Discover the very best of New Zealand’s remarkable south island taking in Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef glacier, Te Anau, Dunedin and Omarama and so much more. Experience the incredible TranzAlpine train journey, a spectacular cruise on dramatic Milford Sound, a steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard TSS Earnslaw and huge mountain scenery. You’ll discover the instantly recognisable and our special hidden gems with HolidayMax’s immersive luxury touring. Themes include: Departs from Christchurch, Luxury Coach, Returns from Omarama. + Show more

Package Includes

Return international flights to New Zealand
9 Day South Island Discovery Guided Tour
3 Nights Christchurch hotel (quality 4 Star)
2 Nights Queenstown hotel (quality 4 Star)
1 Night Franz Josef hotel (quality 4 Star)
1 Night Te Anau hotel (quality 4 Star)
1 Night Dunedin hotel (quality 4 Star)
1 Night Omarama hotel (quality 4 Star)
Tour host and guide
8 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Milford Sound cruise
Lake Wakatipu cruise aboard steamship TSS Earnslaw
TranzAlpine Train Ride
Special Dinner Experience in Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak
Meet and Greet Personalised Return Airport Transfers

Highlights

Christchurch Franz Josef Queenstown Te Anau Omarama South Island TranzAlpine Train Mt. Cook National Park Franz Josef Glacier Milford Sound Lake Wakatipu Arrowtown Lake Tekapo Haast Pass Lake Te Anau Hokitika Thunder Creek Falls Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak Cromwell Fiordland National Park Historic Taieri Gorge Railway

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Departure Dates

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Descriptions

DAY 1 Fly to Christchurch

Modern and vibrant, Christchurch has transformed in recent years, a combination of cocktail bars and bustling restaurants, eye catching street art, new architecture and green spaces breathing new life into the city. Fly to Christchurch today to begin your tour of New Zealand’s South Island.

You will be personally met at the airport by a HolidayMax representative and transferred from the airport to your hotel.

Meet and Greet Personalised Arrival Transfer, Overnight Christchurch Hotel.

DAY 2 Explore Christchurch

The largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is located on the east coast, overlooking Pegasus Bay. Traditional Gothic architecture in the old city centre links Christchurch to its rich English heritage and the Avon River meanders through. A relaxing start to your day, familiarize yourself with the city and explore the sights and sounds, perhaps grab a bite to eat in the Salt District or tour the impressive street art by foot – found around every corner, from the sides of buildings to giant spray cans. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers at the Welcome Reception and dinner.

Luxury Tour, Dinner, Overnight Christchurch Hotel.

DAY 3 Christchurch to Franz Josef

Leaving Christchurch, start the day aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train, considered one of the great rail journeys’ of the world. Get uninterrupted views of amazing scenery from the open-air carriage, as pasturelands give way to the rocky gorges and peaks of the Southern Alps. Stretch your legs at Arthur’s Pass, at an elevation of 740m above sea level, it is the highest settlement on the South Island. Continue the journey along the west coast, passing through Hokitika before arriving at Franz Josef Glacier. UNESCO has recognized Franz Josef Glacier as having outstanding natural value and has listed the area as a World Heritage site.

Breakfast, TranzAlpine Train, Dinner, Overnight Franz Josef Hotel.

DAY 4 Franz Josef to Queenstown

Today's journey travels through some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand. Haast Pass is a 140km stretch of winding road, passing through rainforests, glacier country, rugged coastline and is dotted with walking tracks and lookouts. Arriving in Cromwell, known for growing stone fruit, you will have the opportunity to indulge in the local produce, before moving on to Arrowtown, once a gold mining town in its heyday. The final stop for the day is Queenstown, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Visit the highlights of Queenstown and familiarize yourself as we spend the next couple of days exploring this energetic city.

Breakfast, Overnight Queenstown hotel

DAY 5 Explore Queenstown

Set against the backdrop of the dramatic Southern Alps and overlooking the crystal clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is also known as New Zealand’s adventure capital. There are jet-boat rides, skiing, mountain biking to white water rafting for those wanting to get the heart racing, and wineries, boat cruises, wildlife parks and more for those who enjoy a more leisurely pace. You have the day to explore Queenstown and in the evening board the 100-year old steamship, TSS Earnshaw for a relaxing cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for an evening of entertainment and a gourmet barbecue dinner.

