5 Day South Island Circut: Trains, Glaciers and Milford Sound From Christchurch

The 5 Day South Island Circuit tour from Christchurch promises an unforgettable adventure through New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes. Travelers will embark on the iconic TranzAlpine train journey, cruise along the serene Milford Sound, and experience an exhilarating guided heli-hike at Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. With comfortable accommodations and a variety of meal provisions included, participants can explore stunning national parks and local cuisine while enjoying seamless transport. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts. But what else can visitors expect from this captivating South Island experience?

Key Points

• A 5-day tour starting from Christchurch that showcases the South Island’s scenic railways, glaciers, and the iconic Milford Sound.
• Highlights include the TranzAlpine train journey, a Milford Sound cruise with lunch, and a guided heli-hike experience at a glacier.
• Accommodations and transportation are provided for a seamless experience, with a mix of coach and railway travel.
• Meal provisions include breakfast, dinner, and a lunch during the Milford Sound cruise.
• The tour has an overall rating of 3.0 out of 5 based on 2 reviews, with some concerns about communication and outsourced components.

Tour Overview

The 5 Day South Island Circuit tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of New Zealand’s stunning South Island, encompassing scenic railways, majestic glaciers, and the renowned Milford Sound.

This 5-day round-trip from Christchurch is packed with highlights, including a journey on the TranzAlpine train, which offers breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience a Milford Sound cruise with lunch, as well as free time to explore glaciers and national parks.

With coach and railway transportation, and accommodation provided, this tour provides a seamless and immersive South Island experience for adventurous travelers.

Itinerary and Activities

This 5-day South Island tour combines coach and railway transportation to showcase the region’s natural wonders.

Travelers will embark on the iconic TranzAlpine train journey, providing unparalleled views of the Southern Alps as they cross from Christchurch to the West Coast.

Plus, the itinerary includes a Milford Sound nature cruise with lunch, offering an up-close encounter with the dramatic fjord landscape.

Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the stunning glaciers, with a guided heli-hike experience at either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.

Throughout the tour, travelers will enjoy 5 nights of accommodation in the surrounding towns, allowing for ample time to discover the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.

Transportation Options

This tour utilizes a combination of coach and railway transportation to showcase the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island.

The highlight of the journey is the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, which takes travelers across the majestic Southern Alps, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, pristine rivers, and lush beech forests.

Plus, the tour includes:

1. Comfortable coach travel for transfers between destinations, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

2. Exploration of the Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter, providing a unique perspective of this natural wonder.

3. A cruise on the serene Milford Sound, where travelers can admire the towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls from the comfort of a boat.

Accommodation Details

Travelers on the 5 Day South Island Circuit stay in a variety of accommodations throughout their journey, including hotels and lodges in Fox Glacier or Franz Josef, Queenstown, and Christchurch. This provides a comfortable base for exploring the region’s natural wonders.

The 5 nights of accommodation are included in the tour price, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Whether it’s a cozy lodge nestled among the mountains or a centrally located hotel in the cities, the accommodations are carefully selected to meet the needs of the group.

With a mix of locations and styles, the lodgings offer a chance to experience the diverse landscapes and communities of New Zealand’s South Island.

Meal Provisions

The tour includes a variety of meal provisions throughout the 5-day journey. Lunch is provided during the Milford Sound cruise, allowing travelers to enjoy the scenic views while savoring a delicious meal. Other meals are specified in the detailed itinerary, ensuring a well-rounded culinary experience as participants explore the South Island’s natural wonders.

The tour’s meal plan includes:

1. Lunch during the Milford Sound cruise

2. Breakfasts and dinners as per the itinerary

3. Opportunities to explore local cuisine in the various towns and cities visited

Participants can look forward to a diverse range of dining experiences that complement the tour’s activities and sights.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour starts at the TranzAlpine train station in Christchurch, with an 8:15 AM departure and a recommended check-in 20 minutes prior to departure.

Travelers will meet their guide and group at this location to begin their 5-day South Island adventure.

At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at the Christchurch Bus Interchange, located at the corner of Lichfield St and Colombo St. This is a convenient central location for guests to continue their onward journeys.

Guests are advised to double-check their pickup and drop-off times to ensure they don’t miss any activities or transportation during this comprehensive South Island circuit.

Pricing and Availability

This 5-day South Island circuit starts from $2,708.54 per person, with pricing varying based on group size. The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 6 days in advance and accommodates a maximum group size of 45 travelers.

Some key details about pricing and availability include:

1. Prices may fluctuate depending on the number of travelers in your group.

2. Cancelling your booking at least 6 days prior to the tour start date won’t incur any fees.

3. The tour has a max capacity of 45 participants, so early booking is recommended to secure your spot on this popular South Island adventure.

Reviews and Feedback

Based on the 2 reviews available, the overall rating for this 5-day South Island circuit tour sits at 3.0 out of 5. Common issues raised by past participants include misleading check-in times leading to missed activities, as well as concerns about the operator outsourcing components of the tour, resulting in a lack of information provided by shuttle drivers.

Rating	Percentage
5-star	0%
4-star	0%
3-star	50%
2-star	50%

The host has acknowledged these concerns and expressed a commitment to improving future experiences for travelers on this tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be modified to suit your preferences. The tour operator allows for some flexibility in the activities and schedule, subject to availability and additional costs. You can discuss your customization needs directly with the operator.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted for Personal Exploration?

The tour provides free time for personal exploration, allowing guests to spend time at the glaciers and national parks according to their interests. The itinerary includes scheduled activities, but also allows flexibility for independent discovery.

What Level of Fitness Is Required for the Glacier Hike?

The glacier hike requires a moderate level of fitness. Participants should be able to hike for several hours over uneven and potentially icy terrain. Proper hiking boots and equipment are provided, but a good level of physical conditioning is needed.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Beyond 5 Days?

While the standard tour is 5 days, it may be possible to extend the duration beyond that timeframe. Travelers should consult with the tour operator to inquire about options for extending the itinerary to suit their needs and preferences.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Solo Travelers?

Solo travelers on this tour should be aware of the group size limitation and potential need to share accommodation. The operator encourages solo travelers to be prepared for an active itinerary and engage with the group.

Recap

The 5 Day South Island Circuit tour from Christchurch offers an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes.

Travelers can experience the iconic TranzAlpine train, explore Milford Sound, and go on an exhilarating glacier hike, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and diverse meal options.

This tour provides a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts.