ accommodation, transfers, rail and coach travel, guided experiences and airport transfers are included. Seasonal operating days vary, making careful date selection important. This route suits travellers seeking maximum South Island variety without driving themselves.
A Glimpse of Your Journey
- ◆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
Itinerary & Route
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).
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).
What's Included
- hotel
Accommodation
7 nights’ accommodation
- restaurant
Meals
Lunch on the Milford Sound cruise
- airport_shuttle
Transport
Airport transfers, TranzAlpine train and intercity coach transfers
- tour
Guide
Guided Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt Cook experiences
- local_activity
Activities
TranzAlpine, Pancake Rocks, Franz Josef, Queenstown highlights and Milford Sound
Dates & Prices
Pricing coming soon
Season pricing for this route hasn't been published yet. Enquire and we'll get you a quote, or ask to be notified once it's live.
