South Island New Zealand with 9-Day TranzAlpine Train & Doubtful Sound
🕐DURATION
9 days, 8 nights
📅 Departure Dates: Multiple departures available until 31 December 2026
☀ A world of natural wonder beckons on New Zealand’s South Island, and this exceptional guided tour leaves no stone unturned. Experience charming Christchurch, hailed as the ‘Garden City’, journey through magical Oamaru – home to the Moeraki Boulders, steeped in Maori legend – before arriving in Scottish-influenced Dunedin.
Marvel at New Zealand’s oldest castle – Larnach Castle – then admire magnificent Te Anau, gateway to the mountain-girded waterways of Doubtful Sound. Sail through the serene fjord, spend free time exploring adventurous Queenstown and gaze upon the icy grandeur of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
Watch the breathtaking mountains roll by aboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, and delve into the illicit history of Gore on a guided tasting experience at Hokonui Moonshine Museum. With action-packed days of guided experiences and free time to explore New Zealand’s most beloved destinations, this memorable journey will stay with you long after you return home.
- From $5,279 per person Twin Share
- From $6,479 per person Solo Traveller
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to: Christchurch ➡ Oamaru ➡ Moeraki Boulders ➡ Dunedin ➡ Gore ➡ Te Anau ➡ Doubtful Sound ➡ Queenstown ➡ Arrowtown ➡ Haast ➡ Fox Glacier ➡ Franz Josef Glacier ➡ Hokitika ➡ Greymouth ➡ Christchurch
Our team can also assist with booking International flights and accommodation as part of your overall travel plans.
Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice
Itinerary
| Arrive | Details | Depart | Day 1 | Arrive Christchurch - Welcome to Christchurch! Known as the ‘Garden City,’ the South Island’s largest urban hub is the perfect launchpad for travellers seeking New Zealand’s stunning natural beauty. Once you arrive in the city, make your own way to your hotel for check-in. Spend the afternoon freely exploring the city’s vibrant culture before meeting your group for the first time and enjoying a delicious welcome dinner together with your guide at 6pm. Optional activities: Punting on the Avon (from NZ$40 per person). Akaroa day tour with scenic cruise and lunch (from NZ$250 per person). Lord of the Rings high country tour with lunch (from NZ$299 per person). Waipara wine trail (from NZ$160 per person). Christchurch tram tour (from NZ$35 per person). Inclusions: Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similar. Dinner. | 12:00 | Day 2 | Christchurch - Oamaru - Moeraki Boulders - Dunedin - Following a delightful breakfast, you’ll head south, down the eastern coastline of the South Island, and cruise through the township of Oamaru, which is home to some of New Zealand’s most well-preserved heritage buildings. Next up, travel onward to the magical Moeraki Boulders. Here, enjoy marvelling at the geological structures that began forming over 60 million years ago. These boulders now stand watch along the beach, guarding the foreshore in stony silence. Later, pull into Dunedin with ample time to explore this unique town with rich Scottish heritage, or rest in the comfort of your accommodation if you prefer. Optional activities: Speight’s Brewery tour (from NZ$30 per person). Dunedin train station visit (surcharges apply). Inclusions: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or similar. Breakfast. | Day 3 | Dunedin - Gore - Te Anau - Spend the morning strolling through the glorious gardens of Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s oldest castle, and admire the picturesque view. Jumping back aboard your coach, you’ll travel onwards to Gore. Learn all about this quaint town and its colourful history of illicit whiskey distilling at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. Hear stories about the Scottish settlers and their captivating tales of criminal pursuits and finish with a special tasting of Old Hokonui, made using the original recipe. As evening falls drive on to Te Anau, known as the gateway to Fiordland and Doubtful Sound, for a group dinner and a pleasant night’s rest. Optional activities: Glowworm caves evening tour (from NZ$119 per person). Inclusions: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau or similar. Breakfast and Dinner. | Day 4 | Te Anau - Doubtful Sound - Queenstown - After a delicious breakfast, set a course from Te Anau to Manapouri. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely cruise across the shimmering lake to West Arm, then take a short drive across Wilmot Pass, along New Zealand’s most expensive road. Make a brief stop to experience the lush Fiordland rainforest and bask in the sparkling views of majestic Doubtful Sound below. As you board a modern catamaran at Deep Cove, prepare to experience the sheer grandeur of these mountain-girded waters. With only a handful of boats on the water at a time, Doubtful Sound offers a serene escape of total tranquillity. