4-Day Great Southern Island Circle Tour from Christchurch

4-Day Great Southern Island Circle Tour from Christchurch

Price varies by date Check availability for current pricing

About This Tour in Christchurch

Picturesque mountains, deep fiords and icy glaciers - this is New Zealand's South Island. See for yourself on a four-day independent tour highlighting this scenic region. Travel by coach from Christchurch to Queenstown via Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki and Mount Cook. From Queenstown enjoy a day tour to Milford Sound with a two hour nature cruise on the fiord. From Queenstown it is then a days travel up the West Coast to Franz Josef and Franz Josef Glacier. On the final day of the tour the journey takes you to Greymouth where you will board the TranzAlpine Train for your return to Christchurch.

Why Visit Christchurch?

Christchurch, New Zealand offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Christchurch provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.

Getting to Christchurch

The easiest way to reach Christchurch is by flying into Christchurch Airport (CHC). From the airport, you can take airport shuttles, taxis, rideshare services, or public transportation to reach the city center. Rental cars are also popular for exploring the surrounding areas.

What's Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • TranzAline Train from Greymouth to Christchurch
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • 3-nights accommodation
  • Milford Sound Cruise
  • Live commentary on board

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Additional Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
  • Please note that this tour is an independent tour and you may be traveling with a different driver/guide and group each day
  • Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
  • Tour may operate in Reverse

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers

Pickup Time: 40 minutes before departure

Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.

Itinerary

Christchurch / Mt Cook / Queenstown

This morning you will depart Christchurch by road,...

This morning you will depart Christchurch by road, initially travelling via the Canterbury Plains and through the foothills of the Southern Alps to Lake Tekapo

Arriving Lake Tekapo your first stop will be... 30 minutes

Arriving Lake Tekapo your first stop will be at the Church of the Good Sheppard where you will have some magnificent photo opportunities of the Church with the lake as a back drop. There will be then time to have some refreshments in the township if required.

From Lake Tekapo the tour then continues along...

From Lake Tekapo the tour then continues along the shoreline of Lake Pukaki, providing you with some great views of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps on a clear day, through to Mount Cook

Arriving at Mt Cook Village mid afternoon which... 30 minutes

Arriving at Mt Cook Village mid afternoon which is located at the base of Mount Cook, Australia's highest mountain. There will be time here for lunch prior to continuing on to Queenstown.

From Mount Cook the tour continues into to...

From Mount Cook the tour continues into to Twizel and then through Omarama and the Lindis Pass.

Travelling through the Lindis Pass which is snow...

Travelling through the Lindis Pass which is snow covered for much of the year you will reach the submit which is the highest point of your travel through the Southern Alps. From the Lindis Pass the tour continues along the shores of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell

Cromwell is famous for its fruit orchards which...

Cromwell is famous for its fruit orchards which are in full production during the summer months

From Cromwell the tour follows the Kawarau River...

From Cromwell the tour follows the Kawarau River through the River Gorge to the Gibbston valley renown as main wine growing area in New Zealand and then onto the famous old suspension bridge with AJ Hacketts world renown bungy jumping.

The tour will arrive Queenstown Lake afternoon your destination for today 12 hours

The tour will arrive Queenstown Lake afternoon your destination for today. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand

Queenstown / Te Anau / Milford / Te Anau / Queesntown

This morning you will depart Queenstown for Milford...

This morning you will depart Queenstown for Milford Sound, initially travelling by road along the shore line of Lake Wakatipu to Kingston and then onto Te Anau

Arriving Lake Te Anau mid morning there will... 30 minutes

Arriving Lake Te Anau mid morning there will be time for a refreshment stop in the township prior to proceeding onto Milford

From Te Anau you will travel into the...

From Te Anau you will travel into the Fiordland National Park with photo stops on route at Mirror lakes and other places of interest

Prior to travelling into Milford Sound you will...

Prior to travelling into Milford Sound you will travel through the Homer Tunnel which has been carved through the top of a mountain to create the only road access to this famous sound.

Arriving Milford Sound you will join a two... 2 hours 30 minutes

Arriving Milford Sound you will join a two hour nature cruise on the sound with full commentary and a picnic lunch

Mid afternoon departing Milford Sound you will retrace... 30 minutes

Mid afternoon departing Milford Sound you will retrace your steps through the Fiordland National Park to Te Anau where again there will be a refreshment stop in the township prior to continuing onto Queenstown

Early Evening arrive back in Queenstown your destination... 12 hours

Early Evening arrive back in Queenstown your destination for this the second day of your four day tour.

Queenstown / Wanaka / Haast Pass / Franz Josef

This morning depart Queenstown by road for your...

This morning depart Queenstown by road for your journey today through to Franz Josef

Your first stop today in the township of... 15 minutes

Your first stop today in the township of Wanaka nestled on the shores of Lake Wanaka with a magnificent mountain back drop which is snow covered for much of the year. There will be time for a refreshment break here if required.

From Wanaka the tour proceeds along the shores...

From Wanaka the tour proceeds along the shores of Lake Hawea prior to entering the Haast Pass and the Westland National Park

Travel through the remote Haast Pass with magnificent...

Travel through the remote Haast Pass with magnificent mountain, river and lake views on route.

The tour will travel through the remote Westland... 15 minutes

The tour will travel through the remote Westland National Park with rain forest, rugged mountain rivers and a narrow strip of land separating the mountain from the sea.

The tour arrives Franz Josef late afternoon your... 15 hours

The tour arrives Franz Josef late afternoon your destination for today the location of tonights accommodation

From your accommodation you will be collected and... 1 hour

From your accommodation you will be collected and transferred into the car park at the old base of the Franz Josef Glacier. As the glacier has retreated the terminal of the Glacier is now sound distance from the car park. However, a short 15 minute easy walk through native bush brings you to a viewing area where you can see the glacier in the distance. You will then be transferred back to your accommodation

Franz Josef / Greymouth / Transalpine Train / Christchurch

Departing Franz Josef this morning by road you...

Departing Franz Josef this morning by road you will travel north to the township of Greymouth.

Arriving Greymouth there will be time to have... 1 hour

Arriving Greymouth there will be time to have a look around the township and have some lunch if required prior to boarding the TranzAlpine Train for your return to Christchurch

Early afternoon depart Greymouth by Transalpine train, renown... 6 hours

Early afternoon depart Greymouth by Transalpine train, renown to be one of the top 10 train journeys in the world. You will travel through the heart of the Southern Alps from the West Coast of the South Island to the East Coast of the South Island.

Arriving Christchurch early evening your tour will conclude...

Arriving Christchurch early evening your tour will conclude with a transfer to your Christchurch accommodation.

From Franz Josef the tour will continue further... 20 minutes

From Franz Josef the tour will continue further North up the ruggard West Coast of the South Island to Hokitika, founded in the 1860's during the New Zealand Gold Rush. There will be a brief stop in the township for refreshments and to have a look around the some the green stone shops for which the town is now famous.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure…

How do I book this tour?

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Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

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