Breakfast, Highlight Dinner, Overnight Queenstown Hotel

DAY 6 Queenstown to Te Anau

Leaving beautiful Queenstown, and travelling along the famed Devil’s Staircase, you will be mesmerized by the stunning scenery on the way to Te Anau, known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Passing through rainforest and rugged wilderness, we arrive in Milford Sound for a magnificent cruise, seeing waterfalls, iconic Mitre Peak – the most photographed mountain in New Zealand – and hanging glacial valleys. Spend the evening relaxing in the lakeside town of Te Anau.

Breakfast, Dinner, Overnight Te Anau Hotel

DAY 7 Te Anau to Dunedin

Departing the serene town of Te Anau, enjoy the leisurely morning journey to Dunedin, passing through green grazing fields. Dunedin is proud of its Scottish heritage and is home to many well preserved gothic style buildings, from the Edwardian and Victorian era. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.

Breakfast, Dinner, Overnight Dunedin Hotel

DAY 8 Dunedin to Omarama

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of Dunedin and its highlights, including Larnach Castle, a Scottish inspired, baronial stately home with manicured gardens, built in 1871. Continue to the historic town of Oamaru, following the Waitaki River passing the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and the man-made lake, Lake Aviemore. Oamaru is known for its rich history and heritage and for being a little quirky. Arriving in Omarama, meaning ‘the place of light’, relax and unwind, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, blue lakes and clay cliffs.

Breakfast, Dinner, Overnight Omarama Hotel

DAY 9 Omarama to Christchurch

Departing Omarama, travel through the Southern Alps and the Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt Cook. At 3724m high, Mt Cook was the training ground for Sir Edmund Hillary. Stop and stretch your legs in Lake Tekapo, blessed with Turquoise lakes and included in UNESCO’s Dark Sky Reserve. See the Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 and still used for services today. Leaving the serenity of Lake Tekapo, travel through the Canterbury Plains on the way to Queenstown, where your journey began.

Breakfast, Overnight Christchurch Hotel

DAY 10 Say Goodbye to Christchurch

Time to say goodbye to New Zealand’s beautiful South Island, your fellow travellers and friendly hotel and tour hosts. You will be transferred from your Christchurch hotel to the airport to meet your flight home.

Breakfast, Departure Airport Transfer

Reverse Itinerary Dates (Sat Departures)

“Sunday” departure dates operate the itinerary as described here. “Saturday” departure dates operate the itinerary in reverse. Chose the departure date to match your preference.

Luxury Coach Touring

You can expect to travel in style on a HolidayMax immersive escorted tour featuring unparalleled sightseeing and enriching cultural experiences. We are passionate about showing you the heart of the destination, enabling you to be truly touched by new experiences and unforgettable moments.

Stay in superior handpicked hotels in the best locations, with great amenities. Savour deliciously authentic local dining in outstanding restaurants with a mouth-watering array of culinary experiences.

Your knowledgeable tour director and host will ensure you get the best personal experience on your journey. Tours feature all the must-see sights along with our little-known exclusive hidden gems and special touches in each destination, with plenty of time for you to take it all in for yourself. Free flexi-days give you a choice of activities to suit your mood during the whole day. You’ll join like-minded fellow travellers from countries like United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for a rewarding and truly enjoyable group adventure.

Travel in state-of-the-art modern coaches with comfortable reclining seats and plenty of legroom. The elegant high-end coaches have large expansive windows for an incredible view, along with on-board toilets, safety belts, air-conditioning and video screens to make this exciting road trip luxurious and very comfortable.

Live life to the full. We’ve taken care of the details; you just need to relax and embrace your sense of adventure. Discover more and enjoy exclusive extra touches with HolidayMax™. Where all surprises are great surprises.

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South Island New Zealand Discovery

10 Day Touring Package

Limited Availability at these prices. Deal ends soon. Questions? Call 1300 887 469 or Click to Ask Us

$ 5499 *

Typically $7753

* AUD starting based on travel dates, be flexible with dates to get the best deals! Itinerary and vehicle types subject to change without notice. Subject to limited availability at these prices, after which higher prices apply, book now. Some governments and service operators have Covid vaccination requirements. Your included flights advised via email with 24 hours to select alternative flights, routing or airline (alternatives may be at a higher price). Included flights may not be the most direct routing. Arrive earlier/stay longer for specified airports only. Stop-overs are not possible. Subject to Booking Conditions, see Important Information before booking. © DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Booking Code: mp434