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some local wildlife, from penguins to seals and playful dolphins, as you enjoy relaxing in the sound. At the end of the cruise, travel onwards to Queenstown, your home for the next two nights. Inclusions: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel or similar. Breakfast and Lunch. | Day 5 | Queenstown - With no planned tour activity today, take your time to explore Queenstown at your leisure – it’s a true adventurer’s paradise. Loved for the vast array of thrilling activities up for grabs in and around the city, spend your day plotting all things adrenaline-pumping or take it easy discovering the incredible beauty of the city as you please. The choice is yours, whether you jump aboard the iconic ShotoverJet or join a tour around the gold-mining region of Skippers Canyon. Chase the best views of the city with a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak and perhaps enjoy a delicious lunch at the Skyline restaurant (surcharges apply). Kick things up a notch with a visit to the bungy jumping centre and watch other people completing their own jumps. Slow things down with a leisurely stroll around the lakeside, toasting with a refreshing drink and time to soak up the lush surrounds. Optional activities: 4WD Hollywood on-location tour from Glenorchy (from NZ$270 per person). Skippers Canyon scenic tour (from NZ$189 per person). Half-day boutique wine tour (from NZ$239 per person). Dart River jet boat wilderness tour (from NZ$299 per person). Skyline gondola and dinner – guaranteed window seat (from NZ$159 per person). TSS Earnslaw steamboat cruise (from NZ$90 per person) with lunch (from NZ$165 per person). Inclusions: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel or similar. Breakfast. | Day 6 | Queenstown - Arrowtown - Haast - Gather your energy with a delicious breakfast, then set off for Arrowtown, a historic gold-mining town with picturesque appeal and a fascinating story. Travel onwards to Wanaka, one of New Zealand’s most popular and beautiful lakeside towns. This afternoon, travel north towards the small town of Haast on the west coast, famed for its prime seafood delicacies, such as crayfish and whitebait. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is home to the Haast River, spectacular beaches and breathtaking lookouts. Tonight, enjoy a delicious group dinner at your hotel. Inclusions: Heartland Hotel Haast or similar. Breakfast and Dinner. | Day 7 | Haast - Fox Glacier - Franz Josef Glacier - After breakfast, start north along the coast of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park to the chilly charms of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Stop at the Fox Glacier for a leisurely optional walk around Lake Matheson. Bask in the placid beauty of this dynamic glacial landscape, admiring the region’s lush rainforests and verdant mountains. Famed for its crystal-clear views of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, Lake Matheson is a serene spot for a stroll. Later, arrive in the town of Franz Josef, where your day concludes after another group dinner. Optional activities: Franz Josef Glacier scenic flight with snow landing (from NZ$330 per person). Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers scenic flight with snow landing (from NZ$425 per person). Aoraki (Mount Cook) scenic flight with snow landing (from NZ$580 per person). Inclusions: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef or similar. Breakfast and Dinner. | Day 8 | Franz Josef Glacier - Hokitika - Greymouth - Christchurch - For your final full day, depart from Franz Josef after breakfast and make your way north once more to the creative town of Hokitika. Visit one of the town’s greenstone and glass-blowing factories for a glimpse at some of the region’s finest local craft. Continue onwards to Greymouth, a town historically linked to jade- and gold-mining. From here, you’ll board the exciting TranzAlpine Scenic Train – regarded as one of the world’s best day journeys along the rails. Let the spectacular forest vistas, rolling hills and snow-capped mountains leave you breathless as you settle in for this glorious scenic route. Once your train journey is complete, transfer to your comfortable hotel in Christchurch to enjoy a final group dinner to farewell the tour. Inclusions: Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similar. Breakfast and Dinner. | Day 9 | Depart Christchurch - Your journey concludes at check-out today with one final breakfast and a heartfelt goodbye to your fellow travellers. Whether you’re travelling home today or staying in Christchurch a bit longer on your own, you’ll leave your tour with countless incredible memories. Inclusions: Breakfast. | 06:00 |
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Highlights
- Scenic Wonders – Journey on the world-famous TranzAlpine Train and cruise the majestic Doubtful Sound.
- Immersive Exploration – Discover the best of the South Island, from Christchurch to Queenstown.
- Seamless Luxury – Enjoy curated experiences, quality accommodation, and guided touring throughout.
- Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps.
- Cruise the breathtaking Doubtful Sound fjords.
- Explore the best of the South Island, from Christchurch to Queenstown.
Inclusions
- Glide through Doubtful Sound aboard a catamaran
- Watch the mountains sweep past on a TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey
- Marvel at the Moeraki Boulders along the foreshore of the east coast
- 14 meals included – eight breakfasts, one lunch and five dinners
- Stroll through New Zealand’s oldest castle in Dunedin
- Try traditional spirit recipes at Hokonui Moonshine Museum
- Admire local creativity at a greenstone and glass-blowing factory
- Dedicated tour guide to lead your journey
- Premium coach transportation throughout
Exclusions
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
Fine Print
- Prices are subject to availability
- Fare includes all taxes and port charges
- Travel insurance not included; customers are advised to purchase appropriate cover after booking
- Itinerary is subject to change without notice
- Visas/ESTA’s are not included
All travellers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return and some countries require a machine-readable passport.
Extras
TRAVEL ADVICE: We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or visit their website at www.smartraveller.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit. You can also register your travel plans with DFAT, so that you may be more easily contacted in an emergency.
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